Dining Out with Kids in Spain: A Different Experience

One of the wonderful things about visiting Spain with children is how genuinely welcome kids are in restaurants. Unlike some parts of Northern Europe, Spanish dining culture embraces families warmly. Children are not just tolerated -- they're celebrated. You'll see Spanish families dining together at 10pm with toddlers happily running between tables, and nobody bats an eye.

Staying in Fenals? Our family penthouse is within walking distance of all these restaurants.

The key thing for visiting families to know is that meal times are different here. Lunch is typically served between 1:30pm and 3:30pm, and dinner rarely starts before 8:30pm. Many restaurants don't open for evening service until 7:30pm at the earliest. However, restaurants in tourist areas like Lloret de Mar often adjust their hours for international visitors, opening earlier for both meals.

Where to Eat with Kids in Lloret de Mar

1. Beachfront Seafood Along the Fenals Promenade

Cuisine: Mediterranean seafood | Price: Moderate | Distance: 5-minute walk

The restaurants lining the Fenals beachfront are perfect for family dining. Most have spacious outdoor terraces where kids can see the sea while eating. High chairs are standard, and many offer a simplified children's menu with grilled fish, pasta, or chicken.

Recommended for kids: Grilled calamari (crispy rings that kids love), simple pasta dishes, and fresh fruit for dessert.

Pro tip: Sit on the terrace at sunset -- it keeps the kids entertained while you enjoy your meal.

2. Pizzerias on Carrer de la Vila

Cuisine: Italian | Price: Budget to Moderate | Distance: 10-minute walk

The pedestrian streets of central Lloret are home to several family-friendly pizzerias. Pizza is universally loved by children, and the portions here are generous. Look for places with outdoor seating on the pedestrian street where kids can move around safely.

Recommended for kids: Margherita pizza, pasta bolognese, and gelato for dessert.

Pro tip: The pedestrian street means no traffic worries if your toddler wants to explore.

3. Tapas Restaurants Near the Main Beach

Cuisine: Spanish tapas | Price: Budget to Moderate | Distance: 15-minute walk

Tapas-style dining is actually perfect for families. The small-plate format means you can order a variety of dishes and let everyone pick what they like. Kids enjoy the interactive nature of choosing from many small dishes rather than committing to one large meal.

Recommended for kids: Patatas bravas (mild version), croquetas, tortilla Española, jamón and cheese, and pan con tomate.

Pro tip: Order "media racion" (half portion) to try more dishes without over-ordering.

4. International Restaurants on the Passeig Maritim

Cuisine: International | Price: Moderate | Distance: 15-minute walk

Along the seafront promenade, you'll find restaurants serving everything from burgers to Asian cuisine. These are great options for picky eaters who might not be ready for full Spanish cuisine. Most have children's menus with familiar options.

Recommended for kids: Burgers, chicken nuggets, and chips -- sometimes the familiar is exactly what tired kids need.

5. Chiringuitos (Beach Bars)

Cuisine: Snacks and light meals | Price: Budget | Distance: Various

Beach bars (chiringuitos) along Fenals and other beaches serve simple food perfect for a casual lunch in swimwear. Think sandwiches, salads, grilled fish, and cold drinks. The relaxed atmosphere means sandy feet and wet hair are perfectly acceptable.

Recommended for kids: Bocadillos (Spanish sandwiches), fresh fruit juice, and ice cream.

6. Family Restaurants in the Old Town

Cuisine: Catalan | Price: Moderate to Upscale | Distance: 15-minute walk

For a more authentic experience, head into Lloret's old town area. Several restaurants here serve traditional Catalan cuisine in quieter settings. While not specifically designed for children, the welcoming Spanish attitude means your kids will be made to feel at home.

Recommended for kids: Escalopa (breaded cutlet), fideuà (noodle paella -- less messy than rice paella), and crema Catalana for dessert.

Pro tip: Reserve for weekend dinners, especially in high season.

7. Ice Cream Shops and Pastelerias

Cuisine: Desserts | Price: Budget | Distance: Various

No family guide would be complete without mentioning the excellent ice cream shops and bakeries scattered around Lloret. Artisanal gelaterias serve Italian-style ice cream, while traditional pastelerias offer ensaimadas, churros, and other sweet treats that kids adore.

Pro tip: Look for "helado artesanal" (artisanal ice cream) signs for the best quality.

8. Supermarket and Market Options

For families who prefer to mix dining out with self-catering, Lloret has several supermarkets and a municipal market (Mercat Municipal) where you can buy fresh produce, local cheeses, cured meats, and bread. Our penthouse kitchen has everything you need to prepare meals.

Tips for Dining with Children in Spain

Meal times: Spanish lunch is 1:30-3:30pm, dinner from 8:30pm onwards. Tourist restaurants often open earlier. The "menu del dia" (set lunch menu) is excellent value -- typically three courses plus a drink for under 15 euros.

Tipping: Tips are not obligatory in Spain. For good service, leaving 5-10% or rounding up the bill is appreciated but not expected. Many locals leave small change.

Allergies and dietary needs: Spanish restaurants are generally accommodating if you ask. "Mi hijo/a tiene alergia a..." (My child is allergic to...) is a useful phrase. Gluten-free options are increasingly available.

Ordering for kids: Many restaurants offer a "menu infantil" (children's menu). If not, don't hesitate to ask for a "media racion" (half portion) of any dish, or order tapas-style.

Highchairs: Most family-oriented restaurants have highchairs (tronas). It's worth asking when you arrive: "Tiene una trona, por favor?"

The Best of Both Worlds

For those evenings when the little ones are too tired to eat out, our penthouse has a fully equipped kitchen with everything you need. You'll find a highchair for the youngest diners, a dishwasher for easy cleanup, and a spacious dining area where the whole family can enjoy a meal together. Stop by the local market for fresh ingredients and cook up a simple Spanish dinner -- the kids might even help roll the tortilla! Book your family stay →