Six of the Best Kid-Friendly Cafes with a View

Family
Kids

By: Phoebe Ackland, 05 October 2017

By: Cassilee Kahn, ellaslist explorer

Every parent knows dining out with kids can be a tricky and eventful expedition. Finding ways of keeping the little ones entertained, while you balance a (now cold) cup of coffee and attempt to hold an adult conversation, guarantees a less than relaxing lunch date with a side of frazzled regret.

Fear no more! We’ve sought out the city’s best cafes that cater for kids, so you can enjoy food with a view.

Note: All of these cafes have different opening days and times. Check with the cafe before going to make sure they are open.

1. The Avalon On The Beach, Avalon

As you’d expect from a venue right on Avalon’s perfect curved stretch of sand and overlooking the rolling surf, the views are to-die-for. That first glimpse of the ocean through the floor-to-ceiling windows that stretch across the front of the space is breathtaking. We’d picked a gloriously sunny and warm winter’s day so the windows were open, giving flawless views towards the surfers and beyond. During the migrating season, it’s a great place to look out for migrating whales.

The team of staff are friendly and welcoming, especially to kids. And there is a special Little Nippers menu dedicated to kids.

On the ground floor, outside but covered, you’ll find ‘The Kiosk’ café with tables right next to the beach. It’s a great alternative option for families looking to eat or drink here. If your kids are happiest when they’re not restricted to sitting at a table – this is perfect. Let them play in the sand while you keep a watchful eye on them and chow down on delicious brunch, lunch and snack options. ellaslist had lunch here recently- read about out delicious, scenic time!

Opening Times: The Avalon on the Beach (restaurant on first floor) is open for breakfast on weekends (from 9am), lunch Wednesday to Sunday and dinner Wednesday to Saturday.
The Kiosk (café on ground floor) is open from 8am to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday.
Phone: 1300 339 093
Email: hello@theavalononthebeach.com.au
Address: Avalon Beach, NSW 2107, in the same building as the Surf Life Save Club
 More Info: www.theavalononthebeach.com.au or The Avalon On The Beach Facebook page

2. The Museum Of Contemporary Art Cafe (The Rocks)

We just love the MCA rooftop cafe- the spectacular views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge & harbour are, dare we say, unrivalled. The menu is seasonally updated to reflect exhibitions happening at that time- for example, the Summer 2017 menu was Japanese inspired due to Tatsuo Miyajima’s light exhibition currently enthralling families. It’s sophisticated yet relaxed, with plenty of space to taking children is a pleasure, not a stress. The kid's menu has all the favourites including spaghetti bolognaise and fish and chips, but to be honest, you might not be able to concentrate on eating with those incredible views within sight. Check out more.

3. Bathers’ Pavilion Café, Balmoral Beach

This historic beachside location couldn’t be more ideal for families. At Bathers’ Pavilion, you can watch the ferries go by or enjoy the therapeutic lapping of the waves while your little ones are catered for with high chairs and colouring equipment. The children’s lunch and dinner menu offer a variety that’s guaranteed to tempt their taste buds, including chicken, meat, pasta and seafood options. Although it’s a tad on the pricey side, it’s obviously the view you pay for here. And while you’re there, why not head to the sand or even the playground that’s just a short walk across the beach.

4. Sorelle on Grand, Brighton-Le-Sands

For arguably one of Sydney’s best babycinos look no further than this cosy café, run by sister duo Carla and Claudia. Presented in a cute cup and saucer, the frothy drink is sprinkled with chocolate and accompanied by a marshmallow and homemade bambino ice cream that’s sure to be a hit with the little ones.

With high chairs on hand and a ‘kids shelf’ equipped with books, toy and colouring materials, you can relax and enjoy the extensive list of delectable adult treats on offer, including gluten-free and organic options. There’s also a very affordable kids menu that includes nuggets, burgers and pastas- all preservative free and made on site.

Sorelle on Grand also offer seating on the pavement overlooking the Grand Parade, which is perfect for prams, but not ideal for active toddlers who may run onto the road.
So whether you’re looking for breakfast, light lunch or an afternoon pick me up, Sorelle on Grand is a real treat.

5. Tea Gardens Café, Watsons Bay

This family run café is situated on the waters edge with a picturesque view over the shimmering harbour and bridge. The grassed play area and shaded patio provides the perfect space for kids, with the bonus of a library on site to keep them entertained, or allow you to put your feet up with a book and a cuppa. The friendly Tea Gardens café staff are also happy to provide plenty of colouring material. So whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea, this is an ideal setting- but whatever you do, don’t to miss out on their scrumptiously famous homemade scones. If you’re looking for other activities, the cafe is situated directly opposite a harbour pool and a short walk from a great kid’s park. It’s also a quick ferry trip to Circular Quay for some extra adventure.

6. Plonk Beach Café, Mosman

If you’re looking for a relaxed, harbourside café, with the sand literally at your feet, Plonk Cafe is the place to go. The uninterrupted waterfront setting, brightly coloured furniture on the sun-soaked deck and small beach, combine to make this a child-friendly gourmet haven. The menu ranges from Thai beef salad to buckets of prawns, with a $14 kids menu that includes grilled chicken breast, steak and fish all accompanied by hot chips. The location, friendly staff and great coffee make this a must for a sunny summer’s day.

7. A Bonus One: Coogee Pavilion – Coogee (East)

Coogee Pavilion is an iconic Sydney landmark overlooking Coogee beach, which has been transformed to create the perfect blend of vibe, food and facilities that both kids and parents will love.
The ground floor of the three-level complex boasts a ‘market’ feel, offering coffee and juice carts, fresh seafood, grilled meats and snacks. And while your tastebuds are enjoying the variety of food fare, older kids can entertain themselves with a table tennis table, scrabble wall and giant board games, alongside a faux grass area for the little ones to hang out. The kids’ menu, which is on the back of a colouring sheet, offers all the usual favourites and the pizzas from the main area are perfect for the family to share. Of course, this is all just a few steps away from a stunning beach that’s sure to please the whole family!