With kids in tow, it’s safer to plan ahead when dining out so you don’t find yourself trying to keep your little one sliding off a bar stool. We’re so lucky to have a world of food options right at our doorstep, and thankfully there are plenty of places to keep children happy too. Read on for our top picks, where the whole family can spend the day munching lunch by the beach, or indoors digging into a brunch buffet with added treats.
Click to jump straight to a particular area or venue:
Central: FRITES, Armani/Aqua, Jinjuu, Lily & Bloom, Zuma, Bread Street Kitchen, The Diner, The Flying Pan, Yum Cha, Cafe Causette, Kind Kitchen
Sai Ying Pun & Kennedy Town: Kaum at Potato Head, 208 Duecento Otto, Butcher & Baker Cafe
Mid-Levels: Oolaa, Rosie Jean’s Cafe
Wan Chai & Causeway Bay: Pirata, The Optimist, The Pawn, Jamie’s Italian, FRITES, The Flying Pan
Quarry Bay & Taikoo Eiffel Bistro, Shiro
Southside: Limewood, The Verandah, Amalfitana, The Butchers Club
Kowloon: Harbourside at the Intercontinental, Yamm at the Mira, Kitchen at the W Hotel, Jamie’s Italian, Origami Kids Cafe, Yum Cha, Theo Mistral by Theo Randall
Sai Kung The Conservatory
Lantau Island: Zak’s, Mavericks
Park Island: Cafe Roma
Central
FRITES
Kids’ menu, high chairs, baby-changing, play area (weekends and public holidays only)
Adults: go to FRITES when you’ve got an empty belly, as each meal comes with a matching beer suggestion, making for a filling and satisfying lunch. If you can manage to eat your three courses in one hour, you get 20% knocked off your bill. Kids: stick with fun-sized plates like ‘schnits n strips’ (pork strips served with vegetables or fries) and share a Belgian waffle with mum and dad, if they have room. Weekends really come alive at all locations when the ‘FRITES Cafe’ opens. Parents can relax and enjoy a meal while kids get creative in the Cafe, taking turns pretending to be customers, cashiers and baristas.
When: Lunch weekdays from 11.45am to 3.00pm
Cost: Three course ‘Express Lunch’ from $128 (finish your three courses before 12.45pm and get 20% off); kids’ mains from $78
Where: Central – The Wellington, 1/F, No. 198 Wellington Street; Wan Chai – Shop 6, 1/F, Causeway Centre, 28 Harbour Road; Causeway Bay – Shop 1, G/F, Park Haven, No. 38 Haven Street; Quarry Bay – G/F, Oxford House, TaiKoo Place, 979 King’s Road Island East
Book: Central – 2217 6671 or fritescentral@frites.hk
Wan Chai – 2877 2422 or friteswc@frites.hk
Causeway Bay – 2142 5233 or fritescwb@frites.hk
Quarry Bay – 2250 5188 or fritesqb@frites.hk
Armani/Aqua
High chairs, baby-changing (in Chater House 1/F), play area, under 5s free
As Armani/Aqua’s ‘Because Brunch’ is billed as a ‘share brunch’, the kiddies will learn all about sharing as they sample Japanese and Italian fare. There’s a live pizza and pasta station and a sweet dessert platter for later. Mum and dad can kick back with a refreshing cocktail served in oversized goblets while the children let loose in the play area.
When: Saturday and Sunday 12.00pm to 3.00pm
Cost: $598 per adult free flow Veuve Cliquot Champagne, cocktails, wines; $448 per adult for share brunch only; add $148 Veuve Cliquot Vintage 2008 and cocktails; add $100 for free flow soft drinks and juices; $198 per child aged 5 to 12; under 5s free
Where: 2/F, Landmark Chater (Chater House), 8 Connaught Road, Central
Book: 3583 2828 or online
Jinjuu
High chairs, under 4s free
Jinjuu’s brunch mixes traditional and modern Korean cuisine in vibrant surroundings. Dig into delicious starters from the buffet counter but leave room for a filling main – a favourite is the Iberico pork kimchi fried rice, a satisfying grilled Spanish Iberico pork belly with seasonal vegetables, poached egg and spring onion. Kids will love the chicken mollies, and non-meat eaters have dishes like jap chae, traditional stir-fried sweet potato noodles mixed with seasonal vegetables and egg, to savour. There’s also drawing paper and crayons, and a special kids’ candy corner… if they’ve finished all their veggies.
