Kid-friendly restaurants in Joburg

more than a year ago

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

Thaba Eco Hotel is an ideal family getaway, 18km from the city. Meals are served at the hillside Kraal Restaurant so you can enjoy lunch on the terrace overlooking a unique aloe garden while the kids get to run around and enjoy their own huge play area separate from the restaurant.
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

One of Joburg's most beautiful green spaces, the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens is spacious and filled with delights. Explore the park and climb to the top of the waterfall, then kick back and relax with the whole family on the lawns. Birdwatchers may be lucky enough to spot one of the elusive black eagles that nest on top of the waterfall. Alternatively, enjoy lunch at the Eagle’s Fare restaurant near the waterfall.
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

Bryanston Market is Joburg's original outdoor market, offering a superb range of organic goods and products in a relaxed environment. Adjoining a school, it's to be expected that Bryanston Market has always firmly positioned itself as a family-friendly destination. In addition to regular family-friendly events hosted at the market such as puppet shows and kid's crafting classes, there's also a dedicated children's play zone area designed to emphasise and enhance creative play.
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

This expansive rooftop market on the top floor parking lot at Rosebank Mall specialises in colourful, unique gifts with plenty of tasty street food stalls, homemade deli items, and local thrift shopping. Open every Sunday, each week brings new treasures to be found, especially on the third and last Sunday of the month when they host their famous Rosebank Sunday Car Boot Sale. Parents will be delighted to find a spacious kids play area with face painting and a bouncy castle and there's even a bar selling local craft beers and wines.
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

DC Coffee is a quirky and colourful coffee shop in the Pineslopes centre in Fourways. While it may not have a conventional kiddies area, DC Coffee is full of fun for kids and adults. Babycinos are on the menu and plenty of board games are available to keep older kids occupied. They also have plenty of space to park a stroller or two. Staff are incredibly friendly, there are comfortable seating areas, and Wi-Fi and DC Coffee is also dog-friendly. Be sure to try their famous jaffles and cheesecake.
Where: Pineslopes Shopping Centre, 6 Sunset Ave, Fourways

Delta Cafe, Craighall Park

Delta Cafe in Craighall — Eating outdoors at Delta Cafe

Part of the REEA Foundation's quirky urban farm in Craighall Park, this small cafe in a carefully converted old cottage looks out over the lush Delta Park. With stables on its doorstep, a jungle gym in the garden, and a dedicated kids menu, this is an ideal hangout for families. The menu is filled with simple and light lunchtime favourites such as salads, sandwiches, and excellent pizzas. Read more about the REEA Foundation's urban farm here.
Where: 20 Marlborough Rd (entrance via garden centre), Craighall Park

Fab Diner, Linden

A retro diner-themed coffee shop in Linden. Fab Diner offers a range of gelato, breakfast, brunch options, and coffee from 4th Avenue Coffee Roasters, a Johannesburg favourite. Kids can choose from unique gelato flavours such as bubblegum, black vanilla, cotton candy, or milk tart, and will love ordering from the ice-cream counter resembling the bonnet of a Chevrolet. Also on the menu are waffles, nachos, and a variety of baked goodies. Fun for kids and adults alike, with delicious coffee and a cool atmosphere.
Where: 71 7th St, Linden

Munch Cafe, Bryanston

This unpretentious gem in Bryanston is tucked away in The Garden Shop on Main Road. Munch Cafe offers their own coffee blends, freshly baked bread and for families, an outdoor kids area with a jungle gym, and seating overlooking the nursery area that catches the morning sun. The kiddies' menu options such as French toast, pancakes, toasted cheese, and Babycinos are sure to be a hit.
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