Adventure, baby!

Sydney Food

Chi Chi’s Cafe: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Waterloo, Sydney

Sometimes at the end of a long and arduous week, all you want is to drown your sorrows in some comfort food. Chi Chi’s Café, in Waterloo, is just that: a kid-friendly place that offers no-fuss comfort food when you really need it.

Lukas waiting (sort of) patiently for his food. (Photo by Emily Staresina)

Although Danks Street is lined with cafes (more and more everyday it seems), few are open between that awkward time after lunch and before most people consider eating dinner. Feeling a little desperate for calories, Baby Lukas, my husband Lorin and I stumbled upon Chi Chi’s. It was relatively quiet and it looked like it was closing, but much to our delight, the host ushered us in and assured us all options were on the table. At 4:45pm in the afternoon. Total score.

Lorin decided right away on the beef burger with chips ($14.50) and Baby Lukas convinced me to share a cheese and tomato open melt ($8.50). While we waited for our food, the staff couldn’t have been more welcoming or friendly to Baby Lukas. In fact, Baby Lukas ended up behind the counter in the arms of a waitress, helping her ring in a few transactions.

Chi Chi's beef burger with Chips ($14.50). Photo by Emily Staresina.
Chi Chi’s beef burger with Chips ($14.50). 
Chi Chi's cheese and tomato open melt ($8.50). Photo by Emily Staresina
Chi Chi’s cheese and tomato open melt ($8.50). 

Our food came relatively quickly and it was good value: big, unpretentious portions with generous servings of side sauces at no extra charge. Such a relief to find this sort of place amongst all the trendy cafes in the neighbourhood.

Last Bite: the next time you’re craving some serious comfort food that’s good value and welcomes kids with open arms, check out Chi Chi’s Café.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No, but kids won’t starve

Chi Chi’s Cafe
Shp 1a/ 207 Young St
Waterloo NSW 2017
Phone: (02) 9699 3510
Prices: $

Nan’s Place: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Zetland, Sydney

The rumour mill has been spinning with whispers that Nan’s Place, a new café in Zetland, serves up food like your nan’s but only (gasp) better and with a twist. Never one not to investigate a promising food rumour, Baby Lukas, my husband and I decided to check out Nan’s this past Saturday.

Looking into Nan's from the outside.
Looking into Nan’s from the outside.

Expecting gaudy, lacy tablecloths on which comfort food like heavily buttered scrambled eggs are served, the first thing that strikes you as you walk up t0 the understated corner café, is a reminder that this is the inner-city: Nan-inspired it may be, but the décor is trendy with food offerings to match.

The interior is small, with a main circular table for communal eating. We decided to eat outside, next to a family enjoying what looked to be a dynamite breakfast.  Plus, we figured if Lukas started acting up, his noise would blend with the other kids’.

Looking at the menu, I was intrigued by the offerings and knew I had to try the Half Ruby Grapefruit, Coconut Sugar and Toasted Almonds ($6) with Brickfield’s Sourdough Toast with Preserves ($5). Like any clever wife, I convinced my husband to order another dish I wanted to try: Poached Rock Chic Hen Eggs ($10) with Tuscan Kale, Green Garlic and Garden Herbs ($5).

Poached eggs ($10) with Tuscan kale, green garlic and fresh herbs ($5). Photo by Emily Staresina.
Poached eggs ($10) with Tuscan kale, green garlic and fresh herbs ($5).
Brickfield's toast with butter and strawberry jam ($5). Photo by Emily Staresina.
Brickfield’s toast with butter and strawberry jam ($5).
Ruby grapefruit with toasted almonds and coconut sugar. Photo by Emily Staresina
Ruby grapefruit with toasted almonds and coconut sugar ($6).

While we waited for our food, Baby Lukas made friends with the kids at the next table, as well as the dog tied to the post nearby. By making friends I mean stealing their toys, attempted food theft and pulling the poor dog’s tail. The staff weren’t phased by weaving between children to deliver breakfasts to patrons, which was nice to see, and were more than happy to interact with them in between orders.

