If you’re looking for that child-friendly restaurant where you know your kids will be busy, so you can relax and enjoy your meal for a change, don’t despair, we’ve got you covered. Boasting everything from special children’s menus and dedicated child minders to jungle gyms and video games, these restaurants in Cape Town will offer you a chance to catch up with your spouse while the kids have a blast of their own.
1. ASHLEY’S FAMILY RESTAURANT, GOODWOOD
With a dedicated kiddies corner and children’s menu, your kids will feel right at home. Children are invited to join Uncle Ashley’s Kiddies Club and not only receive a colouring-in sheet upon arrival but also receive a complimentary meal, cooldrink and toy on during their birthday month. The restaurant menu offers steaks, seafood, pizza, pasta, burger, ribs, chicken and desserts, and portions are generous.
Contact: Tel +27 21 591 8555, www.ashleysrestaurant.co.za
2. BELLA BELLOTA, DURBANVILLE
Children of all ages are sure to find themselves entertained with all the activities offered at Bella Bellota. Playrooms are outfitted with fun games and modern equipment. For the little ones there is a safe ball pen with lots of toys. It is a social and fun environment with adult supervision in the evenings. Pizzas, pastas, steaks and seafood (including sushi) can all be enjoyed under the umbrellas on their deck. Kids eat free Wednesdays and Sundays until 4pm. T’s and C’s apply.
Contact: Tel +27 21 979 1007, www.bellabellota.co.za
3. BLACK MARLIN, SIMON’S TOWN
The restaurant offers panoramic sea views and an extensive fish and seafood menu. The secure garden terrace allows kids to roam safely and the restaurant provides an illustrated paper kiddies’ menu together with crayons.
Contact: Tel +27 21786 1621, blackmarlin.co.za
4. BLASTERS FAMILY RESTAURANT, BRACKENFELL
Blasters boasts Cape Town’s largest indoor play area for kids and all activities are supervised by trained attendants. There is no admission fee for adults but children up to 13 years old pay R45 per child for 1½ hours play time. The restaurant is fully licensed and also offers an A la Carte menu.
Contact: Tel +27 21 981 7555, www.blasters.co.za
5. BLUE WATER CAFÉ, IMHOFF FARM, KOMMETJIE
Delectable, freshly prepared food, a relaxed atmosphere and a picture perfect backdrop. Enjoy delicious New Cape style food and heavenly pizzas baked in a wood fired oven. The restaurant offers a safe enclosed garden, jungle gym and neighbouring animal farm – all guaranteed to keep the little ones happily occupied.
Contact: Tel +27 21 783 4545, imhofffarm.co.za/restaurants/blue-water-cafe
6. BON AMIS RESTAURANT AT BLOEMENDAL, DURBANVILLE
A lovely outdoor jungle gym and a children’s menu will keep the little ones happy. The restaurant offers an A’la Carte menu, kids menu, Christmas Menu and picnic packages.
Contact: Tel +27 21 976 2682, www.bonamis.co.za
7. CAFÉ PARADISO, GARDENS
At Café Paradiso, children and pets are not only welcome, they are specially invited. With its beautiful garden setting and lovely food, this landmark restaurant has gone out of its way to create an experience where adults can enjoy their meal while the kids are entertained and occupied. There are plenty of activities to keep the little ones busy, including pizza-making, cupcake-decorating and other fun activities. The projects run daily until 8pm, and cost R45.
Contact: Tel +27 21 423 8653, www.cafeparadiso.co.za
8. CAFÉ ROUX, NOORDHOEK FARM VILLAGE
café Roux is extremely child-friendly and they have placed an enormous emphasis on children. Bordering on the farm village playground, children can play safely nearby, whilst the parents sit back and enjoy a meal and a glass of wine.
Contact: Tel +27 21 789 2538, caferoux.co.za
9. TWO OCEANS RESTAURANT, CAPE POINT
Situated in an enviable position above False Bay, the restaurant is as famous for its seafood cuisine as it is for a superb wooden deck that looks out onto one of the most stunning ocean views in South Africa. They have a fantastic sushi bar and there’s a kid-friendly menu that includes fruit kebabs, calamari and even Purity baby foods.
Contact: Tel +27 21 780 9010, www.capepoint.co.za
10. CAPE POINT VINEYARDS, NOORDHOEK
Nestled between mountains and ocean, this unique little farm in Noordhoek is a popular spot with breathtaking views. Families can enjoy a picnic on the lawns around the dam (blankets and pillows supplied), while the kids run and play on the lawns or clamber on the jungle gyms. The Thursday evening markets in summer are also a great way to spend time with family and friends.
