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 CBD. These are the restaurants where kids are welcome either with a kids' menu, child-friendly vibes or free meals. 

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 $12 lunch specials, which are available Monday to Thursday. 

Comuna Cantina, Albert Lane

This Latin street food inspired Mexican restaurants 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 on to Taco' bout. 

Jamie’s Italian, Edward St

Jamie Oliver’s restaurant has a menu especially for the kids, with portion sizes (and price) varying depending on whether they’re in the “I’m not hungry” or the “Mum I’m starving” mood. It’s hard to go past the mini spaghetti and meatballs.

Pancake Manor, Charlotte St

What child doesn’t love pancakes? 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.

Pancakes can also be made gluten free and vegan if you need.

Fratelli Famous, Eagle St Pier

Let the imagination run wild as you design a pizza from base to sauce to the unlimited topping combinations at Fratelli Famous. The best part – it cooks in 90 seconds so there won’t be any complaints about the wait.

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 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

Kids eat free every single Sunday at The Bavarian. Now if that's not a great deal, we don't know what is. Order yourself a schnitzel, pork knuckle or other German favourite and your little one under 12 years of age will eat free from the Kinder menu. Simple!

Sushi Edo, Elizabeth St

It’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 tastebuds – 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 not matter how picky the eater.

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 local organisation. These tokens are translated into donations which your burger purchase has contributed to. 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. Kids will love the Three-Cheese and the Cheese and Bacon Gyoza but the definite highlight will be the Nutella Gyoza (for everyone). Celebrating something? Harajuku Gyoza also have a Kawaii Cheesecake.

Melt Brothers, Gresham Lane

Grilled cheese? Yes please. Melt Brothers are dedicated to delivering the best cheese toastie that you ever did devour. There’s more than just the classic cheese toastie though, if you’re brave to venture out there’s the M.C Cheesy and the Loaded Tater Tots.

Bagel Boys, Adelaide St, George St & Queen St

Looks like a donut but it’s not. Bagel Boys bake their 11 bagel varieties daily using a traditional American recipe and don’t use any preservatives or artificial flavours. With some avocado, cream cheese or Nutella spread over on, we’re certain it’s going to be a popular choice.

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 CBD 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 cater 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. 

Felon’s Brewing, Howard Smith Wharves

Craft breweries and children - not exactly an obvious match, but the new Felon’s Brewery might just be the kid-friendly hit of Howard Smith Wharves. Dine in with kids’ menu available, or grab picnic rugs and order from the fish ’n’ chips backyard window so you can laze on the lawn and let the little tuckers run around without issue.

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, tiramisu and green apple.

I Heart Brownies, Wintergarden

For a special treat make your way to I Heart Brownies and choose from an array of tasty options. Hands-down one of the best brownies in Brisbane - crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside and full of flavourful surprises. made from the best ingredients and proudly 100% gluten-free. 

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