Our food came, and I’m pleased to confirm the rumours were true: served on mismatched plates (just like at your grandma’s!), the food was fantastic. The eggs were poached just right (runny but not liquid) and the strawberry jam had real chunks of berry. As for the coconut sugar on the grapefruit – well, let’s just say there’s no going back.

The boys eating breakfast.  Photo by Emily Staresina.
The boys eating breakfast.

The one thing missing from making this a total coup was that there weren’t any highchairs, which meant that we had to take turns eating. No big deal, as any seasoned parent knows, but worth considering if you can’t do without one.

Last bite: if you’re looking for a fabulous new kid-friendly café where the food is great and your kids are treated well, look no farther than Nan’s Place.

Highchairs: No.
Stroller storage: Limited. If you don’t need one, don’t bring one.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No, but kids won’t starve.

Nan’s Place
2a Portman Street, Zetland
Phone: (02) 8084 0731
Prices: $$
Hours: Tues-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm and Sat 8am-3pm
Get Directions

Nan's Place on Urbanspoon

Silver Beach Cafe, Kid-Friendly Cafes, Kurnell, Sutherland Shire, NSW

As the weather begins to warm up seaside dining options with kids are something we are constantly on the lookout for. The unassuming Silver Beach Café is not much to look at from the outside but ticks all the right boxes for a kid-friendly café.

Arriving on a warm spring lunchtime we knew burgers were the order for the day but were pleasantly surprised to see an extensive menu ranging from typical burger bar fare to more sophisticated café dining such as haloumi and roasted capsicum burger and assorted quiche and slices. Not to be swayed, we stuck with our burger order and as Ross waited for our takeaway (sitting across the road at the beach suits dining with kids perfectly), the kids and I set up our picnic area.

 

Silver Beach Café – The Local Beach Everything Store.  Photo by Katia Barker
Silver Beach Café – The Local Beach Everything Store. Photo by Katia Barker

 

The burgers were delicious, with the right amount of meat, salad & sauce ratios, and did not fall apart as we ate them. I ordered the Standard Burger ($6.00) with Cheese (50c extra), Ross the Fish Burger ($6.00) and Jenson not to be left out – the Kids Burger ($5.00). What are burgers without chips? Well unfathomable – and luck was on our side, as we ordered a serve (they only offer one size which is approximately medium) and didn’t get charged for them! WIN!

Standard Burger with Cheese ($6.50). Photo by Katia Barker
Standard Burger with Cheese ($6.50). Photo by Katia Barker
Fish Burger ($6.00). Photo by Katia Barker
Fish Burger ($6.00). Photo by Katia Barker
Kids Burger ($5.00). Photo by Katia Barker
Kids Burger ($5.00). Photo by Katia Barker

It was a quick meal today as Jenson was itching to get in to the water and have a swim, and we took delight in introducing Isla to the ocean for the first time. Reflecting on Silver Beach Café we were pleasantly surprised to find a kid-friendly café in this prominent location (Kurnell — birthplace of a modern nation and all that!).

Jenson speeding through his burger, desperate to go for a swim! Photo by Katia Barker
Jenson speeding through his burger, desperate to go for a swim! Photo by Katia Barker

There is a great kids menu (all items around $5.00) and a couple of highchairs should you choose to dine in but personally, on a sunny day like today the only option was beachside dining. We will definitely be back, especially when the more popular Cronulla beaches become too busy to handle!

Last Bite: Silver Beach Café was a pleasant surprise that offers much more than a regular beach burger kiosk which has made the effort to provide for the little people and meets my expectations of a kid-friendly café. Don’t forget to pack your swimmers and sunscreen for the kid-friendly safe beach across the road!

Highchairs: Yes
Stroller Storage: Yes
Easy Access: Yes
Change Tables: No
Kids Menu: Yes

Silver Beach Café
152 Prince Charles Parade, Kurnell, NSW, 2231
Phone: 02 9668 9933
Price: $
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5:30pm, Sat-Sun 7am-5pm
Get Directions

Silver Beach Cafe on Urbanspoon

Happy 1st Birthday Brunch With My Baby!