Contact: Tel +27 21 789 0900, www.cpv.co.za
11. CLAY CAFÉ, HOUT BAY
The Clay Cafe is the perfect place to unleash your and your child’s creativity. Not only do they serve lovely lunches, but children and adults can enjoy painting crockery. You can choose from an array of unfired bisque and a wide selection of colourful paints to create crockery that is both personal and completely unique. After painting, parents can also sit back and relax, while your kids enjoy the garden and the playground. Perfect for parties and family outings.
Contact: Tel +27 21 790 3318, www.claycafe.co.za
12. COL’CACCHIO, TOKAI
Col’Cacchio pizzeria is a family friendly restaurant serving traditional Italian pizza’s and pastas. The Tokai franchise share an amazing kids jungle gym and play area.
Contact: Tel +27 21 702 4327, www.colcacchio.co.za
13. COMPANY’S GARDEN RESTAURANT, GARDENS
Built for children and families , the restaurant serves a selection of light meals, all time teatime favourites as well as a variety of traditional South Africa fare from early in the morning until late in the afternoon. There is plenty of seating indoors and outside under the trees. Kids will love the jungle gym and all the wooden animals to play on, as well as the outdoor chess set. After breakfast or lunch you can take a stroll through the gardens and feed the squirrels.
Contact: Tel +27 21 423 2919, www.thecompanysgarden.com
14. DA VINCI’S, HARFIELD VILLAGE
Da Vincis is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious pizza or salad in a relaxed, cosy and family-friendly environment. Kids eat for free on Mondays. The offer includes one free kids meal per main meal ordered and excludes take aways. Kids must be under the age of 12.
Contact: Tel +27 21 683 5453, davincison2nd.co.za
15. DEER PARK CAFÉ, VREDEHOEK
Situated on the upper slopes of Vredehoek overlooking the city, Deer Park Café is great for all ages. It borders on the Rocklands Rd Park, a well maintained fenced public park with swings, jungle gyms and plenty of grass. They offer a lovely children’s menu.
Contact: Tel +27 21 462 6311, www.deerparkcafe.co.za
16. DIE DAMHUIS, MELKBOSSTRAND
The building is a national monument and one of the oldest buildings in South Africa. The restaurant serves traditional South African food but the children’s menu offers the usual delights such as hot dogs, fish fingers and more. The beach area is a haven for kids where they spend hours building sandcastles or playing on the lighthouse-style jungle gym under the cool protection of a nomadic tent.
Contact: Tel +27 21 553 0093, diedamhuis.co.za
17. DUNES RESTAURANT, HOUT BAY
Situated on Hout Bay Beach, the restaurant offers stunning views of Chapman’s Peak and the surrounding mountains. Before or after a stroll on the beach, you can sit down and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast, a light delicious lunch or a sunset dinner. Adjacent to the terrace is a children’s playground filled with sand where the children can play, while you relax. The children’s breakfast buffet for R60.00 offers Coco Pops, Cheerios, fresh fruit, flapjacks, croissants, eggs, bacon, sausage and toast.
Contact: Tel +27 21 790 1876, www.dunesrestaurant.co.za
18. DURBANVILLE HILLS RESTAURANT, DURBANVILLE
Escape the hustle and bustle of city-life and enjoy panoramic views of Table Mountain, Table Bay, the rolling hills and vineyards. The wooden deck is the perfect setting for sipping on a glass of wine whilst enjoying an unpretentious yet sophisticated breakfast or lunch. A safe play space with a jungle gym, slide, a fish pond and more is available in the downstairs area of the restaurant.
Contact: Tel +27 21 558 1300, www.durbanvillehills.co.za/our-restaurant
19. DUTCH HAVEN BISTRO, DURBANVILLE
Situated in Durbanville’s Highstreet Village courtyard, Dutch Haven caters for families in a small café-style setting. Besides a wide array of uniquely Dutch meals there are also more standard options on the menu. The restaurant offers an extensive children’s menu that even includes Purity and finger biscuits for babies. There’s an enclosed play area for smaller kids and a jungle gym outside for the older ones, so dads can watch rugby with a beer in hand and moms can relax while their children play. Bicycles are also welcome.
Contact: Tel +27 21 914 6120, dutchhaven.co.za/bistro
20. EDEN ON THE BAY MALL, BLOUBERG
With so many child-friendly eateries, it’s almost impossible to choose where to go. The mall is a fab food destination, offering burgers, pizzas, seafood, Indian, Cuban and African cuisine. If you don’t want to sit at one of the restaurants, you can also enjoy a lovely picnic on their lawns. There is a sheltered jungle gym and a grassed play area for the kids, and the mall is even pet-friendly.
Contact: Tel +27 21 554 9601, www.edenonthebaymall.co.za
21. FRANKY’S DINER, SEA POINT
This authentic 50’s style diner in the heart of Sea Point serves delicious hamburgers, fries, milkshakes and desserts. Relax and enjoy some hound-dog music while sitting on the comfy red vinyl stools at the counter or in one of the booths. Kids eat free Monday to Thursday, 12pm till 8pm. T’s and C’s apply. They have a large play area for the kids and they cater for parties. Franky’s Diner is certainly a trip back in time to an era long gone but never forgotten.
