Having seen Oregano Bakery scrolls at many cafes dotted around the Sutherland Shire and yet to taste their delicious goodness we decided to head to the source and sample some treats on a gloomy late Sunday morning. Arriving closer to lunch time the savoury menu appealed and with good cause.
The menu is succinct yet varied with plenty of options for kids and adults alike. We opted for a Cheese Pizza ($6.50) for the children, Zaatar Wrap 1 – Sonia’s Special ($9.00) and a Sujuc Pizza with Egg ($9.00) and this was plenty of food for us all.
Oregano Bakery is modern and very popular with the locals, with many people having familiar conversations with the staff — a good sign of repeat customers! Our intention was to stick around and enjoy a sweet end to our lunch — however Miss Isla had other plans so we opted for takeaway scrolls to eat in comfort of our warm home!
Last Bite: Oregano Bakery is a popular cafe, great for a sweet treat and coffee or some tasty Lebanese food in Southern Sydney with children. Easy going, relaxed with friendly service make this a great kid-friendly place to eat.
Highchairs: Yes – only one visible. Stroller storage: Yes. Easy access: Yes. Change tables: No. Kids’ menu: No. But Kids won’t starve.
Oregano Bakery
56 Connells Point Road,
South Hurstville NSW 2221
Phone: 02 9546 3666
Prices: $-$$
Hours: Tue-Sat 7:00am-4pm Sun 7:00am-12pm Get Directions
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.
Breakfast Panini ($10.50)Standard Bacon & Eggs ($11.50) Photo by Ross BarkerHam & Cheese Melt ($3.00) Photo by Ross Barker
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.
Patiently waiting for food, for once! Photo by Katia BarkerThe milkshake! Photo by Katia Barker
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
A trip to Huskisson is not complete unless you stop at the affectionately known Husky Bakery for something delicious. The draw card is the extensive pie menu where you actually get large chunks of meat in the pie – however we stopped in for a quick morning tea in between visits to the beach and the nearby park.
Husky Bakery Outside, Photo by Katia Barker
On previous visits we got take-out, but today, with nothing much on the agenda we opted for dine in and were surprised at how kid-friendly the Husky Bakery really is! Whilst you can’t really go wrong with a sweets display full of fresh and fun options, the Husky Bakery has really catered towards the younger crowds. There is a long covered eat-in area out the back with several highchairs available for use, but the best bit is the full size playground set – also under cover for the kids to run riot whilst the adults enjoy a coffee or two.
Half of the delights available at Husky Bakery, Photo by Katia Barker
Our food choices were simple but very fresh and the coffee hot and tasty. Ross went savoury, with a Spinach and Fetta Roll ($3.60) but I could not go past the sweets and ordered a Mini Lemon Meringue Tart ($2.80). Cupcakes were right at child eye-level and it worked, Jenson ordered a bright pink Cupcake ($2.80).
Spinach and Fetta roll $3.60, Photo by Katia BarkerLemon Meringue Tart $2.80 and Piccolo Latte $3.00, Photo by Katia BarkerJenson sat sit for just long enough to take this photo with his cupcake $2.80, Photo by Katia Barker
Isla wasn’t in the mood to sit quietly or still for very long, and we’d run out of our emergency supply of food for her so after our last drops of coffee were gone, and Jenson had descended the slide a few more times we made our exit down one of the two handy ramps.
Last Bite: The Huskisson Bakery and Café is a must stop location for anyone visiting Huskisson with kids, even if just passing through town to head further south. They know what kids like and have well-catered towards their needs, especially with the burgeoning camping crowds in summer when there is a freak downpour! Get in early and claim your table near the playground, as this place gets busy!
Highchairs: Yes Stroller Storage: Yes Easy Access: Yes Change Tables: No Kids Menu: Not dedicated, but what kid would turn back a cupcake (or lamington) it’s Un-Australian! Huskisson Bakery & Café
11 Currambene Street, Huskisson, NSW 2540
Phone: 02 4441 5015
Price: $
Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:30am – 5:00pm
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).
The Millenium BurgerThe Bliss Burger $11Kids Burger $8
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.
Isla enjoying some of Daddy’s Strawberry Thickshake $7
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!
Jenson and his Banana Smoothie $4.50
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!
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 BarkerFish Burger ($6.00). Photo by Katia BarkerKids 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!
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.
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.
Avocado with tomato, bacon and egg on Turkish toast ($9.50). Photo by Katia BarkerZa’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.
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!
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
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).
Couscous Beef Kebab Salad ($12.50).There’s nothing more comforting than Grandma’s Traditional Chicken Soup ($12.50).
