5 of the best family-friendly restaurants in Sydney

Peter Lynch
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Peter Lynch is one of Australia's leading entertainment journalist, writer and reviewer. He is a former showbiz editor of The Daily Mail, London, and worked for The Times, The Australian Financial Review and The Sydney Morning Herald . He writes, interviews and reviews theatre, food, music, art and travel.
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⏱ 4 min read

Updated On
October 16, 2025

Keeping tiny humans fuelled while on tour is a breeze thanks to the best family-friendly restaurants in Sydney. Sydneysiders love eating out, but when kids come into the equation it isn’t always easy. There are a few key things you want. Firstly, the kitchen needs to be open at feeding time (early). Secondly, you want staff who won’t give you the evil eye when your child behaves like a child. After that: good food and space for the kids to play. But don’t worry we’ve got a list of the best family friendly restaurants to keep hunger at bay.

Red and white umbrellas shade tables and chairs in a restaurant

The Newport

One of the Northern Beaches’ most adored family-friendly destinations serving up lively long lunching by the water, the space is split into separate dining spaces, but the party vibes flow freely. At Vinnie’s, kids can grab flavour-packed pizzas while The Shack dishes up two types of fish and two burgers. Youngsters are offered two delicious menus filled with kid-friendly classics across The Newport’s eateries. One at Vinnie’s Pizza and another at The Shack. But it’s the general clattering of laughter and revelry that really keeps kids smiling here.
Learn more: https://merivale.com/venues/thenewport/


A pancake, decorated as a face with ice cream, is served on a plate

Pancakes on the Rocks

You might recall this place lighting up your own dining-out dreams when you were little — that’s how long Pancakes On The Rocks has been putting smiles on families’ faces. This a great place for a late afternoon lunch or sweet treat. Famed for dishes like Devil’s Delight or the classic short stack, these guys know their pancakes and treat them right. Kids get their own signature creations including Alice In Wonderland’s speckled, choc-drizzles decadence, the Butterfly’s jam-winged genius, and the Funny Face’s marshmallow eyes.
Learn more: https://pancakesontherocks.com.au/ 


A white goat is being fed by a young child

The Grounds of Alexandria

The people behind the Grounds knew full well that they’d be attracting families by the minivan load, what with their huge kitchen garden, complete with chicken run and sometimes petting zoos. Make sure to check out what’s on and plan your visit around that – they put on some great activities and school holiday programs.

Learn more: https://thegrounds.com.au/

A restaurant, "ON THE GREENS," is filled with people dining

Bistro on the Green

Part of the South Coogee Bowling Club, the Bistro on the Greens restaurant has high chairs, a playpen for the under fives complete with a TV, and a clear view of the greens outside, where you can challenge your children to run around while waiting for your meals. Staff are very friendly and food is delivered fast. Make sure to book ahead as this place gets busy.
Learn more:https://www.bistroonthegreens.com.au/ 

A man sits outside Bar Italia, a cafe, on a sunny day, talking on his phone

Bar Italia

This quaint family-friendly restaurant is dishing up cheap and cheerful pizza and pasta out back, the Leichhardt eatery has been nailing early dinner bookings for decades. The food is fresh and comes by the truckload so make sure you’ve saved plenty of stomach space come chow time. The little ones will also love the Penne Bolognese on the dedicated kids’ menu and there are mini veal and chicken schnitzels for refined young palettes. This place is serving up traditional Italian with cozy family vibes.
Learn more: https://www.baritalia.net.au/

Sydney offers a vast array of family-friendly restaurants, catering to all tastes and budgets. These restaurants not only provide delicious food but also offer ambiance and amenities that make dining out with little ones a breeze. So next time you’re looking for a place to appease tiny taste buds and weary parents, look no further than this list!

Looking for a hotel for your next staycation? Look no further than our guide to the best family-friendly hotels.

Our editors independently select and curate every recommendation on Sydney Travel Guide. We work hard to showcase the best experiences, venues, and attractions in and around Sydney. From time to time, we may include affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a booking or purchase — at no extra cost to you. Learn more in our Australian Editorial Standards. The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.

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