Next time you find yourself in the city with kids, don’t assume that the only family friendly restaurants on offer are fast food chains. There’s a number of affordable restaurants in the heart of Brisbane City that welcome children with dedicated kids’ menus and activities.
The more formal the dining destination, the more we would encourage you to book ahead particularly during the weekends or holiday periods. The vast majority of the dining places offer gluten free options, with some also providing very clear ingredients lists for allergy aware parents.
Eating Out with Kids in Brisbane City
Beach House Bar and Grill
Location: Cnr Elizabeth and Albert Street, Brisbane City
If you are looking for a chilled atmosphere and a wide variety of food, then the Beach House Bar and Grill will suit your needs. Menu items include seafood, steaks, burgers, chicken schnitzels and salads. And whats more, all meals from the U12’s kids menu come with a juice popper and ice-cream cup!
Felon’s Brewing Co.
Location: Howard Smith Wharves
Whether you are sitting outside by the river with views of the Story Bridge, or inside the Barrell Hall, the atmosphere, views and food will impress any visitor when at Felon’s Brewing Co. A small kids menu is available but wood-fired pizzas and burgers are also on the menu, which are always popular. The Howard Smith Wharves precinct is very popular on weekends, with plenty of space for the kids to play and adults to relax, so consider booking to guarantee a seat.
Grill’d
Location: Wintergarden (Level 1), Brisbane City
Everyone loves burgers and with many delicious combinations on offer at Grill’d there is something bound to suit everyone. There are even ‘Mini Me’ packs for the kids under 7. And for those slightly older children, Dynamic meals.
Harajuku Gyoza
Location: Albert Lane, Brisbane City
A visit to the cosy and quirky Harajuku Gyoza in Albert Lane is always good value. You will find gyozas, share plates, curries and more on the menu and something special for dessert – Ferrero Rocher gyoza or air cheesecake! Don’t forget to look up at the interesting ceiling decorations.
Mamak
Location: 89 Charlotte Street, Brisbane City
Making a name for themselves specialising in roti, Mamak is a popular venue for traditional roti, satay, and other popular Malaysian dishes. You might even be lucky enough to spot the chefs making the roti by hand, which is always fun for the kids to see. Oh and make sure you try the ais kacang– a mixture of corn, red beans, grass jelly, rose-syrup and sweetened milk on a mountain of shaved ice.
Melt Brothers
Location: Uptown Food Court and Post Office Square, Brisbane City
Delicious treats await you at Melt Brothers – cheese toasties and loaded tater tots; followed by an ice-cream, Nutella and sprinkles bun…yum!
Mr Edwards Alehouse & Kitchen
Location: Edward Street, Brisbane City
Butternut pumpkin risotto, pork sausages or grilled chicken and chips, followed by butterscotch ice-cream….. you’ll be wishing you could order from the delicious kids’ menu at Mr Edwards Alehouse and Kitchen!
New Shanghai
Location: Queens Plaza, Brisbane City
If it is dumplings you are looking for, it is dumplings you will get at New Shanghai. Of course, there is also noodles, pork buns, spring rolls, wontons and more to sample including vegetarian and gluten free offerings. Just make sure you save room to try a bit of everything – the kids may just find a new favourite food!
Pancake Manor
Location: 18 Charlotte Street, Brisbane City
No matter what time hunger strikes, Pancake Manor is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week, to satisfy your pancake (and crepe!) cravings. They offer vegan and gluten free options as well as chips, burgers, nachos and other popular food for families in the event that some of your kids don’t eat pancakes.
Papa Rich
Location: Wintergarden (Level 1), Brisbane City
If you want to expand your Brisbane Kid’s tastes, then check out the popular Malaysian restaurant Papa Rich. Tasty dishes are available for those familiar with Malaysian food, or for those just starting out roti, Hainan bread, dumplings or satay are great choices. Don’t forget to save room for dessert and the yummy Milo drink too!
Shingle Inn
Location: Brisbane City Hall, Brisbane City
For something a little bit fancy, you can’t go past the kids’ high tea at the Shingle Inn. Children of all ages will enjoy the yummy little treats that are served up, while parents can also indulge in traditional high tea.
The City Hall Clock Tour is located within the same area as the City Hall Shingle Inn and is a great add-on activity for older kids and visitors, providing an opportunity to explore a part of Brisbane’s history.
Vapiano
Location: Albert Lane, Brisbane City
Most children love pizza and pasta! At Vapiano you can watch the pasta being made fresh, and parents will love the reasonably priced kids’ menu that offer both pizza and pasta options.
Food Courts in Brisbane City
Uptown (formerly the Myer Centre), QueensPlaza, MacArthur Central, Wintergarden
Food courts are a great option for families because they offer something for everyone, and are cost effective. In them, you will find a range of food options from hot dogs and sushi to burgers and salads. Each food court offers a different vibe but there is sure to be something at every location to suit all members of the family and all budgets.
Sushi in Brisbane City
Multiple locations
Kids never tire of the fun of choosing a plate of delicious Japanese food from a moving train. Sushi Edo (Elizabeth St) and Hanaichi (Wintergarden) are a couple of great options for sushi in Brisbane with kids. This is a fun way of eating and a great way to develop your children’s’ palates.
Ice Cream in Brisbane City
Clementine’s Gelateria
Location: Albert Lane, Brisbane City
Stocking a delicious range of gelato and sorbet, there is always something to delight even the fussiest of Brisbane Kids at Clementine’s Gelateria. With flavours such as mango, honeycomb, or the decadent cookies and cream gelato – your taste buds will definitely be dancing after your first mouthful.
Gelatissimo
Location: Cnr Albert and Queen Streets, Brisbane City
With no artificial colours or flavours, and less fat than ice cream, gelato from the award-winning Gelatissimo has dessert covered for the whole family. The gelato is made fresh daily in store with flavours ranging from the traditional to more inventive. Gelatissimo also has gluten free, nut free and 98% sugar free options.
Goodtimes Gelateria
Location: Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane City
Showcasing local produce and premium ingredients, Goodtimes Gelateria have more than 20 delicious flavours of ice-cream and gelato on offer. Favourites include banoffee, brown butter popcorn, mint choc-chip, vanilla and mango. Take-home packs, gelato sandwiches, milkshakes, coffee and other sweet treats are also available.
Donuts in Brisbane City
Multiple locations
Did someone say donuts? Happy Dough (Post Office Square), Nodo Donuts (300 Elizabeth Street) and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (Cnr Albert St & Burnett Lane) will be a big hit with the kids when the munchies strike.
Click here for even more child-friendly places to eat in wider Brisbane and for parking options head to bnecity.com.au/parking.
If you are looking to head over the bridge to the picturesque Southbank, then check out Places for Kids to Eat at South Bank.
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