Jellyfish

93-95 North Steyne, Manly

This laidback eatery in Manly, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, benefits from being slightly away from the tourist hotspots at the southern end of the beach, but still enjoys ocean views thanks to its open frontage. It’s popular with locals, so can get very busy at weekends, especially during breakfast and lunch, when people form an orderly queue outside, waiting to get their fix of chargrilled chorizo and pesto scrambled egg or the excellent range of salads and sandwiches. The evening menu offers a variety of tapas, as well as a great selection of seafood dishes, while the friendly staff are very attentive to those with children and will quickly supply colouring sheets and crayons on arrival. There’s also a selection of toys and plenty of highchairs available.

Bitton Café and Bistro

36-37a Copeland Street, Alexandria

The gourmet Bitton Café and Bistro has become a hit with Sydney families thanks to its superb French-Australian inspired menu and well-stocked children’s playroom. The café serves breakfast all day, including delicious French crêpes with seasonal fruit and incredible “one pan” bacon and eggs, while lunch includes favourites such as the spicy chicken and leek pie and a range of sandwiches. The Bistro, meanwhile, is open for dinner from 5.30pm (Wednesday to Saturday,) serving a range of elegant, grown-up dishes including beef carpaccio and quail saltimbocca, but served on the earlier side which is perfect if dining out with little ones. In the great Aussie ‘BYO’ tradition, you can even bring your own bottle of wine on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. At the rear of the restaurant sits a sun-filled courtyard and a fantastic playroom for the kids, featuring a floor-to-ceiling chalkboard and countless toys. With a well-crafted children’s menu and ample high chairs and baby changing facilities, this is a surefire family favourite. There’s even a park right across the street.

Bitton Cafe and Bistro table

Bondi Trattoria

34 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach

Boasting incredible views from the southern end of Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, Bondi Trattoria has been delighting locals for over 25 years with its inviting mix of Italian and modern Australian cuisines. It can get a little cramped inside, so best to bring a fold-up stroller, but there are ample highchairs available and the children’s menu also doubles as a colouring sheet, (a basket of crayons is also provided by the friendly staff). There are even free nappies and wipes in the baby changing area, should you need any extras in an emergency.