When: Saturday and Sunday 12.00pm to 3.00pm
Cost: $250 per adult (semi buffet only); $400 per adult (semi buffet with main course and dessert); add $200 free flow Louis Roederer Brut NV; $200 per child aged 4-12
Where: UG/F, 32 D’Aguilar Street, Central
Lily & Bloom
Kids’ menu, high chairs, play area,under 4s free
This ‘All American’ brunch promises classics like big, fluffy pancakes and omelettes, done made-to-order at the omelette station. Children will delight in the chocolate fountain and cupcake decorating area, and the special kids’ corner to burn off all the sweets later.
Read our review of Lily & Bloom’s brunch here.
When: Saturday and Sunday from 11.00am to 4.00pm.
Cost: $320 per adult with a complimentary coffee, tea or juice; $195 free flow options; $125 children 4-11; under 4s free
Where: 33 Wyndham Street, Central
The Diner
Kids’ menu, high chairs, baby-changing
A proper American diner in Central, this place is all about good grub, milkshakes, a cool and casual atmosphere, and fun. Think red shiny stools, spacious booths and authentic jukeboxes to transport you back to 1950’s America. If you can swing it, get seated in the genuine 1958 Cadillac car seat, shipped over specially from Chicago. Lap up the Fat Elvis waffles while the munchkins giggle with glee at the Mini Moo beef burger, served in a car box and done up to appear as if the ‘frog burger’ is driving. There’s TV showing cartoons (on mute) to entertain them further.
When: Brunch served Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 7.30am to 2.00pm; a la carte menu from 11.00am weekdays and from 2.00pm weekends and public holidays.
Cost: mains from $88 per adult; kids 12 and under mains from $48
Where: G/F, 4-8 Arbuthnot Road, Central
Zuma
High chairs, baby-changing, play area, under 4s free
It’s a bit of a treat to brunch at Zuma, what with the Ruinart Champagne endlessly flowing and the mountains of Japanese delicacies to savour – sushi, sashimi, tempura, salads, robata grill items – truly, there’s so much on offer at the food displays. The children’s menu includes all items from the food displays, plus a bento box with snacks, main course and drink. While they’re carefully choosing from the abundant spread, they’ll get a kick out of seeing the lively chefs hard at work, whipping up dish after dish. Parents should keep in mind that there’s a dress code in place (no flip flops, cargo shorts, or sleeveless shirts for men).
When: Saturday and Sunday 11.00am to 3.00pm (2 hour settings)
Cost: Non Alcoholic Beverage Package $548 per adult; Deluxe Beverage Package $688 per adult; Premium Beverage Package $1288 per adult; $200 for children aged 4-10; under 4s free
Where: Levels 5 & 6, Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road, Central
Book: 3657 6388 or online here
Bread Street Kitchen & Bar
Kids’ menu, high chairs, booster seats
Bright and spacious, with comfy yellow leather booths and lots of lighting, this venue brought to you by Gordon Ramsay does a mean full English breakfast and daily roasts as part of their brunch. Kids can chow down on a two or three course menu, with fish and chips, BBQ chicken wings and strawberry Eton mess to choose from. Sometimes Mr Ramsay pops in, so do look up from your plate once in awhile.
