Best of the Gold Coast 2017: 9 of the best kid-friendly cafes

BREAK out the babycinos, Coffee Mumma founder Belinda Meginley tests out the Gold Coast cafes kids are bound to love!

Local mum Belinda Meginley and daughter Isla, 4, test out the Gold Coast’s best kid cafes. Picture Glenn Hampson

BREAK out the babycinos — guest editor Belinda Meginley from Coffee Mumma shares the eateries kids (and parents) are guaranteed to love on the Gold Coast.

FLASHBACK: GOLD COAST’S TOP 10 KID-FRIENDLY CAFES 2015

Dune Cafe

LOCATION: 945 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

It’s the location that brings all the kids to the yard.

Not only does Dune Cafe overlook the beautiful Currumbin Lagoon, it’s next door to a pirate park.

“Dune Cafe is the ultimate kid-friendly cafe on the Coast,” Belinda says.

“There is something for kids of all ages here — a calm beach for wading in, off-leash dog area, wide open grass to run around, walking paths for pram pushers and the giant pirate park all on the doorstep.”

Dune Cafe serves up organic spelt and blueberry pancakes decorated with edible flowers from the vegetable patch. Picture: Regi Varghese

While parents can savour a chef-crafted menu supporting Gold Coast growers, the crew get their own goodies, including hot cakes swimming in maple syrup, cinnamon sugar and ice cream, and a nacho boat awash in melted cheese. “Saturday mornings with live music is a must do.”

Cafe Tahbella

LOCATION: 11/3 Cottonwood Pl, Oxenford

This cafe is named after owner Rod Marsh’s daughters Tahlia and Annabella, so it’s no surprise they cater for kids every bit as well as adults.

They specialise in healthy food in yummy disguises.

“Cafe Tahbella has a great play area for kids, as well as a fantastic family-friendly menu. The service is always quick and friendly, plus they have Kids Eat Free promos regularly,” Belinda says.

Cafe Tahbella at Oxenford is a winner with kids. Photo: Richard Gosling

BSKT Cafe

LOCATION: 4 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach

Chicken nuggets? You can do better at this beachside hotspot.

“The food here is spectacular, with plenty of superfoods featuring on the menu,” Belinda says. “There is something for everyone, even the most health-conscious dieter. We love the vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices available. The playground is one of the best on the Coast too. Coffee Mumma recommends visiting during the week when it’s quieter to ensure a smooth and easy experience.”

Breakfast at BSKT Cafe, Miami. Navajo Native Breakfast/ Fried Free Range eggs, BSKT Beans, Avocado & Tomato Salsa with Basil Essential oil on Native Flat Bread. Photo: Kit Wise

The Arts Café

LOCATION: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

On the steps of The Arts Centre, this cafe offers more than just a great menu.

“At the rear of the building you can take a stroll around the Evandale Lake, play in the fully fenced playground, or set up a picnic and enjoy the sun with the Surfers Paradise skyline in the background. The Arts Centre itself always has something interesting to see, including interactive art displays, craft workshops, kids’ performances and so much more,” Belinda says.

Local mum Belinda Meginley runs a business called Coffee Mumma. She's a specialist in child-friendly cafes. Picture Glenn Hampson

Paradox Coffee Roasters

LOCATION: The 4217, 10 Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise

Kids can choose from a specialised kids’ menu featuring egg and bacon toasties, tasty chargrilled chicken skewers and amazing ricotta hot cakes with maple syrup and strawberries.

Paradox Coffee Roasters also offers a free babycino with every dining adult, so you and your mini me can enjoy your favourite drinks together. The dedicated play area boasts an artificial lawn, chalkboard walls and a selection of toys and movies to keep your little ones entertained.

Chargrilled Yellow fin Tuna, Heritage Tomatoes, Capers, Pickle Onions, Croutons and fresh Basil served at Paradox Coffee Roasters in 4217 precinct, Surfers Paradise. Picture: Regi Varghese

Neighbourhood Espresso

LOCATION: 4/9 Station St, Currumbin Waters

Make a date for brunch and babycinos in the Neighbourhood backyard.

“The back of the cafe opens out on to a large fenced garden complete with a kids caravan cubbyhouse,” Belinda says.

“The team are friendly and the food always comes out quickly.”

Meryl Alley, Cleo Watterson and Courtney Grieve at Neighbourhood Espresso. Picture: John Gass

Chanoyu Japanese Infused Cafe

LOCATION: 1/19 Alicia St, Southport

Send your toddler’s tastebuds on a trip at this welcoming eatery.

“I love the opportunity to introduce kids to flavours they may have tried before and Chanoyu is the perfect place to do that. They are tucked into a quiet complex overlooking a park, plus have a fantastic kids’ play area filled with toys. Almost everything is made in-house and is really reasonably priced.”

Journal Café & Pastry

LOCATION: 8 Markeri St, Mermaid Waters

At Journal Belinda says diners can expect delicious, generous, well-priced food and amazing coffee every time in a cool, relaxed atmosphere.

“This is an unsuspecting little cafe in a small suburban shopping centre attached to a great fresh fruit and veg shop — plus they have an enclosed play area.”

A sweet corn fritter stack with avocado salsa at The Journal Cafe. Photo: Richard Gosling

Serabar — Burleigh Heads

LOCATION: Shop 2/2-14 The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads

You won’t have to trick kids into eating their veg at this family-run vegetarian and vegan eatery at Burleigh Heads.

SeraBar, a vegetarian eatery in Burleigh Heads. Picture Glenn Hampson

“They have a great kids’ area and are really accommodating with families. This is a great option for families who have dietary restrictions, but still want delicious food the kids will love,” Belinda says.