Best Eats
10 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Auckland That’ll Keep Everyone Happy
19/09/2024
Dining out with kids in tow? Forget the days of beige food and lackluster play areas. Auckland’s family-friendly restaurant scene has upped its game. Whether you’ve got picky eaters, adventurous foodies, or toddlers who just can’t sit still, there’s a spot that’ll keep everyone happy. From pizza and dumplings to colouring in and play areas, these family-friendly joints make sure parents and kids alike can enjoy a delicious meal—stress-free.
Here’s our pick of the best family-friendly restaurants in Auckland, guaranteed to serve up good times and great food the whole whanau will love.
Milford Motel, Milford
Okay, so not your typical motel! Milford Motel isn’t offering overnight stays; instead, it's your go-to spot for an easy-breezy family day out near the seaside. Kids can play in the pint-sized playground while you enjoy a refreshing cocktail under the shade of a palm tree. Perfect for a weekend escape without leaving Auckland, it’s a resort-vibe hangout with room for the whole family—minus the stress of bookings.
The Good Home Birkenhead, Birkenhead
When you fancy a home-cooked meal but you're too tired to actually cook head to The Good Home Birkenhead. This cosy spot blends casual, home-style dining with a lively atmosphere, where kids can roam while you enjoy a pint. Their extensive menu covers all bases—burgers, pizzas, fish and chips—so even the pickiest eater will find something to munch on. It’s homey, comfortable, and stress-free, making it a no-brainer for a family night out.
Ebisu, Auckland CBD
At Ebisu, the Japanese izakaya dining style turns mealtime into a playful experience. While parents sip on sake and savour sashimi, the kiddies can much on tempura, sushi rolls, or gyoza. There's a great kid’s bento box to keep things simple and they'll get an activity page to keep them entertained. It's fancy enough to make you feel sophisticated but welcoming enough for the little ones, with highchairs available too.
Baduzzi, Wynyard
Baduzzi turns meatballs into a culinary event, and trust us, your kids will be all over it. Located in the Wynyard Quarter, this upmarket Italian gem is chic and elegant but caters beautifully to families with its warm and welcoming atmosphere and seriously good Italian fare. With dishes like hand-made buttered pasta, chicken schnitzel, grilled organic lamb meatballs, the kids menu will have them asking for seconds.
Mexico, Britomart, Ellerslie, Ponsonby and Silverdale
At this popular chain restaurant, the vibrant décor, colourful plates, and mouthwatering tacos will get everyone in the mood for fun and the casual, festive vibe means it's fine if things get a little messy or loud. The kids menu features the likes of corn chips with guac, crispy fish and pork belly tacos, and cheese quesadillas—make sure they leave some room for the cinnamon churros! Plus, the crayons and activity sheets will keep things exciting for them while the parents indulge in something a bit spicier (hola, margaritas!).
Archie’s Restaurant and Pizzeria
If pizza makes your family’s world go ‘round, Archie’s in Newmarket is your ultimate go-to. This bustling, kid-friendly joint serves up pizzas with the kind of thin, crispy crusts that even picky eaters can’t resist. There's also a range of pastas and other Italian dishes, but honestly, the pizza is where it's at. The staff are always ready to accommodate the littlest foodies, giving them a rolling pin and dough to roll out their own pizza! The atmosphere is lively yet laid-back, with outdoor seating available.
La Porchetta
What’s more family-friendly than a big Italian feast? La Porchetta is all about family-style dining, cheerful service, and a space that welcomes kids with open arms. With pizzas the size of your table and pasta options for days, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any family outing. Their kids menu is great value, offering a choice of main, side, drink, dessert and the option to throw in an activity bag, so your little ones are sure to leave with full bellies and happy smiles.
Sugar Café at Chelsea Bay
Sugar Café is nestled within Chelsea Bay’s playground wonderland, so it's a sure bet the kids are going to love it. After burning off some energy exploring the nearby Chelsea Sugar factory, playground, and interactive exhibits, the adults can kick back with a glass of wine over lunch while the kiddos tuck into the likes of fish 'n' chips and crunchy chicken nuggets. Plus, the stunning views across the water to the city provide the perfect backdrop to a family selfie.
Prego
An Auckland institution for good reason, Prego has been dishing out fabulous food for decades—and it's super family-friendly. With a menu that balances upscale dishes with familiar favourites, Prego lets parents indulge in gourmet Italian while kids happily dig into the wood-fired pizza and creamy gelato. The lively atmosphere keeps things fun and laid-back, and there's colouring in pages and highchairs available too.
