Itching to get out and eat? Have someone else do the dishes and take your family out to one of Takapuna’s buzzing family-friendly, kid-friendly and tastylicious dining establishments. We’ve got cafes, restaurants, takeaways and desserts for everyone in your whānau.
ZOMER CAFÉ
We say it’s family friendly, but really it’s more like a family home. With fun, colourful décor and super-friendly team, it’s kind of like visiting an eclectic aunt’s house for a meal everyone’s going to love. Kids will like that there’s French toast, burgers and fish & chips on the menu, and the big kids can choose from everything from full breakfast to plant-based granola. Not to mention the colourful cakes and cabinet food.
I love Takapuna recommends
For the kids: French toast with berry compote
For the folks: Any of the rotating range of exotic salads
Burger Burger
Burgers. They’re the people’s food. The great gob-stopper that’ll have the kids occupied in blissful silence for just a few minutes. As you’d probably guess from the name, Burger Burger is a burger specialist, and you’re guaranteed to find something for every fussy palate, whether it be a straight up beef & cheese burger, or a vegan masterpiece.
I love Takapuna recommends
For the kids: Mc Fly with fried chicken breast
For the folks: Lamb of the South with smashed Te Mana lamb
The Elephant Wrestler
It’s big, it’s fun, it’s colourful and it’s got the best kid-pleasing name in town. This family friendly gastropub is a great environment for those seeking a bit of larger-than-life dining. There’s a dedicated kids’ menu as well as family favourites like pizzas, burgers and mac ‘n’ cheese bites. And there’s a massive courtyard with plenty of space for running around,
I love Takapuna recommends
For the kids: Loaded fries with cheese and gravy
For the folks: 300G sirloin steak with herb butter
Franc’s
There’s no denying that the ultimate family-friendly destination in Takapuna is the beach, and Franc’s is just a couple of steps from the sand and sea. It’s a summertime special that can be enjoyed all year round, with views to die for and a sand-and-sun vibe that can’t be beat. Bring the kids for a feed, then burn it off on the beach.
I love Takapuna recommends
For the kids: Waffles with fruit and maple syrup
For the folks: Sticky pork belly dog with kimchi slaw
Sake Bar Nippon
Yeah ok it’s a sake bar, but hear us out: staff in panda hats. This Japanese restaurant is just a fun place to be – you can watch the chefs’ mad skills as they cook your food, and you might even get a chance to ring the gong! Crowd-pleasing menu items include sushi, fried chicken and Japanese-style steak.
I love Takapuna recommends
For the kids: Chicken karaage with Japanese mayo
For the folks: Beef tataki with a squeeze of lemon
Daikoku
Watch your kids’ eyes turn into small plates as the chef slices, dices, sizzles and serves delicious Japanese food right in front of you. Teppanyaki is always a meal and a show, and the Daikoku crew know how to turn it on. There’s a kid’s teppanyaki, and even a plate of Japanese-style fish & chips for the very young ones.
I love Takapuna recommends
For the kids: Kids’ teppanyaki with veggies, meat and chop chop fried rice
For the folks: Ocean lunch with scallops and salmon
Aubergine
The big, friendly Mediterranean restaurant by the sea – especially perfect for evening dining. The kids’ menu has options like pasta, chicken tenders and fish & chips, and there are plenty of tasty options on the grown-ups’ menu for the more adventurous child.
I love Takapuna recommends
For the kids: Kids’ pasta with pomodoro sauce
For the folks: Slow-cooked shoulder of lamb
KiwiYo
Desserts! We’d be remiss not to include an indulgent sweet treat option, and KiwiYo is about the most fun you can have getting a bowl of frozen yoghurt. If you haven’t tried it out yet… where have you been? Grab a suitably sized bowl, choose your flavour(s) of froyo, pile on as many toppings as you can from the selection of fruits, lollies, sprinkles and sauces, and pay by weight.
I love Takapuna recommends
For the kids: A massive stack of yoghurt and lollies
For the folks: A massive stack of yoghurt and lollies
