Best family friendly restaurant

254 Portobello High Street, Portobello, Edinburgh, 0131 669 5558 www.reds4families.com

FAMILY-run and family friendly, and a great place to have a meal with children. Describes itself as "an enjoyable mix of coffee shop, restaurant and playground". There's a bistro menu and fine dining evening menu for grown-ups (BYOB at the moment) and plenty of healthy options on the children's menu - including home-made baby food. Soft play for toddlers, indoor climbing frame and a retro game machine keep hungry kids occupied until the food arrives. And there's CCTV so parents can keep an eye on what they're up to.

2: THE JOLLY PIZZERIA RESTAURANT

9 Elm Row (Leith Walk), Edinburgh, 0131 556 1588

A bit tacky for some - but serves huge pizzas for the kids and the staff make a lot of fuss over them. Very good value. Lollipops and sweets handed out on way out.

3: THE BOAT HOUSE BISTRO

19B High Street, South Queensferry, 0131 331 5429 www.the-boathouse.info

Scrumptious fresh food made with flair - seafood particularly good. The original restaurant offers more formal dining, but the bistro extension is more relaxed, and broad upholstered benches suit dining with the kids. There's room for buggies and toys and the stunning view of the Forth bridges and busy firth is entertaining. There isn't a children's menu as such, but there is child-friendly fare.

4: THE TAPAS TREE

Forth St, Edinburgh, 0131 556 7118

www.tapastree.co.uk

Very friendly place, always welcoming to kids. Serves a wide range of tasty tapas to suit the palate of children and adults.

5: PIZZA EXPRESS

(various locations)

www.pizzaexpress.co.uk

Staff are good with kids, who get a box with crayons and wee games inside, and decent pizza.

Tried Reds out and it was really good - excellent food, excellent service and superb value. I'm no relation to the owners. It is just a lovely place. EdiSteve

Jolly in Edinburgh; jolly by name and jolly by nature. Friendly staff always find time for young customers. John, Edinburgh