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.
John Barleycorn's Taphouse isn’t just a pub; it’s where legends gather—led by John himself, the man, the myth, the mate you’d always want to share a pint with. Serving up carefully crafted tap beers, wines, cocktails, and hearty meals, such as burgers, sandwiches and pub staples.
Something & Social is an all-day modern bar and eatery. From a fresh cup of coffee to an icey cold beer, wine or cocktail – their menu will deliver light, healthy and interesting flavours, as well as approachable dishes. You do the Something and they do the Social.
At New York Grill, Stop by one of Auckland's best steakhouses for delicious food from juicy high quality steaks, to the daily freshest seafood, through to lighter vegetarian and gluten free options.
Baha Betty is a casual eclectic Californian-Baja eatery. Experience that blends cross-border influences of San Diego and Baja California. The extensively delicious menu also offers a number of celiac and vegan friendly options.
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.
Oodles brings flavour packed Asian noodle dishes to the rooftop, with fresh ingredients, bold sauces, and comforting bowls made to satisfy any craving.
Bodrum Market Inspired by the traditional food markets of the Mediterranean, Bodrum Market is a contemporary side by side eatery, offering multiple cuisines under one roof. With an interior and atmosphere to match, be transported to the shores of Bodrum and beyond.
Sal's Authentic New York Pizza Sal’s Authentic New York Pizza serves up giant, foldable slices made with secret recipe dough, tangy tomato sauce, and premium mozzarella straight from New York. Every bite is big, bold, and unapologetically authentic.
IPPUDO Since its founding, IPPUDO has been focused on creating a new ramen culture - where people can enjoy, understand and appreciate the Japanese food and culture. Experience a new benchmark in traditional Japanese cuisine with IPPUDO's creamy tonkotsu broth, signature secret dashi and housemade thin straight noodles.
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.
Leafé Cafe offers beautiful food, great coffee, refreshing pressed juices and smoothies, and a welcoming, friendly face to serve.
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.
At Cova you can choose from a wide selection of sandwiches, hot savouries, cakes and slices.
Majestic Cafe With the finest coffee available, hot chocolates made with real chocolate and the choice of over thirty-five teas and a selection of tantalizing cold drinks, they have something for everyone.
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.
Island Gelato Company lets you savour a decadent white chocolate mocha, while the kids get thoroughly sugared up with waffles, crepes, chocolate fondue, sundaes and more. It’s the ultimate family-friendly dessert destination.
Krispy Kreme is proud of being the first country outside the U.S.A. to make the iconic Original Glazed Doughnuts.
Cinnabon Cinnabon bakery restaurant known for cinnamon rolls, cinnamon products, coffee and frozen drinks. World famous flavors. The sweetest brand on earth.