kid friendly sydney Archives - Page 3 of 3

Pilgrim’s Wholefood, Kid-Friendly Cafes, Huskisson, Shoalhaven, NSW

October 29, 2013 / Huskisson, Shoalhaven / 0 comment

We decided to take a cheeky mid-week Spring break down to the sunny holiday spot of Jervis Bay for a few days and Huskisson is a family favourite of ours. Finding kid-friendly cafes beyond fish and chips was a new experience we were willing to take on and Pilgrim’s Wholefood was an excellent start. Tucked along a retail corridor the interior of Pilgrims encapsulates a beach side cantina feel with a little bit of Sydney hipness.

Being a devoted meatatarian I was impressed by the modern menu, which is made up solely of vegetarian options utilizing local fresh produce. The wait staff helpfully offered up the most popular choices (both burgers!). Ross selected the Bliss Burger, $11 (mixed grain pattie with fried onion, avocado, cheese, tabouleh, sprouts, special sauce & peanut sauce on a wholemeal roll) and I opted for the Millenium Burger $11 (Curry lentil pattie, fried onion, avocado, lettuce, beetroot, cucumber, sprouts, tahini sauce & sweet chilli sauce on a toasted wholemeal roll). Jenson had a Kids Burger, $8 (mixed grain pattie, fried onion, cheese, sprouts & special sauce on a toasted wholemeal roll).

Pilgrim's Wholefoods - #kid-friendly #cafes - #Huskisson, #NSW via brunchwithmybaby.com — The Millenium Burger

We all opted for cold drinks and Jensons’ Kids Banana Smoothie, $4.50, was generous in size and arrived first, which is always smart when kids are dining. The adult Thickshakes, $7, each are served in traditional chilled metal cups and hit the spot on a warm day.

The adult burgers were both delicious and satisfying and didn’t need any accompaniments such as chips, although they were a little messy. Jenson tried his burger but wasn’t really into the non-traditional flavours. It would be more suitable for a child who is either a little more worldly with their eating, or can accept that a burger can be something other than meat, cheese, tomato, lettuce & sauce! Never mind, more for us to snack on!

Pilgrim’s Wholefood is a little bit of everything with typical breakfast fare in the morning (although still all vegetarian), burgers, wraps, pies & salads and coffee during the day with Mexican cuisine at night. This could allow you to return three times a day and have a different culinary experience each time. The café is spacious with long rustic wood tables built for sharing with a few smaller tables dotted around and has a small retail corner for local designer clothes & art for purchase or browse whilst waiting for your food.

Last Bite: Pilgrim’s Wholefood brings the Sydney vibe to the beachside town with unique vegetarian wholefoods, stylish interior and things to look at and poke around for the kids. Takeaway is also an option if the café is buzzing and you need space with a kid-friendly park directly underneath the shop.

Highchairs: Yes
Stroller storage: Yes
Easy access: Yes
Change tables: No
Kids menu: One or two options, might be best to ask for a custom sandwich or wrap if child is a little picky!

Pilgrim’s Wholefood
Shop 5/57 Owen Street, Huskisson, NSW 2540
Phone: 02 4441 6118
Price: $$
Hours: Mon-Sun 9am-3pm, Thur-Sat 6pm-9pm

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

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

St Jude: Baby-Friendly Cafes, Redfern, Sydney

July 31, 2013 / Eastern Suburbs, Redfern, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

If you’re cruising down the Redfern side of Bourke St, do not pass the non-descript building that houses St Jude without tasting at least one of their delicious dishes. Whilst it’s a super busy tiny slip of a café, the outdoor tables make for a baby-friendly place to brunch.

St Jude: baby-friendly cafes, Redfern, Sydney, via brunchwithmybaby.com — St Jude exterior. *Photo by Emily Staresina*

St Jude’s brunch offerings are enough to please—and quite possibly impress—even the most seasoned Eastern Suburb gourmand. Neither Lorin nor I, nor Baby Lukas come to think of it, are vegetarian, but today we sampled two of St Jude’s vegetarian offerings. (St Jude isn’t a vegetarian-only café, but breakfast for us usually includes the delicious and revered pork in one format or another, so for us both to try a veggie-only breakfast, and to be fully satisfied, is a testament to St Jude!)

The interior is a little small, with the cozy booths lining the far wall making for comfortable baby seating. The handful of outdoor tables are ideal if you can get one—especially given the ridiculously nice winter weather we’ve been having!

This Saturday morning, we descended upon St Jude’s in a bit of hurry (with Baby Lukas possible ready to implode due to it being nap time). We were initially seated at the world’s smallest table but another waiter took pity on us and moved us to a larger table the second he was able to.

Choosing from the menu was hard, but we both struck gold. The Sweet Corn and Pumpkin Fritters with Avocado Cream, Poached Egg, Hollandaise and Baby Spinach ($14.50), sampled by Lorin, was a dynamite choice, and one worth getting, even if you don’t think you’re a fritters kind of bruncher. I went for the Avocado Smash with Salsa, Fresh Spinach and Feta ($14.50), which Baby Lukas and I pretty much fought each other for. Luckily for us, the servings were more than generous.

