Kid-friendly Restaurants in Cape Town

Keep it in the family with eateries that are child-friendly, too

Last updated: Tuesdays, 26 March 2024 

Does the idea of a child-friendly restaurant in Cape Town fill you with dread? For many, the concept conjures up soggy sandwiches, sticky tables and crayon-scrawled placemats. But there’s no reason why adults should suffer in order for the kids to have fun; that’s an archaic way of thinking. The following Cape Town restaurants are both kid-friendly and appealing to grown-ups, too. 

FAMILY FUN IN HERMANUS

Dutchies in Hermanus welcome all, even four-legged friends. Families gather under the milkwood tree, and moms and daughters cosy up by the fireplace for high tea. All the seafood is freshly caught and they also serve Dutch fare like bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs with mustard). It’s been around for 10 years and is where locals gather for special evenings.

1 Grotto Street | Voelklip | Hermanus | @dutchiesrestaurant | Image: Dutchies

STEAK AND A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING ELSE

The Milnerton steakhouse in The Paddocks Shopping Centre is the home of the Special Reserve 21, its signature dish since 1984. It’s a beautifully tender, side-seared fillet tenderloin (matured for 21 days) topped with herb butter and cooked to perfection. But there’s more than just steak on the menu – the restaurant does a little bit of everything, such as burgers, salads, fish and lasagne. And for the little ones that can’t sit still, the mall's play area for kids is right across the way from Dale’s Black Angus.

The Paddocks | Racecourse Road | Milnerton | +27 (0)21 551 7776 | office@blackangus.co.za 

SUSHI FOR YOU, KIDDIES’ MENU FOR THEM

Just beyond the dunes of Dolphin Beach in Blouberg (with an uninterrupted view of Table Mountain) sits this family-friendly eatery that is all about sushi, seafood and sunsets. They have an interactive kids’ colouring menu, featuring food like chicken strips, calamari strips and fish ‘n chips. There are even colouring pages, biscuit decorating and children’s books, as well as baby seats and a designated area that caters specifically to families at Blowfish.

1 Marine Drive | Table View | +27 (0)21 556 5464 | info@blowfishrestaurant.co.za

KIDS MAKE THEIR OWN PIZZA AT STROLLA BAR & RESTAURANT 

Kid friendly is an understatement. This seaside eatery on Sea Point’s Platinum Mile has a dedicated Kiddies Corner that allows kids to build their own pizzas, complete with their own aprons, chef’s hats and a childminder to guide their creativity. And when they are done with their rolling pins, there is a  games room, complete with bean bags, games, colouring books, a PS4 and a DVD player/DSTV with a range of child-friendly movies. It’s the perfect recipe for fun family time, whether you choose to enjoy a cocktail and pizza on their Instragammable Corona Sunset Deck. Go midweek and get their awesome half-price rotisserie half chicken every Wednesday. Or catch live reggae bands such at The Rivertones at Strolla every Saturday from 3 to 6 pm.
313 Beach Road | Sea Point | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 430 7778

CAFÉ PARADISO 

‘Children are not only welcome, they’re invited’. Café Paradiso is part of the magic Madame Zingara collection, and in true enchanting fashion, the restaurant has gone out of its way to design an eating experience that allows adults to enjoy their meal while the kids are entertained and occupied. So, if you think the kids need some fresh air, this charming restaurant is a touch of country in the middle of the city.
Tip: Ask about the ‘kids’ projects’. These activities allow the little ones to get their hands dirty in the bakery making things like pizza, gingerbread men, cupcakes and cookies while parents eat. The projects run daily until 8pm and cost R45.
Bill: Mains are from R70 to R120, the kids' menu starts at R30.
110 Kloof Street | Cape Town| +27 (0)21 423 8653

WARWICK WINE ESTATE 

Book a picnic pod or a spot on this Stellenbosch wine estate’s spacious lawn overlooking the dam. There are gourmet picnic baskets for sale suited for both parents and kids. Plus they have a monitored playground with only one exit and entrance, so feel free to relax with Warwick’s award-winning wines while the kids go play.
Tip: Take note, the picnic season only opens in September
Bill: Warwick’s Children Baskets: R49, full Gourmet Picnic for two adults: R299.00.
R44 | Between Stellenbosch & Klapmuts | Stellenbosch | +27 (0)21 884 3144

ONS HUISIE

Set in a restored fishing cottage, this heritage building by the sea is just the place for fish and chips, for both generations—your rugrats may just want to eat theirs in the free-standing fishing boat.
Tip: Make a day of it, after lunch hit the nearby beach and playground.
Bill: West Coast hospitality with West Coast prices; R65.00 - R120.00 per person, and kids start at R29.00.
18 Generaal Jansen Road | Cnr Generaal Jansens & Stadler Roads | Bloubergstrand | +27 (0) 21 554 1553

OUDE MOLEN ECO VILLAGE

Millstone is an eco-friendly farm stall and café in the heart of the Oude Molen Eco Village in Pinelands, one of Cape Town’s oldest suburbs. It’s an excursion for kids of all ages; the younger ones can wield dominion over the playground while the older kids ride horses. The on-site organic vegetable gardens not only lend a country air to the urban suburb, but they also inspire a fresh, wholesome menu too.
Tip: The village is home to a variety of micro-enterprises, from art studios to metal workshops.  
Bill: The menu changes with the produce coming in, but all the meals are reasonably priced.
Oude Molen Eco Village | Alexandra Street | Pinelands |Cape Town | +27 (0)21 447 8226 

BLUE WATER CAFÉ

Imhoff farm just outside of Kommetjie is an oasis of family-friendly fun; from camel rides for the kids to antiquing for the grown-ups. The place to eat here is the Blue Water Café; sit outside on the stoep and take in the views of the Atlantic Ocean, Hout Bay and Noordhoek while the kids play safely in the enclosed garden on the jungle gym and tyre swing. The menu is an array of Mediterranean-style dishes, but the pizzas are their most famous offering.
Tip: There’s a neighbouring petting farm, Higgeldy Piggeldy Animal Farm, nearby.
Bill: Expect family-friendly prices too.
Imhoff Farm | Kommetjie Road (M65) | +27 (0)21 783 2007

DEER PARK CAFÉ

You’ll feel as if you’re on top of the city at this steadfast Vredehoek restaurant. Set in a beautiful location right up against the mountain, it’s an experience that highlights just how close our urban sprawl is to Table Mountain National Park. There’s ample space to play, as well as a playground that includes swings, slides and jungle gyms. And the food’s not bad either; look forward to French-inspired breakfasts, bistro mains and an extensive kids menu – no fish sticks in sight.
Tip: A great place for high tea too; there are plenty of confectionaries and hot drinks on offer.
Bill: The food is all reasonably priced; although, the wine menu seems a little steep in comparison.
2 Deer Park Avenue | Vredehoek | Cape Town|+ 27(0)21-462-6311

CAFÉ ROUX 

This restaurant is part of the Noordhoek Farm Village complex, and the emphasis is wholeheartedly on family fun. The grow-ups can sit under the oaks and watch the kids play at close range in the playground, while they enjoy a decadent breakfast, or a light, Mediterranean-inspired lunch.
Tip: Café Roux also caters for kiddie parties. They take care of both the food and the entertainment; think face-painting and miniature pony rides.
Bill: The prices are just as unpretentious as the experience.
Cnr Main Road and Village Lane | Noordhoek Farm Village | Noordhoek | + (0)21 789 2538 

By Malu Lambert

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