Whether you’re heading into the city for a family event, a visit to WA Museum Boola Bardip, a Wildcats game or concert at RAC Arena, or even a spot of shopping, there are plenty of easy, kid‑friendly places to grab a bite. From cheap eats to family restaurants and special sweet treats, Buggybuddys has you covered with some of the best kid‑friendly spots in and around the Perth CBD.
Casual dining with kids in Perth CBD
If you need something quick and tasty with kids in tow, Perth’s city food courts are a stress‑free option. Enex has a good mix of popular takeaway favourites overlooking the Hay Street Mall, while Underground at Allendale Square is handy for office‑hour snacks and has something to suit most tastes. The 140 Perth precinct above Perth Underground station also offers a cluster of casual options, making it easy to split up and let everyone choose their own lunch without any mealtime meltdowns.
Toastface Grillah
Tucked away down Wolf Lane, Toastface Grillah is a fun inner‑city adventure with older kids and teens. The grungy laneway vibes and colourful street art make the walk in feel like part of the outing, and once you’re there you can tuck into gourmet toasties at very wallet‑friendly prices. It’s relaxed, loud enough that you don’t need to worry about kid noise, and perfect for a quick refuel between shopping and exploring. You can find out more in the Buggybuddys review.
Milky Lane
Down at Elizabeth Quay, Milky Lane Perth is a big hit with burger‑loving families. The colourful, pop‑art‑style fit‑out, pumping soundtrack and over‑the‑top shakes give it a real “treat night out” feel. Kids can choose from simple favourites like burgers or chicken nuggets with chips, while grown‑ups tackle towering burgers, loaded fries and decadent desserts. Being right on Barrack Street Jetty means it’s an easy add‑on to a day at the Quay’s Playground or a ride on the ferry. Read our review of Milky Lane Perth.
Betty’s Burgers
On Wellington Street, opposite Forrest Place and just by the water labyrinth, Betty’s Burgers is a handy city stop for a relaxed family meal. The classic burger‑bar menu is very kid‑friendly, with options like crispy chicken, beef burgers and thick shakes, and everything comes fast enough to keep little ones happy. After eating, kids can enjoy a splash at the water feature or watch the trains roll in and out of Perth Station.
Ribs and Burgers
Ribs and Burgers, perched above Perth Underground in the 140 Perth complex, is another easy choice if you have a mix of big appetites and smaller kids. The menu leans into hearty comfort food: juicy burgers, slow‑cooked ribs, chips and slaw. High‑chairs and friendly staff make it workable even with younger children, and its central location is perfect if you’re using the train or popping in before a show in the Cultural Centre. Keep an eye on their social media for special school holiday activities.
Stories at Yagan Square
Yagan Square offers a great mix of food and play right in the heart of the city. Stories, the multi‑level venue overlooking the square, has a big beer garden and casual eats that work well for families, while the nature play area and interactive spaces below keep kids busy between bites. It’s a convenient meeting point if you’re coming in by train and a handy stop between the CBD and Northbridge.
Ground + Co
If you’re visiting the State Library of WA, Ground + Co on the library’s ground floor is a brilliant child‑friendly pit stop. After a Rhyme Time or Story Time session in the bright, gated Story Place children’s area upstairs, you can head down for coffee, lunch or a snack. Ground + Co offers indoor and outdoor seating, with a tranquil outlook over shallow reflection pools at the rear. While the water isn’t for paddling, kids love dipping their toes and watching the gentle ripples while parents relax with something from the menu, which includes vegetarian and vegan options. Even better, Ground + Co is a social enterprise supporting people experiencing homelessness, so every coffee and sandwich helps a good cause as well. Read the Buggybuddys review.
Be Free Cafe at Perth City Farm
For something a little greener, Be Free Cafe at Perth City Farm in East Perth is a brilliant way to gently sneak some learning into breakfast. The café itself serves simple, wholesome dishes with plenty of fresh produce, and afterwards kids can wander the urban farm, spotting veggies, herbs and chooks. It’s quiet compared to the malls, has space for prams, and is a lovely way to introduce little ones to where their food comes from. You can read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Zamia Cafe at Kings Park
Kings Park is technically just on the edge of the city, but its cafés are too family‑friendly not to mention. Zamia Café at May Drive Parkland has a solid kids’ menu and overlooks an enormous Playground filled with climbable dinosaurs and nature play, making it perfect for a relaxed brunch while the kids burn off energy. Read the Buggybuddys review
Koorak Cafe at Kings Park
Koorak Café, next to the Ivey Watson Playground, is another handy option, serving simple favourites and takeaway coffees right beside equipment designed especially for younger children. Read the Buggybuddys Review.
