Family-Friendly Restaurants in Auckland That’ll Keep Everyone Happy

Okay, so not your typical motel! Milford Motel isn’t offering overnight stays; instead, it's your go-to spot for an easy-breezy family day out near the seaside. Kids can play in the pint-sized playground while you enjoy a refreshing cocktail under the shade of a palm tree. Perfect for a weekend escape without leaving Auckland, it’s a resort-vibe hangout with room for the whole family—minus the stress of bookings.

At Ebisu, the Japanese izakaya dining style turns mealtime into a playful experience. While parents sip on sake and savour sashimi, the kiddies can much on tempura, sushi rolls, or gyoza. There's a great kid’s bento box to keep things simple and they'll get an activity page to keep them entertained. It's fancy enough to make you feel sophisticated but welcoming enough for the little ones, with highchairs available too.

Baduzzi turns meatballs into a culinary event, and trust us, your kids will be all over it. Located in the Wynyard Quarter, this upmarket Italian gem is chic and elegant but caters beautifully to families with its warm and welcoming atmosphere and seriously good Italian fare. With dishes like hand-made buttered pasta, chicken schnitzel, grilled organic lamb meatballs, the kids menu will have them asking for seconds.

At this popular chain restaurant, the vibrant décor, colourful plates, and mouthwatering tacos will get everyone in the mood for fun and the casual, festive vibe means it's fine if things get a little messy or loud. The kids menu features the likes of corn chips with guac, crispy fish and pork belly tacos, and cheese quesadillas—make sure they leave some room for the cinnamon churros! Plus, the crayons and activity sheets will keep things exciting for them while the parents indulge in something a bit spicier (hola, margaritas!). 

An Auckland institution for good reason, Prego has been dishing out fabulous food for decades—and it's super family-friendly. With a menu that balances upscale dishes with familiar favourites, Prego lets parents indulge in gourmet Italian while kids happily dig into the wood-fired pizza and creamy gelato. The lively atmosphere keeps things fun and laid-back, and there's colouring in pages and highchairs available too.