Today we celebrate Brunch With My Baby turning one year old! Our little site that started in New York and branched out to Singapore and Sydney, has hit its very first birthday today. Thanks for following us on our brunching adventures!

cake

How Do You Measure A Year? (with apologies to fans of “RENT”)

In numbers
Our very first post — a review of our favorite kid-friendly restaurant, Balthazar — went live on this day last year, making us a the ripe old age of one. Since that first review, we have written nearly 300 posts, and have eaten at and written over 200 Restaurant Reviews from Manhattan to Brooklyn, and Sydney to Singapore. Don’t judge us. It was for the kids! They were we were really hungry.

Raegan and her four girls: Anais, Lourdes, Amelie Rose and Arin. Photo credit: http://www.elizabethstreet.com/living/their-room-raegan-moya-jones


In people
Our first interview for the Guest Brunchers section of the site was with the lovely and super business savvy aden + anais CEO Reagan Moya-Jones, about her favorite places to eat with her kids in the city. Since then, we have had the opportunity to meet and get to know 21 entrepreneurs in the world of food, kids, and fashion. Some highlights have included Chef Dominique Ansel and Rosie Pope.

#STOKKEBABY #Scoot #stroller review and #giveaway! brunchwithmybaby.com

In cool stuff
We are always looking for products that are perfect for urban parents and that make towing a child around the city a little easier. Since the site’s launch, we have reviewed and offered our readers 10 high value Giveaways, from a HUGE case of Chobani Champions yogurt, a whole line of new products from aden + anais, to a Britax carrier and even a Stokke stroller!

Balthazar - kid-friendly restaurants, SoHo, New York.
In experiences
In the past year, our kids have grown from easy-to-tote-around infants to rough and tumble toddlers; which means that we have experienced the best and worst of dining out. We’ve taken all of our experiences and turned them into nearly 10 Survival Guides, to help you navigate a meal out — or even an entire day out — with a baby or toddler with as much grace as possible.

Dominique Ansel Bakery - kid-friiendly bakeries , SoHo. NY, via brunchwithmybaby.com
In love
To our readers who have been with us from those very early days (thanks mum and dad!) and all those sleepless nights, we thank you for continuing to read about our adventures and supporting our brunching journey through New York, Sydney and Singapore. To our new readers, we hope this site gives you the courage to pack up Baby, put on some cute but walkable shoes, and take the train to one of your favorite restaurants from before you became a parent. It won’t be the same as it was before, and it probably will be a lot messier, but we promise, it will be worth it. And don’t forget to order wine 🙂

Love,

Christine, Alexis, Cheese & Little J, and the BWMB teams in Singapore and Sydney.

 Opening photo by stevendepolo. Raegan Moya-Jones photo by Elizabeth St

How Do You Measure a Year (With Apologies to Fans of “Rent”)?

cake
In numbers
Our very first post — a review of our favorite kid-friendly restaurant, Balthazar — went live on this day last year, making us the ripe old age of one. Since that first review, we have written nearly 300 posts, have eaten at A LOT of restaurants and written over 200 Restaurant Reviews from Manhattan to Brooklyn, and Sydney to Singapore. Don’t judge us. It was for the kids! They were we were really hungry.

Raegan and her four girls: Anais, Lourdes, Amelie Rose and Arin. Photo credit: http://www.elizabethstreet.com/living/their-room-raegan-moya-jones Raegan and her four girls: Anais, Lourdes, Amelie Rose and Arin. Photo credit: http://www.elizabethstreet.com/living/their-room-raegan-moya-jones%5B/caption%5D

In people
Our first interview for the Guest Brunchers section of the site was with the lovely and super business savvy aden + anais CEO Reagan Moya-Jones, about her favorite places to eat with her kids in the city. Since then, we have had the opportunity to meet and get to know 21 entrepreneurs in the world of food, kids, and fashion. Some highlights have included Chef Dominique Ansel and Rosie Pope.

