Looking to go out with the little ones for a yummy meal? We know how tough it can be to find a truly child-friendly restaurant. To help you out, we have compiled a list of our favourites. Have a look!
Papachinos
What comes to mind when Papachinos is mentioned? Pizza, of course! And how many kids do you know who hate pizza? None! So there, you know where to go. Families have been making memories here for 21 years, sharing special moments over delicious meals. With an extensive menu, brilliant specials, and tons of activities for your little ones, you can't go wrong at Papachinos.
The Fat Olive
What do kids do when they hear 'playgrounds, canoeing, animal farmyards, and climbing trees '? We'd imagine they go crazy with excitement, because that's a child's paradise. It's time to explore The Fat Olive! Relax with a glass of sparkles or a cup of something soothing while your little ones burn off some of that seemingly endless energy.
Bambanani
Take your little bambinos for some kid-friendly dining at Bambanani. With play areas for children, delicious food, and a wide variety of things to drink, this might just become a family favourite. Parents can relax while the kids get busy with fun activities to keep boredom at bay.
Blueberry Beacon
Blueberry Beacon at Blueberry Square in Honeydew offers an amazing kiddies menu, great burgers, pizza, and a very yummy Dom Pedro for the parents. Both the Fishmonger next door and Blueberry Beacon overlook an insane kids' playground area, with friendly and helpful childminders ensuring fun, safe play. Enjoy your dinner while watching over the playground. And let's tell you, this is no ordinary playground. It’s humongous! Two four-storey jungle gyms fully equipped with slides, push bikes, raceways, swings and rides will keep your kids entertained for hours.
Picolino’s
For a rustic feel and wonderful atmosphere for parents and children alike, visit Picolino’s in Fourways. With occasional live events, live sports broadcasts, quiz nights, and outdoor lapas, this is a place for the whole family to enjoy. Let’s not forget the kids’ entertainment –there's a large play area full of climbing walls, sandpits, slides, swings, jungle gyms, and more!
Mozambik
With its absolutely delicious Portuguese dishes and friendly atmosphere, it's no wonder Mozambik branches continue to spring up across the country. Most branches have outdoor play areas and supervised indoor rooms with arcade machines and/or PlayStations. It doesn't hurt that they serve R&Rs and Caipirinhas by the jug.
Tres Jolie
For some relaxation and fresh air, take a trip down to Tres Jolie with the family. With beautiful gardens and landscaping, complemented by fountains and water features, this is definitely the place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Kids can enjoy the farmyard where they can feed the animals, have a pony ride, play on the jungle gym, dig in the sandpit and go for a swing, all within watching distance of parents.
AJ's In The Park
When it comes to play areas there isn't quite a play area like the one at AJ's In The Park. Not only do the kids have fabulous fun but adults can join in - albeit on a separate playing field. So take off this weekend and enjoy some fun in the park. Did we mention they have amazing pizzas and burgers? Well, they do, so head over there!
Munch Cafe
For scrumptious food and drinks, take yourself and the little ones to Munch Cafe. With a kiddies menu to excite any child, you won't have to bribe them to finish a plate at this cafe. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Munch is the perfect spot for family dining at any hour. What are you waiting for? Munch away!
Gia's on Montrose
Gia's on Montrose is a great place to take the kids to have fun and indulge in something tasty. There's a jungle gym on site to keep the little ones occupied, and the lush environment is ideal for family outings – who doesn't like being surrounded by nature? Try one of their old-school home-made burgers. You won't regret it!
Delta Café
Situated in the stunning Delta Park, Delta Café is a great spot to grab a bite to eat or simply enjoy a steaming cup of coffee while enjoying fresh air, sunshine, and greenery. Bring the kids along for some old-school outdoor fun.
A Churrasqueira
A Churrasqueira is an authentic Portuguese restaurant in the south. They're fully equipped with a kids' play area, complete with a jungle gym and racetrack! They also serve Magnum milkshakes, which are to die for. Enjoy a tasty seafood dish and rest easy knowing your kids are having a great time.
Spur
No family restaurant list is complete without mentioning Spur. They remain a beloved South African staple due to their consistently delicious food and familiar atmosphere. Spur has nailed the art of entertaining children: outdoor play areas, colouring competitions, face painting, and birthday ice creams (complete with sparklers!) are just a few things you can look forward to.
Coppa Café at the Honeydew Eco Village
Coppa Café is a lovely little coffee shop at the Honeydew Eco Village with a lush play area for kids. The menu features fresh, healthy light meals. Options include avo and cherry tomatoes on toast, quinoa salads, and traditional favourites like pizza, burgers, and chips. Sip on a cappuccino and relax in the tranquil, leafy premises while your toddler(s) play on the jungle gym, man the plastic push bikes, or crawl through the Teletubby-land looking grass tunnel.
Know of other great child-friendly restaurants not mentioned above? Let us know below!
Remember that our “Top Picks” are not paid for and are compiled at the discretion of the journalist. We only write about what we love.
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