Southern Sydney Archives - Page 2 of 3

Hospitality Establishment, Kid-Friendly Cafes, Caringbah, Sutherland Shire, NSW

December 1, 2013 / Caringbah, Sutherland, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

On a chilly Saturday morning we had a craving for bacon and eggs without much fuss so we decided to head to Hospitality Est. in Caringbah to fulfil our needs. The spacious interior and welcoming staff are the first impressions you get when entering this kid-friendly café. Tables are well laid out, there is a play corner with books, colouring and assorted toys, plus a big comfy lounge to house plenty of children if sitting still at your table isn’t happening.

We made sure we arrived in time for brunch, so the breakfast menu was still available and took our picks from the menu. I chose the Breakfast Panini ($10.50), Ross the Standard Bacon & Eggs ($11.50) and pleasingly Jenson was also well catered for with the ‘Little Est. Menu’ Ham & Cheese Melt ($3). This kid-friendly café has put some thought in to caring for the little ones, with a clever play on their name for the menu and all options under $6. Large coffees warmed up the adults ($4) and the signature milkshake order was not going to be missed. At $2.50 for a small size, this is the most affordable milkshake for kids I have found to date.

Hospitality Est. - #kid-friendly #restaurants - #Caringbah, #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com — Breakfast Panini ($10.50)

Jenson loves reading, so he selected a book and surprisingly waited quite patiently for our food to arrive. (Although he did nearly take out the waitress running back to our table when he realised his milkshake arrived). Little things like bringing the milkshake out first are the things which really add to a kid-friendly experience.

Hospitality Est. pleasantly surprised us. As soon as you enter you feel like you can relax, and turning up with a big group, or with several spirited children, would not be a problem. It can also accommodate several strollers, just what every family or parents’ group is after in a kid-friendly café!

Last Bite: Hospitality Est. serves good quality, no fuss food for breakfast and lunch in a relaxed atmosphere. Food arrives fast, which is important when dining with little people. We’ll be back soon to try out the lunch menu!

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes
Easy access: Yes, although restrooms are located down a small flight of stairs
Change tables: No
Kids’ menu: Yes

The Hospitality Establishment
47 President Avenue, Caringbah, NSW, 2229
Phone: (02) 8521 7501
Price: $-$$
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm, Sat 8:30am-4pm
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Baked Patisserie: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Kirrawee, Sutherland Shire, NSW

November 21, 2013 / Kirrawee, Sutherland, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

There was an ulterior motive when we decided to visit Baked Patisserie for morning tea and it centred on the rumours of magnificent cronuts and macarons to rival the king of macaron – Adriano Zumbo! As a plus, this tucked-away patisserie appeals to kids with a range of sweet delights from an evolving menu.

Being in the industrial side of Kirrawee, Baked Patisserie doesn’t really fit with its surroundings. However they are building up quite a cult following and why wouldn’t they with mouth-watering treats, such as the Raspberry & Vanilla Cronut ($5), Macarons ($2.50) and a reasonable $4.00 for a large coffee.

Jenson didn’t care about which flavour macaron he wanted, he went for the brightest possible colour (green) – which I believe was Pistachio and was devoured with a nod of approval. I savoured my cronut without thinking that J would soon turn his eyes to the remaining half on my plate, and in his usual negotiating style asked that we share the rest as sharing is a nice thing to do. I can’t fault his approach!

Baked Patisserie certainly caters for the little people with a small train set set up alongside one wall to play with, a high chair for the littler ones, which is a good thing, as you want to savour the quality coffee on offer. These little additions, along with the friendly service, make this cafe very kid-friendly.

For the less sweet-tooth inclined, there are gourmet rolls ($7) and a pie warmer for more substantial offerings. (The Moroccan Pie stood out for me which sounded delicious). Another time perhaps!

Last Bite: Baked Patisserie is a place you are going to be adding to your regular café repertoire especially when your sweet tooth is calling and the kids are needing distraction. The constantly evolving menu also means there will be something new each time you visit.