#STOKKEBABY #Scoot #stroller review and #giveaway! brunchwithmybaby.com

In cool stuff
We are always looking for products that are perfect for urban parents and that make towing a child around the city a little easier. Since the site’s launch, we have reviewed and offered our readers high value Giveaways, from a HUGE case of Chobani Champions yogurt, a whole line of new products from aden + anais, to a Britax carrier and even a Stokke stroller!

Balthazar - kid-friendly restaurants, SoHo, New York.
In experiences
In the past year, our kids have grown from easy-to-tote-around infants to rough and tumble toddlers; which means that we have experienced the best and worst of dining out. We’ve taken all of our experiences and turned them into nearly 10 Survival Guides, to help you navigate a meal out — or even an entire day out — with a baby or toddler with as much grace as possible.

Dominique Ansel Bakery - kid-friiendly bakeries , SoHo. NY, via brunchwithmybaby.com
In love
To our readers who have been with us from those very early days (thanks mum and dad!) and all those sleepless nights, we thank you for continuing to read about our adventures and supporting our brunching journey through New York, Sydney and Singapore. To our new readers, we hope this site gives you the courage to pack up Baby, put on some cute but walkable shoes, and take the train to one of your favorite restaurants from before you became a parent. It won’t be the same as it was before, and it probably will be a lot messier, but we promise, it will be worth it. And don’t forget to order wine 🙂

Love,

Christine, Alexis, Cheese & Little J, and the BWMB team

 Opening photo by stevendepolo.

Saint Michiba Pizza: Kid-Friendly Restaurants, Waterloo, Sydney

What do you get when the Franciscan order and a flying pig cross paths? You get a slice of pizza heaven. St. Michiba’s is a kid-friendly pizza eatery on Waterloo’s leafy Phillip St with a sinfully delicious menu with a playful shade of Japanese-anime-inspired ambience.*

Lukas pointing out the cool artwork inside St Michiba's
Lukas (kind of) pointing out the cool artwork inside St Michiba’s. Photo by Emily Staresina

On a recent blustery spring evening, Baby Lukas and I took my parents (visiting from Canada) to St. Michiba’s. For the sake of full disclosure, I must admit that it was not my first time at St. Michiba’s and that they may even know me when I ring for takeaway.

As the restaurant interior is small, we elected to sit outside which was great because it left us room for the pram and allowed Baby Lukas free access to zawk (my word to describe his style of zombie walking – a fresh skill he’s acquired) and gawk at all the people walking by.

The first thing my parents noticed was the unusual menu – salads are listed under “The Garden of Eden” while vegetarian pizzas hail from “The Franciscan Order”. We decided on the Genesis salad (prosciutto, avocado, toasted walnuts, parmesan on wild rocket, $14), the Rahmiel (smoked ham, mushroom, pineapple and olives, $26) and the Assisi ($22, otherwise known as a Margherita).

In not very long our pizzas arrived, and they didn’t disappoint: for approximately 10 minutes not a sound (other than Baby Lukas happily chowing down on pizza crust – which make for excellent teething snacks, by the way) was heard as we concentrated on the goodness. As a testament to the quality, my father, who’d rather have a steak over pasta (which is what he classifies pizza), was stunned at how good these thin-crust pizzas tasted.

Lukas in awe of the heavenly feast before him (Genesis salad, $16, Assisi pizza, $22)
Lukas awed by the heavenly feast before him (salad, $16, Assisi pizza, $22). Photo by Emily Staresina

While we ran out of stomach to try any of the Last Temptations (also known as dessert) we were more than satisfied with our dinner.

Last bite: Waterloo doesn’t lack for pizza joints, nor does it lack for kid-friendly places to eat, but St. Michiba’s is one of those rare places where good food and stuff to do make happy babies and happy parents.  

