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.

Local Bird offers a variety of delicious burgers that kids are sure to love! They can also enjoy crispy chicken tenders, popcorn chicken, fries, and homemade desserts that are guaranteed to satisfy even the sweetest tooth.

At Varsity, kids eat free between every Tuesday from 3pm - 9pm. Yep, for every adult main meal purchased, you can score one free kids’ meal. Choices include their cheeseburger, chicken burger, chicken nuggies or vege burger all served with fries.

Around the world

Let your little ones enjoy the tastes of the world without breaking the bank on flights! 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.

At Pasta Hub kids can enjoy all the classics on their Kiddies menu like spaghetti bolognese, macaroni cheese, penne napoli and spirals on a mini scale!

At Sushi Hiro, kids' meals are 50% off every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday! Little ones will love the excitement of watching the sushi train roll by, while enjoying a delicious selection of specialty sushi rolls, fresh bites, and family-friendly favourites.

Asian Golden Wok is a go-to for family-friendly seating and a selection of mouth watering dishes the little ones are sure to love! Keep little tummies happy with the special fried rice or Hainanese chicken rice, then treat them to a sweet custard bun to finish.

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.

Visiting for dinner? Bollywood Restaurant serves up their fine Indian cuisine to the little ones with a dedicated kids menu! Choices include yellow dal with mild panak panner or butter chicken with potoato chips, both served with steamed rice and baby naan.

Image: Pasta Hub

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.

At Kiddoz Cafe & Indoor Play Centre, the kids can enjoy hours of fun followed by a recharge with their yummy kids menu. Options include pizza, chicken nuggets and chips, fairy bread, gelato and more! Their food is air-fried, not deep fried and halal. Plus, parents enjoy a selection of cafe drinks and food while the kids play.

Jamaica Blue has a yummy kids menu, making it the perfect place for parents and kids alike to unwind with a ‘chino. Enjoy breakfast specialties like their kids-sized buttermilk pancakes or strawberries and yoghurt. At lunch, why not opt for their yummy cheesy triangles or kids fish & chips?

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 are sure to be happy. Some restaurants offer sweet menus especially for kiddos, so you can rest easy knowing they won’t overindulge.

Cinnabon's iconic selection of sweet treats and drinks are sure to impress. Parents can savour a decadent cold brew frozen coffee, while the kids get thoroughly sugared up with their kids-sized MiniBons or BonBites.