When: Saturday and Sunday 11.00am to 3.00pm
Cost: Main courses start at $168; add $188 for free flow cocktails, white and red wine or bubbles; kids’ menu for ages 1-8 $88 for two courses, $104 for three courses
Where: Mezzanine Level, LKF Hotel, 33 Wyndham Street, Central
The Flying Pan
Kids’ menu, high chairs (in Wan Chai branch only)
Sometimes you want pancakes for lunch, are we right? Lucky for you there’s the 24-hour Flying Pan, in Central or Wan Chai, catering to parents and kids of all ages with an endless menu. Seriously, there’s enormous combos containing English fry-ups, American-style biscuits and gravy with eggs and sausage patties, omelettes and frittatas galore, and a cheap as chips egg menu with your choice of two eggs prepared how you like ‘em, toast, two side dishes and a small juice for $50. Let’s not forget the grilled cheese sandwiches, French toast stuffed sandwiches, waffles and of course, pancakes! The kids’ meal is generous too, with a choice of 14 items (from hearty eggs, sausage and toast to a warming porridge with banana and raisins) served with a drink for $46. The diner setting, neon signs and booths make for a fun afternoon lunch or cheery morning breakfast, as you can pop in whenever you like, all day long, 365 days of the year.
When: Open 24 hours
Cost: Mains from $50; kids’ meal $46, under 12s free
Where: Central – G/F 9 Old Bailey Street, Central; Wan Chai – 1/F, David House, 37-39 Lockhart Road, Enter on Fenwick, Wan Chai
Book: 2140 6333 (Central); 2528 9997 (Wan Chai) or info@the-flying-pan.com
Yum Cha
All branches have high chairs
This is where you go when you like your steamed buns with googly eyes or sausage rolls dog-shaped. The baskets of dim sum are deliciously entertaining – when your kids poke the custard buns and watch the bright yellow yolk ooze from below the bun’s ‘face’, they will giggle with glee. You’ll be snapping away photos lunchtime-long, no doubt, but thankfully it all tastes as good as it looks, with plenty of a la carte options as well.
When: Monday to Saturday lunch from 11.30 to 4.00pm, Sunday and public holidays from 11.00am to 4.00pm (Central); Monday to Saturday lunch from 11.30 to 4.00pm, Sunday and public holidays from 11.30am to 4.30pm (Tsim Sha Tsui); Monday to Sunday lunch from 11.30 to 3.00pm (Mong Kok)
Cost: Dim sum from $39; starters from $59; mains from $69
Where: Central – 2/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road Central, Central; Tsim Sha Tsui – 3/F, 20-22 Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon; Mong Kok – Shop 07, Level 4A, Langham Place, Mongkok, Kowloon
Book: 3708 8081 or central@yumchahk.com (Central); 2751 1666 or tst@yumchahk.com (Tsim Sha Tsui); 2818 1099 or langham@yumchahk.com (Mong Kok)
Café Causette
High chairs, baby-changing, kids’ menu
Despite being in the posh Mandarin Oriental hotel, Café Causette is casual and family-friendly, with an extensive menu covering whatever you’re craving – classic Cantonese cuisine, burgers, steak – or a set menu (two or three courses) that makes it easy for you to choose. The ‘Mini Mo’ menu for children also has a bit of everything, with clearly-marked vegetarian and gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions. While they wait, activity packs and pencil crayons are at the ready to keep them busy, or you can all go have a peek at the lively show kitchen, where the chefs busily prepare your tasty lunch.
When: Lunch served from 11.30am to 3.00pm daily
Cost: 2-course lunch set menu $368, 3-course $468 per adult; kids mains from $78
Where: Mandarin Oriental, M/F, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central
Book: 2825 4005 or mohkg-cafe@mohg.com
Kind Kitchen
Kids’ menu, children’s play area
Kind Kitchen is the newest edition to the Green Common brand, a chain of vegan restaurants with several locations in the city. You’ll feel relaxed as soon as you walk in as the space is decorated with an elegant and restful theme and the walls are decorated with meaningful quotes related to kindness and meaningful eating such as “Be Kind to Every Kind” and “Kindness Costs Nothing”. These quotes depict Kind Kitchen’s ethos as a vegan restaurant to offer menus which harm no animal. Your kids will be well taken care of with the Kind Kids’ Menu that is 100% plant-based, delicious, healthy and child-sized bites. They’ve also collaborated with SPRING, the award-winning early childhood play centre to create “Mini Common”, a fun engaging experience to learn about food and make eating fun for even the youngest diners, making Kind Kitchen a choice destination for family time.
