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.

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.

Betty's Burgers has something for the whole family. The menu features a delicious range of beef, chicken and vegan options, alongside fresh salad bowls and tasty sides. Bigger kids (and adults alike) can choose from single or double burgers, while the little ones have plenty of kid-friendly options to enjoy too. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser for family dining.

Schnitz delivers crumbed chicken in ways that'll delight even the toughest kiddy critic. Keep it plain and simple with the Plain & Simple or spice it up with a Spice of Life. Don't forget the kids - the little rascals have their own menu with the Tweeny-Weeny and Itty-Bitty Pack, both served with a tasty side of chips.

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 interesting and sushi is a good one to introduce kids to something new but delicious.

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.

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.

BBQ Town is where the sizzle of authentic Korean BBQ meets a warm, vibrant dining experience. With something for the whole family plus a in restaurant play area, it's the perfect place for family dinner.

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.

Crema Espresso has a yummy Crema Kids menu, making it the perfect place for parents and kids alike to unwind with a ‘chino. Crema Espresso even has a fenced indoor playground for the kids to play safely while you enjoy your coffee!

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.

Gelatissimo is guaranteed to be a hit with kids and grown-ups alike. With a colourful cabinet full of creamy gelato flavours, refreshing sorbets and indulgent shakes, there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth.

San Churro lets you savour a decadent white hot chocolate, while the kids get thoroughly sugared up with churros, chocolate dipped strawberries, mini me sundaes, milkshakes and more. It’s the ultimate family-friendly dessert destination.

Donut King is a great sweet stop located in the [Food Court]. Enjoy a classic cinnamon donut with a coffee while the kids enjoy a chocolate dinosaur. Make sure you grab some serviettes, because you'll want to savour every bite.

You can find our full range of food and drinks options here that are sure to delight the whole family.

Accessibility

We're committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment at Westfield North Lakes. Westfield is a proud participant in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme which helps to support and raise awareness for people living with a hidden disability.

We also offer quiet time every Tuesday between 10.30am - 11.30am with our centre lights dimmed and music volume adjusted, find out more here. You can also find our sensory friendly map here to assist customers who are sensitive to sounds, lights and smells and may benefit from low-sensory shopping experiences.

Find a full list of our accessible services including parking, amenities and mobility hire here. We're committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment at Westfield North Lakes.