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.
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.
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.
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 décor, it’s an ideal spot for swanky kids’ parties or a mid-morning brunch.
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.
The Fat Olive - Lanseria
Located in the Joburg 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.
Just a short drive from Sandton, The Fat Olive offers a serene escape where kids can explore nature barefoot on the property’s lawns. It’s a refreshing change of pace considering the everyday rush of city life. Tip: Indulge in their 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.
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 Café - Craighall Park
Delta Café 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.
The country ambiance right in the city center is a major draw, along with live music on weekends and occasional craft beer festivals. And, their kids’ play area is safe and well-supervised.
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, this is an easy yes for families with tiny foodies.
Despite being a busy restaurant, Papachinos consistently delivers excellent service and delicious food, making it a perfect spot for family outings. Furthermore, the ribs are a standout: Basted and seasoned with Papachinos’ secret spices and grilled to perfection.
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.
With multiple play areas and numerous childminders, Bambanani has been a go-to destination for Joburg families for years. Their menu is very diverse, offering wonderful options from breakfast through to lunch and an early dinner.
The Old Oak Restaurant & Family Centre
Overlooking the award-winning golf courses of the Royal Johannesburg Country Club, the Old Oak is a symbol that showcases the Club’s abundant offering. They are rich in history, tradition, values and service.
Indulge in the finest flavours where every meal is a masterpiece. Whether you’re celebrating with family and friends or just enjoying a quiet evening, their legendary hospitality, attention to detail and great food is the focus. The Old Oak pays tribute to our diverse culture and with a menu made up of the finest local ingredients, they give back to nature.
Best of all is the kids’ play area, of course, which allows those busy bodies to expend their energy whilst the adults enjoy a well-deserved break.
Col’Cacchio
Col’Cacchio’s menu is inspired by authentic flavours of Italy, blended with some South African flair. Everything is lovingly curated to bring family and friends together in an inviting and comfortable environment. The kid-friendly eatery is known for its commitment to traditional recipes, high-quality ingredients and preparing meals with passion.
Col’Cacchio is well-known for its signature wood-fired pizzas, gourmet salads and fresh pastas. In addition, they’re also renowned for their dedication to creating a memorable dining experience. This extends to their Kiddies Menu – which is just as diverse as the adults’ menu – with pasta, pizza and milkshakes galore!
The Country Club Johannesburg - Auckland Park
The Country Club Johannesburg in Auckland Park is a registered heritage site, established in 1906. It prides itself in offering world-class recreational facilities, restaurants, bars and boutique accommodation, making it a sought-after venue for business functions, weddings and family get-togethers.
Ultimately, it’s an environment for young and old, where families and friends can meet, exercise, dine and relax – all in the comfort of its beautiful, safe surrounds.
The extensive sports facilities include state-of-the-art padel courts, a cricket pitch, tennis and squash courts, bowling greens, croquet, a new gym, swimming pool and a mountain bike or running trail. As a family-orientated club, The Country Club Johannesburg works hard to provide events and activities that cater to every need. Of course, the young ones are also encouraged to join in on the fun, with their Club Cub Programme aimed at kids between the ages of 4 and 11.
Meals are available in The Gallery or on the Patio overlooking the lawns all day. Be sure to keep an eye out for regular specials.
Kiddilicious on Nicol
Kiddilicious-on-Nicol has grown from a small café into a fully licensed restaurant providing healthy and delicious Mediterranean-styled cuisine.
The venue allows children the freedom to play and have fun under the watchful eye of dedicated carers, giving adults the time to socialise and relax. In fact, it offers and extensive outdoor area, good food, a gift boutique and even a party venue.