*Clarification: I’ve no idea if the flying pigs artwork that adorn the pizza boxes and the walls actually are Japanese Anime inspired, but this is what my uninformed self would call it.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No, the menu suits any kids eating pizza

St. Michiba’s
Shop 8 / 863 Bourke Street, (actually located on Phillip St at end of Pedestrian crossing)
Waterloo NSW 2017
Ph: (02) 8068 8767
Prices: $$$
Hours: Sun-Sat 5pm-10pm
Get Directions

Saint Michiba Pizza on Urbanspoon

Introducing Brunch With My Baby Singapore!

Brunchers, we have some super-exciting news today. Brunch With My Baby is on the move! We’re now bringing parents the most delicious places to eat in New York, Sydney AND, our newest destination, Singapore!

Singapore boasts many food aficionados and people who hail from a culture of we-love-to-eat. It’s not uncommon there to plan where you’ll have your dinner, whilst you’re  still eating your lunch. The Singapore food scene encompasses everything from cheap and cheerful hawker food, all the way to Michelin star restaurants. And Singaporean foodies love that and everything in between.

Please give a warm welcome to our new Singapore Editor, Beverly Burgess, the blogger behind the popular website, Beverly’s Adventures. Her biggest loves include family, food and fashion (her Balenciaga collection makes us drool!).

Having lived in Australia, China and Singapore, Beverly entered an alternate universe at warp speed when she went from online marketing manager for Microsoft and then eBay to becoming a mother of two kids under the age of two.

Her career is now replaced with the privilege of being a full-time mum, but the urge to try out new restaurants, shop, and socialise still remains (albeit with two obliging children in tow). And she wouldn’t have it any other way.

It’s not easy handling the dreaded “two under two” kids, as many other mums in similar situations will agree. Sometimes, the only way to maintain your sanity is to simply get out of the house!

Luckily for Beverly, Singapore is all about one of her favorite things — food! And luckily for us, Beverly is now sharing her favorite places there to eat, play and explore, with our readers.

Please hop on over to check out the best of kid-friendly Singapore, and say “hi” to Beverly and her family.

Beverly Burgess, Singapore Editori, Brunchwithmybaby.com

The Weir Café: Kid-Friendly Cafe, Audley, Sutherland Shire

Living on the doorstep of one of Sydney’s amazing National Parks is a gift we don’t take advantage of enough, and with a recently updated kid-friendly café set in the most beautiful natural settings this is definitely something we will start doing more often. The Weir Café is a lively eating spot for Shire locals and tourists with table space at a premium on a sunny Spring day. Fortunately we arrived early enough to secure a table on the edge of the park and went about reviewing the breakfast (brunch) menu.

Weir Cafe - #kid-friendly #restaurants - #Audley, #Sutherland Shire via brunchwithmybaby.comThe Weir Café in its beautiful setting.  Photo by Katia Barker

Bacon was on order for both Ross & I, with Ross choosing the Bacon & Egg Sandwich ($12.50) with a side of Chorizo Sausage ($4.50) and I opted for the BLAT ($15.00). Jenson nibbled his way through Raisin Toast ($5.90) with his drink of choice Banana Milkshake ($3.70), and with two coffees ($3.70 each) we were set.

Jenson was not in the mood to sit quietly or patiently this morning, so I took him for a wander around the park whilst Ross entertained our little lady (who ate her food, plus some of my brunch, and half of Jenson’s toast). The park area is fantastic for picnics and groups were setting up for parties and D.I.Y lunches. The Weir Café also offers picnic hampers if you are wanting to spoil yourself and let someone else do the hard work.

Weir Cafe - #kid-friendly #restaurants - #Audley, #Sutherland Shire via brunchwithmybaby.com Jenson at Play. Photo by Ross Barker

The food arrived promptly and we tucked in. My BLAT was generous and tasty with a sneaky kick of garlic aioli, and Ross devoured his Bacon & Egg sandwich with a nod of approval. We agreed that both meals were good value and would definitely order again. Whilst there is no specific kids’ menu for breakfast you can order individual items to cater for smaller appetites, and there is a small kids’ menu for lunch (all $10.00 each).

