There are lots of lovely local brekkiel, lunch and dinner spots that cater to kids. Have you found them all yet? Here’s a handy list where the whole family can enjoy eating out.
Hong Kong Street Food, Chatswood
Adventurous little ones will love exploring the world of Hong Kong Street Food in Chatswood Westfield. Opening in December 2023, this lively eatery offers a fun and casual atmosphere, perfect for families. The menu is bursting with flavour, featuring kid-pleasing options like fried rice, sweet and sour pork, and of course, Hong Kong’s iconic Ice Bear Milk Tea. Don’t be afraid to try something new together – you might just discover your family’s new favourite dish!
Opening hours: Mon to Sun 11am – 9pm
Website: hongkongstreetfood.com.au
Vitaland Kids Cafe, St Leonards
Every kid’s dream has just come true with the opening of a brand new kid’s cafe and play space in St Leonards. Vitaland aims to be a comfortable place just like home for children and parents, with a safe and clean play area, family-style cafe, party packages and more.
Designed for crawlers, toddlers and preschoolers, the play area is nothing short of a children’s wonderland. The kids will especially love the colourful ball pit, whimsical choo-choo train and mini supermarket, along with dance classes and face painting.
The Asian-inspired cafe offers an all-day menu that is both healthy and delicious. Each dish is crafted from scratch and served family-style including: avocado toast and bacon and egg rolls to tempura prawn udon and cold soba noodles with wagyu beef. You can also go for a heartier chicken schnitzel burger, pepperoni pizza or creamy chicken mushroom pasta, or opt for a lighter Caesar salad or pumpkin soup with garlic bread. To quench your thirst, there’s iced winter melon teas, yogurt berry smoothies, fresh watermelon juice, pop tops and more.
Vitaland are also experts at throwing the ultimate kids’ birthday bash. Whether your party is big or small, their team will organise a fully customised and unforgettable celebration with beautiful decorations and add-ons like food and dedicated photo time.
For the youngest adventurers aged 6-12 months, prices start at $7.80 for an hour of playtime or from $10.80 for an entire day of fun. Kids aged 12 months and older can enjoy an hour starting at $13.80 or a full day from $36.
Where: Shop LG04/500 Pacific Hwy, St Leonards NSW 2065
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm
Website: https://vitalandkidscafe.com/st-leonards-play/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vitalandkidscafe/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vitaland_kids_cafe_stleonards/
The Mix at Chatswood Place
Shop, dine and unwind with the kids at The Mix at Chatswood Place. There are a bunch of cafes to try out; an ice cream cart selling $3 gelato scoops on weekends; a kids’ play table, a giant chessboard, and three hours of free parking to enjoy it all). Plus, there’s a book swap corner to sit and read together or find a new one to take home. What a lovely addition The Mix is to Chatswood!
Address: 260 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067
Phone: 02 9254 9935
Website: https://www.chatswoodplace.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chatswoodplace/
Instagram: @chatswoodplace
Mowbray Eatery, Lane Cove
Located on Mowbray Rd Mowbray Eatery offers all kinds of deliciousness for both kids and adults in an outdoor alfresco area to soak up the sun. The dining area overlooks some fun play equipment (which is gated) to keep the kids entertained while you wait for the food to arrive and then again while parents actually get to finish their meal or coffee! From homemade sweet and savoury crepes to muffins and a seasonal farm-to-table menu three nights a week, it’s a great choice to keep the whole family happy. Enjoy your breakfast, brunch or lunch with a warm latte brewed by Toby’s Estate or a fruit smoothie that the kids will love.
Address: 1 Felton Ave, Lane Cove West NSW 2066
Phone: 02 9427 8083
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mowbray_eatery_lanecove-101362194667258
Instagram: @mowbray_eatery_lanecove
The Canopy, Lane Cove
Okay, so it’s not one specific cafe but rather a whole dining precinct with the most fabulous play equipment right in the middle. Lane Cove’s community hotspot, The Canopy, is the perfect place to grab something to eat with the kids. The adventure playground has a water weir, soft fall, trampolines and an accessible swing for kids of all ages. Head to Eat Street after some playtime and dine at one of the restaurants there such as Peanut Butter Jelly (the desserts here will surely be a hit with your kids), Sunset Diner, Garcon Sydney or Masala Kitchen.