When: A la carte menu offered 11:30am – 10pm every day
Cost: Mains of various prices
Where: Shop 1, 1/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road, Central
Sai Ying Pun & Kennedy Town
Kaum
Kids’ menu, high chairs
Kaum (‘clan’ or ‘tribe’ in Indonesian) is located in one of Hong Kong’s coolest spaces, Potato Head, a multi-purpose venue with a coffee shop, retail and music area, and bar. Among all this is Kaum, a beautifully decorated restaurant serving an Indonesian-inspired brunch catering to all family members. Children get their own menu (which also serves as a colouring sheet) with five picks like grilled chicken satay with peanut sauce, and parents have a host of fragrant dishes to choose from. There’s also lots of post-brunch activities like the “Maggie and Rose” play corner with toys and arts & crafts table (only on weekends), and coloring sheets and pencil crayons are always available. Although there’s no dedicated baby-changing facility, the friendly staff are happy to offer the music room for privacy.
When: Saturday and Sunday 11.00am to 3.00pm
Cost: $398 per person; add $195 for two hours of free flow Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut, Indo Bloody Mary, mimosa, sangria, red or white wine and soft drinks, add $295 for here hours; kids’ mains for under 8s $80 each
Where: G/F, 100 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun
Book: 2858 6066 or reservations.phhk@pttfamily.com
208 Duecento Otto
Kids’ menu, high chairs, baby-changing, play area, under 4s free
208 Duecento Otto has a casual, trendy feel and pleasant staff to guide you through the delicious Italian brunch buffet, with unlimited antipasti, seafood, salad, cheese and dessert. If you prefer a la carte for the kiddies, the ‘Bambino’ menu has manageable portions including a sunny side-up egg with pancetta and toast from $38, and ice cream floats ($30) to cap it all off.
Read our review of brunch at 208 here.
When: Saturday and Sunday 11.00am to 3.00pm
Cost: $218 per adult, buffet only; $118 for children under 12; $348 per adult for buffet plus one main course, $218 for children under 12; add $200 for free flow Prosecco, draught Peroni, Aperol Spritz, Bloody Mary, Bellini and wines or upgrade to Veuve Clicquot Chandon Sparkling Rose for $300.
Where: 208 Hollywood Road, Sai Ying Pun
Book: 2549 0208 or info@208.com.hk
Butcher & Baker Cafe * Closed for Renovations from 18 January
Kids’ menu, high chairs, baby-changing, indoor playground, various play areas
A great concept in Kennedy Town for parents and kids alike, Butcher & Baker Cafe has several fantastic amenities available: it’s a local butcher, a florist, a yoga studio (they offer free weekday yoga classes), plus a cafe and restaurant. And then there’s the kids’ stuff: a playground, a self-service kids’ kitchen with ice cream, candies, chocolate, popcorn, homemade doughnuts and more, all free for children dining with parents. The weekday set lunch is a great deal for a choice of starter, main and dessert, and dishes for kids are all priced at $75, featuring the usual child-friendly picks. You can easily spend hours here catching up with friends as your little ones play a round of mini golf nearby.
When: Open from 7.00am daily
Cost: Weekday set lunch $128 per adult; kids’ mains $75 each
Where: On Fat Building, 57-59 Cadogan Street, Kennedy Town
Book: 2591 0328 or butcher.bakercafe@casteloconcepts.com
Mid-Levels
Oolaa
Kids’ menu, high chairs, baby-changing
Oolaa is a good choice for family lunches, with decent portions and a regularly changing menu to keep things fresh. The Cafe Corner has comfy sofas and chairs for lazy afternoons and the outdoor terrace does the trick on pleasant sunny days. Staff are friendly and helpful, and the kids’ menu has delightful bites for children like cinnamon French toast and a chip butty for nostalgic little Brits.
