It can be difficult to find eateries with an appropriate menu and environment to enjoy a breakfast, brunch or lunch date with your little ones. While there are a few trendy inner-city hots spots suitable for the kids in Canberra, we’ve decided to round up some child-friendly eateries for breakfast, brunch and lunch in the suburbs.
Little Oink – 22 Cook Place, Cook
With great coffee and an enticing and extensive menu for the kidlets, Little Oink is a winner when it comes to family outings. Their kids meal deal is just $16 and is sure to satisfy even the fussiest of children. It includes a full meal from the kid’s menu, a sweet treat and a small milkshake. The options for young ones are varied and nutritious with a menu including French toast with strawberries and ice cream, mini chicken burger with chips, fruit salad with Greek yoghurt, sweet potato chips and more. While your young ones are happy feasting on these delightful dishes you can choose one of the other delicious high-quality vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes on the menu. The pork belly tacos and the bacon schnitzel burger are highly recommended.
Fox & Bow – Farrer Shops, Farrer Pl, Canberra
Tucked away in Farrer, Fox and Bow is a friendly little cafe with cosy indoor seating and outdoor seating perfect for sunny Canberra days. This little cafe accommodates both quiet gatherings and larger meetings. With an entire ‘Little Rascals’ menu full of child-friendly and affordable meals this one is not to be missed. There’s something to please all children including bacon and cheese toasties or the kid-sized fish and chips. The freshly-baked cakes, pastries and mouth-watering gelato are winners with parents and children alike. There’s also an outdoor play area to keep the kiddies entertained!
Tulips Cafe – 8 Beltana Rd, Pialligo
A cafe passionate about using local produce and providing hearty and nutritious meals as well as accommodating business people and families alike, Tulips Cafe is the perfect destination for any social young family. Located in the leafy and picturesque garden centres of Pialligo, this is a cafe where your children can laugh, shout and run around to their heart’s content. With an enclosed playground and craft area for the kids, Tulips will keep your young ones entertained for hours. This will give you the chance to catch up with friends or simply relax in the beautiful surroundings. Tulips also provide a homely kid’s menu including pancakes, the children’s big breakfast and an old favourite, Vegemite toast soldiers.
Ricardo’s Cafe – Jamison Plaza, Bowman Street, Macquarie
Located in the bustling hive of Jamison Plaza, Ricardo’s has been a favourite of Canberra locals for over 8 years. Owner and patissier Ricardo De Marco has successfully created a warm and welcoming cafe, suitable for children and families. Perfect for a weekend brunch or weekday afternoon tea, Ricardo’s offers simple and delicious meals for adults while also providing simple breakfasts and light snacks for children. The impressive and colourful display of cakes and pastries will mesmerise and satisfy all eager young ones. With a sheltered outdoor area and nearby playground where parents can keep an eye on their children, Ricardo’s is a perfect destination for family gatherings with the little ones.
Stirato – 21 Ironknob Street, Fyshwick
Stirato is located opposite the Canberra Outlet Centre and has been designed with kids and families in mind. The owners previously occupied the little bakery at Jamison Plaza (now Bakers Delight) and with young ones of their own, they wanted to create an environment suitable for everyone. There are a range of delicious pies, pastries, cakes and other baked goods available. They even make a make majority of their condiments and syrups themselves. You can also choose to have a more substantial meal from the breakfast and lunch menu with lots of delicious options to choose from! We recommend the waffles with homemade gingerbread ice cream. They make a good cup of coffee and have a selection Canberra’s Adore Tea for tea lovers to choose from. While you’re enjoying that much needed cuppa, the kids can play in the dedicated kids area that has plenty of activities to keep them entertained!
Casey Jones – 15 Kingsland Parade, Casey
This spacious gastropub dishes up breakfast on weekends and lunch and dinner 7 days a week. If the weather is nice then grab a table outside or choose from one of the many inside dining areas. You can even sit in a booth! The owners also run the George Harcourt Inn and with a young family of their own, there are lots of options on the menu suitable for the little ones.
By Amelia Bidgood and Clare Brunsdon.
Have we missed your favourite place to dine with the kids in Canberra? Let us know in the comments below.
Amelia Bidgood
Amelia is the Founder and Editor of Eat Canberra and the Founder and Managing Director of Eat Canberra Food Tours. She's a qualified journalist, presenter, freelance writer and also runs a boutique communications agency working with small business owners on all things social media, content creation and marketing. She's taught cheesemaking classes, judged hospitality and tourism awards, completed the WSET Level 1 Award In Wines, loves to cook and has travelled to 23 countries. She's also passionate about mental health and has recently started studying to become a Counsellor.