Contact: Tel +27 21 433 0445, frankysdiner.co.za
22. JONKERSHUIS, CONSTANTIA
Jonkershuis is situated in the Groot Constantia Wine Estate, next to the historic Manor House and surrounded by ancient oak trees. Enjoy sweeping views across the oldest wine producing vineyards in South Africa. The restaurant boasts a diversity of locations, including family style lunches on their front lawns, were children can safely play amongst the old oak trees.
Contact: Tel +27 21 794 6255, www.jonkershuisconstantia.co.za
23. KIRSTENBOSCH TEA ROOM, NEWLANDS
Situated in the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the restaurant offers breakfasts, lunches and teas. All food is prepared on the premises and the bakery produces lovely scones, breads, cakes, cinnamon butter buns and more throughout the day. The menu includes food for all tastes, including something for those with allergies. They also offer a picnic menu, as well as a selection of snack and sandwich platters to take home or enjoy in the garden.
Contact: Tel +27 21 797 4883, www.ktr.co.za
24. LITTLE STREAM RESTAURANT, CONSTANTIA
The Little Stream Restaurant offers rustic charm, great for any occasion including kids parties and picnics. You can relax and enjoy fresh and wholesome food alfresco style on the sunlit lawn or under cover. Little Stream has a variety of tasty treats to offer, including the popular Country Style Brekkie Buffet on Sundays. There is a jungle gym, lots of trees and a few swings by a little stream.
Contact: +27 21 794 3413, www.ymcacapetown.org.za/little-stream
25. MASSIMO’S, HOUT BAY
Open for lunch and dinner, this local favourite serves authentic pizzas and pastas. The restaurant has a jungle gym at the entrance of the restaurant and a secure space at the back with various types of play equipment. They don’t have a children’s menu but children can order smaller pizzas or half pizzas.
Contact: +27 21 790 5648, www.pizzaclub.co.za
26. MILLSTONE CAFÉ AND FARMSTALL, PINELANDS
Situated in the Oude Molen Eco Village, it’s an outing for kids of all ages. The younger ones can let their imaginations go wild in the playground with its Wendy house, while the older kids can enjoy pony rides. The outdoor restaurant offers breakfasts, lunches, speciality coffees, teas and freshly squeezed orange juice. They also stock home made jams and honey.
Contact: +27 21 447 8226, www.facebook.com/MillstoneFarmstall
27. OCTOPUS’ GARDEN RESTAURANT, ST JAMES
A mad collection of knick knacks fill a brightly painted and fairy lit intimate little living room complete with wooden floor and a piano. There’s a beautiful garden for the children to play in where they can clamber on the jungle gym and in the treehouse. The restaurant also offers a special kiddies’ platter among other treats.
Contact: +27 21 788 5646, www.facebook.com/OctopusGardenRestaurantStJames
28. ONS HUISIE, BLOUBERGSTRAND
Ons Huisie has a large children’s playground. Parents have total peace of mind in that the kids are entertained in a safe, playful area with child-minders on hand. The restaurant boasts spectacular views, delicious, traditional West Coast cuisine, dog friendly facilities and picture perfect views of the Atlantic Ocean and Robben Island.
Contact: +27 21 554 1553, onshuisie.co.za
29. PRIMI, CAPE TOWN
A colourful mosaic counter is set up in front of the pizza section and offers constructive and educational entertainment for kids. With caregivers teaching children how to make pizzas and bake biscuits, it´s a great dining experience for parent and kids alike. The kids menu promises to meet children’s nutritional needs more closely by incorporating at least two, or more, major food groups in their meals. Many items are grilled or baked rather than fried and they also offer wheat- and gluten-free pasta.
Contact: +27 21 534 1550, www.primi-world.co.za
30. RED HERRING, NOORDHOEK
Although famous for its pizzas, there is also a wide selection of other dishes. The downstairs restaurant has a large fireplace for winter nights and the sheltered garden pergola area adjacent to it is ideal for afternoon gatherings with friends and family. The restaurant also offers a deck with views that stretch from Chapman’s Peak, across Noordhoek beach to Kommetjie lighthouse and on to Slangkop Mountain. It’s a relaxed family-friendly environment and there is a kids’ play area with a jungle gym and rope swing. They also have kids’ pizza-making activities during the school holidays.
Contact: +27 21 789 1783, www.theredherring.co.za
31. RHODES MEMORIAL, DEVIL’S PEAK
Nestled behind Rhodes Memorial, charming cottage restaurant offers panoramic views of the Cape Flats to the Helderberg and Hottentots Holland Mountain ranges and is one of the few vantage points where both the Atlantic and Indian oceans can be seen. The menu offers special rates for children under ten and the gardens include a playground with swings, slides, jungle gym and a kiddies sand pit. Their bakery is renowned for delicious cakes and desserts.
