Brisbane's Child Friendly Dining

Editorial

Despite popular and growing opinion, children are not short adults. They are, in fact, children and are therefore predisposed to being kids. This means that too much choice, too much formality or too many distractions are likely to overload their little circuits. So, if Little Jayden cries and demands a vegemite toast, it does not necessarily mean (a) you have failed as a parent or (b) he has ADHD. It just means, perhaps, seven-year-olds are not supposed to enjoy degustation dinners.

In our efforts to raise little foodies, sometimes we take a misstep. Sure, we want to spare our kids and ourselves the culinary horror of chain restaurants. But, there’s a middle-ground between cheerful franchise and gourmet that will better suit us all.

One never-fail way to take your kids and their palates on a fun and challenging journey is to point the car to Asia. Yum Cha is arguably the world’s most family-friendly dining event and one of the best uses of your multi-generational Sunday is at the Landmark in Mains Road, Sunnybank. Phone 07 3344 3288. This is a big, brisk business and may not be suited to little ones on the Autism Spectrum. Find a quieter dumpling place in Sunnybank or the Valley for more sensitive soldiers. Everyone loves food that comes on wheels.

And, nearly everyone loves food that comes on a model train. For reasons anthropologists are yet to decode, the sushi train took hold of the BNE in the 90s and never stopped chugging. The Sushi Train franchise has places all over the state.

For another kind of train, hope aboard The Groove Train. Yes, this George Street joint forms part of a chain but, no, it’s not entirely intolerable and does offer value-for-money. Expect pizzas and parmas.

And, expect sangers and milkshakes at The Library Café at the State. Phone 07 3840 7546. This is a great starting point to explore the extraordinarily kid-friendly cultural precinct of the south. From this nook, which features high-chairs, change tables and a staff fluent in Children-ese, go to GoMA and beyond.

Do check this website and remember to report back with yur family favourites.

SM King, Citysearch

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