Dining with kids can be hard, but luckily Cape Town caters for foodies of all ages.
Here are our top 10 kid-friendly restaurants around town. It is best to phone ahead and book, and it’s a good idea to check the weather as well to ensure the kids have free reign of the outside play areas.
Blue Water Cafe at Imhoff Farm
Imhoff Farm is 9one of the most family-friendly places in the city, and the popular eatery has an enclosed play area and outdoor gym, sweeping views of the valley, and nearby kiddies’ farmyard. The breakfasts are popular, so get there early. Bookings are not taken for the outdoor section. A stroll around the farm afterwards will be a hit with the kids.
Website: www.imhofffarm.co.za
Dunes
On the beach at Hout Bay, this is a favourite with families for lunch or an early supper. Sitting on the terrace, parents have a perfect view of the sandy play area with its fishing boat for aspiring fishermen and its wooden jungle gym for wannabe mountaineers. There are pasta, meat, and seafood options on the kiddies’ menu so no-one goes hungry after hours of play.
Website: www.dunesrestaurant.co.za
Café Roux
Café Roux is all about wholesome and unpretentious offerings, with great vegan options on the menu. Summer is a perfect time to visit, and the walled-off play area is close enough for you to enjoy your al fresco breakfast or lunch with an eye on the little ones. The welcome is warm and the family-friendly vibe extends throughout the farm village area.
Website: www.thefarmvillage.co.za
Devils Peak de Oude
This brewery and restaurant in the northern suburbs offers rolling lawns, cheesy pizza from De Oude Bistro, and delicious craft beers for parents. The kiddies’ menu choice is as delicious as the grownups’, and the whole family can enjoy a chilled afternoon at this venue.
Website: www.devilspeakbrewing.co.za
Deer Park Cafe
A favourite for locals and visitors, the restaurant borders on the Rocklands Rd Park, an enclosed public park with swings, jungle gyms, and grassy areas for play. The setting is stunning with Table Mountain forming a perfect backdrop for this local neighbourhood favourite.
Website: www.deerparkcafe.co.za
Gibson’s Burgers & Ribs
A busy morning or afternoon at the V&A Waterfront will work up a healthy appetite for any family. Gibson’s is a burger-and-shake joint with a difference. Gourmet is the word and rave reviews don’t stop for this cool and trendy eatery. They’re the proud winner of the Mercedes Benz Eat Out Award for Best Burger Eatery in 2016. They also do Freek Shakes, piled high with treats.
Website: www.gibsonsburgers.co.za
The Company’s Garden Restaurant
In the heart of the Mother City lies one of Cape Town’s most visited attractions, the Company’s Garden. It is a firm favourite with families, especially over weekends. The restaurant is an ideal lunch or tea-time venue. The play area with its hanging baskets is a big hit, and after lunch, kids can feed the birds and squirrels.
Website: www.thecompanysgarden.com
Bon Amis, Bloemendal Wine Estate
Toddler-friendly is how families have described Bon Amis, so this restaurant in Durbanville is well worth a visit. The kids’ menu offers treats like pancakes, corn dogs, and delicious shakes, and the large play area will keep the kids happy for hours. You’re on a wine estate, so spend a good few hours here and soak in Cape Town’s wine culture while ensuring your kids have a great time too.
Website: www.bonamis.co.za
Café Paradiso
Your children—and this includes the fur babies—are welcome at Café Paradiso. Child-friendliness is what this restaurant is all about, from the attentive service to the activities that are offered the youngsters. They can bake their own muffins and cookies! The food is wholesome and delicious while the ambience is relaxed.
Website: www.cafeparadiso.co.za
Strolla Restaurant & Bar
After a stroll on the Sea Point promenade in that fresh sea breeze, the whole family will have worked up an appetite. No problem! Pop into Strolla on the beachfront and reward yourselves with a light snack or delicious lunch. The kids’ facilities have everything the younger ones could dream of to keep them busy… you might need to grab an artisan ice-lolly to convince them to leave!
Website: www.strolla.co.za
