Our Top Kid Friendly Restaurants in Joburg
Finding the perfect restaurant that caters to both kids and adults can be a daunting task. Parents often struggle to strike a balance between keeping their children entertained in a safe environment and enjoying a meal themselves. Luckily, Joburg is home to some fantastic family-friendly restaurants that do just that. After thorough research and visits, we’ve compiled a list of the top child-friendly restaurants in Joburg that guarantee a delightful experience for the whole family. Here’s our comprehensive guide to help you make your next family outing a memorable one.
Gioia Trattoria - Zoo Lake
Nestled in the heart of Parkwood at the Zoo Lake Sports Club, Gioia is one of Joburg’s best-kept secrets. This family-centric restaurant is renowned for its warm, welcoming service and extensive menu, catering to everyone from pizza lovers to vegetarians.
Why We Love Them: Gioia excels in providing a safe and engaging environment for children, thanks to their attentive and cheerful childminders. Parents can relax and unwind with a cocktail or a cold beer on tap, knowing their kids are in good hands.
What You Should Order: Try the Chicken Schnitzel, a generously portioned dish prepared to golden brown perfection. Pair it with side veggies and rice or crispy chips for a satisfying meal.
JoyJozi - Dunkeld
JoyJozi is Joburg’s upscale answer to a kid-centric restaurant, offering a plethora of entertainment options and activities to keep children occupied for hours. With stunning decor, it’s an ideal spot for swanky kids’ parties or a mid-morning brunch.
Why We Love Them: The diverse property boasts multiple play areas, both indoors and outdoors, making it a safe choice regardless of the weather. Kids can engage in various craft activities like painting, pottery, and pizza making.
What You Should Order: The food at JoyJozi is exceptional across the board. We highly recommend their Smashed Beef Burger, featuring a 150g grilled beef patty with truffle aioli and white cheddar cheese, served with fries. Don’t miss the S’more Indulgence shake for a delightful treat.
The Fat Olive - Lanseria
Located in the countryside, The Fat Olive offers a charming rustic venue perfect for a long, lazy lunch overlooking a natural lake. This versatile restaurant also features a beach bar with sumptuous cocktails and an extensive menu, along with weekend activities for kids.
Why We Love Them: Just a short minute drive from Sandton, The Fat Olive offers a serene escape where kids can explore nature barefoot on the grass. It’s a refreshing change of pace from city life.
What You Should Order: Indulge in the hearty Steak and Guinness Pie, made with tender beef cuts and country vegetables in a rich Guinness gravy, encased in a flaky, golden pastry crust, and served with creamy mash.
Our Top Outdoor Activities for Kids in Joburg
In this article, we’ll explore the top outdoor activities in Joburg that will create unforgettable memories for you and your family.
Delta Cafe - Craighall Park
Delta Cafe is a favourite among parents for its open-plan dining setup with views over Delta Park and The Braamfontein Spruit. This pet-friendly restaurant offers a country-like experience in the heart of the city, complete with a massive kids’ play area.
Why We Love Them: The country ambiance right in the city center is a major draw, along with live music on weekends and occasional craft beer festivals. The kids’ play area is safe and well-supervised.
What You Should Order: Any of their delicious pizzas, made from 100% stone ground, non-GMO flour, slow-fermented for 24 to 36 hours. Our favorite is the Pizza Alva, topped with an Italian tomato base, oregano, mozzarella, mushrooms, parma ham, and fresh rocket.
Papachinos - Broadacres
Papachinos Broadacres is a dream destination for kids, featuring extensive play areas including basketball, cricket, and five-a-side soccer, along with excellent childminders and a comprehensive kiddies menu.
Why We Love Them: Despite being a busy restaurant, Papachinos consistently delivers excellent service and delicious food, making it a perfect spot for family outings.
What You Should Order: The ribs are a standout, basted and seasoned with their secret spices and grilled to perfection. They offer both pork and beef options.
Bambanani - Melville
Driven by the belief that happier families create a happier world, Bambanani offers a place for kids to immerse themselves in play while parents enjoy exceptional food in a relaxed, home-style environment.
Why We Love Them: With multiple play areas and numerous childminders, Bambanani has been a go-to destination for Joburg families for many years.
What You Should Order: The menu is diverse, featuring everything from healthy Buddha bowls to quesadillas and Vietnamese spring rolls. For breakfast, we recommend the Shakshuka, consisting of eggs cooked in spicy tomato sauce, served with hummus and focaccia.