Weir Cafe - #kid-friendly #restaurants - #Audley, #Sutherland Shire via brunchwithmybaby.comBLAT ($15.00). Photo by Katia Barker

Weir Cafe - #kid-friendly #restaurants - #Audley, #Sutherland Shire via brunchwithmybaby.comBacon & Egg Sandwich ($12.50) with Chorizo ($4.50). Photo by Katia Barker

Weir Cafe - #kid-friendly #restaurants - #Audley, #Sutherland Shire via brunchwithmybaby.comFeeding frenzy with the kids, Isla demanding more! Photo by Katia Barker

It would have been nice to sit back and order a second coffee and take in the scenery however the little people had other ideas and so we packed up once the last bite was gone and spent time exploring nature instead. Fortunately there was no waiting around for the servers at The Weir Café as you order and pay at the same time which is a good move when the little people say “let’s go!”.

Weir Cafe - #kid-friendly #restaurants - #Audley, #Sutherland Shire via brunchwithmybaby.comSpecial times with the family. Photo by Ross Barker

Last Bite: The Weir Café is a unique, kid-friendly café set in a stunning location that is well worth the extra effort to take a trip and visit. Although you pay an $11.00 entry fee to the National Park there is enough to do for a whole days’ worth of fun, including hiring a canoe, kayak or paddle boat or various bush walks. Don’t forget to pack the scooter / bike / frizbee! 

Highchairs: Yes
Stroller Storage: Yes
Easy Access: Yes
Change Tables: No
Kids Menu: Yes 

The Weir Cafe
Lady Carrington Drive,
Audley, NSW
Phone: 02 9542 6222
Price: $$
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am – 7pm
Get Directions

The Weir on Urbanspoon

Post Box Café: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Yowie Bay, Sutherland Shire

Tucked away in the quiet suburb of Yowie Bay, Post Box Café is somewhat of an institution with locals and for good reason. The food is delicious, the coffee is one of the best found in the Sutherland Shire and the staff welcome everyone with a smile – especially those with kids!

Post box - kid-friendly restaurants, Newtown, NSW- via brunchwithmybaby.com
Isla relaxing in front of Post Box Café. Photo by Katia Barker.

On a sunny Sunday morning Jenson, Isla and I took a walk up to Post Box Café (did I mention it was also my local?) to enjoy a lazy morning tea and allow Jenson to let of some steam in their play area. We parked ourselves on the grass area whilst the locals filled up the tables inside and out with a gusto. Parking is a premium and a revolving door of those stopping in to grab and go, and those situated for a long, lazy brunch. We quickly ordered (coffee $3.80 and a passionfruit slice $2.50 for me, banana milkshake $3.00 and cinnamon toast $5.00 for Jenson) and before I had paid our drinks were ready.

Post box cafe - kid-friendly restaurants, Sutherland, NSW- via brunchwithmybaby.com
Jenson and his signature ‘Banana Milkshake’ $3.00 Photo by Katia Barker.

Jenson went about exploring the assorted toys and equipment which are in fair condition – (read – all are a little broken but still entertaining nevertheless) whilst Isla made her way over to the water bowl supplied for our four-legged friends and proceeded to tip it out before I could catch her. Being a sunny morning we weren’t in a rush to disappear, however Isla made it known when enough was enough and I called a reluctant Jenson back so we could meander back home.

Post box cafe - kid-friendly restaurants, Sutherland, NSW- via brunchwithmybaby.com
Jenson at play. Photo by Katia Barker.

Post Box Café does not slow down during the week, and bookings are recommended for lunch and all day on weekends, otherwise ordering take-away and sitting on the grassy verge is pleasant. Kids are also catered for in wet weather, with colouring in books, magazines and textas also supplied. The menu is full of appetising options for both kids and adults and they offer daily specials if you are after something a little different to standard café fare.

