There's more to child-friendly eateries than babycinos and banana bread. Here are half-a-dozen new and newish child-friendly dining spots around town that offer decent menu options for your junior dining companions, and cut the stress of eating out with young ones.

Topikos, Bondi

Take your fish 'n' chips up a notch on the next family beach trip with a visit to Topikos in Bondi. The light and bright seaside spot has distinct Mykonos vibes, with linen napkins on long share tables, plus a children's Mediterranean menu to match. From fried calamari with chips and lemon aioli to chicken skewers with pita bread and salad, it's simple yet interesting fare the kids won't turn their noses up at. Oh, and those fancy fish 'n' chips? Ask for the fish goujons with chips and lemon aioli. topikos.com.au

Freshwater Brewing, Brookvale

This new bright and beachy taproom on Sydney's northern beaches welcomes all ages (and their pets) with games such as Jenga and plenty of space to run around. The inviting 120-capacity space swaps the usual blokey brewery vibes for colourful surfaces, a laidback surfie atmosphere and a "backyard meets beachside" menu that includes special children's options such as pizza fritta balls with tomato sauce and a snack plate with hummus, house-made flatbread, cheese, tomato, cucumber and broccolini. Birthday coming up? Order a sparkling ice-cream cake. freshwaterbrewing.com.au

MOD. Dining by Clayton Wells, Art Gallery of NSW

Budding artists and their families are flocking to Sydney Modern, and for good reason. The light-filled gallery space in the new wing of the Art Gallery of NSW has plenty of interesting things to see and do for inquiring young minds, alongside a buzzing eatery from chef Clayton Wells. Nab a table in the sprawling architectural dining room or expansive terrace at MOD. Dining and order something delicious for the whole family. For adults, try rainbow trout with XO and red vinegar, or steamed diamond shell clams with curry leaf sauce. Children's options include a crisp fried chicken roll with mayo and fries; pasta with tomato sugo and parmesan; or sweet soy charred corn noodles. moddining.com.au

BrewDog, South Eveleigh

If a summer afternoon in a leafy beer garden sounds like your type of thing, then South Eveleigh's massive new brewpub BrewDog is just the ticket. The sprawling $3.2 million space is housed in a heritage-listed converted locomotive workshop with more than 40 brews on tap, including carbon-negative beers such as the award-winning Punk XPA, and collaborations with other breweries. Everyone is welcome: the dog- and family-friendly space offers vegan dishes, alcohol-free beverages, gluten-free beer on tap and, of course, "hoppy meals" for children. These include your child's choice of burger, nuggets or vegan mains, sides and drinks, plus a colouring book and pencils. Dessert goes all-out: an ice-cream sundae with chocolate sauce, marshmallow, jelly, choc wafer and obligatory unicorn sprinkles. brewdog.com/au/south-eveleigh

Nativo Mexican, Pyrmont

Everyone loves Mexican food, right? They will at this tiny new taqueria in Pyrmont. With only 14 outdoor seats, this isn't the spot for a long leisurely lunch, but it's perfect for a quick lunch or dinner with small mouths and wriggly bodies. It's great for tiny budgets too: most dishes are about $10 each, including a simple kids' quesadilla with cheese. For more adventurous appetites, Mexican chef-owner Manuel Diaz also makes beef birria tacos with 12-hour slow-cooked brisket, and crisp taco cups with chicken, cheesy sauce and iceberg lettuce. Afterwards, let the kids burn off all that energy with a play session in Pirrama Park. nativomexican.com.au

St George Sailing Club, Sans Souci

Is there a more relaxing way to eat out than right over the water, looking out at the ocean? St George Sailing Club opened its waterfront restaurant in Sans Souci in August after a $15 million revamp, with the 300-seat bistro dishing up fresh oysters, seafood platters to share and braised beef cheek with mash. For kids' options, you can't go wrong with standards such as fish and chips, spag bol, a cheeseburger or chicken schnitzel. stgeorgesailingclub.com.au

Also try

• Enjoy a cruisy lunch on the terrace at Dunes Palm Beach before a dip at the beach, or order some oysters and a fisherman's box from the kiosk and let the kids run around the park. dunespalmbeach.com.au
• Recent Blackheath arrival Blaq at The Kyah offers kids' classics such as crumbed fish with mash, cheeseburger sliders and macaroni cheese, with a side of crayons and drawing paper. Oversized garden games coming soon. thekyah.com.au/blaq​

• CicciaBella serves a junior pork cotoletta with fries or pasta with a choice of bolognese, butter or tomato sauces, with plenty of space for kids to run around in Parramatta Square. cicciabella.com.au
• The "little wood chippers" menu at Woodcut in the new Crown Sydney tower includes crab and potato hotcakes, grilled chicken or steak with chips, and egg noodles with fresh tomato sauce and parmesan. crownsydney.com.au
• Da Orazio, Bondi offers a bambini menu with Mickey Mouse-shaped pizzas, penne pomodoro and spaghetti Bolognese. daorazio.com.au

• It's all about pub grub at the The Unicorn Hotel in Paddington: sausage, mash, peas and gravy, or fish of the day with carrots and green beans (oh, and kids eat free on Wednesdays from 5-8pm). theunicornhotel.com.au
• Kids will love the "dancing noodles" at Haidilao, Darling Square. Staff performers stretch the noodles in front of you before dropping them into hot pots. darlingsq.com
• Love.fish's casual seafood menu caters to all ages, with plenty of space for a family stroll along the Barangaroo waterfront afterwards. lovefish.com.au