Top Child Friendly Restaurants in Bermuda

If you're heading off on holidays to Bermuda with young children, you're certainly not going to be short of things to see and do; this compact but extremely diverse destination is popular with families for very good reason. But while the fantastic beaches, breath-taking scenery and host of child-friendly attractions are well-documented, if you're visiting for the first time, it may be a little bit harder to find out about another very important aspect – the availability (and location) of genuinely kid-friendly restaurants.

With tourism one of the major drivers of the economy, local magazine The Bermudian has actually created an annual award for the top restaurants on the island for families on holidays to Bermuda, and, from what I've experienced, their endorsement is a pretty fair guarantee of quality. The following establishments have all received kudos for their service, cuisine and friendliness, over a range of budget categories.

Baci – Southampton

Baci already has an advantage, as an onsite restaurant of the fabulously family-friendly Fairmont Southampton hotel. With a fun, vibrant décor and featuring the ever-popular Italian-inspired cuisine, the restaurant is open for dinner every day from 6pm, so you can get in early with the young ones.

The dedicated 'menu per bambini' (children's menu) includes staples like spaghetti and meatballs, pizzas, calamari and chicken fingers, as well as the intriguingly shaped turtle pastas. As any good Italian restaurant should, Baci has a huge range of gelatos along with some not-so-Italian banana splits. (Mid-upscale price range.)

Swizzle Inn – Bailey's Bay

If you've heard of any restaurant in Bermuda, it's probably this one, as it's no secret. In fact, it's the most famous pub you'll visit on your holidays to Bermuda, with a history that includes being the birthplace of the national drink – the Rum Swizzle. If you plan on taking the kids to visit the Crystal Caves (and I recommend you do), this is the perfect place to come for lunch or dinner.

While you sample the delights of a Rum Swizzle, the children can tuck into something off the extensive kids' menu, which includes items like mac 'n cheese, chicken fingers, burgers, pizzas, milkshakes and the house speciality cheesecakes – in short, a veritable dream list of kids' favourites! Come for the authentic Bermudian experience. (Budget-mid price range.)

Wickets – Southampton

Wickets is also located within the fantastic Fairmont Southampton, and it's great for a casual lunch (or dinner) without interrupting the children's busy playtime. Why? Because it's located poolside, so they won't even have to dry off to enjoy the delicious food – which makes it a lot easier for parents as well, of course. The children's menu includes wraps, salads, sliders and hot dogs, and there's even a selection of cocktails for the adults. (Budget-mid range prices.)

The Frog & Onion – Royal Naval Dockyard

If the name doesn't win over the young ones the menu and fabulous surroundings of the Frog & Onion certainly will. This place always makes me feel like I'm walking into a castle (which is exactly how it's designed to make visitors feel) and kids are always captivated by the soaring ceilings, massive candelabras and rustic stone fireplace.

It's a real favourite with families (especially British visitors), serving up authentic English pub food like fish and chips and bangers and mash - and, for parents, the pub produces the island's only local beer from its own brewery. I've also discovered an added bonus here, which is the games room just next door, complete with pool tables and play stations. It's a great place for the young ones to stay entertained while mum and dad enjoy another Bermudian beer – all in the name of research of course. (Budget-mid range prices.)

Speciality Inn – Smiths Parish

I couldn't finish up without including the recipients of 'The Best of the Best' pizza award. A true locals' haunt, the Speciality Inn doesn’t just do pizzas (although there are over 20 varieties), however, and it's actually hard to pin down their style of cuisine, except perhaps to call it 'eclectic'. There's no dedicated children's menu, but they'll pretty much prepare whatever you want – so the kids can have it 'their way' after all! In keeping with their popularity, it does get very busy here, but I've always found the atmosphere to be inclusive, friendly and great fun. (Budget prices.)

You'll no doubt come across your own favourite eating places on your holidays to Bermuda, but these tried and true establishments live up to their well-deserved accolades.

John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing luxury holidays to Bermuda, as well as holidays to Croatia, Sicily and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.