Eating out with a young family in Sheffield
Parents know the struggle is real... where can everyone eat, where you won't get scowled at for food ending up on the floor, that caters for everyone's taste, where you know other families recommend, and that won't needlessly break the bank?
Sheffield is notoriously family friendly wherever you go, but as a parent of 3 under 10 who lives in Sheffield and travels a fair bit, I know there are certain things that young families know will help make as many people as possible happy - whether it's actually having high chairs, fitting a buggy through the doors, colouring activities, decent changing facilities, variety of food/drink to suit adult and kiddie tastes... and it's always good if it's a place that is run by someone with a young family, and 'gets it'.
So, here's a lowdown of a few tried and trusted local places to head for if you're visiting the city with your little rascals.
Best family friendly food spots
Dough Truck Pizza
Dough Truck Pizza are an independent, family-run Neapolitan Pizzeria. Whether you want to dine-in or takeaway, it’ll be delicious.
The Broadfield
The Broadfield are passionate about food & drink and strive to bring you the best offerings in both, plus a great atmosphere to enjoy them in.
Cutlery Works
The largest food hall in the North of England, Cutlery Works is over two floors featuring a mixture of permanent and semi-permanent unique and independent restaurants, communal dining spaces, bars and coffee roasters.
Cambridge Street Collective
Europe’s largest purpose-built food hall, Cambridge Street Collective is a ‘one of a kind’ foodie destination to meet, eat, and share in Sheffield. Showcasing the very best in up-and-coming food and drink talent, they house over 20 different food vendors offering exciting cuisine from around the globe.
The Rhubarb Shed Café
You'll find the Rhubarb Shed on the Manor Green site where the remains of Manor Castle still (built in 1516) - a part of the city with a long history, which currently operates as a very successful social enterprise. Housed in a converted barn, this charming and incredibly friendly cafe delivers a range of delicious food from ciabattas and salads to gourmet burgers and a whole host of specials. There's vegan and gluten free options and a selection of tempting cakes to try.
Sheffield Plate
Sheffield Plate is a foodhall specialising in hosting street food vendors with cuisine from around the world. It's slap bang in the middle of Orchard Square, in the centre of the city, and has a lively atmosphere across the 2 bars and 6 vendor spaces.
Ying Bakery
Ying Bakery offers authentic Chinese baked goods, including Honk Kong style home made buns, fresh cream cakes, along with a wide selection of savoury food items.
Domo
Specialising in Sardinian soul food in the heart of Little Kelham, this family run gem delivers an authentic and vast variety of dishes. A beautiful outside seating area is perfect for aperitivos in the sun.
Kia's Pastaria
A popular authentic Italian restaurant regularly packed with families, couples, groups and foodies coming to fill up on delicious home-cooked dishes.
The Rising Sun
This community pub is run by Abbeydale Brewery, one of the best craft and experimental breweries in the country, so you're guaranteed some excellent beer, a really warm (and dog friendly) welcome, and some top-notch grub from their kitchen too.
The Street Food Chef - The Canteen
With freshly prepared and great tasting burritos, tacos, quesadillas and more, this is a family run Mexican street food outlet passionate about providing a healthy fast food alternative.
The Cross Scythes, Totley
Your local pub and dining venue at the gateway to the Peaks. The Cross Scythes opened as a pub in 1818 by Samuel Hopkinson, a local farmer and scythe maker. Today the pub continues to support local farmers, brewers and fresh produce suppliers.
The Treehouse Board Game Cafe
Sheffield's first board game cafe offers a friendly, welcoming place to eat, drink and play! With over 800 games you'll be spoilt for choice, but don't worry because their expert staff are on hand to make recommendations and help with the rules.
