North Shore Cafe heaven! The 16 Best Family-Friendly Cafes, Restaurants and Hotels on Sydney’s North Shore 

If you’re looking for a really kid-friendly North Shore cafe or restaurant for a breakfast, lunch or dinner with the family, here’s the list you need.

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These North Shore Cafes and restaurants are not only family-friendly, they’re also a bit special, in great locations and with excellent grub.

Note this list for when you are looking for a restaurant for a family occasion or a celebration with friends. The kids are welcome, the food is good and the locations are terrific too.

This list is compiled in absolutely no particular order – they are all great!

Best Kid-Friendly Eateries on the North Shore

echo on the marina kid-friendly cafe north shore
Photo credit: Echo On The Marina

Echo On The Marina

Address: 15 Normac St, Roseville, New South Wales 2069 Australia

Phone:  02 9417 4422

Website: www.echoonthemarina.com.au

Set right on the waters of Middle Harbour, this cafe/restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch daily. You can sit out on the open deck alongside the boats and yachts in the marina, so pretty!  There is also a covered area that has sides open on warm days and can be enclosed and heated on chillier days.

The atmosphere is relaxed, the menu is modern Australian. Children are very welcome, and many do come here, from tots to teens. There is a tiny beach close by and the park also very close, so older children can run around a bit whilst the adults chatter.

You will find children’s menu and highchairs on offer.

Parking:  There is a bit of parking on Nomac Street with steps that lead down. It’s easier though to park at Echo Point Park and walk along. For disabled access, call the cafe for instructions about the use of the inclinator.

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The view down to the marina and Echo from the road
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Outdoors dining at Echo On The Marina


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Inside eating at Frankie’s Food Factory

Frankie’s Food Factory at Flower Power, Terrey Hills

In the grounds of Flower Power, which used to be called Bonds Nursery, this is a large restaurant with a good menu and a fenced playground right beside it. Bonus!

It’s a great fave withlocal families for very good reasons.

277 Mona Vale Road Terrey Hills, Corner Cooyong Road

0490 666 531

Website: www.frankiesfoodfactory.com.au

Cafe Bonds Terrey Hills
The lovely semi-outdoors area, right beside the outdoor playground
Dragonfly cafe Eden Gardens Ryde
Mids love checking out all the cool things to see at this deluxe garden centre with beaut restaurant

North Ryde: Dragonfly Cafe

The Dragonfly Cafe is a part of Eden Gardens, a huge garden centre. There’s a children’s playground close to the outdoors dining area.  There is also indoor seating and a lovely sculpture walk too.

Lunches, but not dinners

Dragonfly Cafe at Eden Gardens


307 Lane Cove Rd, Macquarie Park NSW 2113

Phone: (02) 9491 9900

Eden Gardens website is here

Read our details post with lots of photos  here

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Funky outdoor decor at The Greens North Sydney

North Sydney: The Greens

This is a delightful spot created in an old bowling club. There’s both indoor and outdoor settings and kids are most welcome. Great for all the family, room to play outside and to move within.

Lunches and dinners

The Greens North Sydney

50 Ridge St, North Sydney NSW 2062

02 9245 3099

The Greens website is here

Read our review of The Greens and see more photos here.

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Views over Pittwater from the Newport

Newport: The Newport

With stunning views over Pittwater, many areas to sit in and various cuisines, the Newport is a Northern star.  There’s a covered area with games for all ages of kids too.

The Newport

2 Kalinya St, Newport NSW 2106

Lunches and dinners

Phone: 02 9997 4900

The Newport website is here

plonk
Plonk! Great for food and play too

Mosman: Plonk at the Spit

With a sundrenched deck overlooking the Spit and Middle Harbour, this is a great spot. The kids can play on the little beach alongside after they’ve eaten. Winner dinner!

Lunches and dinners

Plonk!

Ferguisons Marina, 83 Parriwi Road, Mosman, NSW 2088

Phone: 02 99601007

Plonk website is here

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Views from the Kirribilli Club

Kirribilli: The Kirribilli Club

Enjoy sweeping views across the Harbour Bridge and the city from this very modern club. Watergrill restaurant has a good kids menu and space, then run the kids around at Wendy’s Secret Garden afterwards, or have a dip at North Sydney Olympic Pool.

Lunches and dinners

The Kirribilli Club

11 Harbourview Crescent, Lavender Bay, NSW 2060

Phone: 9955 2245

The Kirribili Club website is here

peats bite special family meals Northern Sydney
An exquisite dessert at Peats Bite

Hawkesbury River: Peats Bite

This is a super special hideaway with a fine dining restaurant right on the river. There’s a pool and plenty of space for children to run around. The lunch is a set menu of six courses, there’s a good kids menu too. You can stay at Peats Bite too. Excellent for very special occasions.

Peats Bite

Sunny Corner, Hawkesbury River, NSW

Phone: 02 9985 9040

Websitewww.peatsbite.com.au/

Read a full post on Peats Bite here with beaut photos too.

