Family-friendly feasting
Looking for somewhere to take the whole family for a meal in Melbourne? Totally kid-approved, these restaurants are spread around the city and its inner-neighbourhoods. Let the littlies choose a meal from a fuss-free children's menu, while you relax into a plate of pasta, pizza or dumplings. Then, it's onto the next adventure – or back to home or hotel for a lengthy and well-earned nap.
Take your pick from these family-friendly restaurants in Melbourne.
1. Three Blue Ducks
The food at Three Blue Ducks is not only delicious; the restaurant is located at Australia's first surf park, URBNSURF, which is a barrel of fun. Dishes on the 'Ducklings' menu include pasta, crumbed fish cake and a quarter of a roast chicken with chips, with ingredients sourced locally. The perfect place to fill bellies after a surfing lesson, or play in the artificial waves.
2. An Di
In the mood for some tasty Vietnamese food? Head to An Di in Docklands for authentic, flavourful dishes in a relaxed yet modern setting. The restaurant's warm and inviting atmosphere makes it a top pick for family-friendly feasting near Melbourne CBD. Expect the usual suspects on the extensive sharing-style menu, such as spring rolls, skewers and steaming hot pho.
3. China Red
Technology leads at China Red, where interactive tablets make ordering fun. Flick through the menu (with pictures) to choose between xiao long bao, sesame prawn toast, deep-fried honey chicken and if the kidlets behave, perhaps some delicious custard buns for dessert.
4. Harley and Rose
If you find yourself out west with the little ones, be sure to grab a bite at family-friendly pizzeria Harley and Rose in West Footscray. Mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas are complemented by a range of seasonal sides, each as delicious as the next. There's also a spacious outdoor area for the kids to let off some steam.
5. Stalactites
Beat the late-night crowd for an early dinner at one of Melbourne's staple restaurants. Stalactites specialises in traditional Greek dishes. On the children's menu you'll find chicken and lamb giros straight from the spit, lamb cutlets and simple spaghetti. For adults, there's a range of delicious homemade dips, meat off the grill and the restaurants' much-loved souvlakis.
6. Grazeland
You'll find something at Grazeland for even the pickiest eater. Located west of the city centre, this extensive culinary precinct has a range of options to choose from. Chow down on bao, tacos, fish and chips, pasta and pizza. Kids with a more adventurous palate may enjoy plates of pierogi, Lebanese street food, Argentinian BBQ, or a bowl of flying noodles 'suspended' in mid-air like magic.
7. 400 Gradi
What kid (or adult) doesn't like pizza? 400 Gradi is one of the best in the biz. Order their award-winning Margherita, or take your taste buds on tour through a range of different toppings. Family-friendly options may include the Bufalina, Rustica or Ortolana.
8. The Boatbuilders Yard
The Boatbuilders Yard is both child and pet-friendly – the perfect venue for the whole family, Fido included. There's a dedicated breakfast and lunch/dinner menu for the little ones, which includes toasties, cheeseburgers and fish and chips. Slushies and ice cream are up for dessert, best enjoyed in the onsite deckchairs, while basking in the sun.
9. Republica
Take the little nippers for a frolic along St Kilda Beach, then wind down with a meal at waterfront restaurant Republica. Their children's menu offers fish and chips, spag bol and pizza. Or opt for the set menu, which includes, a main, dessert and bottomless soft drink. There's plenty of space at the venue for the kids to run around, working through any subsequent sugar highs.
10. Easeys
Dine high in the sky at Easeys in Collingwood, where burgers are served five stories from the ground in Hitachi train carriages. Colourful graffiti covers the outside of the carriages and inside retains facets of their former life, such as the commuter seats, outfitted for eating in. Kids can choose from a range of different burgers, hot dogs and delicious sides, such as chicken wings and mac and cheese. Something for everyone.
