Children's menu in the restaurant: What belongs on the menu

What families expect

A kids menu in a restaurant does not have to be long, but it must work. Parents want a quick solution for a hungry child without long discussions. Kids want something they know. And everyone wants the food to arrive quickly.

• Some familiar dishes in smaller portions.
• Fair prices that match the portion.
• Beverages in child-friendly sizes.
• Note whether half portions are possible from the main menu.

Portion sizes

A children's plate is not a smaller adult portion at full price, nor is it a leftovers plate. A toddler eats differently than a ten-year-old. Many restaurants therefore offer small portions of selected main dishes in addition to fixed children's meals. This appeals to older children who want to eat like the adults.

Healthy and popular

Schnitzel with fries and pasta with tomato sauce are classics, and rightly so. Add one or two dishes that parents also like:

• Vegetable sticks with dip as an appetizer or side dish.
• Small portion of soup with noodles or semolina dumplings.
• Potatoes or rice as an alternative to fries.
• Fruit or a small ice cream as dessert.

Creative names are fun for children. However, it should be clear to parents what is on the plate.

Allergens and children

Allergies are a frequent concern for children, and parents ask about them in detail. The children's menu therefore requires the same allergen labeling as the main menu—for example, for milk, eggs, gluten, and nuts. Breadcrumbs, frying oil for french fries, and sauces are typical places where allergens appear unexpectedly.

On the digital menu of Same-QR, a category Children can be added with one click. Allergens are entered in the additional line as with all dishes, and the legend below appears automatically.

Keeping children busy at the table

Waiting time is long for children. A coloring sheet with crayons, a small puzzle on the kids menu, or a play corner help pass the time until the meal. Many restaurants therefore print the kids menu as a coloring page – a simple way to show families that they are welcome.

It is also practical to serve children's meals first if the parents wish. A short sentence on the menu or from the service is sufficient: Shall we bring the food for the little ones already?

Children’s menu checklist

• Some familiar dishes in child-friendly portions.
• Fair prices and drinks in small sizes.
• Allergens as marked on the main menu.
• Option for small portions from the main menu.
• Drawing sheet, pencils or a play corner.
• High chairs and changing facilities, if available, are mentioned on the website.

Families quickly notice whether they are welcome. A thoughtful children's menu is one of the clearest signs of this.

Frequently asked questions