When: Lunch Monday to Friday 11.30am to 3.30pm
Cost: Set lunch $145 for two courses; $165 for three courses; $150 for unlimited salad bar only; (pay and return your table by 12.45pm and get 20% off); kids mains from $30
Where: G/F, Bridges Street, CentreStage, Mid-Levels
Book: 2803-2083 or oolaa@casteloconcepts.com
Rosie Jean’s Cafe
Baby-changing, high chairs, indoor & outdoor toys, terrace, access to separate outdoor play area after 4.45pm and at weekends ($20)
Well known with Mid-Level mums, Rosie Jean’s Cafe is a cosy spot for parents to unwind with a good cup of coffee while the wee ones scamper about the child-friendly environment. Children can play on the cafe’s terrace, but they also have the option of hanging out on the nearby school’s playground area all day on weekends and public holidays for $20. If you just want to sit indoors and have a treat day, the menu is sprinkled with fun mini cakes and cookies for kids, but there’s also healthy snacks like veggie sticks with hummus or yogurt with fruit toppings. Lunch is covered too, with filling sandwiches, quiche, soups and salads. Fans of UK desserts will be pleased to see sweets like flapjacks and Victoria Sponge on the menu.
When: Open from 7.30am daily
Cost: Mains from $45; kids’ menu snacks from $7, cakes and treats from $15, breakfast dishes from $20
Where: Shop 3, G/F, Kam Kin Mansion, 119-125 Caine Road, Mid-Levels
Book: 2549 9718 or info@rosiejeanscafe.com
Wan Chai & Causeway Bay
Pirata
Kids’ menu, high chairs, booster seats, baby-changing
Parents will like the laid back atmosphere at Pirata’s brunch – the staff are very friendly and there’s a good family vibe. The kids’ menu isn’t too fussy, just good ol’ Italian food like pasta, meatballs and a yummy fried mozzarella sandwich. Crayons and colouring sheets are on hand to keep them happy.
Read our review of Pirata’s brunch here.
When: Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 12.00pm to 3.00pm
Cost: $298 per adult; add $180 for free flow Prosecco, red and white wine, beer, cocktails; $98 kids’ menu
Where: 29/30F, 239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai
The Optimist
Kids’ menu, high chairs, baby-changing
The Optimist does brunch Spanish-style with dishes like seafood rice with mussels, clams and squid, or succulent Iberico pork ribs with barbecue sauce and grilled corn. Kids get their own semi-buffet of cold cuts, salads and fresh pintxos (small snacks) plus a choice of mains like fried calamari rings or mini cheeseburger (all dishes come with corn on the cob and peas).
When: Sundays and public holidays from 11.30am to 3.00pm
Cost: $348 per adult; add $180 for free flow sangria, Prosecco and wine; Kids’ menu $98
Where: 239 Hennessy Road, G/F, Wan Chai
The Pawn
Kids’ menu, high chairs, play area, under 12s free (one per paying adult)
Warm and inviting, and taking up three floors of one of the city’s noted historical buildings, The Pawn serves a great British brunch with something for all family members. Adults will like the big juicy steaks and burgers, and kids will relish the macaroni cheese or sausage and mash, plus an awesome selection of milkshakes and smoothies. They recently added a proper English Roast to their brunch which we are all definitely excited about! There’s a bright and cheery area on the second floor that children will love, where the dining room gets converted into their own play space.
Find more great value brunches in this roundup.
When: Saturday and public holidays 12.00pm to 2.00pm (free flow ends at 2.30pm); All day brunch on Sundays from 11.30am to 10.00pm
Cost: $498 per adult with free flow soft drinks, orange juice and smoothies; $598 per adult with free flow Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial, Bloody Mary, cider, soft drinks, red and white wines, beer, cider, soft drinks, smoothies, orange juice, fruit punch, bottled water, coffee and tea; add $50 for Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial; Children aged 12 and under eat for free (one child per adult); additional children $248 per person.
