From Mediterranean to teppanyaki, Southeast Queensland is home to a fabulous selection of authentic cuisine experiences for curious kiddies.
A cosy little place with a good atmosphere, great food and a huge menu including vegan options. Also offers a simple kids’ menu that includes a few light curries to introduce kids to the delicious flavours of Indian food. Gets popular so book ahead.
Claimed as one of the best Thai restaurants on the Gold Coast, this fabulous kid-friendly restaurant gives families an exceptional overall authentic Thai experience. With great service and delicious food, it’s the perfect introduction for fussy eaters to a range of Thai dishes. Parents, do try the butterscotch schnapps.
Fabulous little family-run French boulangerie, patisserie and café, perfect for breakfast and lunch. Also open for dinner the second and fourth Friday of each month. Try the croissants and breakfast cocotte. A local French gem!
Authentic family-run Lebanese restaurant in the heart of Burleigh Heads, where the locals claim you’ll find the best falafels on the Gold Coast. A fabulous Lebanese eating experience, the food is outstanding and the family friendly atmosphere makes it a Gold Coast favourite.
Authentic Persian restaurant serving a range of traditional stews, kebabs and vegetarian dishes. Delicious unique food, and a fabulous overall experience for families. Try to fit in a cup of Persian tea at the end.
For a great atmosphere and fresh quality ingredients, Shogun is the perfect place for families to experience the fun of teppanyaki with a thoroughly entertaining chef. Also serves sushi, sashimi, and al la carte. It can get busy so families should aim for the early sitting.
Fun atmosphere and authentic Latin experience, offering a fusion of South American cuisine. There’s no separate kids’ menu but the main menu includes several tapas and simple sides for fussier eaters. There are also several share plate choices for those who love dishes such as paella or churrasco.
A contemporary multi-cuisine restaurant offering a unique blend of Indian, Thai and Nonya dishes, with meat, seafood and vegetarian options. Though they don’t have a specific kids’ menu there are plenty of simpler dishes to choose from.
Family-friendly café open for breakfast and lunch, Wednesday to Sunday. Using fresh, locally sourced produce the menu is filled with unique dishes influenced by cooking of Southern Europe and the Middle East. They offer an adult and kids’ menu with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Putia Pure Food Kitchen is also a cooking school offering demonstrations and workshops in a range of cuisines and techniques.
Family-owned authentic Mexican restaurant with stacks of options including wings, quesadillas, tacos and fajitas and mains. They also have an extensive kids’ menu for the less adventurous little ones. Reasonably priced and very kid-friendly, Serranos was voted Queensland’s best Mexican 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2014. Book ahead as it always gets busy.
Sono Japanese Restaurant is a truly authentic Japanese experience, and one perfect for the older kids who are ready for a more formal setting. With traditional Japanese no shoe tables as well as European tables, the menu is an exquisite array of sushi, sashimi, and bento boxes. Portside Restaurant also has a teppanyaki chef for the more adventurous.
Authentic and delicious German cuisine in a relaxed bistro style setting. Delicious menu with hearty German choices and a simple kids’ menu for those who don’t want to try the German fare. Try the pork knuckle and apple strudel, and of course, a German beer!
Seriously amazing and authentic Mexican food in a great family-friendly setting. The menu has tacos, burritos, quesadillas, all which you choose your own filling and spiciness, making it a perfect introduction for fussier eaters.They also have a snack menu and a small kids’ menu, and gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Popular authentic Nepalese cuisine with traditional dishes such as MoMo and Gurkhali Goat Curry, as well as plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. They also have a kids’ menu with something for everyone including Nepalese kids’ meals as well as the standard chicken nuggets. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
This little patisserie is renowned as being home to some of the best croissants on the Sunshine Coast. A simple yet vibrant cafe, it is always busy and offers and amazing selection of French foods and pastries. With friendly staff, and kids and dogs welcome, it’s a popular place for both breakfast and lunch.
Family-friendly park-side restaurant serving modern grills and roasts. Enjoy a relaxed dinner with international wines and nourishing food, or head to the incredibly popular Sunday lunch with free kids’ entertainers in the park. Kids’ menu for the fussier eaters includes usual staples of grilled chicken, fish and pastas.
Delicious Lebanese café serving authentic family recipes from the Middle East in a relaxed setting. Menu is extensive, offering a range of mezza, sharing or traditional main dishes. Open for breakfast lunch and dinner, oh and cocktails too!
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