Lunch to catch up with a friend or a family dinner outing can get tricky when you want to take your kids with you. You don’t want to be that annoying parent whose kids are running amok or crying non-stop, and neither do you want a bored unhappy child on your hands! When restaurants take the effort to understand the needs of kids and try to cater to their palette, the family dining experience becomes much more enjoyable. Fortunately, there are several restaurants which go the extra mile and offer child-friendly features such as separate menus, cool activities, and play equipment. Here are 10 kid-friendly restaurants in Johannesburg, that not only have fabulous food but also make it special for the kids.
1. Bambanani
For parents looking to have fun family time, Bambanani is truly a haven. Along with a fantastic dining experience, this upmarket restaurant offers a range of exciting facilities that’ll thrill any child. You’ll find a jungle gym, activity classes, a media room, books, and even a kids’ theatre, among many other options! Trained childminders are on hand to keep an eye on the children as the parents indulge delicious Mediterranean–based cuisine. The place gets full fast, so keep that in mind while making plans.
Bambanani
Address: 85 4th Ave, Melville, Johannesburg
Website: Bambanani
Opening hours: Sun- Thurs: 8 am–80 pm; Fri- Sat:8 am–9 pm
2. RiStretto Morningside
Editor’s note: Establishment is Permanently closed.
This child-friendly restaurant has a huge outdoor play area staffed with minders that will keep the kids happily occupied as you settle down for a relaxed meal. To make it even more exciting, RiStretto Morningside, well known for its scrumptious Mediterranean and Italian menu, makes it possible for kids to create their own pizzas! Parents can either get seated at the outdoor patio so they can keep a watchful eye over their kids or else inside where options include a comfortable pub.
RiStretto Morningside
Address: Cullinan Cl & Rivonia Road, Morningside, Johannesburg
Website: RiStretto Morningside
Opening hours: Sun: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm; Other days: 8:30 am – 9 pm
3. moyo Zoo Lake
Editor’s note: Establishment is Permanently closed.
Located in Zoo Lake Park, Moyo has a serene ambiance infused with the heritage and culture of Africa. You’ll find here urban African cuisine, authentic traditional décor, and fun activities including live African performances and complimentary African face-painting. Kids will enjoy exploring the expansive garden area where they will find charming ponds and bridges. The restaurant has a special children’s menu, so they can choose from dishes created just for them!
moyo Zoo Lake
Address: Zoo Lake Park, 1 Prince of Wales Drive, Parkview, Johannesburg
Website: moyo Zoo Lake
Opening hours: Thu: 8 am – 11 pm; All other days: 8 am – 10 pm
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4. Fishmonger Illovo
Fishmonger Illovo promises to serve the best seafood in the city. If you are craving for a fine dining experience with the kids then this restaurant is a great choice. Despite having a sophisticated setting and exclusive atmosphere, the restaurant welcomes families. It is known for its exceptional fish-based dishes like Calamari as well as for its excellent service. Kids get to choose from a special kiddies menu that features some of their bestsellers tweaked to suit the little ones. Since booking is essential, make sure to call ahead for reservations.
Fishmonger Illovo
Address: Thrupps Illovo Centre, 204 Oxford Road, Illovo, Sandton
Website: Fishmonger Illovo
Opening hours: All days-Lunch:12 pm - 3:30 pm, Dinner: 6 pm - 10 pm
5. Mozambik
With a fun and friendly vibe, Mozambik located at Linksfield is a superb choice to have a laidback outing with your family and enjoy delectable seafood and Portuguese-style dishes. A large landscaped garden surrounds the restaurant - don’t be surprised if you find peacocks strutting thereabouts! The grounds also contain a large play area with plenty of slides and climbing equipment for your kids to burn off excess energy. For times when the weather isn’t cooperating, there’s sand art to play with inside.
Mozambik
Address: Corner of Club & Linksfield Road, Linksfield, Johannesburg
Website: Mozambik
Opening hours: Mon:12 pm – 9 pm; Tue: 12 pm – 9:30 pm; Wed - Thursdays:12 pm – 10 pm; Fri-Sat: 12 pm – 11 pm; Sun:12 pm – 5 pm
6. Munch Cafe Bryanston
Set inside a plant nursery Munch Café Bryanston offers a calming atmosphere to have breakfast or lunch. Chill in the cafe’s pleasant outdoor seating to enjoy a cup of its artisanal coffee and a light wholesome meal while your kids have fun in the large play area close by. Perfect for weekend brunch when you want to laze around with your family.
Munch Cafe Bryanston
Address: 278 Main Road, Inside the Garden Shop Nursery, Bryanston, Sandton
Website: Munch Cafe Bryanston
Opening hours: 8 am - 5 pm
7. Mythos Restaurant
Get a taste of authentic Greek flavors at Mythos Restaurant. This award-winning family-run restaurant offers a range of Greek dishes that will leave you wanting for more. Different locations have different facilities for kids such as a craft room, a putt-putt course, a large play area. The restaurant emphasizes on family dining, so along with some lip-smacking food, your kids will have an entertaining visit.
Mythos Restaurant
Address: Bedford Square, Johannesburg
Website: Mythos Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon-Sat:11:30 am – 10 pm; Sun:11:30 am – 9:30 pm
8. Falcon Peak Spur Steak Ranch
Part of a chain, this family restaurant located near Carlton Center is a meat-lover’s paradise with its range of amazing steak, burger, and ribs. The steakhouse offers an expansive play area called the Play Canyon that assures your kids of having a good time.
Falcon Peak Spur Steak Ranch
Address: 134, Fox Street, Marshalltown, Johannesburg
Website: Falcon Peak Spur Steak Ranch
Opening hours: 9 am – 7 pm
9. Mantovanis
Editor’s note: Establishment is Permanently closed
Mantovanis with its fantastic food and warm service has been a popular fixture inside Eastgate Mall for decades. Offering a rooftop setting as well as cozy indoor seating, this family-friendly restaurant is a welcoming place to rest after a hectic shopping trip to the mall. Its offer of half-price pizzas on all Tuesdays and half-price cocktails during the daily happy hours make for really attractive incentives to visit!
Mantovanis
Address: Eastgate Shopping Centre, 43 Bradford Road East Rand, Bedford Gardens
Website: Mantovanis
Opening hours: Mon-Thur: 8:30 am – 9:30 pm; Fri: 8:30 am – 10 pm; Sat: 8 am – 9 pm
10. Calisto's Portuguese Restaurant Rosebank
For delicious food with a Portuguese flair, Calisto’s is the place to go. Renowned for its seafood menu, particularly the prawn dishes, and certified for halal food, the restaurant is a must-visit if you are in South Johannesburg. With warm interiors featuring interesting knick-knacks and long tables, this busy restaurant has a homely yet buzzing atmosphere. The friendly staff provides efficient service adding to the charm. For the kids, there is a jungle gym available nearby to work up an appetite for the scrumptious food on offer.
Calisto's Portuguese Restaurant Rosebank
Address: The Zone, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Website: Calisto’s Portuguese Restaurant Rosebank
Opening hours: Mon-Thur, Sun: 12 noon – 9 pm; Fri-Sat: 12 noon – 10 pm
Enjoyable family dining makes great memories
Dining out with kids can be challenging but when the little ones are paid attention to and treated well, everyone is happy. Online reviews and fellow parents are good sources to get a sense of how a restaurant you are considering and its staff treat children.