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.

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.

The Sporting Globe has free kids’ meals all day on Monday and Tuesday. Even better, kids can grab a free ice-cream sundae or a mini football with each meal purchased! What a winner.

At Urban Alley Brewery don't miss our Wednesday special – a burger meal for just $20 and a delicious menu filled with quality ingredients and great flavours in a welcoming atmosphere.

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!

Sketti kids can enjoy all the classics on the Bambinis menu like margherita pizza, spaghetti, and bolognese! A delicious Italian meal and a satisfied child? Sign us up!

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.

The Nook is known for its well-priced menu and the kid’s section is no exception! With a menu featuring breakfast favourites, wholesome brunch options, light meals, and handcrafted beverages, the Nook is the perfect place to catch up with friends and bring along the little ones!

Gumnuts Playland has a cafe, making it the perfect place for parents and kids alike to unwind with a ‘chino. Plus, keep the kiddies entertained at the indoor playland where they can explore, climb, jump and let their creativity run wild.

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.

San Churro lets you savour a classic spanish hot chocolate, while the kids get thoroughly sugared up with churros, churro pops, cakes, sundaes and more. It’s the ultimate family-friendly dessert destination.

The Pancake Parlour kids’ menu is a sight to behold. With savoury options, sweets, light bites and a drinks offering that includes Unicorn and Dragon Shakes – it’s a guaranteed kid-pleaser. All meals come with a fizzy drink or milk.

Augustus Gelatery offers bite-sized kiddie gelato cones filled with delicious gelato options. The perfect post-dinner treat (after they’ve eaten all their veggies of course!).