Best kid-friendly restaurants: Our top picks for families
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 has a wide variety of burgers made with premium 100% Aussie beef and RSPCA approved chicken. Select their Kids Meal and choose from an option of a cheeseburger, crispy chicken strips burger, or SPC crispy chicken strips.
KFC is the home of Original Recipe®, Extra Crispy™, Kentucky Grilled Chicken® and Extra Crispy Tenders with home-style sides. You can't go wrong with popcorn chicken and fresh chips.
Around the world
Let your little ones enjoy the tastes of the world without breaking the bank on flights! Visit Hawker Lane on Level 2 for a taste of Asia! Experience Chinese, Korean, Japanese and more all on one level! Plus discover more restaurants on Anderson Street and on Level 6.
Double Chin Eats has a delicious kids meal option and frequent kid-friendly events, perfect for keeping the little ones satisifed! From chewy bao buns, crispy spring rolls to fresh fried rice there will be something the kids will enjoy.
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.
Bunsik has everything you need for a taste of Korea. Try a delicious Korean hot dog or crispy Korean fried chicken.
Hong Kong Street Food is a great option for kids. You’ve got easy favourites like BBQ pork with rice, noodles, dumplings and crispy bites that are perfect for little hands. There’s a nice mix of savoury and sweet treats like pineapple buns and milk tea style drinks. Plus their rollercoaster-style and carousel seating booths will be a hit with the kids!
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.
CEMO has delicious rice balls, wraps and brunch options everyone will enjoy. Conveniently positioned next to the Urban Playground, you will not have to worry about your little ones going hungry.
Flower Child Cafe has a a bright, welcoming space, relaxed atmosphere and plenty of room for prams, it’s designed to make dining with little ones easy. On the menu, you’ll find a mix of fresh, nourishing dishes alongside simple, kid-friendly favourites like toasties, pasta and smoothies, making it easy to please even the fussiest eaters. Add in friendly service and a laid-back vibe, and it’s the perfect spot for parents to unwind while the kids feel right at home.
The Nest has open seating, plenty of room for prams and a more relaxed and is a comfortable spot to take a break. Explore their brunch menu, or grab some fresh pastries or pastas that the kdis will enjoy!
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 gelato and cake. Some restaurants offer sweet menus especially for kiddos, so you can rest easy knowing they won’t overindulge.
Ice Kirin Bar is a little different from your usual ice cream spot. Instead of super sweet flavours, they focus on Asian inspired gelato like matcha, oolong and black sesame, so it’s a bit more balanced and not overly sugary. Introduce the kids to a fun mochi wrap, where your gelato can be wrapped in a soft chewy layer, turning it into something hands on and playful to eat
Minus Seven Frozen Yoghurt has a range of frozen yoghurt flavours the kids can enjoy! They can load their yoghurt up with toppings like fresh fruit, lollies, sauces and crunchies. It’s fun, interactive and lets them build exactly what they want, whether that’s something colourful and sweet or a little more balanced.
Brooklyn Donut & Coffee Co. is the kind of place kids walk past and immediately want something. The donuts are soft, fluffy and covered in all the fun stuff like icing, sprinkles and chocolate, so it feels like a proper treat. It’s simple, no fuss and easy to share, whether it’s a quick sugar hit or a little reward after a day out.
