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.

Jamaica Blue kids menu features chicken nuggets and chips, fish and chips and a delicious cheese burger all in kid-friendly portions.

The Coffee Club has a variety of kid-friendly options from a ham & cheese flat grill and cheese burger to chicken nuggets and pancakes.

Around the world

Let your little ones enjoy the tastes of the world without breaking the bank on flights! 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.

La Porchetta kids can enjoy La Porchetta classics on their kids menu like margherita pizza, spaghetti, lasagne and more on a mini scale! Kids can also enjoy a side, drink and scoop of ice-cream. Add a kids activity bag for $3.

Maki Mono 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 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.

Columbus Coffee has a yummy kids’ menu. We can’t go past the Hungry Tummies Breakfast or the Banana Caramel Pancakes. All kids menu meals come with a free kids activity shrrt, pencils and stickers.

Drexels Breakfast Restaurant from mini cakes, french toast and egg & soldiers to a Big Kid's Bumper Breakfast there is something for every kids. All Drexels' kids meals are available with gluten free and dairy free options.

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.

Phat Phillip delicious sundaes, bubble tea, hot dogs & shakes. With over 20 different ice cream flavours to choose from, you'll leave wanting more!

NZ Natural Ice Cream Made right here in NZ with the freshest, finest quality ingredients, their ice cream is so delicious that it’s a pure taste adventure.