Family Restaurants in Perth City
Ivy & Jack, Perth CBD
Ivy & Jack, on Hay Street and attached to the Holiday Inn, is a consistently reliable choice for family dining in the CBD. The menu covers everything from wood‑fired pizzas and burgers to salads and share plates, and kids are well‑catered for with their own menu, colouring‑in and sometimes board games to borrow. Its central location makes it ideal for pre‑show dinners before walking to His Majesty’s Theatre, the State Theatre Centre or RAC Arena. Find out more in the Buggybuddys review.
Long Neck Brewery, East Perth
By the river in East Perth, Long Neck Brewery is a relaxed spot where parents can enjoy a local brew while the kids play. Overlooking the Swan River at Point Fraser, the venue has a dedicated children’s menu making it especially friendly for younger families. Being just metres from the excellent Point Fraser Reserve Playground, it’s easy to combine a play in the park with lunch or an early dinner. Find out more in the Buggybuddys review.
Tony Romas, Perth CBD
For families who love their ribs, Tony Roma’s in the city has long been a go‑to. The atmosphere is casual and bustling, the portions are generous, and the kids’ menu is packed with options like ribs, burgers, mac and cheese and chicken tenders. Staff are used to hosting families and big groups, making it an easy choice for birthday dinners or pre‑event meals when you don’t want to stress about table manners.
Find out more in the Buggybuddys review.
C Restaurant High Tea, Perth CBD
C Restaurant offers something truly special if you’re after a “wow” experience with the kids. Perth’s revolving restaurant welcomes children and is a memorable venue for birthdays, graduations or high tea treats. Kids love watching the city slowly glide past below as the restaurant makes its full rotation, and it’s a great excuse for them to dress up for a “fancy” outing. There are set menus and high tea options that work well for families.
Find out more in the Buggybuddys review.
The Island, Elizabeth Quay
Down at Elizabeth Quay, The Island is one of the most popular family‑friendly spots in the city. Set on its own little island with gorgeous river and city views, the venue combines a microbrewery, pizzeria, garden bar and restaurant. Families can sit outside while kids explore the surrounding grassy areas, and the main Elizabeth Quay Playground is only a short walk away for a pre‑ or post‑meal play. The menu includes wood‑fired pizzas, share plates, salads and kid‑sized favourites, making it easy to find something everyone will eat.
Find out more in the Buggybuddys review.
Northbridge Brewing Company
Just over the Horseshoe Bridge in Northbridge, Northbridge Brewing Company is another relaxed inner‑city pick for families. Overlooking the Northbridge Piazza, the venue often has a lively atmosphere, but there’s plenty of space, and the grassy piazza outside gives kids room to stretch their legs between courses. The menu is full of crowd‑pleasing pub classics like pizzas, burgers and share plates, and there is a dedicated kids’ section with simple options and occasional deals.
Forklore, West Perth
Forklore in West Perth is a lovely discovery for families wanting a slightly more grown‑up brunch or lunch that still works with kids. This modern café serves beautiful, seasonally inspired dishes and specialty coffee in a bright, minimalist space overlooking Harold Boas Gardens. While it doesn’t have a Playground on site, you’re only a short stroll from the park, which has grassy areas, ponds and a Playground where kids can run wild before or after your meal. It’s a great option if you’re looking to meet friends or visiting one of the nearby offices or medical centres and want something nicer than a food‑court feed. Read the Buggybuddys review.
Rojiura Curry Samurai
For something a bit different, Rojiura Curry Samurai in the city is a fun introduction to Japanese soup curry. Tucked away off the main streets, this cosy restaurant serves colourful bowls of mild, broth‑based curry loaded with vegetables, rice on the side and your choice of protein. The spice levels are customisable, so you can keep things very gentle for children while adults turn up the heat. It’s a good one for slightly older kids and tweens who enjoy trying new flavours and love Japanese food beyond just sushi. Read the Buggybuddys review.
