Hong Kong’s culinary landscape is dotted with affordable Michelin star restaurants, hip bars, and exclusive dining venues. But if you’re on the lookout for a place where you can unwind over a meal with the family, the city’s got loads of options as well. There are several restaurants across the 852 where you enjoy the dining experience while the kids have fun.
Transformers: The Ark — Causeway Bay
Hong Kong has the distinction of having the first Transformers-themed restaurant in the world. Created by Hasbro Asia (the co-creators of the Transformers franchise), the interior of the sleek new restaurant resembles the G1 Ark spaceship that first carried the Autobot and Decepticon factions to Earth in the original television series and live action movies. The restaurant’s simple menu features signature hamburgers in the shape of Optimus Prime’s face, including the 10-layer Black Truffle Angus Burger (HK$105) and Crab Meat Avocado Burger (HK$95), to be paired with some fried chicken bites (from HK$30) and frozen desserts.
Transformers: The Ark, 38 Russell Street, Causeway Bay
Origami Kids Café — Kai Tak Cruise Terminal
If you’re looking for an indoor spot to relax after a day out at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Park, head to Origami Kids Café, which is a 10-minute walk away. This bright, cheerful space has everything to keep tots aged up to seven engaged. They can play dress-up, go grocery shopping, pore over books at the reading station, or have a romp in the ball pit while their parents chill out over a drink and Chinese fusion food. Each two-hour session is priced at HK$138 during weekdays and HK$198 during weekends. There’s also a HK$100 minimum food and beverage charge for adults.
Origami Kids Café, Shop N305, 3/F, Zone N, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, 33 Shing Fung Rd, Kowloon Bay | +852 6063 7470
Zaks — Discovery Bay
A Discovery Bay outing with the kids will likely be a daylong affair, and Zaks is a great place for a long lunch break in between all the outdoor activities the neighbourhood has to offer. Its alfresco setting provides a sweeping view of the promenade and Tai Pak beach, while the 12-years-and-below menu has kiddie favourites such as burgers, pizzas, and pastas ranging from HK$75 to HK$80. If you walk by the restaurant on a Sunday or a holiday weekend, you’re sure to see families dining at the restaurant’s long benches and kids climbing on its new playground. Want to start your day in DB bright and early? In that case, we recommend the Zaks breakfast, which has great options for kids.
Zaks, Shop G04, Block A, Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island | +852 2987 6232
Yum Cha — Central
This Hong Kong favourite may not have a play area or space for the kids to run around, but the food ranks high in terms of visual appeal. Choose from fun dim sum like the BBQ Piggy Buns and “vomiting” custard buns (HK$ 49), as well as the restaurant chain’s cast of cute bao buns. Check out their Facebook page to get a heads-up about their holiday-themed dumplings on occasions like Halloween and Christmas.
Yum Cha, Shop 1-2, 2/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road Central, Central | +852 3708 8081
Pizza Express — Multiple locations
No matter where you are in Hong Kong, you’re sure to be in the vicinity of a Pizza Express. The restaurant chain is super kid-friendly and its outlets are equipped with baby chairs, kids’ cutlery and a children’s set menu (ranging around HK$98). The staff is attentive and whenever they see that you’ve got little ones in tow, they bring out an assortment of colouring sheets and stationery to keep them entertained during your meal. If you sign up for the Junior Club membership for children aged three to 11 years old, your kids can get access to exclusive pizza activities, dining vouchers and birthday gifts.
Locations in Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, New Territories, and Island Districts | +852 2123 1083
The Sixteenth — Quarry Bay
If you’re looking for a meal out in Hong Kong that has food and activities that the kids will love, then The Sixteenth has two options: the La Favorita Italian brunch (HK$148 per child) and the Honjokko Japanese brunch (HK$168 per child). Kids aged 7-12 years old get 50% off, while younger children eat for free. The venue has themed activities that change every week, so you could be stepping into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory one week or an under-the-sea-inspired wonderland the next. Don’t forget to check out the playroom and movie room for an added helping of fun.
The Sixteenth, 2/F, Oxford House, Taikoo Place, 979 King’ Road, Quarry Bay | +852 2788 1993
Café MED — Kowloon Bay, Tseung Kwan O
Get an overdose of cute at this teddy bear-themed café that serves American-style food. There’s something for everyone, no matter what their age — from hearty pastas and steaks, sweet and savoury toasts. If you want the complete Café MED experience, order the Little Bear Burger with a teddy bear-shaped ice drink on the side. And, of course, you can use any of the teddies at the restaurant to get that IG-worthy click!
Kowloon Bay: 11/F, Megabox, 38 Wang Chiu Road, Kowloon Bay | +852 3421 2213
Tseung Kwan O: Shop 2086-2087, 2/F, Metro City Plaza Central, 8 Mau Yip Road, Tseung Kwan O | +852 2992 0772
Jello & Mellow — Quarry Bay
This indoor interactive play area has loads to keep kids busy — from the slide and ball pit at Fort Jiggle to and main dining area where Jello & Mellow hosts their events and parties. The Nordic-inspired interiors, with its soothing pastel colours and natural tones, provide the perfect backdrop for family meals and birthday celebrations. Jello & Mellow also has a nursing room, complete with a comfy chair and changing station.