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 fromthe 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.
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.
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.
Lamb Skewers with Garlic Pita and Salad ($12.90). Photo by Katia Barker.Kids’ Fish Cocktails with Chips ($4.90). Photo by Katia Barker.
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.
View of Woronora River on a gloomy wet day. Photo by Katia Barker.
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
The Grounds of Alexandria is about as kid-friendly a place to eat as you can get: in addition to its indoor dining, there’s a large outdoor garden area with lots of space for prams and careening toddlers. Oh and there’s a pig. Called Kevin Bacon.
The Grounds, as the locals affectionately call it, is an oasis in the inner city known for its coffee (they’ve got a research and testing facility on site) and sustainable food practices (they grow their own herbs and seasonal produce). It’s more a destination spot than just a restaurant, café and bakery. And did I mention they’ve got a pig? Kevin Bacon.
On a gorgeously sunny winter day, I ventured out with Baby Lukas to meet a friend for lunch at The Grounds.
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, Baby Lukas has been known to nuclear react at this time of day, and The Grounds is perfect for this potential situation: the amazing rustic outdoor garden, nestled amongst produce grown for the café, means that screaming, misbehaving and bored children blend into the scenery instead of standing out. There are lots of nooks and crannies to explore, including a gym for kids. Oh, and did I mention the pig Kevin Bacon?
Many places for kids to exploreThe divine outdoor garden
Once you get over the gorgeousness of the place, the takeaway menu (only available to those eating in the garden) presents mouth-watering options. On today’s outing, I chose a Chicken Burger with Chips, and I can’t recommend this unique burger enough. Don’t ask questions, just order it. You won’t be disappointed.
Chicken burger and chips. You won’t regret it.
Baby Lukas kindly waited until I had shoved a few bites into my mouth before deciding to nuclear react, which is about when I played my trump card: off to visit Kevin Bacon. The pig. Needless to say, it worked a treat. Lukas was smitten and I was able to shove the rest of my delicious meal in my face. Happy ending indeed.
The infamous Kevin Bacon. A hit with kids!
Now the one thing I would recommend is getting there early. The Grounds attracts the hordes, and even though the outdoor area is large enough to almost always find a place to sit, the queues for ordering food can be daunting.
Last bite: If you’re looking for a kid-friendly eatery and destination that offers more than just food and excellent coffee on the menu, The Grounds is the place to be.
Highchairs: Yes. Stroller storage: Yes. Easy access: Yes. Change tables: Yes. Kids’ menu: No. Lots for kids to eat off the menu, though!
The Grounds of Alexandria
Building 7A, N0.2 Huntley St
Alexandria, NSW 2015
Phone: (02) 9699 2225
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm
It’s that familiar weekend challenge: finding a kid-friendly restaurant that can accommodate a large group people, including kids ranging from 7 months to 5-years old, and not just a little bit of chaos.
On a decidedly spring-like autumn Saturday, our herd descended upon Darley Street Bistro in Clovelly to try our luck with lunch.
Enjoying conversation at the adult end of the table
Now, lunch out with my 7-month-old son Baby Lukas is like a game of roulette: either he’ll be amazingly charming or he’ll be a screaming banshee before lunch is served.
Darley Street Bistro is a cozy affair, which is code for don’t bring a pram if you can do without one. Upon being seated at two long tables, we were given paper menus which the older kids immediately turned around to colour. Baby Lukas was stuffed (he’s got the chub) in a pristine-for-now high chair.
Like the place itself, the menu was smallish, with a handful of delicious pasta dishes and sandwiches. I chose the Southern Crispy Chicken Wrap. Some sort of secret-sauce-style zing really upped the ante on this little number. This is a must-order or a convince-your-partner/friend-to-order-and-eat-theirs.
The older kids all chose Fish and Chips from the kids menu, and I’m pretty sure that judging from the empty plates (and perhaps a sneaky bite) it was delicious.
Digging into the fish and chips from the kids menu
Back in the high chair, Baby Lukas was flinging pureed goop all over the no-longer pristine high chair and anyone within hitting distance. He had also moved on from smiling at everyone to escalating shrieking, indicating that our time was running out.
Baby Lukas eating the menu as a side to accompany his green goop
The ridiculously accommodating and non-fussed staff, realizing our plight, arranged for my husband and I to receive our food first so we could take off when needed. Their kid-friendly approach to service really took the stress out of lunch so we could focus on, well, lunch.
Last bite: If you’re looking for a kid-friendly place that caters for larger groups and takes reservations, you can’t go wrong with Darley Street Bistro. We’ll certainly be back!
