It’s holiday time and you’ve taken a trip to the Sunny Coast for some chilled R&R. But…the kids are hanging off your heels everywhere you turn and you’re desperate for a night (or hour!) off from kitchen-bound, meal making. Here we list the 5 best kid-friendly café’s & restaurants in town.
Writer: Rebecca Walker, The Conscious Wordsmith
Café Doonan
Located in Noosa’s hinterland, Café Doonan is a lovely local hangout. Equipped with outdoor seating, a sizeable grassy area and sandpit, it is the perfect place to grab lunch while the littles burn off some steam. The menu is brimming with yummy food, including healthy smoothies and snacks, so you can grab a hearty salad or veggie burger while sipping on a (locally-sourced) coffee, as the kids play outdoors and build sandcastles under the trees. There is a dedicated kid’s menu with family favourites such as baked beans, spaghetti and grilled toasties, along with fresh cold-pressed juices and frappes for hot summer days. The nicest thing about Café Doonan is the relaxed atmosphere. The café is set in a verdant garden and is a dog-friendly space, so fur-legged fur babies are also welcome. They host live music sessions on the weekends for additional entertainment.
https://www.facebook.com/CafeDoonan/
Noosa Marina
Set in the Marina, alongside the river in Tewantin, the Noosa Marina is a great place to take the family for a casual bite. For those seeking fish & chips, there is a seafood restaurant offering dine-in or takeaway options. Seating is outdoors on the boardwalk, overlooking the marina, so children can feed the local seagulls any chippy leftovers while watching boats coming and going. There is also a number of cafes and restaurants in the marina, as well as a gelataria for those wanting a post-dinner ice-cream treat. There is often live music on a Friday night, so kids can be entertained while you eat and the marina also hosts a Sunday market on the weekends. Noosa Marina sits beside a skate ramp and the Tewantin Splash Park, so parents can take kids there first to run off some energy, before grabbing an early dinner.
Sushi Yah-man
Did someone say Sushiiiiiii?? Offering authentic Japanese cuisine, Sushi Yah-man is a relaxed restaurant that plays reggae music all day, every day. Located in Noosa Junction, the dining space is spacious with indoor and outdoor areas that cater to families. Kids will love sitting on the floor at one of the low-set tables, Japanese style. Along with classic dishes such as sushi, sashimi, nigari, tempura and Japanese tapas, there is also a selection of main dishes and lunch specials such as teriyaki, noodles and curry. Sushi Yah-man uses local, organic ingredients where possible and has a gluten-free and vegan menu for those avoiding meat and gluten.
https://www.sushiyahmannoosa.com/
Café Le Monde
Open every day for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, Café Le Monde one of Noosa’s longest-standing dining institutions. With a diverse menu that caters to all tastes and tummies, the café has a dedicated kid’s menu with classics such as mac ‘n’ cheese, battered fish bits and cheese toasties, along with a special desert and drinks menu. Parents are not forgotten, with a range of delicious meals on offer ranging from Asian poke bowls, fresh oysters, steak, seafood, salads and burgers. Made from fresh, local produce, a wide range of meals will satisfy fussy foodies, and there is also vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available for those with special dietary needs. Kids are given colouring pencils and paper upon arrival, so can draw while you eat.
https://www.cafelemonde.com.au/
Noosa Boathouse
Located on Noosa River, the boathouse is a sprawling triple-story venue that is ideal for families. The Bistro offers tasty lunch and dinner options and has a dedicated kid’s menu with popular children’s meals such as calamari, bolognese and ‘bangers & mash’. There is a sunset bar upstairs on the roof if parents want to grab a cheeky sunset cocktail before meal time. If you’re after a takeaway option, grab some fish & chips from the Boathouse’s seafood diner and eat your meal on the adjoining lawn beside the river. There’s always pelicans, ducks and seagulls loitering around, making it a popular place for kids to play outdoors. Children can also feed the fish from the jetty, scoot and/or ride bikes along the riverside promenade.
https://www.noosaboathouse.com.au/