Last Bite: Post Box Café is a fun, kid-friendly café who have put thought in to catering to the little ones. A gem of Yowie Bay that the local’s treasure and those out of suburb wish was on their front door. If you haven’t checked this one out yet put it on your must-visit list!

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes, outside there is plenty of room, indoors could be tight
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: Yes, the menu is great for young and old(er)

Post Box Café
46a Attunga Rd, Yowie Bay, NSW, 2228
Phone: 02 9531 5659
Price: $-$$
Hours: Monday – Sunday 8am – 4pm (approximately)
Get Directions

Post Box Cafe on Urbanspoon

Flowercino: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Caringbah, Sutherland Shire, Sydney

The combination of a florist and café, Flowercino is a perfect mix for a stunning little café in the heart of Sutherland Shire. With added quirky elements such as the hanging display of pots and pans, and the veggie garden out back there is something for even the most discerning little foodie to enjoy.

Flowercino- kid-friendly restaurants, Caringbah, NSW- via brunchwithmybaby.com
Jenson exploring the garden area at Flowercino. Photo by Katia Barker

Arriving on a warm morning we were still in time for the breakfast menu which offers both sweet and savoury options. We quickly claimed the shadiest table out in the garden before making our selections. The locals seemed to have made residence at the shop front, giving the café a buzzing vibe, whereas the back garden is the place to be for visitors with children, or those needing a little extra space (or prefer the pleasant view over to Castlenau Park).

After we placed our order Jenson went about exploring the herb gardens, mismatched garden furniture and chalk board for budding artists to create their masterpieces whilst waiting for the food to arrive. I ordered the Turkish with bacon, egg, tomato & avocado ($9.50) whilst Ross went for the specialty of Turkish with Za’atar, baked eggs, spinach, smoked ham and tomato ($12.50) and personally I think I won as my meal was delicious, very generous and excellent value. Jenson insisted on having a sandwich before we left home so didn’t order a meal, although there are plenty of child-friendly options from toast, muesli, sweet breads and bacon and eggs to choose from. Instead a mini milkshake ($3.00) and tea-cup biscuit ($4.00) were his selections.

Flowercino- kid-friendly restaurants, Caringbah, NSW- via brunchwithmybaby.com
Avocado with tomato, bacon and egg on Turkish toast ($9.50). Photo by Katia Barker
Flowercino- kid-friendly restaurants, Caringbah, NSW- via brunchwithmybaby.com
Za’Atar Turkish ($12.50). Photo by Katia Barker

Drinks are served in take-away friendly cups for customers who are sitting in the garden, perhaps for safety – however a brilliant decision in case you need to make a quick exit to prevent or manage a mini meltdown. Thankfully both Jenson and Isla were well behaved and Ross and I managed to finish our drinks (banana smoothie $5.90 and iced coffee $4.50) without a mad dash.

Flowercino- kid-friendly restaurants, Caringbah, NSW- via brunchwithmybaby.com
Jenson only has eyes for his tea-cup biscuit ($4.00). Photo by Katia Barker

A promise of a play at Castlenau Park afterwards was suffice for Jenson to maintain his composure throughout brunch although he did prefer standing on his chair rather than sitting, well you win some you lose some!

Flowercino- kid-friendly restaurants, Caringbah, NSW- via brunchwithmybaby.com
Jenson at play at Castlenau Park. Photo by Katia Barker

Last Bite: Flowercino is a quaint kid-friendly café offering great value food and service, welcoming to families with delightful staff, tucked away in suburban Caringbah. The added bonus of being located near an excellent park also helps appease active little people!

Highchairs: No.
Stroller storage:Yes, plenty of room in the garden, inside the shop might be a squeeze.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No, but plenty of easy options to choose from

Flowercino
487a Port Hacking Road
Caringbah, NSW 2229
Phone: 02 9531 7435
Price: $-$$
Hours:
Mon-Thur: 5:30am-5:30pm, Fri 5:30am-6pm, Sat 5:30am-4pm, Sun 6am-2pm
Get Directions

Flowercino on Urbanspoon