Highchairs: Yes
Stroller Storage: Yes
Easy Access: Yes, one step inside
Change Tables: No
Kids Menu: Cakes and treats for all ages!

Baked Patisserie
1/10 Marshall Road,
Kirrawee, NSW, 2232
Phone: 0415 232 557
Prices: $
Hours: Mon–Fri 6am-3pm, Sat 6am-1pm
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Chi Chi’s Cafe: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Waterloo, Sydney

November 12, 2013 / Cheese, Eastern Suburbs, Sydney Food, Waterloo / 0 comment

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.

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: $

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

October 21, 2013 / Kurnell, Southern Sydney, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

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

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

Fish Burger ($6.00). 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

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

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

October 5, 2013 / Inner South East, Sydney, Sydney Food, Waterloo / 0 comment

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

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

September 29, 2013 / Audley, Sutherland, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

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.

The 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.

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).

BLAT ($15.00). Photo by Katia Barker

Bacon & Egg Sandwich ($12.50) with Chorizo ($4.50). Photo by Katia Barker

Feeding 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!”.

Special 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

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

September 23, 2013 / Sutherland, Sydney, Sydney Food, Yowie Bay / 0 comment

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 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

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

September 7, 2013 / Caringbah, Sutherland, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

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.

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.

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!

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

Wahwah Lounge: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Waterloo, Sydney

July 23, 2013 / Eastern Suburbs, Sydney, Sydney Food, Waterloo / 0 comment

Wahwah Lounge is one heck of a baby-friendly cafe. From the super cozy booths to the staff who treat your baby like a rock star, not to mention the yummy food, Wahwah Lounge in Waterloo is an easy, breezy place to brunch.

At Wahwah Lounge, the best place for containing a baby is in one of their cosy corner booths, which is where the friendly staff suggested we sit upon arrival. With Baby Lukas leaning over our booth and making friends with the people in the next one over (even the other patrons seem to love babies!), we ordered our food.

Wahwah Lounge - kid-friendly restaurants, Waterloo, NSW- via brunchwithmybaby.com — Baby Lukas making friends in one of the booths. *Photo by Emily Staresina.*

Wahwah Lounge has an awesome all-day brunch menu, and does staples like poached eggs, really well. This time around, I ordered their Free Range Eggs (poached) with Soy Linseed Toast ($10.50), and a cheeky side of bacon. Lorin ordered the French Toast with Maple Syrup, Strawberries and Crème Fraiche ($12.50), which I have to say, was also a very smart choice.

Wahwah Lounge - kid-friendly restaurants, Sydney, NSW- via brunchwithmybaby.com — Wahwah Lounge – Poached eggs on soy linseed toast ($10.50). Photo by Emily Staresina.

Stuck into our food, it wasn’t until several mouthfuls later that we realised Baby Lukas was “drinking” (also know as “seriously leaking”) milk from his sippy cup, and it was going all over the clean upholstered booth. Now, not only did the staff not fuss when they saw (after I frantically and apologetically asked for napkins), but they told us not to give it a second thought as these things happen, and that’s why they have regular cleanings scheduled. Far more forgiving than they should have been, WalWah truly is a baby-friendly place.

Despite nearly destroying the joint, Baby Lukas got several high-fives from the staff on the way out.

Last bite: If you’re looking for a no-fuss, no-stress outing with solid food and where Baby will be treated like royalty (even if they’re a bit naughty), Wahwah Lounge in Waterloo should be your next brunch destination.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Not really. Small strollers are ok.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No. But lots for kiddies to choose from.