Where: 62 Johnston Road, Wan Chai
Jamie’s Italian
Kids’ menu, high chairs, play area (weekly in Causeway Bay, weekends only in Tsim Sha Tsui)
You know the guy who campaigned to change children’s eating habits in UK and US schools will deliver something good for families. Jamie Oliver’s kids’ menu at Jamie’s Italian is more creative than the average locale (take the ‘five a day picnic box’ and ‘salmon in a bag’) and each meal (in sizes for ‘little’ and ‘big’ kids) is served with a fresh ‘shake-me salad’ and choice of drink. Adults will not suffer when it comes to their options at the semi-buffet weekend brunch or lunch, with plenty of pasta and pizza, and wonderful desserts (the raspberry rippled pavlova demands to be ordered). They’ll also enjoy watching their kids gain some culinary skills and have a blast at the same time at Jamie’s monthly ‘Little Chef’ pizza-making workshop for ages 5-10.
When: Express lunch Monday to Friday 12.00pm to 3.00pm; weekend brunch from 11.00am to 4.00pm Saturday and Sunday
Cost: Semi-buffet weekend brunch $295 per adult, $195 per child 4-11; add $195 for free flow Prosecco, cocktails, beer; extra $125 for free flow Champagne and wine; add $60 for fresh juice; a la carte brunch mains from $88; $98 for express lunch; kids’ menu $68 for small sizes and $78 for bigger sizes
Where: Causeway Bay – 2/F, Soundwill Plaza II- Midtown, 1 Tang Lung Street; Tsim Sha Tsui – Shop 412, Level 4, Ocean Centre, Harbour City,Kowloon
Book:
Causeway Bay – 3958 2222
Tsim Sha Tsui – 3758 3333
See also FRITES and The Flying Pan (both listed under Central)
Quarry Bay and Taikoo
Eiffel Bistro
High chairs, kids’ menu, play corner (at weekends only)
A taste of Paris in Taikoo Shing! The chic bistro setting with Parisian décor at Eiffel Bistro is great for people watching from the large, open windows, and just the place to pop in when you have a hankering for French onion soup. Go a la carte for other French food (maybe it’s time you tried escargot, these come from Burgundy and are dripping in garlic butter), or the convenient lunch and brunch sets. Little ones have fewer picks from the kids’ menu, which consists of the usual mini burgers, mac and cheese, etc., but they probably won’t mind as they’ll be itching to finish so they can play in the kids’ corner (weekends only).
When: Weekend Set Lunch and Brunch served Saturday and Sunday from 11.00am to 3.0pm; Executive and Healthy Set Lunch served Monday to Friday from 11.30am to 3.00pm
Cost: Weekend Set Lunch and Brunch from $138, Executive and Healthy Set Lunch from $98; kids’ menu from $88, under 12s free
Where: Stage 5, Shop G514, Tai Yue Avenue, Hing On Mansion, Taikoo Shing
Book: 2446-1598 or info@eiffel-bistro.hk
Shiro
Kids’ menu, high chairs, baby-changing
It’s a bonus when eating out with kids means more than pizzas and scoops of ice cream. So imagine our joy when we heard about Shiro’s ‘Junior’ menu, with mini sushi rolls and sushi sets – the ‘Chocho Set’ comes with Wagyu udon noodles and mini chicken teriyaki, a far cry from chicken fingers and chips. Shiro also makes it easy to introduce the younger crew to Japanese cuisine with the ‘Sakana Sushi Platter’, containing unlimited, bite-size sushi like salmon maki and tamago, so they can take their time discovering which ones they like best. Meanwhile, mum and dad can spoil themselves silly with bento boxes, sushi sets and tempura. You may spend an entire afternoon here, but no matter, as the kids’ menu doubles as make-your-own origami to entertain the kiddies.