Contact: +27 21 687 0000, www.rhodesmemorial.co.za
32. SOET BISTRO, DURBANVILLE
Soet Bistro is partitioned into separate areas ─ each with a particular ambiance. Their kiddies’ section, called the Jol Kol, offers a space for children to play while parents relax. There they have high chairs, little play houses and beautiful murals on the walls. The children’s menu includes favourites like pizza, pasta and toasted sandwiches.
Contact: +27 21 975 5294, www.soetemporium.co.za
33. SPIROS, HOUT BAY
Quality Greek cuisine and good value for money, make this restaurant popular amongst locals and tourists alike. They offer an outside deck for summer weather and inside heating for winter. The restaurant offers a well balanced kiddies menu, a fully equipped indoor playroom (with a child minder), as well as an outside play area.
Contact: +27 21 791 3897, www.facebook.com/spiroshoutbay
34. STROLLA RESTAURANT AND BAR, SEA POINT
Located just off Sea Point’s busy promenade, next to the Peninsula All-Suite Hotel, Strolla offers a relaxing place to catch up with friends and family. The impressive children’s playroom is filled with puzzles, gaming consoles, a colouring station, bean bags and plenty more to keep young ones happy. The classic menu features items like pizzas, burgers, steak, chicken, soups and more, and they also offer a kids’ menu.
Contact: +27 21 430 7778, strolla.co.za
35. THE CLUBHOUSE, CONSTANTIA
Located at the Claremont Cricket Club, The Clubhouse has spectacular views of Table Mountain. Sports fans can watch games on the TV screens or enjoy live cricket action on the outside fields. Children can explore the supervised play area, run freely and play sport on the cricket fields or watch videos in the movie room. The menu is varied and they also offer a special kids’ menu.
Contact: +27 21 794 6314, theclubhouse.co.za
36. THE EASY DIG CAFE, SUNNYDALE
Located in the Harry Goemans Garden Centre, the restaurant offers all day breakfasts, light lunches, a warming fireplace, freshly ground organic coffee, home made cakes and more. All in a cosy setting with a wonderful ambiance. There is a children’s play area and lovely garden to enjoy.
Contact: Tel +27 21 785 3201, www.harrygoemans.co.za
37. THE FOODBARN, NOORDHOEK
At the Foodbarn Restaurant Noordhoek, they serve ‘fine-dining’ style food but in a super relaxed and characterful old barn. At night the Deli is transformed into a delightful tapas bar and at the Foodbarn Deli during the day, you can enjoy fresh bread and great best coffee. In addition to a great children’s menu, the restaurant also overlooks a lovely play area with a jungle gym, see-saw, swings and more.
Contact: +27 21 789 1390, www.thefoodbarn.co.za
38. THE GARDENERS COTTAGE, NEWLANDS
The Montebello Design Centre is home to a broad spectrum of designers and artists, from jewellers to painters, film makers to landscapers. At the Gardener’s Cottage you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and tea under old Camphor trees. Next to the outdoor seating area is a little tractor and a few stumps for kids to climb on. There is plenty on the estate to explore – the boutique nursery is a wonderland of interesting objects where you can get lost amongst the plants.
Contact: +27 21 685 6445, www.montebello.co.za
39. THE ITALIAN CLUB, RUGBY
Based at The Italian Club of Cape Town, this family-friendly restaurant offers a taste of Italy in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. The Italian tradition of having the family together round the table lives on with their “family set menu special” every Sunday, excluding the 1st Sunday of every month. On the 1st Sunday of the month they offer a buffet lunch with cold-, hot- and dessert courses.
Contact: +27 21 511 5956, fratpal.co.za/restaurant, italianclub.capetown
40. THE ITALIAN KITCHEN, NEWLANDS AND TOKAI
The Italian Kitchen combines traditional Italian fare with a South African edge, while offering quality food, generous portions and good service. This family restaurant loves to have children around and offers dishes made to satisfy even the pickiest family member. Kids can make their own bambino pizza too.
Contact: Newlands +27 21 686 4237 / Tokai +27 21 713 4218, www.italiankitchenrsa.com
Do you know of a child-friendly restaurant in Cape Town that is not on this list? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll be sure to add it to a future article.
Carluccis deli @ Meerendal
Thank you Nicola! The deli looks fantastic. Love the kid-friendly, yet healthy food.
vredenhof farm on the R44 has an anaxing play area and fantastic kiddies menu with best chocolate milkshake…ever! all organic too!
Beautiful new restaurant in Constantia Uitzig – Open door with fabulous play area, only down is no kids menu!!