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 check out the 'nippers' menu that's made so kids can tuck into bite-sized burgers, chicken strips and ice cream!

Grill’d has a big variety of Mini Me burger packs, including vego options. Each pack includes a mini burger, a mini serve of chips, tomato sauce for dipping, and water or juice. Best of all, they’re packed in a cute box with a 3D puzzle.

Sue's Burgers has a dedicated kids menu. Your little ones can enjoy a cheeseburger & fries, or there's a popcorn chicken bites & fries option for the more fussy eater.

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 Asian cuisines are great for introducing kids to something new and delicious.

Banh Mi a place both parents and kids can taste fresh ingredients and Vietnamese flavours with a choice of banh mi or rice paper rolls that are great for little hands.

Yum Cha serving up traditional Chinese-style meals with plenty of options kids will love like dumplings, pork buns, rolls and desserts.

Claw BBQ California-inspired eats with a dedicated kids menu featuring smaller plates, including burgers, mac 'n' cheese, tacos, ice cream and more. The menu even has a word search to keep kids entertained at the table.

Nando's offering flavors from Southern Africa with a no-fuss menu just for kids! Mini meal options include, low-spice chicken tenders or a pita meal with chips and a drink included.

Sushi Jiro expand your little foodie's palette with handcrafted and traditional sushi rolls, available in mini sizes perfect for kids.

Guzman Y Gomez serves up kid-friendly Mexican with GYG’s Little Guy burritos, pint-sized tacos and kids’ nachos. Everything on the menu is low on spice, but big on flavour.

At Vapiano kids can enjoy all the classics on their kids menu like margherita pizza, bolegnese and more on a mini scale! Plus, Vapiano host regular 'Pizza Kids Masterclaasses' for the little chef in your life.

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.

Table 26 has a yummy all day kids menu, making it the perfect place for parents and kids alike to unwind with a ‘chino. They even have an indoor playground to keep the kids entertained.

The Coffee Club has a huge kids’ menu. Better yet, the menu features helpful icons that indicate toddler friendly options. We can’t go past the rainbow pancakes or the Mini Bene.

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.

Mrs Fields has a massive array of sweet treats on their menu. From every cookie flavour you could possible crave, to muffins and brownies, it’s the ultimate family-friendly dessert destination.

Gelatissimo has bite-sized bambino gelato cones filled with delicious gelato and topped with chocolate. The perfect post-dinner treat (after they’ve eaten all their veggies of course!).