Something Sweet in Perth City
Gusto Gelato, Elizabeth Quay
On sunny days, it’s hard to beat a scoop (or two) from Gusto Gelato at Elizabeth Quay. The creamy, small‑batch gelato is made on site, with a regularly changing line‑up of classic and seasonal flavours. You can grab a cone or cup and wander along the water, watch the ferries come and go, or let the kids play at the Quay’s Playground while you sit and enjoy the view. Find out more in the Buggybuddys review.
Gemini Cafe, Perth CBD
Gemini Café, just off St Georges Terrace and close to London Court, is a must‑visit for kids (and adults) who love pretty food. The café has become famous for its whimsical drinks and desserts decorated with teddy‑bear or astronaut‑shaped ice cubes, colourful toppings and beautifully presented cakes. It’s perfect for a special morning or afternoon tea when you’re exploring the city, and the striking presentation makes it very popular with teens and tweens who love an Insta‑worthy snack. See the Buggybuddys review.
Whisk Creamery
If you’re after something truly over‑the‑top indulgent, Whisk Creamery on William Street in Northbridge is the place to go. This popular dessert café specialises in fresh soft‑serve gelato creations that are as fun to look at as they are to eat. The menu is packed with decadent treats like stuffed cronuts, deep‑fried gelato, banana splits and towering gelato cups loaded with toppings like Malteasers, Nutella, salted caramel, whipped cream and macadamia nuts. The “Coinut sandwich” – a croissant‑doughnut hybrid smothered in gelato and sauce – is a particular favourite with adults, while kids go wild for the colourful, candy‑topped gelato cups. There are also wicked milkshakes, iced drinks and smoothies to choose from. With plenty of tables, room for prams, high chairs and even a blackboard to keep little ones entertained while they wait, Whisk Creamery is a brilliant spot for a totally naughty but absolutely worth‑it sugar hit after a morning exploring the city or Cultural Centre. Read the Buggybuddys review.
Chicho Gelato
For another scoop of something sweet, Chicho Gelato in Northbridge is ideal for a post‑museum or theatre treat. Just a short walk from the Cultural Centre and Perth Station, Chicho serves inventive gelato flavours with a focus on high‑quality ingredients and small‑batch production. The shop has a fun, buzzing vibe, and kids will enjoy sampling the more adventurous flavours alongside classics like chocolate and vanilla.
Bubble tea and fun food for tweens and teens
Tanning Lemon Tea
The city and Northbridge have become Playgrounds for bubble tea‑obsessed tweens and teens. Taning Lemon Tea in Perth is a standout where the drinks are only half the story. This bright, spacious venue on Newcastle Street combines a serious menu of freshly brewed lemon teas and seasonal drinks with more than 70 Gachapon capsule‑toy machines and claw machines. Kids and teens can swap cash or card for tokens at easy‑to‑use exchange machines, then roam the rows of Gacha machines hunting for their favourite characters and collectables. Parents can grab a seat and a drink while watching the action, and children can even return their empty capsules at the end to earn bonus tokens for next time. It’s as much an activity destination as it is a drinks stop, and a brilliant bribe for good behaviour on a city outing. Read the Buggybuddys review.
Kumo Desserts
Kumo Desserts in Northbridge takes the concept of a dessert outing and runs with it. Specialising in Japanese‑style soufflé pancakes that are as soft as clouds, this chic dessert bar serves towering plates of jiggly pancakes with toppings like Biscoff, brûléed crème, boba pearls, honey, ice cream and mascarpone. There’s a rotating “flavour of the month” for both pancakes and drinks, which gives regular visitors an excuse to keep coming back, and gluten‑free options are available. Kids who love bubble tea will home in on creations like the Boba Brulee Bomb, while fruity options such as Boujee Lychee or Strawberry Kisses go down well with younger ones. With indoor and outdoor seating, high chairs and nearby parking at the CPP Cultural Centre, it’s an easy stop to add on to a day in the Cultural Centre precinct. Read the Buggybuddys review.
Have we still missed your favourite kid‑friendly restaurant, café or dessert bar in Perth city? Share your top picks so we can keep this guide as up‑to‑date and helpful as possible for local families.
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life” has enjoyed an exciting name change in 2021, as “The Chef’s Ex-wife” embarks on new adventures with Simply PERTHfect. Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA, as well as brunching, tapas or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her son “Little Chef” in tow, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
