Family-friendly dining in Brisbane City

Anyone with kids will know that it can be near impossible to please everyone at once, especially when it comes to food. Grab their attention and get them involved with some of these family-friendly eats in The City. These are the restaurants where kids are welcome either with a kids' menu, child-friendly vibes or free meals in  Brisbane CBD.

One thing we do know, if it’s something that makes them go “COOL”, then you know you’re onto a dinner winner. Read on to discover the best family-friendly dining spots in Brisbane City.

Vapiano, Albert Lane

It’s hard to go wrong with a made-to-order family-sized pizza, but the real fun of Vapiano is watching the chefs make your pasta before your eyes. There’s heaps of seating and the atmosphere is super relaxed. It's worth checking out the $15 lunch combos, which are available Monday to Friday.

Comuna Cantina, Albert Lane

This Latin street food inspired Mexican restaurant offers a range of fun and tasty finger food for adults and kids alike. The kids meal deal is the way to go with mini tacos and chicken bites and chips or you can pick one of the share meals if you are wanting a more adventurous flavour combination. This place is definitely one to taco' bout.

Pancake Manor, Charlotte St

Pancakes are always going to be a win in the kids books. Go for the classic pancake stack with butter and maple syrup or go all out and have your pancakes with a side of banana, butterscotch sauce and ice-cream. Just beware of the forthcoming sugar rush. It also has a special kids themed menu for those under 12 years old. Pancakes can also be made gluten free and vegan if you need.

Food courts

It can be hard to go wrong in one of the many food courts scattered throughout The City. They provide options galore to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters, and offer an opportunity to sit and recuperate before carrying on with the day’s activities. There are food courts in all the centres so there’s plenty of choice – The Myer Centre, QueensPlaza, Wintergarden, MacArthur Central and Post Office Square.

The Bavarian, Eagle Street Pier

The communal outside tables and epic riverfront views make for high vibes at The Bavarian. Order yourself a schnitzel, pork knuckle or other German favourites and your little ones can snack on mac ‘n’ cheese balls, frankfurters and cheeseburgers. You’ll be transported to a different place and your kids will feel like they are on an international adventure.

Sushi Edo, Elizabeth St

t’s a universal favourite and what’s more, it’s cheap. All plates at Sushi Edo are $3.50 (if you’re a salmon and avocado fiend like the best of us – that’s an absolute bargain) and it’s fresh. The fun part is the iPad at each booth for the kids to scroll through to pick and place their order, it’ll occupy them for a while.

O Brasileiro, Adelaide Street

Take kids on a round-the-world trip via their taste buds, next stop, Brasil. O Brasileiro specialises in typical cuisine and offers a short kids menu. Children can try a rump cap or chicken fillet with rice, beans, salad and farofa (cassava flour). If that doesn't excite them, "pao de queijo'' cheese stuffed bread balls will.

Corbett and Claude, Elizabeth Street

There is something for everyone at Corbett and Claude. Using high-quality fresh ingredients and boasting a home-style atmosphere, this eatery provides the perfect space for family to gather and unwind. With a full kids menu available upon request you are bound to find something delicious no matter how picky the eater. Any kids meal plus chips and a drink will set you back only $14.50.

Grill'd, Wintergarden

Get a burger with a good conscience. When you purchase your burger at Grill'd you and the kids can spread the community love with 'Local Matters'. A fabulous program that upon purchase of a burger, you receive a token which can be allocated to support a local organisation. These tokens are translated into donations which your burger purchase has contributed to and it's a fun activity for your kids to be involved in. The burgers are made with fresh, healthy ingredients and they also offer gluten-free and low calorie buns, plus a mini slider option. Not only only can you get a tasty meal off the Lil Kids menu and the Big Kids menu you can also learn about social consciousness.

Harajuku Gyoza, Albert Lane

There’s loud music, a cool fit-out with interesting décor and friendly service at Harajuku Gyoza. It's all but guaranteed that kids will love the mozzarella and the cheeseburger gyoza dumplings, but then again the Nutella and salted caramel gyoza might steal their hearts.

Melt Brothers, Post Office Square

Grilled cheese? Yes please. Melt Brothers are dedicated to delivering the best cheese toastie that you ever did devour. The light menu is best for kids with smaller appetites but adults can go nuts on the treat yo’self menu. There’s also more than just the classic cheese toastie. If you’re brave to venture out there’s the M.C Cheesy and the Loaded Tater Tots. Gluten free bread and vegan cheese are also available on request.

Bagel Boys, Adelaide St & George St

Looks like a donut but it’s not. Bagel Boys bake their 15 bagel varieties daily using a traditional American recipe and don’t use any preservatives or artificial flavours. The schmears are a lighter choice or get a filled bagel to keep you full for longer, we’re certain it’s going to be a popular choice and perfect for breakfast, lunch or a snack.

Brisbane City Markets, Reddacliff Place

Take the kids along to meet farmers and producers, buy fresh produce and pasta, taste cheese and jams, and find meat, seafood and hot smoked salmon to take home. Arrive hungry for the hand-picked food stalls, where you’ll find everything from fresh juices to falafel pita wraps to indulge in for lunch. Find out why this weekly market is a must-visit yourself.

Shingle Inn, Brisbane City Hall

It’s always fun to pair a jam-and-cream topped scone with a nice cup of tea (sipped with the pinky finger out, of course). Shingle Inn caters for the kids with a Teddy Bear High Tea for under 12s. If there’s a special birthday being celebrated, Shingle Inn can also bake and decorate a personalised cake for the guest of honour.

Gelatissimo, Albert St

Ice cream is the way to win any child’s favour. Gelatissimo have more flavours than you could possibly try in one visit. There’s the classics, chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, but there’s also the complex, peanut butter fudge with choc chips (sugar-free), tiramisu and green apple.

Nodo, Elizabeth St

What is better than donuts? Donuts that cater to dietary requirements without sacrificing on the flavour. Win-win. Your kids are sure to go crazy over the Nodo donut range. The shakes are also fun but are very filling, you’ve been warned.

Dello Mano, Tattersall Arcade

If your kids are more of the brownie type, then Dello Mano is the place to go. The range of handmade brownies are rich and decadent, making them perfect for those sweet tooths in your life.

Need to occupy the kids a little longer? There's plenty of family-friendly things to do in The City.