Our Guide to Some of the Best Places To Take the Kids for a Feed Around the Illawarra.
Taking the kids out to eat can be a wonderful experience for the whole family. Treating them to a delicious meal they love or even giving them the chance to try something new and grow their palettes. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 10 cool dining spots in the Illawarra that are not just kid-friendly but also kid-fantastico! From play areas to special kiddo menus, and even free ice cream to keep those little smiles wide we’ve got the scoop [hehe get it] on where to go to make sure your kids have a super fab and fun time! Check it out!
1// Dapto Leagues Club
We’ve gotta start with one of THE MOST kid-friendly eating joints around town. Inside the club, you will find not only great eats at The Mill restaurant but also Tabatinga. It’s an award-winning play and social centre that has soooooooo much going on to keep the kiddos entertained for yonks. Play areas just for the toddlers, climbing structures, a ninja course, bumper cars, disco and craft rooms and a cafe in the centre if you want to eat whilst the kids play. They also run a Drop & Dine service every Friday and Saturday nights with the option to add meals and give the kids a night off from boring “parent stuff” for a change. The Drop & Dine is obvs pretty popular so make sure to book ahead.
2// Ambiance Ristorante
Give the kids a taste of ‘La Bella Vita’ at Ambiance Ristorante. Seriously, the meals here are superb and the bambini meals are no exception. Start them off with their very own arancini, let them chow down on the kids’ pasta, [which if we’re being honest, we want to chow down on too, seriously it’s rich, flavourful and just like Nonna used to make]. Then let them finish on one of the decadent kids’ menu desserts. We have to admit we’re partial to the choccy teddy bear- a chocolate shell bear filled with ice cream and cookie crumb- helloooooo. Oh, and did we mention? On Wednesday nights kids eat their mains for free!!!! Double win.
3// Chante Kids Day Spa & High Tea
Make the kiddos feel like little royalty with their very own high tea experience. Chante Kids Day Spa & High Tea is not only a great spot for celebrating birthdays or special occasions, but did you know they also host regular high teas on selected dates throughout the year? Each high tea comes with a fancy pants spread of sweet and savoury treats, a craft session, and some fun in their photo booth. It’s an excellent way to score some quality time with your little ones while treating them to a dining experience designed just for them. Plus, they offer plenty of exciting packages and workshops during school holidays, so keep this gem in your back pocket when you’re stuck for ideas come the next school break!
4// Cin Cin Pizza Cucina Bar
We admit some kids’ menus can be pretty uninspiring. We all stan a good chicky nuggy every now and then but we also want our kiddos to let their taste buds roam a little y’know? That’s why we love Cin Cin Pizza Cucina Bar in Gwynneville, all their kids’ pizzas and pasta are just the same as the adult ones- but in kids’ size. This means they get their pick of the menu just like everyone else but in a perfect portion for them. Let your adventurous eaters slurp up spaghetti with calamari, mussels and squid or for the more reserved palettes, they can chomp on good old-fashioned spag and meatballs. We love how these guys make the kids feel just like part of the gang!
5// The Shellharbour Club
Inside The Shellharbour Club, you’ll find loads of different eating spots, but The Precinct is the ultimate kiddie hotspot! With a trendy street food vibe that’s family-friendly, it’s a fantastic option for the whole crew. You can choose from mouthwatering BBQ delights or delectable dumplings, and there’s a designated kid’s menu along with family meal deals to keep the costs in check. Make sure to leave some space for treats at The Good Good Sweet Sweet Nom Nom Co. – their desserts are simply insta-worthy! There’s also a fun play area for the kids to get moving AND grown-ups can enjoy 40% off cocktail jugs on Fridays from 5pm-7pm in the bar attached… just saying!
6// Woolshed Kitchen by Fine Spun
The Woolshed Kitchen by Fine Spun is a popular joint for getting together with the community and eating up some excellent food. And for the kiddos, it’s no exception. They’ve got a darn good selection of choices from burgers, to fish and chips and we absolutely have to give a shoutout to their fairy bread pancakes – they sound like a blast, we secretly wish they came in adult sizes! Well, they do have Biscoff ones for the grown-ups, so that counts, right? The best part is, that all kids’ meals are just $11, leaving some extra cash for another cuppa for you. Nice!
7// Go Kids Play
We know what you might be thinking – a play centre might not be your go-to for a family meal, but trust us, the cafe at Go Kids Play is the real deal. The menu is more hip inner-city cafe rather than the usual sausage rolls and party pies. Think fresh and flavourful avocado smash, healthy chia bowls, decadent southern fried burgers, and a delicious-sounding Mediterranean plate. For the kids, they’ve got a fantastic selection too [if you can get them off the play equipment for long enough to sit down and eat that is]. Plus, the coffee is strong and tasty, and the milkshakes are drool-worthy. We might end up being the ones nagging the kids to take us to a play centre for a change!
8// El Corazon – Cocina de Mexico
Mexican food is always a hit, and El Corazon – Cocina de Mexico has a kids’ menu that’s packed with fantastic options. We’ve all been there, trying to introduce the family to something new, only to find the kids’ menu is limited to chips and chicken tenders. But fear not, these guys offer quesadillas, nachos, fajitas, and even an “I don’t like Mexican” option for those little ones who actually would rather stick to their trusty chicken and chips. Sorted!
9// The Dairy Bar at the Treat Factory
Come on, with a name like The Dairy Bar at the Treat Factory you just know this place is gonna be right up the kids’ alley. The Treat Factory in Berry is chokers with choccy as well as other sweet goodies and the Dairy Bar next door is an excellent option to grab a meal after or before filling your bag with delicious treats. They’ve got light and larger meals as well as hot dogs and a menu just for the kids. There’s also gelato for afters if you’re not sweeted out already, like is that even a thing?!
10// Resin Brewing
One of the Illawarra’s most family-friendly brewpubs, there’s a nice big courtyard for little legs to roam, live music on Sundays for a bit of tiny toe-tapping, a menu that will please all appetites, and a kids corner complete with a mini park bench. Most importantly all kids’ meals come with ice cream and sprinkles, ain’t much more you need in life than that, right?
That list should keep the kids full and happy for the next meal… or 10. Explore our Eat & Drink guide for a ton more dining options that’ll cover appetites both big and small.
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