Stuck wondering where to eat out with the whole family? Joburg is filled with kid-friendly spots all across town. We've put together a list of some of our favourites, from laid-back outdoor markets and restaurants, to cafes that specifically cater to the bambinos with either a play area, other fun facilities or a special kiddies menu.
Restaurants
The Forum Kitchen at L'antico Giardino
Housed in a beautifully restored farmhouse, this weekend-only eatery in the Lanseria countryside is operated by The Forum Company, known for its extraordinary venues and events. The kitchen serves up hearty breakfasts and laid-back lunches made with fresh locally sourced produce and there's a good kids menu. Located near the Magalies Meander and the Cradle of Humankind, this is a lovely stop on a day spent exploring the countryside surrounding Joburg.
Where: White Light, Farm 534, Nooitgedacht, Pine Valley Rd, Lanseria
Lebo's open-air restaurant
Where once there was a dumping ground, township tourism pioneer Lebo, of the eponymous backpackers, envisaged a park – a quiet, green space where local children could play and visitors could relax with a plate of home-cooked food, fresh from the potjie. Lunch is simple – delicious freshly prepared curries and fluffy fresh loaves, with a range of sides.Where: Pooe St (cnr Ramushu St), Orlando West, Soweto
The Kraal at Thaba Eco Hotel
Where: 46 Impala Rd, (off Kliprivier Drive) Johannesburg
Bambanani
For young families, it doesn't get much better than Bambanani. Kids get the run of the indoor and outdoor play areas with full-time child minders and plenty of activities. Adults can take refuge indoors and order a tasty Mediterranean-style meal and a bottle of wine. It gets busy, so book ahead.Where: 85 4th Ave, Melville
Outdoor spaces and markets
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
Where: Malcolm Rd, Roodepoort
27 Boxes, Melville
Melville's quirky 27 Boxes complex is a shopping development built entirely from shipping containers. Filled with small independent shops selling everything from clothing, gifts, art, and of course a variety of places to grab lunch, we recommend Chopstix for Chinese cuisine and X&O Patisserie for the iconic cronut, an addictive croissant-doughnut hybrid that comes in a variety of enticing flavours. You can merge enjoying a nice lunch with keeping the kids entertained at the colourful play park, which has lots of outdoor seating spread out for the whole family.Where: 76 4th Ave, Melville
Bryanston Market
Where: 40 Culross Rd, Bryanston
Fourways Farmers Market
Fourways Farmers Market is a laid-back Sunday lunch spot set in a rustic environment that feels like it's far into the countryside, but is actually just a few streets over from the brash Montecasino casino complex. Far from the city hustle, the market serves some outstanding food, to eat now or later, and we recommend you arrive hungry as there's lots you will want to try. Live folk bands and a child-friendly environment further add to the relaxed and easy-going vibe.Where: Arden Rd, Modderfontein Reserve, Modderfontein
Rosebank Sunday Market
Where: Rosebank Mall (Level 4), cnr Bath and Baker Sts, Rosebank
Cafes
Bootlegger Coffee Company, Ferndale
With many locations nationwide, the Bootlegger Coffee Company situated in the Ferndale on Republic centre is particularly kid-friendly, with a spacious outdoor courtyard, jungle gym, dedicated kids area, large tables and high chairs, plus plenty of work-friendly benches with plug points. There's a full breakfast and lunch menu, coffee from their own roastery, as well as plenty of baked goodies like biscuits, rusks, banana bread, and croissants. An ideal spot for a late morning brunch with the kids in tow.Where: Ferndale on Republic, Republic Rd, Ferndale, Randburg
DC Coffee, Pineslopes
Where: Pineslopes Shopping Centre, 6 Sunset Ave, Fourways
Delta Cafe, Craighall Park
Where: 20 Marlborough Rd (entrance via garden centre), Craighall Park
Fab Diner, Linden
Where: 71 7th St, Linden
Munch Cafe, Bryanston
Where: Inside The Garden Shop at 278 Main Rd, Bryanston
Ice Cream
Paul's Homemade Ice Cream Rosebank
What started out in 2009 as Paul Ballen's hobby in his parent’s Saxonwold kitchen is now Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream with many scooping stores across Joburg, including at the The Zone@Rosebank. There's an exciting range of ice cream cakes, including a carb-free variety, vegan dairy-free ice cream made with coconut cream, and two xylitol ranges for the sugar averse, leaving no excuse to not visit. All Paul's Homemade Ice Cream is certified halal.
Where: The Zone @ Rosebank
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