Heading out for lunch with small children can sound like a logistical operation, but in Kraków there are more and more places that actually make parents' lives easier. When choosing a venue, pay attention to a few things: are there high chairs, a changing table, a play corner or at least materials to occupy the child (colouring books, crayons), a step-free entrance for a stroller and friendly, patient staff. If these elements are met, the chances of a peaceful lunch increase significantly.
In practice it's worth having a list of “sure bets” for different situations — close to the centre if you're sightseeing the Old Town; by a park or the Błonia when you want to combine lunch with a walk; or with an outdoor playground when the weather is good. Below you'll find recommendations divided by type and district so it's easier to match a place to your day's plan.
Szalone Widelce (Old Town) — great for a quick lunch or breakfast: two play corners, high chairs and a changing table. The venue is two-level, so pay attention to stairs if you have a stroller.
Mavericks — a convenient spot near Galeria Krakowska and the train station, spacious, with room for a stroller and a small kids' corner; good for a meal before further sightseeing.
No7 Restaurant (Main Market Square) — classic flavours and a children’s menu; a good option if you want to be in the very heart of the city. A walk around the Market Square is a natural extension of your lunch outing.
27 Porcji — a restaurant surrounded by greenery with a large garden and playgrounds; great when kids need to burn off energy and adults want a calm outdoor lunch.
Pino Garden — by the Błonia: a big terrace, sandbox and a creative corner; close to the Błonia park, so after lunch you can spread a blanket or take a walk.
Mateczny / Manufaktura Pieroga — classic Polish flavours with a playground and pierogi-making workshops for children; good for longer, more family-oriented visits.
Otto Pompieri — a spacious restaurant with Italian cuisine and a separate playroom with slides; if you're going with a small group, reserve a table near the playroom so you can keep an eye on your child.
Cafe Manggha — an elegant choice with views of the Vistula and Wawel and a minimalist children’s corner; perfect for a quieter lunch with a beautiful panorama.
Mozaika Resto Bar, Zielone Tarasy or Viale Verde — places that combine good food with play areas or weekend kids’ activities; they are popular with local families.
Call or message and ask about: availability of a high chair, a changing table, whether you can sit by the play corner, and whether the place has step-free access for a stroller.
Book in advance, especially on weekends and in the afternoons — family-friendly venues often fill up and you’ll want to avoid waiting in line with a hungry child.
Check the route and parking: if you're driving, good parking or a spot close to the entrance is a huge convenience. If you plan to go for a walk after lunch, choose places near attractions (the Błonia, Wawel, Vistula boulevards).
If your child has allergies or special dietary needs, make sure the kitchen can prepare simpler or modified dishes — most family restaurants are happy to help.
Not booking in advance — result: long wait times and a tired child. Solution: call ahead, mention that you’re coming with children and request a table near the play corner if needed.
Assuming a play corner means there is always a babysitter or animator — not every venue has on-site animation every day. Check days and hours of animation if that’s important to you.
Not checking stroller access — not every place has a ramp or step-free entrance. If you have a large stroller, ask about space for it at the table.
Some venues offer cooking workshops for children — making pierogi, baking pizza or decorating sweets are great ways to keep kids entertained and let parents relax with a coffee.
In season, restaurants with gardens often run Sunday activities or mini-festivals — check the week’s events before visiting.
Several restaurants in Kraków have private rooms for a parent with an infant or special sofas for breastfeeding — a nice extra for new parents looking for a more intimate space.
Do I have to reserve a table if I'm going with two small children? It's definitely worth it, especially on weekends and at lunch hours. In the reservation, note that you need a high chair and space for a stroller.
Are all recommended places accessible for strollers? Not all. Many venues in the Old Town have steps or upper floors — if you use a stroller, choose a restaurant that guarantees step-free access. Ask ahead.
Are there changing tables and feeding spaces in restaurants? In most family-friendly places and larger restaurants you'll find a changing table and high chairs; in smaller cafés it's better to check. Some venues also have dedicated feeding areas.
When planning lunch with children in Kraków, combine: good food, easy access and a place to play. If you can — eat earlier or later than the typical lunch rush, reserve a table and tell the staff which facilities you need. That's the simplest way to turn a stressful family lunch into a pleasant memory.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — it will help other families plan a successful outing. If you'd like to explore Kraków with personal support and family-focused tips, consider the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the website.