Last bite: If you’re looking for a baby-friendly café where you can sit outside and enjoy these ridiculously sunny Sydney winter days while sampling some of the tastiest brunch this side of Bourke St, St Jude is the place for you.

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

St. Jude
728 Bourke St, Redfern 2016
Phone: (02) 9310 3523
Prices: $
Hours: Mon-Sun 7am-4pm
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

Grandma’s Little Bakery: Kid-Friendly Restaurants, Alexandria, Sydney

June 26, 2013 / Alexandria, Eastern Suburbs, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

Looking for some comfort food that reminds you of grandma’s cooking? Look no further than Grandma’s Little Bakery, a cute, kid-friendly restaurant, café, bakery and store in Alexandra, where their tagline proclaims it’s “just like home”.

With winter undeniably here and it being my last day of maternity leave, I was in desperate need of comfort food. Grandma’s Little Bakery, which had always caught my eye en route the airport, seemed the natural choice, my two men—Baby Lukas and husband Lorin—in tow.

The mouth-watering smell of home-cooked soup and the cheery red-and-white polka-dot table cloths greeted us the second we walked through the door. This being Alexandria, however, Grandma’s Little Bakery is positioned within a warehouse-like building, so it ticks the “little bit trendy” box too.

When I think of comfort food, I think of macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese, soup—basically anything warm and cheesy and full of carbs. Grandma’s Little Bakery doesn’t disappoint and you must try the Traditional Chicken Soup ($12.50). The menu here also offers some non-standard comfort-food fare, such as the Couscous Beef Kebab Salad ($12.50), which I just had to try—and I’m glad I did (the picture should say it all).

After we ate (Baby Lukas, occupied with a piece of sumptuous chicken from the soup, let us finish our meals) we took a little tour of the bakery and shop, located just behind the pay counter. Dozens of frozen soups, strudels and jams were neatly aligned on the wooden shelves, ready-made for some of grandma’s comfort food to be enjoyed in—well—the comfort of your home.

As with all good comfort food, my food (and time) at Grandma’s Little Bakery was a great distraction from the realisation that this was my last day of maternity leave. You really can’t ask for more for a place that promises to deliver its wares as being “just like home”.

It’s worth mentioning that there’s an indoor playground area for toddlers and older kids, so boredom won’t be a factor at this Grandma’s!

Last bite: If you’re looking for some comfort food in a trendy but not too-trendy-for-itself venue that’s kid-friendly, Grandma’s Little Bakery in Alexandria is the go.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: Yes.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

Grandma’s Little Bakery
42 O’Riordan Street
Alexandria, NSW 2015
Phone: (02) 9690 0069
Prices: $$
Hours: Mon-Sun 7am-4pm
Get Directions

Kitchen By Mike: Kid-Friendly Restaurants, Rosebery, Sydney

June 15, 2013 / Eastern Suburbs, Roseberry, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

Kitchen By Mike is a baby-friendly brunch find. In fact, it’s a Saturday morning staple with my family. It’s such a great little find that I almost don’t want to share it. Almost.

This Saturday morning, like all Saturdays, Baby Lukas and I rocked up to Kitchen By Mike’s to meet my husband, Lorin, his cycling mates, and his cycling mates’ partners and children. The place is an old warehouse, so not only is it large enough to accommodate a dozen prams, it also fits all the mens’ bicycles and related gear.

After a quick trip to the counter to order food, Baby Lukas and I made our way over to join our over-spandexed men who were sitting at one of the large share tables. The share tables are great and almost ensure that you can always find a place to sit. Plus, you pay for your food and drink on ordering, which makes for quick getaways (necessary when Baby Lukas nuclear reacts mid-way through brunch, a common event).

Kitchen By Mike - Kid-friendly restaurants, Roseberry, Sydney, via brunchwithmybaby.com — Ordering food

What really makes Kitchen By Mike a great place to brunch is that the food is fantastic. The menu is simple but the ingredients and combinations are mouth-watering. Try the Eggs Benedict: it will redefine (and potentially spoil, in a good way) the dish for you. At the very least it will keep you coming back for more. Today even Baby Lukas tried to get into his dad’s hollandaise sauce when I wasn’t looking. If sweets such as pancakes are your thing, try the Sourdough Pancakes with Lemon Curd. It’s a foodies delight.

The food comes out quickly, but for impatient toddlers, there’s a shop adjacent to the café, which sells very cool Koskela housing décor, and includes a kids’ area for play. Well, at least I think it’s for play. No one ever tells us not to play there, and today was no different. It’s also a great place to take out-of-towners. They’ll be very impressed!

Today, Baby Lukas was a model baby: no quick exit was needed, and we were able to enjoy our meals at our leisure. On our way out, I saw someone else being served the Eggs Benny, and the only thought I had in my head was “can’t wait until next Saturday!”.

Last bite: If you’re looking for a go-to baby- and toddler-friendly brunch place that serves delicious food, has easy parking a big space for kids to play, Kitchen By Mike is the go.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes. There’s a ramp. Street parking is also easy.
Change tables: Yes.
Kids’ menu: No.

Kitchen By Mike
85 Dunning Ave
Roseberry, NSW 2018
Phone: (02) 9280 0999
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm
Get Directions