Italian · Hackney
Tucked just a short walk from Hackney Central Station, The Pizza Room is a relaxed neighbourhood pizzeria where generous 14-inch pizzas — think spicy sausage or pancetta with butternut squash — are the main event, and the warm, welcoming staff have been known to go the extra mile (one parent recalled a team member crafting a rabbit-shaped pizza for their little one). It's a genuinely family-friendly spot, with a kids' menu, highchairs, and buggy-friendly access, plus an outdoor space when the weather plays ball; vegan options are also available for plant-based members of the family. No baby-changing facilities on site, so worth bearing in mind if you have very young ones in tow.
The secret to a calmer meal out? Something to do that isn't a phone. Each pack is full of screen-free bits and bobs to keep little hands busy at the table and buy you a proper sit-down. Three printable packs, one for each age (toddler, preschool, primary) — free, straight to your inbox.
Relaxed Hackney café with speedy all-day breakfasts, highchairs, a kids' menu and genuinely friendly staff.
Quality sit-down chippy with vegan options, buggy-friendly and likely highchairs — pricier but worth it.
Cosy Hackney ramen restaurant with kids' menu, highchairs and buggy-friendly access.