It’s hard work cooking for children, slaving away over a hot stove only to have them wrinkle their little noses in disgust because they don’t like peas.
If this little scenario sounds all too familiar then it’s time you had a night off. So throw down the spatula, turn off the oven and take the whanau out to one of these great family friendly restaurants around New Zealand.
Think of it as a school holiday treat – for you and the kids!
Swashbucklers, Westhaven
No doubt you've already spotted this restaurant as you’ve driven past on the Auckland motorway. Swashbucklers restaurant is an exciting place to dine for children and adults will be impressed with its specialty seafood dishes.
Al Forno, Takapuna
Kids love pizza – and they’ll love this family-friendly Italian restaurant in Takapuna. One of the best Italian restaurants in Auckland, Al Forno is a traditional yet unique venue with, at the time of writing, an average of five stars from eight reviews on Menus.co.nz.
Wildfire Churrascaria, Princes Wharf
The little-ones will love Wildfire Churrascaria’s kids menu; adults will love the classic cuts of prime New Zealand meats served tableside. It’s open daily from 12 noon until late on Auckland’s Princes Wharf.
La Porchetta, Auckland-wide
Few restaurants are as family-friendly as La Porchetta, an Italian restaurant chain with branches in Henderson, New Lynn, Parnell and on Hobson Street. The food is great and there are fun games for kids to play and pictures for them to colour in.
Amphora, Botany
In keeping with the Italian theme, Amphora Restaurant in Botany serves great food that kids and adults will love. It has a warm, relaxed atmosphere and a great selection of wines and beers (for the adults, of course).
Dos Amigos, Mission Bay
Almost as famous as the food it serves, Dos Amigos’ pet bearded dragons Tequila, Maria Maria and Tijuana are well-loved by children, who can can pet them and have their photos taken with them. The zesty Mexican food and vibrant atmosphere will win them over, too, while you enjoy a margarita.
Denny’s, city-wide
From burgers and sandwiches, to chicken nuggets and pasta, even the pickiest of eaters will find something they’ll enjoy at Denny’s. Your meal is free on your birthday and, for a limited time, kids eat free from Monday to Friday.
You’ll find it in Manukau on the North Shore and in the Auckland city centre.
Cobb & Co, Manukau
This classic chain of family restaurants is loved by generations of New Zealanders. Cobb & Co’s classic children’s menu includes hotdogs, chicken nuggets and chips.
Lone Star, City-wide
With its own kids club and its legendary cowboy theme, Lone Star is great for children’s birthday parties or just a special treat. Meanwhile, adults will love the variety and warm, friendly atmosphere. With restaurants in Newmarket, Waitakere and on the North Shore, your family is never far away from a Lone Star.
Also check out the best buffet restaurants in Auckland.
