Four South African family bloggers share the best restaurants to take the kids to.
Port Elizabeth
Bonamia, Sherwood
Luchae Williams @luchae
A lot of restaurants cater to younger children, but with having older boys, I often struggle to find something that is family-friendly, but not too busy with toddlers and small kids running around.
My teens sometimes ask for a dining experience that does not involve having crayons and party balloons at the table.
Bonamia offers us just that, with a family-friendly menu that is affordable, and with delicious food.
The atmosphere is vibey and welcoming, and the food portions are generous. We often use the venue to host our birthday parties (at no charge!), and we love that there is privacy and a great vibe all at the same time.
We order…
My eldest son loves that they offer a sushi menu, and we love that it doesn’t break the bank!
There are yummy, crazy milkshakes for my 13-year-old, and my hubby enjoys the steak. I am a fan of their chicken schnitzel but won’t say no to a bowl of their creamy, dreamy pastas.
They have lovely, affordable breakfasts, and offer daily specials (the burger special is a fave of ours), which really helps us to stay within our food budget for the month.
Garden Route
Blend Country Restaurant, Knysna
Sarah Huddy @sarah.huddy
We enjoy that both children and adults can relax in the pretty garden setting, or warm-up indoors by the fireplace.
We enjoy our weekly visits to Blend, and the children inevitably find new or old friends on the playground.
They offer all the family favourites from steak to pizza, seafood to pasta, and will accommodate special requests. If you are lucky, you may even spot a Knysna turaco (loerie) in the shaded garden.
We order…
The kiddies menu includes fettuccini meatballs, fettuccini bolognaise, chicken strips and chips, or a small pizza of your choice.
My children usually alternate between options and enjoy them all. Dad loves his pork belly or Blend burger with a homemade beef patty and all the toppings, while I enjoy my hake and vegetables.
I can also recommend their vegetarian burger or a wood-fired pizza for meat-free options.
Cape Town
Dunes Restaurant, Hout Bay
Lauren Manuel McShane @thetravelmanuel
Any restaurant that combines great food (especially seafood), the opportunity to dip your toes in the sand, and sun-basking without having to leave to watch your kids is wonderful.
Positioned right opposite Hout Bay beach, with a delightful play area in a giant sandpit of its own, I always book a table right in the sand so that we can enjoy a meal with a mountain view, and have the kids right there. No smelly, plastic, indoor play area, but a sunny beach escape for parents and kids.
We order…
All their seafood is really good, but I do favour the hake and chips.
Johannesburg
Papachinos
Shanèy Vijendranath @youbabyandi
Papachinos is our go-to place when the children need some fresh air, and when we don’t want to travel too far. Thanks to the play area, it is ideal for play dates, and you can spend hours there!
We love visiting on weekdays, but then after school, when it is a bit quieter so Mommy can work while the kids play close by.
The staff are super friendly and helpful, which helps when you have three children running around, all wanting something different.
Caretakers are available in the play area to watch your children while you enjoy your meal.
We order…
My children all love making their own pizzas at the restaurant, my daughter loves the sushi, and my husband and I enjoy their pastas and burgers.