Wahwah Lounge
1 Danks Street
Waterloo, NSW 2017
Phone: (02) 9699 3456
Prices: $$
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm, Sat 8am-4pm, Sun 8am-3pm
Get Directions

Arthur’s By The River: Kid-Friendly Restaurants, Woronora, Sutherland

June 24, 2013 / Sutherland, Sydney, Sydney Food, Woronora / 0 comment

Finding a kid-friendly restaurant around the Sutherland Shire takes some hunting, but Arthur’s By the River —a bright and welcoming restaurant—ticks all the boxes of catering towards the little people while making adults feel a little bit special as well. With trepidation, I made a booking for the family at Arthur’s By the River for a “nice” family lunch. I say nice, although I was planning for something more along the lines of quick and minus the calamity. Jenson, three-and-a-half, is most known for his famous line, “I don’t like lunch”, and Isla, six months, earned herself the nickname “rattlesnake” in the nursery at the hospital at no more than two days old. I nervously put my hand up to review this family-friendly restaurant with my hubby, Ross.

Formally called Lemon Squeezy, Arthur’s By the River describes itself as providing great food, good wine, excellent service with fabulous company and it does not disappoint. With stunning views across the Woronora River (although the day we went was rather gloomy), and a dedicated area just for kids to play, our lunch resulted in tasty food, a few laughs and full bellies for all (including the boy who turns his nose up at any formal meal setting!). Another fun touch is that each table has a little game or pack of cards to entertain yourselves with should conversations be lacking (note our Connect Four remained unplayed, however).

Whilst we waited for our food Jenson took himself to the play area and served up morning tea for us all, travelling between our table and the play area with various toys. It wasn’t too busy so we weren’t concerned about this, however, as it got busier later with more children, we would have ensured he kept the toys in their rightful place.

Arthur's By the River - kid-friendly restaurants - Woronora, Sutherland Shire, Sydney, via brunchwithmybaby.com — Jenson serving up morning tea. *Photo by Katia Barker*

The a la carte menu is simple with items such as quiche, three cheese lasagne and chicken curry, and is supplemented with extensive blackboard specials, ensuring there is something for everyone. I chose a staple favourite Chicken Schnitzel Toastie, with Ross nominating the Lamb Skewers. Jenson has his selection from the small, but adequate children’s menu—Fish & Chips with the necessary red sauce (tomato ketchup). Ross and I treated ourselves to a beverage from their beer and wine list, adding a grown up element to our lunch. The food arrived quickly with our waitress and host, Debbie, delivering the meals with smiles and a nothing-is-too-hard attitude. Debbie went out of her way to make Jenson welcome and engaged him in conversation which made him feel very special, and Isla slurped down some pureed apple and peach whilst we devoured our meals. Ross claimed the freshly baked garlic pita was the hero of his meal and the chips we all had on our plates were divine, crispy and perfectly salted. It’s lucky we all had chips with our meals as I’m sure there would have been thieving fingers travelling across the table for sampling purposes.

Arthur’s By the River also offers event hire, children’s parties, value dinner nights for families and, surprisingly, takeaway picnics to allow you to set up outside and dine by the river, which we will definitely be back to do when the weather warms up.

Overall I would consider this lunch outing a success, Jenson was well behaved (mostly) and ate his lunch with some encouragement, and Isla did not serenade the other diners with her falsetto screaming, phew! Our confidence in venturing out for more dining experiences is growing!

Last Bite: Arthur’s By the River is a unique kid-friendly restaurant tucked away in Woronora in the Sutherland Shire. With a simple yet satisfying menu and stunning location, this gem is well worth the visit over the bridge to the “Shire”. Why not make a day of it and hire a boat or canoe and paddle your breakfast or lunch off around the river?

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes, if you carry your stroller upstairs there is plenty of space within the restaurant.
Easy access: No, a flight of stairs to enter the restaurant.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: Yes, simple but all the standard favourites.

Arthur’s By the River
Level 1, 2 Prices Cct
Woronora, NSW 2232
Phone: (02) 9545 6557
Prices: $$
Hours: Wed-Fri 7am-4pm and 5:30am-8:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm and 5:30-9pm
Get Directions