Best family-friendly restaurants Melbourne

The busy Christmas season is upon us. Take a break from the shopping lists and head to these kid-approved spots for a well-earned feed. Featuring pram-friendly locations, wheelchair-accessible restaurants and places with high chairs for the little ones.

Driving in?

With more than 70,000 car spaces in the city, you’re never far from Melbourne’s best events. Book ahead at key parking providers to get the best deal. You can also plan your visit with access and mobility maps. They cover accessible parking and toilets, public seating and drinking fountains. Train station entrances and tram and bus stops are featured too. 

Pram-friendly restaurants

There's plenty of space for your precious cargo and all members of your family at these Melbourne restaurants.

Brunetti Classico

Linger over wood-fired pizzas in the sunshine at Brunetti Classico. Little ones can order pasta favourites like bolognese and lasagne for $16 a plate. The kids menu also includes a margherita or ham pizza in a cute bunny-shaped dough! For dessert, choose from rows of freshly piped cannoli, cheesecake, biccies and more. Or treat them to a scoop of ice cream at the gelato bar.

La Camera

If you're planning a family day out, La Camera is close to city essentials like the sports precinct and Melbourne Skydeck. Need more convincing? How about gorgeous Yarra River views? Plus a kids menu of classic Italian dishes like spag bol and carbonara. Located within Southgate, it's fully accessible to prams and wheelchairs via lift. There’s also a range of seating and lots of space between tables. An accessible toilet and baby change facility is just outside in the shopping centre. Public transport is nearby with accessible platform super stops on St Kilda Road.

Urban Alley Brewery

You don’t need to head out to the sticks for a legit brewery experience. Urban Alley has pub-meets-loft vibes, with eco-friendly credentials. But your little mates won't care about that. They'll be too busy chowing down on chicken nuggets or fish and chips from the kids menu. Bringing a big group? Plenty of seating is available with enough room for prams and wheelchairs to move around.

EziStreat

EziStreat is one of North Melbourne's coolest venues. The converted warehouse is home to an array of multicultural comfort food. Think bento boxes, ramen, tacos, fried chicken and more. After lunch, enjoy old-school arcade games. A massive ramped entry allows easy access for prams of any size. Soak up the sun in the huge dog-friendly beer garden out the back, easily accessible for the whole family.

Hopscotch

Stroll along Southbank and stop off at Hopscotch. The indoor-outdoor space offers easy pram access and a dedicated kids menu. Order the cheeseburger or crumbed fish with crinkle-cut chippies. And yes, there are high chairs! Take a seat on the stools in the outdoor terrace with waterfront views. Or dine inside on high or low tables. There is an ambulant toilet on site and an accessible toilet in the building behind. Accessible platform super stops are on nearby Queens Bridge Street.

Operator Diner

Head into Operator Diner and treat the kids to a cool American-style breakfast. Tuck the crew into one of the cosy booths and order a generous stack of pancakes with maple syrup. Not your thing? No worries, there's French toast, breakfast rolls and crispy hashbrowns on the menu too. Pair your brekkie with a refreshing iced tea, milkshakes and more.

Fun spots for older kids

Bring your intrepid junior foodies on a fun journey through town.

Shinbashi Yakiniku

We know just how hungry teenagers can get. Fill them up at Shinbashi Yakiniku, an all-you-can-eat Japanese BBQ. Slide into seats around the in-built barbecue and savour traditional tastes of Japan. Think succulent wagyu and fresh sashimi. This hidden gem on Lygon Street is an experience that the whole family will enjoy.

Tetsujin

Got some adventurous eaters? Jump aboard the sushi express at Tetsujin. The restaurant has a Tokyo-style train for a choose-your-own-adventure meal. Look out for the sign on the corner of Little Bourke Street and Caledonian Lane. A lift will take you straight up to the light-filled venue on level 4. Entry is via a ramp or steps with a handrail. Sit by the sushi train or opt for a table to dine as a group. Accessible toilets are available in the Emporium shopping centre.

La Tortilleria

Making corn tortillas for top restaurants and home cooks isn’t enough for La Tortilleria. They also serve their own Mexican dishes where it all began – at a cute and colourful eatery in Kensington. Go to the source and tuck into fresh, authentic street food, from tacos to quesadillas. The flan made from Gerardo's grandmother's special recipe is a must-try, and the kiddos will love it.

Note: Information is correct at time of writing. Check with venues before visiting to ensure they meet your access needs.