Kid-friendly restaurants in Cape Town

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

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.

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, ginger bread 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

Chez Shiraz Restaurant at Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate
Though an elegant restaurant that specialises in tasty gourmet fare, Chez Shiraz at Stellenbosch’s picturesque Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate is especially family friendly too. Alongside a tantalising array of delicious French-inspired dishes – think Caramelised Onion Soup, Chicken Wellington and Classic Beef Fillet – the Winelands eatery also offers a small kids’ menu that features option like Chicken Nuggets and Chips, Macaroni and Cheese, a Beef Burger and Chips and a Kids Pizza. Not to mention, the property now also boasts a new children’s playground (it includes swings, a slide and a climbing frame) on the verdant lawns just outside the restaurant, so parents can relax and dine easy while their little ones are kept amused.
Tip: Ask about golfing options for the kids – the estate sometimes runs ‘squirrel’ golf on Sundays.
Bill: Prices are fair. Salads and starters run from R40 to R65, mains go for between R75 and R130, and the kids’ menu ranges from R35 to R38.
Bottelary Road | Stellenbosch | +27 (0) 21 865 2080

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: Expectfamily-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 whole-heartedly 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 

Ashton Restaurant at Greenways
Ashton Restaurantin Upper Claremont is relaxed fine dining for the grown-ups and fine playing for the kids. The former can sit on the terrace and dine al fresco while watching their progeny play on the sprawling lawn below. The on-site tree house is gauranteed to keep the little ones entertained, which leaves more time for you to enjoy the expansive gardens and the easy-going ambience. 
Tip: On summer Sundays the restaurant hosts jazz brunches perfect for a day out with the family.
Bill: Starters begin at R50 and mains at R75. The kids menu begins at R30.
Greenways Hotel | No. 1 Torquay Avenue | Upper Claremont/Bishopscourt | +(0)21 761 1792

By Malu Lambert

Stroll on over to our Kids Decide section for more tips on fun things to do, for the whole family.

For your weekly update on what’s happening in and around Cape Town, be sure to subscribe to our popular newsletter and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, join our Google+ circle and check out our Pinterest boards for updates.