Jello & Mellow, 9/F, 1001 King’s Road, Quarry Bay | +852 5111 4895
MeokBang BBQ Kidzone — Kwun Tong
Crazy about all things Korean? Then a trip to this family-friendly Korean barbecue restaurant should be on the cards. The décor replicates a traditional Korean hanok (house) and its menu offers up fare such as Shake Shake Bento and bibimbap. There’s a play area with a massive ball pit that’ll be a hit with the kids, along with other activities. And if you want an IG-worthy pic to remember your visit by, you can rent hanboks (traditional Korean attire) and click away. The play area is only open from 4pm onwards on weekday evenings, and there are special dining slots during weekends and public holidays.
MeokBang BBQ Kidzone, 2/F, 90 Hung To Road, Kwun Tong | +852 2326 2220
Meraviglia Bar e Ristorante — Sha Tin
Got a hankering for homemade Italian food? If you’re in the Sha Tin area or planning a trip there, head out to Meraviglia Bar e Ristorante. This homey restaurant serves up Italian fare made with mostly organic ingredients and, as a bonus, has oodles of things for kiddies to do. The bouncy castle and slide will ensure your kids get tuckered out, and the indoor play area is a great substitute for outdoor action on rainy days.
Meraviglia Bar e Ristorante, S040 G/F Lakeside 2, No. 10 Science Park West Ave, Hong Kong Science Park, Sha Tin | +852 2210 7168
Mr. Tree — Lai Chi Kok and Causeway Bay
Parents on the hunt for healthy dining combined with fun learning experiences will find that Mr. Tree checks all their boxes. This restaurant chain has two branches in Hong Kong. The one in Lai Chi Kok is divided into seven zones, each of which caters to a specific age group of kids. Your tots will be hard-pressed to choose between the ball pit, mini fishing pool and toys that encourage learning through play. The CWB branch’s offerings — which include a climbing wall, toddler play area, and kitchen sets — will help the kiddos work up an appetite for attractively plated dishes like the Orecchiette Bolognese and Happy Bear with Corn and Chicken Cream Sauce (both HK$158).
Lai Chi Kok: Shop 103-107 & 120-121, 1/F, D2 Place Two, 15 Cheung Shun St, Lai Chi Kok | +852 3184 0033
Causeway Bay: 1501-1505, 15/F, Windsor House, 311 Gloucester Rd | +852 3619 0633
Frites Belgium On Tap — Various locations
If you thought that the terms “Belgian pub” and “kid-friendly” don’t go together, Frites may just change your mind. They have a dedicated kids’ menu that features favourites like Spag Bol, Mini Burgers, milkshakes and smoothies (items range from HK$55 to HK$95). As a bonus, the Central branch has a space where little ones can play at being wait staff, cashiers and customers while their parents unwind over a beer and a meal.
Locations in Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, North Point, Quarry Bay, Kwun Tong, Tseung Kwan O, Tai Kok Tsui | +852 3950 9000
Tree Café — Ap Lei Chau
Appease kids who’ve tagged along with you on a shopping trip by taking them to this chilled-out café attached to Tree’s flagship store. They get a free babycino, banana, and a mini muffin and can work off the sugar rush at the wooden play zone. Parents get to take a load off and recharge over coffee, sandwiches, and baked goodies, with food prices ranging from $50 to HK$100.
Tree Café, 28/F, Elevators L11-12, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau | + 852 2870 1586
Baumhaus Wan Chai — Wan Chai
This is a popular Island-side pick among parents who want a relaxed café outing while the kids do their thing at the wooden treehouse. They have great kiddie-sized meal portions, and healthy options for adults as well. While you’re there, you can make enquiries about their Kindermusik and Performing Arts courses if you’ve got children aged six and under.
Baumhaus Wan Chai, 1/F, Kar Yau Building, 36-44 Queens Rd East, Wan Chai | +852 2321 5898
Bathers — Cheung Sha
If you want a break from the bustle of the city, make a day trip to Cheung Sha. We recommend you pitch your tent on the beach at a spot near South Lantau favourite, Bathers, so you can wander into the restaurant for a bite or a drink in the shade whenever you fancy. Enjoy your meal and your view of the open sea as the kids frolic in the sand and spot water buffalo. Their menu features share plates with options for kids — think guac and chips, cheese burgers, and chocolate brownies. There’s also a kids’ set menu priced at HK$140 that comes with a main, mac & cheese croquette, coleslaw, and ice cream.
Bathers, 32 Lower Cheung Sha Village, South Lantau, Lantau Island | + 852 2504 4788
Hutong — Tsim Sha Tsui
If a culturally enriching and kid-friendly meal is what you’re after, check out what Hutong — which specialises in Northern Chinese cuisine — has to offer. For starters, kids aged five to 12 can eat for free as part of their Sunday Fei Weng Brunch special. Each week, they have traditional Chinese workshops at which diners can learn skills such as Chinese sugar painting, portrait drawing, rainbow calligraphy and kite painting. Call ahead to find out what they’ve got lined up before you go.
Hutong, 18/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 3428 8342
Cafe Roma — Ma Wan
No family trip to Park Island is complete without a pitstop at Cafe Roma. This kid- and pet-friendly joint serves up casual European food, which you can enjoy as you take in the view of Tsing Ma bridge. They have an extensive a la carte menu that provides parents and children loads of options — think nachos, burgers, pasta and risotto — and they have set menus for tiny tots as well (priced at HK$88, the Amusing Kids Set comes with soup, a main, fresh fruit, and juice). The restaurant has beach toys for children to play with and a variety of workshops on their roster.
Cafe Roma, Shop 7-8, L1, Beach Commercial Complex | +852 3446 1226
Header image credits: Mr. Tree
