Kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney
Find the best places for a childfriendly feed with plenty of space to run around. By Shevonne Hunt
WHEN IT COMES to eating out with small children there are a few key things you want. Firstly, the kitchen needs to be open at feeding time (early). Secondly, you want staff who won’t give you the evil eye when your child behaves like a child. After that: good food, space for the kids to play, and perhaps a nice view. Here are some of the best places to dine with your kids.
Bistro on the Greens
Part of the South Coogee Bowling Club, the restaurant has high chairs, a play pen for the under fives (complete with a TV) and a clear view of the greens outside, where your children can run around. Staff are very friendly and food is delivered fast. Our tip is to book ahead. Kid-friendly tip: There’s a gelato bar.
Henning Ave, South Coogee 2034. 02 8075 8348. bistroonthegreens.com.au. Tue-Sun noon-2.30pm & 5.30-9pm.
Three Blue Ducks
This spacious restaurant is set in a former Rosella tomato sauce factory, so it’s got a lovely rustic vibe. There’s a play restaurant out the back with all the wooden ingredients your kids need to run their own show. If it’s not too hot, get a table outside so you can watch the little ones as you enjoy a glass of wine. Kid-friendly tip: Kids eat for $5 from the Ducklings menu, which includes a mini cheeseburger, pasta or barbecue chicken.
85 Dunning Ave, Rosebery 2018. 02 9389 0010. threeblueducks.com/rosebery/. Breakfast & lunch Tue-Sun 7.30-11.30am & noon-2.30pm; dinner Wed-Sat 5.30-9pm.
Hotel Pennant Hills
There’s an indoor play area that has separate areas for littlies (ages 2-5) and bigger kids (5-10) with an entrance and exit that’s easy to keep an eye on. Staff are friendly, and there’s also free entertainment for kids on Sundays 1-3pm. Kid-friendly tip: They have a jumping castle outside on the terrace.
352 Pennant Hills Rd, Pennant Hills 2120. 02 9484 2266. hotelpennanthills.com.au. Daily 10am-late; bistro menu noon-3pm & 6pm-late.
Bondi Golf and Diggers Club
Most RSLs or diggers clubs are family-friendly affairs. If your local hasn’t gentrified, it’s worth checking out (it’s hard to worry about the kids spilling food on the floor when the décor hasn’t been updated since the 1970s). Staff in Bondi are friendly and food is delivered to your table. Kid-friendly tip: It’s air conditioned and has some of the best views of Bondi, slightly away from the hubbub of the beach. 5 Military Rd, North Bondi 2026. 02 9130 3170. www.bondigolf.com.au. Wed-Fri noon-9pm; Sat, Sun 10am-9pm.
Kids Shack and Bavarian Café
This Earlwood playhouse and café is a great place for grown-ups to have a chicken schnitzel with a pint of beer. For the offspring, there are three big slides and a smaller kids’ play area that parents can view while enjoying their meal. Kids get in free during dinner times. Kid-friendly tip: For $15, kids can choose from chicken schnitzel, cevapi, chicken nuggets or German frankfurt, each with chips
and salad. 283 Homer St, Earlwood 2206. 02 8060 6296. bavarianrestaurantsydney.com.au. Wed-Fri 10am4.30pm; Sat, Sun 9.30am-4pm; Fri, Sat 5.30-10pm.
The Henson
Inner West families rave about the Henson, a community-minded pub in Marrickville. There’s a playroom, a dog-friendly courtyard and the kids’ menu includes a $10 rainbow salad (that my kids would never eat, but they also have chicken nuggets and chips for $9). There’s an onsite deli, so you can pick up artisan cheeses, cured and smoked meats and craft beers. Kid-friendly tip: All kids’ meals come with a side of grapes. 91 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville 2204. 02 9569 5858. www.thehenson.com.au. Mon-Sat 11am-midnight; Sun 11am-10pm.
Cook at Kurnell
This place is like the Hamptons come to life. There are hammocks and deck chairs scattered among the tables, there’s a playground for kids, it sits right on a beachfront, and there’s a petfriendly café. Kid-friendly tip: As one mum puts it: “The floor is sand, so crumbs from kids can just be kicked into the sand, rather than leaving the café as a disaster zone.” à306 Prince Charles Pde, Kurnell 2231. 0452 624 921. www.cookatkurnell.com.au. Wed-Fri 9am-3pm; Sat, Sun 8am-late.
North Ryde RSL
The RSL has a selection of places to eat, but you’ll want to head to Riverviews Bar and Dining, because it is right beside the Tribal Zone – a play area with floor-to-ceiling windows so you can see your children go crazy on the gym equipment, ballroom and arcade games. Entry is $6 per child, but there are friendly staff supervising them the whole time. Kid-friendly tip: There’s a beautiful big aviary at the entrance with macaws, ducks, finches and more that young kids will love.
àCnr Pittwater & Magdala Rds, North Ryde 2113. 02 9888 7588. www.northrydersl.com.au. Mon-Thu 9.30am2am; Fri 9.30am-3am; Sat 9am-3am; Sun 9am-2am.
The Newport
You need a map to navigate the Newport, such is its expanse. The Shack and Vinnie’s Pizza offer children’s meals; there are other restaurant options for adults. The play room has a gigantic Scrabble board on the wall and ping pong tables. Plus, you’ll get stunning views of Pittwater at most times of day. Kid-friendly tip: Every second Sunday from noon to 2pm there’s a visit from Reptile Man, who’ll introduce the kids to his collection of live snakes and lizards. 2 Kalinya St, Newport 2106. 02 9114 7337. merivale.com. Mon-Fri 9.30ammidnight; Sat 9am-midnight; Sun 9am-11pm.
The Flying Fox Café
This laidback café on the Northern Beaches is a little wonder. The café grounds are spacious, roomy enough for prams and children to run around, and it’s next door to the awesome Flying Fox playground and a flat bike track – perfect for beginner bike riders. Kid-friendly tip: If you have a child with sensory issues there’s plenty of space to escape to. 2 Mona St, Mona Vale 2103. 02 9986 0980. flyingfoxcafe.com.au. Daily 8am-5.30pm.
Armory Wharf Café
This café is right next to the most entertaining area for kids in Sydney. The Blaxland Riverside Playground is spectacular. There’s a double flying fox, multi-level tree house, stacks of swings and a water play area. The car park (and park itself) can get busy, so get there early. You’ll be able to enjoy your lunch in peace because your kids will be exhausted. Kid-friendly tip: You can also take the kids on a tour of the Newington Armory on the Heritage train (weekends only). Blaxland Riverside Park, Jamieson St, off Holker St, Newington 2127. www.armorywharfcafe.com. Mon-Fri 9am-3pm; Sat, Sun 7.30am-4.30pm.