If you’ve got children, you’ll know that taking them out to a restaurant can be hit or miss. Not every eatery accommodates little ones, so when you find one with great food that does, it’s almost like discovering a gold mine.

Sorting the kid-friendly restaurants from the rest can be tricky, but there are a few rules of thumb that can help to guide you. Firstly, check the menu. If they’ve got a section separated out just for kiddos, you can be sure they’re family-friendly. Another hint? If the venue has high-chairs, a play area or something to keep your kids occupied at the table (like colouring kits), you’re sorted. If all else fails, a quick call or even an Instagram DM can sort it out for you quickly. Or, you can skip the hassle and keep reading on.

Burger night

Possibly the easiest sell, getting the kids to sign off on burgers shouldn’t be hard. Check the menu before you head out to make sure their favourites – from sliders and fries to crispy nuggets – are covered. Some places also have mini-me desserts if you’re feeling extra generous.

Betty’s Burgers Nippers menu has plenty of children’s classics. To top it off, treat them to a Kids Concretes. For $5 they’ll get a frozen custard ice-cream topped with their choice of M&Ms, Maltesers or meringue mix-ins.

Pappa Flock From crispy chicken tenders to freshly made lemonade, Pappa Flock has all your fried chicken cravings. Even the most fussiest of eaters will be satisfied.

Around the world

Let your little ones enjoy the tastes of the world without breaking the bank on flights! Mexican is a great choice if you’re keen to keep the menu healthy. Italian is one of the most kid-friendly cuisines on the planet, and sushi is a good one to introduce kids to something new but delicious.

Mad Mex serves many of their items ‘small’ to cater for little tummies. Made fresh to order, so you can pick and choose based on your child’s tastebuds. Fussy eaters are more than welcome here!

Sushi Hub is a crowd favourite when it comes to Japanese catering for little tummies. Bite sized maki rolls make for a healthy and delicious food option, and fussy eaters can pick from tonnes of flavour combos. Worried that raw fish will cause noses to scrunch? Opt for yummy veggie tempura or crispy chicken options instead.

Kid-friendly cafes

If your kids tend to be fussy about their food, a cafe can be a stress-free option. Many offer all-day breakfast menus, which are easy to mix and match from. Junior isn’t feeling bacon today? More often than not it’ll be no problem to swap it out for another side. Cafes are also great for light supper options. See: anything on toast.

Cafe Capri is an iconic Cafe spot right in the heart of Westfield Bondi! Kids can enjoy a delicious cheeseburger or nuggets and chips and finish off with a kids pancake

Pattison's Patisserie has something to satisfy your child's sweet tooth. From decadent cupcakes to mouthwatering slices of cake, take a break from the holiday madness with a mug of coffee.

Sweet Treats

Keen on an after-dinner sugar hit? There are options galore. Whether you dine in somewhere with both savoury and sweet menus, or head straight for dessert, the kids will go wild over pancakes, gelato and cake. Some restaurants offer sweet menus especially for kiddos, so you can rest easy knowing they won’t overindulge.

Anita Gelato has over 150 different kinds of frozen yoghurt, sorbets and ice creams. While the kids enjoy a classic strawberry or chocolate ice cream, you can indulge in unique flavours such as creme brulee pistachio crumble and limoncello. Who doesn't love ice cream?