The start of the school year is an ideal opportunity for the family to gather around the table and celebrate new beginnings. However, going to a restaurant with children often presents a challenge. While parents long for a gourmet experience, children are rarely inclined to culinary experiments and most often choose tried and tested dishes such as pizza or breaded chicken. Finding a place that satisfies the appetites of both older and younger family members is not always easy.
Another key factor is the atmosphere in the restaurant. Sitting at the table quickly becomes boring for children, which can lead to noise and running around, potentially disturbing the peace of other guests. That is why many restaurants rightly emphasize whether or not their ambience is suitable for children. Creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable requires more than just a high chair and a special menu; the key is a balance between quality food, a relaxed atmosphere, and content for children.
Considering these challenges, we have selected restaurants that successfully meet the key criteria for a good family lunch. These are places that offer quality and diverse food for adults, but also attractive dishes for children, play areas or other amenities that capture their attention, and generally a pleasant and tolerant atmosphere. If you are looking for a place in the city where even your little ones will be able to safely enjoy themselves, and perhaps try a new flavor, these are the restaurants for you. Also, if you are mainly interested in where to get pizza, at this link you can find our list of the best neighborhood pizzerias in the city.
Papavero Pizza & Food Lab
Papavero in Mlinovi is great for a family lunch for several reasons. The first, and most obvious, is their pizza. Namely, Papavero makes very tasty and crispy pizzas. What sets them apart is the dough, which belongs neither to the Roman nor Neapolitan style of pizza, but has its own airy, crispy, and juicy identity. In addition to pizza, they also make very good Italian panuozzo sandwiches, as well as large tray pizzas that are great for sharing with schoolkids.
But besides pizza, at Papavero you can also eat homemade pasta, lasagna, and burgers with homemade brioche buns. In addition, the space at Papavero is spacious, as is the large terrace, which is a plus. You can definitely find something for everyone, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the location is just right as a stop if you are heading towards Sljeme, as if you are on a short trip out of town, even though you are still in Zagreb. Another reason to go there is the daily lunch, which includes a drink for the price of 10 euros.
Address: Mlinovi St. 85A
Jing Yuan - Teahouse & Bistro
Gajnice may not be the closest neighborhood for many, but the Ying Yuan teahouse and restaurant is a real reason to take your schoolkids to the western part of the city. It is a family restaurant that prepares authentic Chinese cuisine, which could appeal even to the pickiest little ones. The offer is simple and focused on quality, and includes several types of fried and boiled dumplings that are certainly among the best in the city.
In addition, they offer homemade noodles and a chicken platter ideal for sharing. However, what might be most interesting to the little ones is the authentic Chinese hot pot. Although preparing it at the table might seem like a challenge with children, there is no worry here. Since it is a family restaurant (where the owners‘ children are often present themselves), they will show you how to safely use the hot pot and turn lunch into a fun experience for everyone. The whole ambience is so relaxed that it feels like you are at someone’s home – which you actually are. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to introduce schoolkids to authentic Chinese cuisine that is tasty, nostalgic, and not too intense.
Address: Stare Gajnice 13
Rougemarin
Rougemarin in Folnegović’s neighborhood has for years been a trusted address for family lunch because it successfully meets all key criteria. Its informal, spacious interior and large terrace make it comfortable for staying with children, and the main advantage is the enclosed park located right below the terrace, which allows parents to have a relaxed meal while the children play safely.
The menu is varied and designed to satisfy both adults and children. While parents can enjoy dishes such as slow-cooked Skradin risotto or innovative seasonal specialties, for children there are sure favorites such as the Rougemarin burger, pizzas, and various dishes. The prices, considering the quality and location, are quite reasonable. Another advantage is Rougemarin Park, where the popular Pancake Fest is currently being held, excellent for exploring desserts after lunch. Read more here.
Address: Frana Folnegovića St. 10
Submarine
Although we generally do not recommend fighting through the city center crowds with children, Submarine is an exception. With several restaurants spread throughout Zagreb, from shopping centers to neighborhood locations, Submarine is easily accessible to everyone. Their location on Bogovićeva Street stands out in particular, as it has a terrace and a small, enclosed park for children, giving parents a rare opportunity to relax in the heart of the city.
Submarine is known for its burgers made from local ingredients and their excellent Lika-style fries. Following trends, they have recently added smash burgers to the menu alongside the classics. What makes them a frequent choice for family visits is their long-standing promotion where children up to 10 years old eat for free on Sundays. The children‘s menu, which includes a small burger and fries, is a practical way to reward schoolkids without a big expense. For all these reasons, Submarine is a good choice for lunch at any of their locations in the city.
Address: Several locations, in the center: Bogovićeva 7
Okrugljak
Although it belongs to a higher price range, Okrugljak is an unavoidable stop on the list of family restaurants, mainly because of its beautiful garden and spacious terrace. This restaurant has borne the title of champion of family hospitality in Zagreb for decades.
The secret of its success lies in a menu that evokes the spirit of old Zagreb family gatherings. Lunch often starts with comforting, homemade soups such as veal or beef, flavors that children know well. For the main course, there are safe favorites from breaded meats to sumptuous roasts, dishes that are also already familiar to them and that they happily eat.
Finally, the staff is extremely tolerant, which makes the whole experience more relaxed. Okrugljak is, therefore, a safe and proven choice for a family lunch, but be prepared for prices that match its long-standing tradition and quality.
Address: Mlinovi St. 28
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