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 — Crispy fried chicken, burgers, calamari and fries... kids and adults alike will be eager to tuck into a meal from Betty's Burgers!
TGI Friday's - Your little ones can enjoy a cheeseburgers & fries, or calamari strips & fries if that's more their style! Whatever they choose, they're bound to be thrilled.
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.
Grill'd — Choose from a variety of Mini Me burger packs, including veggie options. Each pack includes a mini burger, a mini serve of chips, tomato sauce for dipping, and water or juice. Yummm!
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, while Italian is one of the most kid-friendly cuisines on the planet! Plus, Asian cuisines are great for introducing kids to something new and delicious.
Nando's - Flavours 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.
Mad Mex Fresh Mexican Grill - Enjoy kid-friendly Mexican with mini burritos, tacos or nachos. Everything on the menu is low on spice, but big on flavour.
Sushi Hub - A crowd favourite when it comes to Japanese catering for little tummies! Try bite sized maki rolls for a healthy and delicious option. Worried that raw fish will cause noses to scrunch? Opt for yummy veggie tempura or crispy chicken options instead.
Sushi Jiro - Expand your little foodie's palette with handcrafted and traditional sushi rolls, available in mini sizes perfect for 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.
The Coffee Club — PSA: The Coffee Club boasts a huge kids’ menu and even features helpful icons that indicate toddler friendly options.
Feekah - Little guests, big occasions. Delight them with beautifully presented tea stands filled with dainty ribbon sandwiches, mermaid-themed cupcakes, mini cakes and more. Kids High Tea is the perfect way to make big memories from little moments.
Shingle Inn - With a dedicated kids menu packed with family favourites like pancakes, burgers, toasties and milkshakes, Shingle Inn makes dining out easy and enjoyable for little ones. Sweet treats and simple, kid-friendly meals make it a great stop for families.
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 - offers a kids menu nothing short of delicious. Ranging from traditional Spanish sweets including milkshakes, bubbaccino's and hand-crafted churros. San Churro will no doubt satisfy your kid's sweet tooth.
Stix Dessert Bar - A sweet spot where kids can dive into crepes, waffles, Dutch pancakes, gelato, and the famous cheesecake on a stick — fun, colourful treats that make every family outing extra special.
Augustus Gelatery - Treat the kids to a delicious scoop of gelato or sorbet. The perfect post-dinner treat... after they've eaten all their veggies of course!