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The pool at Peats Bite

Balmoral, Palm Beach + Shelly Beach: The Boathouse

The three Boathouse restaurants are very similar in style, menus and in the gorgeousness of their locations.

The Boathouse Balmoral is right beside the netted baths area and the enclosed playground. The Boathouse Palm Beach is on the beach at Pittwater, close to the seaplane jetty.  The Boathouse Shelly Beach has stunning views over Manly and is on a most family-friendly beach.

Lunches, but not dinners

Check out the general Boathouse website here.

Read our review of Balmoral in full and see more photos here.

Check out or review of the Boathouse Palm Beach here.

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The Balmoral Boathouse really is lovely, but try to avoid peak weekend times

The Belrose Hotel – Belrose

The Belrose Hotel is the perfect family dining spot in town! They have a range of seven different indoor-outdoor areas. They offer something to suit all needs and occasions. It includes birthday celebrations, corporate events, and more.

The open-plan bar area invites you to relax and unwind. Meanwhile, their spacious a lounge area that offers comfortable seating for all. Their bistro serves up tasty and well-priced dishes. Besides, their largest ‘soft-play’ playground in Australia provides entertainment for the little ones.

The Belrose Hotel provides a daily brunch menu, happy hour from 4-6pm every day, and sports on big screens. They will keep your family entertained and satisfied all day long!

Talking Heads Cafe – Killarney Heights

Talking Heads Cafe offers a fantastic kids’ menu and high chairs. They also have a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The cafe’s owner, Tammi, prepares delicious food and cakes. They are irresistible even to those on a diet. Besides, Tammi sells frozen take-home meals.

The cafe’s location is near a fruit and vegetable shop, a Japanese bakery, and a French bakery and cafe. Besides, there are art and dance class venues, and the local Carlisle Swim Centre nearby. So, this makes it an ideal spot for a family day out.

Although the cafe is near the road and carpark, it is still spacious enough for children to play around.

Flying Fox Cafe – Mona Vale

The Flying Fox Cafe boasts stunning water views of the peaceful Pittwater. It provides ample indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy the serene surroundings.

The cafe offers excellent breakfasts, light or full lunches, and delicious coffee. They also have cakes made using modern Australian cuisine.

Additionally, the cafe has an impressive kids’ menu with healthy options. Next to the cafe is a fantastic playground, making it an ideal spot for families to dine and play.

This popular North Shore cafe provides ample space for strollers. They even offer some toys to keep children entertained.

The Terrey Hills Tavern – Terrey Hills

Terrey Hills Tavern is a popular pub that promises a great night out.  You’ll find the pub in the picturesque northern Sydney hills. Their menu offers classic pub fare as well as a range of modern dishes.

Their Sports Bar caters to all sorts of sports fans. The big screens and many TVs let you enjoy the action no matter which team you support. Plus, their bistro area has an al fresco dining area.

With live entertainment on some nights, your family will enjoy the night out. Read about more cool Terrey Hills cafes and restaurants here.

The Incinerator Cafe – Willoughby

The Incinerator is a unique, one-of-a-kind venue in the beautiful suburb of Willoughby. They have impressive architecture and modern furnishings. You’ll also get stunning views of the nearby parkland and the harbour. The Incinerator is an ideal spot for all occasions.

Their in-house team of chefs use fresh local produce to create delicious dishes. Besides, they have a selection of hand-crafted drinks and speciality cocktails.

Are you looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner – or a casual bite to eat and a glass of wine? Whichever your need is, the Incinerator has something for everyone.

The Greens – North Sydney

The Greens North Sydney is a charming cafe/restaurant that offers something for everyone. It has a nostalgic, vintage ambience combined with modern touches. The Greens give diners a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience, with plenty of healthy options and classic favourites.

Kids are welcome and kept entertained. It’s the perfect spot for families to gather together for a meal or just to catch up. It’s also great for groups of friends who want to enjoy some good food in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere.

The prices are reasonable, making it an ideal spot for both lunch and dinner.

Eat n Chill Wholefood Cafe – Naremburn

Eat n Chill is an organic cafe that provides fresh and nutritious meals, sourced from nearby local farms. They have a wide range of options to choose from, including vegetarian and vegan dishes. They also have a selection of healthy smoothies, juices and raw desserts.

They offer special children’s menus with unprocessed sugar-free items for those with allergies or sensitivities. The family-friendly atmosphere allows you to take a break while your kids play in the garden or run around in the cubby house. This is a real cool North Shore cafe!

Enjoy Visiting These Family-Friendly Cafes and Hotels in Sydney’s Northern Suburbs

Sydney’s Northern suburbs offer a plethora of family-friendly cafes and hotels that cater to both locals and tourists. From cozy cafes with play areas to luxurious hotels with pools and kid-friendly amenities, there is something for everyone.

These establishments focus on the comfort and safety of families, making them perfect destinations for a day out or a weekend getaway.

Whether you’re looking for a quick coffee break or a relaxing vacation with the whole family, Sydney’s Northern suburbs have plenty of options to choose from. So why not plan your next family adventure and explore these top-rated cafes and hotels today!

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