Address: Lane Cove at 2 Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Cove
Phone: 0468 515 371
Website: https://thecanopylanecove.com.au/
The Incinerator, Willoughby
The Incinerator is super family friendly with its fascinating building (designed by Walter Burley Griffin), and open-air seating. It’s also set next to one of Willoughby’s favourite playgrounds Hallstrom Park on one side and Willoughby Leisure Centre on the other, so you can make a morning of it with a play or swim. The menu has a great mix of treats and healthy options – burgers, tarts, pasta, bowls and salads; and you’ll find brekkie items all day too. There’s a Kids Menu that should please most littlies with items like vegemite toast, hotcakes with banana and syrup, avocado toast, fish cocktails and chips and chicken tenders and chips. The drinks will be a highlight with shake flavours such as Chocolate Tim Tam, Banoffee Pie and Fairyberry. There are cakes and cupcakes on offer too, and even High Tea if you email ahead and book.
Address: 2a Small St, Willoughby NSW 2068
Email: info@theincinerator.com.au
Website: http://theincinerator.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theincineratorwilloughby/
Instagram: @theincinerator
Pick Me Up Cafe, Lane Cove
Image: Pick Me Up Cafe
Mindarie Park’s Pick Me Up Cafe may be tiny (it’s a cute kiosk really) but this is a must-visit with kids. Mindarie Playground (pictured) is really wonderful – and now it’s the perfect place to have morning tea and refuel before playing again. You can grab a coffee or a shake, baked goods (croissants, frangipani tarts, cronuts etc), pies, sausage rolls and/or an ice cream and enjoy them on the chairs and tables provided or in the park where there’s seating, before letting the young ones loose.
Address: Shop1/18A Mindarie St, Lane Cove North NSW 2066
Phone: 02 9158 6112
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pmucafe/
Instagram: @pickmeupcafe_lanecove
Eat N Chill Wholefood Cafe, Naremburn
With a huge backyard with toys and a cubby house for young ones to explore, Eat N Chill Wholefood Cafe is a great kid-friendly option for parents looking to take a break or finish a sentence while meeting up with friends. The cafe caters to various dietary needs and serves up healthy dishes and detox drinks so you know you’ll be well looked after. Kids will love the space and little cubby house on the grass.
Address: 272-274 Willoughby Rd, Naremburn NSW 2065
Phone: 02 8021 6291
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EatNChillWholeFoodCafe/
Instagram: @eatnchill_wholefood_cafe
The Greens, North Sydney
The Greens in North Sydney is a great option if you’re looking to spend a sunny weekend outside with your family – whether it’s for a game of barefoot bowls and food or just to eat out. In fact, every Sunday they host a bunch of furry and feathery friends at the weekly Greens Petting Zoo which the kids will love and they have colouring books on hand as well. There’s even a playground in the neighbouring parklands where they can run off some steam before grabbing a meal off the children’s menu such as Mini Classic Greens Burger, Sausage On a Roll or Ham Toasty.
Address: 50 Ridge St, North Sydney NSW 2060
Phone: 02 9245 3099
Website: https://thegreensnorthsydney.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegreensbarnorthsydney
Instagram: @thegreensnorthsydney
The Boathouse Balmoral
As locals know, if you’re in search of a venue with beautiful food, beach views and a playground for the kids, you’re in luck because The Boathouse Balmoral has it all. Its vibrant decor and beachside setting sets it apart, even on a rainy day. Once you’re done eating the fenced playground is adjacent or you can go for a splash in the beautiful Balmoral water or collect seashells along the sand. BYO bucket and spade for this one!
Address: 2 The Esplanade, Mosman NSW 2088
Phone: 02 9974 5440
Website: https://www.theboathousebb.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theboathousebalmoral
Twitter: @theboathousegroup_
Frenchy’s Cafe Mosman
If charming French cottage feels are your thing, then a trip down to Frenchy’s Cafe in Mosman will bring the whole family joy. The cafe, nestled within the national park, features a patio and views of Sydney Harbour that can be enjoyed in the morning, for lunch, or during a classic afternoon tea. Your kids will love it here as there’s plenty of space to run around plus a kids’ menu – Nutella crepes, toasties, milkshakes and more – to keep them satisfied. After a bite, take them on one of the beautiful walking trails leaving the cafe that head to the popular landmarks of Balmoral, Chowder Bay, Clifton Gardens and Taronga Zoo.
Address: 3 Read Pl, Mosman NSW 2088
Phone: 02 9969 4411
Website: https://www.frenchyscafe.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrenchysCafe
Instagram: @frenchys.cafe
Do you know of any other kid-friendly eateries on the North Shore? Email us at info@thelivingcollective.com.au and we’ll include them.
