Family-friendly restaurants in Durban

You just need to get out of the house, get some fresh air, some good food, and relax?

But where do you go with the kids in tow?

Can’t bear to have the awkward stares from the old couple at the table next door while the kids bicker about who has the fastest car or best barbie?

We have some family friendly options for you, where you don’t have to compromise on the quality of food in order to keep the kids happy.

Makaranga Lodge:

This is one of Durban’s hidden gems, literally. Makaranga is nestled in the village of Kloof, you can opt to dine in the restaurant Nonna or put a picnic together from the great range at the Deli and feast in the gardens.

There is a jungle gym to keep the older kids happy, but topping that there is a designated play area with child minders, armed with games, puzzles and play dough.

Allowing you to indulgently sit though one of their delicious meals in peace.

The kiddies menu caters for even the fussiest palate, so no temper tantrums here.

During the summer months a pool in the gardens offers another distraction for the kids, and an opportunity for a lazy relax in the sun with a glass of wine.

Once you have eaten there are the amazing gardens to get lost in, oh and work off the pudding too.

KZNSA Gallery:

Gallery and Kid friendly? Yes this one is.

Open for breakfast and lunch the KZNSA Gallery has something for everyone.

The kiddies menu has some really yummy options, and they offer fantastic light meals, from super salads to delish sarmies.

The play area is close enough for you to keep an eye on the kids but still enjoy the peace in the shade whilst sipping on a yummy cappuccino.

The staff go out of their way to accommodate the whole family, and make you feel quite at home.

A stroll around the gallery is always a treat with a last stop into the shop to purchase a new little knickknack for home.

Circus Circus Beach Café:

This delight has you picking between sitting on the beach with your toes in the sand or in the restaurant with a full kiddies play area.

The Durban beach front has seen a revival in the last few years and with it, great new spots offering a seat on Prime Durban turf.

The menu is extensive, the service always with a smile, and it’s a great spot to start the day. So bring the buckets and spades, oh and dogs are made very welcome too.

Blue Dolphin:

The new outdoors section of the Blue Waters hotel, the Blue Dolphin has been a blessing to the ‘Family’ crowd.

This iconic hotel, in keeping up with the beach revival has recently had a major refurb and with that the birth of a new outdoor area focussed on Families.

Great Pizza, superb cocktails, and an open area where the kids are able to run around to their hearts delight. This all lends itself to a great vibe, and the sound of Goldfish in the background doesn’t hurt either.

Mo Zam Bik (Ballito):

An absolute treat for the taste buds, the Portuguese cuisine served here is bound to set your taste buds into a frenzy.

Offering 3 levels to suite both Families and singles alike, Mo Zam Bik caters for all, even those fresh off the beach.

There is a full sized Dow on the roof, holding many a tall tale of adventure at the hands of Kingsley Holgate. If that doesn’t put you in the mood a cocktail jug might just do the trick.

On the ground floor there is a fully kitted children’s play area, set up with video games, toys and child minders to keep the little ones occupied until their meal comes.

The kids menu has a number of options for them to choose from, ensuring they enjoy their meal as much as you do.

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