Kid-friendly Girona restaurants

Ca la Montse is one of the treasures in the Llémena Valley (Vall del Llémena); it's a restaurant with a garden that serves traditional, local cooking. The menu includes a selection of cured meats from the village where it's located, Canet d'Adri, as well as beef carpaccio and the star dishes of grilled meat. It's difficult to choose but we recommend trying the duck breast with creamy potato and mango sauce, or simply go straight for the mixed grill. And make sure when you visit that your mobile is charged because it's a very Instagram-friendly restaurant; the whole place has decor based on recycled products. During the summer months, in the garden they also have concerts, talks and stories for children.

If you love snails or go mad for a great entrecote, then El Racó d'en Pep is just the place for you. This family restaurant, which serves home-made, fresh dishes, has been run by Pep and Joana since 1994. Highlights include the boned pork cheek, 'secret' (special pork cut that is not always easy to locate, hence the name) of Iberian pork, and pork tenderloin grilled and gratinated with garlic mayonnaise with 'sobrassada' (spicy spreading sausage from Mallorca) and honey. If you're a fan of desserts, don't miss the cream cheese and white chocolate cake with toffee and biscuit, or the chocolate mousse with milk and chocolate cream. And while you're enjoying a great lunch, the kids can make the most of the park created just for them!

Kids always love eating fast food, and in Girona the most popular place to go for anyone looking to fill their tummies quickly with good, well-priced food is König. In its early days, it had clear German leanings ('könig' means king in German), with frankfurters and hambugers their main dishes, but as time's passed, they've incorporated more local dishes. Tapas (their 'patates braves', fried potatoes served with spicy sauce, are renowned in Girona), salads, more Catalan-style sandwiches, foccacias and bagels complete an extensive, varied menu. They have eight restaurants including two in the centre of Girona, Vilablareix, Figueres and Barcelona, and the kitchen is open non-stop. There's always time to 'have a König'!

Another option that all the family is bound to love is this gourmet burger spot, where they make signature hamburgers using local ingredients and by hand, just like in the good old days. At Km0 the meat comes from nearby Figueres, and the fruit and veg are grown by local farmers. The bread, which is suitable for coeliacs, is like a hamburger roll but with more consistency, and the meat is cooked just the right amount making it really flavourful. They have beefburgers, like the Michelin, with foie gras and marmalade of strawberry, rocket and apple; and chicken burgers, such as the Chicken Road, where the meat is coated with 'panko', a kind of Japanese breadcrumb that actually contains no bread, and served with honey and mustard mayonnaise. 

This is a family restaurant specialising in Catalan cuisine made using local, fresh products: the vegetables and meats are from the Vall del Llémena, while the other ingredients are sourced from across the counties of Girona. The star dishes are roasted shoulder of lamb, snails, and cod with 'samfaina' sauce (made with tomatoes, courgettes and aubergines). Our recommendation is to start with the house 'pica-pica', or nibbles, which is a great dish for kids as well as grown-ups, offering a bit of everything. Set in the countryside, with great views all around you, El Celler de l'Adroher has a children's park with slide, swings and much more including space to run around and work up a real appetite.

The Gardens of La Mercè combine a marvellous setting with both casual and more formal eating options. The kids will love exploring the outdoor space, which is perfect for games like hide and seek, while you can enjoy a drink (alcoholic or otherwise) in the elegant café, or head to the restaurant for local, seasonal dishes in a chic setting. And if you're lucky enough to have access to a babysitter, why not head back in the evening to take advantage of the chill-out zone. The venue also organises exhibitions, live performances and concerts; check out the website for details of what's happening.

This is a classic both of Girona and traditional Catalan cuisine. Situated right in the heart of the city, at Casa Marieta you'll feel as though you're eating the cooking of the best grandmothers in Girona! You'll (re)discover the flavours of the most traditional home-made stews, such as one with chicken and langoustines, or the one with duck and pears, as well as dishes such as snails and classic Catalan cannelloni ('canellons'). Fish is also a key ingredient, both simply cooked and in age-old recipes, such as fisherman-style fish stew, cuttlefish with peas, and roasted cod with smooth garlic mousseline. The dishes are all adapted to what's in season, so take note of the changing dishes of the day – there's always a surprise or two that you won't regret trying. 

Jordi Armengol is the man responsible for this small miracle, located on Plaça de Catalunya just by the Pont de Pedra, with a great outdoor space for the kids to enjoy. They work with fresh, local, seasonal products, and from Monday to Friday they offer a set menu that includes a drink, two courses and dessert, and the dishes are always very varied. One of the pluses for families about +Cub is their speed, serving the starters and mains almost at the same time. You'll also find burgers, crepes (both sweet and savoury) and tapas, which are all great options for children of any age, along with an excellent selection of desserts such as chocolate fondue with fresh fruit and artisanal ice creams.