When: 11.00am daily (Taikoo Place)
Cost: Bento box from $198; sushi/sashimi from $158; Junior menu sets from $118’ mini sushi/maki/temaki from $15 (junior menu is only available on weekends and public holidays)
Where: Lincoln House, 979 King’s Road, Taikoo Place
Southside
Limewood
Kids’ menu, high chairs, baby-changing (in The Pulse mall), beach location, playground in front
Grab the kids, and their pails and shovels for making sand castles, and head to Limewood for a chill afternoon by the beach. Barbecued meat and seafood with South East Asian, Hawaiian, South American and Caribbean flavours are what they’re known for at Limewood, as well as their super friendly staff. Children will like the fresh guacamole and chips, plus more filling bites from the kids’ menu. Everybody will be fighting over the warm sugar and cinnamon-dusted churros with caramel sauce and ice cream for dipping. And there’s exotic cocktails for mum and dad to sip in between taking turns playing with the kids on the playground and beach, which lies smack in front.
When: Lunch Monday to Wednesday from from 12.00pm to 2.30pm, Thursday to Sunday from 12.00pm to 4.00pm
Cost: Mains starting at $285 for adults; check for monthly promotions; kids mains from $65
Where: The Pulse, Shop 103 & 104, G/F, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay
Book: 2866 8668 or reservations@limewood.hk
Amalfitana
Kids’ menu, high chairs, baby-changing (in The Pulse mall), beach location, playground in front
Just next door to Limewood is Amalfitana, serving artisan pizzas and homemade Limoncello infusions to give you a sense that you’re seaside on the Amalfi Coast. Although it’s Repulse Bay where you’re at, the beach is just as inviting, serving as a lovely backdrop to happily munch away on pizzas with classic toppings. Children’s pizzas come fish-shaped; parents may get jealous at their plain old circle kind.
When: Lunch from 12.00pm
Cost: Pizzas start at $130; kids’ pizzas start at $70; check for monthly promotions
Where: The Pulse, Shop 105, G/F, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay
The Verandah
Kids’ menu, high chairs, baby-changing, under 3s free
The high ceilings, marble floors and greenery make the The Verandah most inviting, especially the seaside setting. There’ll be no bumping of elbows indoors as the dining area is spacious, and outdoors is ample green space for the rugrats to run rampant. The Sunday brunch spread wins top points too for its fondue and chocolate fountain feature, which both young and old will revel in. During the week (note they’re closed Monday -Tuesday), come for lunch and take in some more of the view.
When: Brunch – Sunday 11.00am to 2.30pm; Lunch – Wednesday to Saturday and public holidays 12.00pm to 2.30pm
Cost: Brunch – $688 per adult; $344 per child aged 3-11; under 3s free; Lunch – mains from $358; kids’ menu meals $138 and $168
Where: 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay
Book: 2292 2822 or verandah@therepulsebay.com
The Butcher’s Club
Worth keeping an eye out for seasonal entertainment is The Butcher’s Club, home to some of the best burgers in Hong Kong and fun events for families year-round. Their ‘Southside Market’ long lunch series is growing quickly in popularity, with previous events held around Halloween, Christmas and Easter. They pack in live music, a mini kids’ cinema, games, vendors and a grand buffet at their large rooftop event space in Wong Chuk Hang. Book ahead as walk-ins aren’t accepted if the event sells out (and it usually does!).
When: Seasonal
Cost: $250 per person over the age of 4 for all-you-can-eat package; under 3s free; add $200 for free flow cocktails, wine and beer drinks package if purchased online ($250 at the door)
Where: Shui Ki Industrial Building, Shui Ki Industrial Building, 18 Wong Chuk Hang Road
Book: 2110 1258 or book online
Kowloon
Harbourside at The Intercontinental
High chairs, baby-changing, under 3s free
The harbour views here are pretty special, and Harbourside’s lunch buffet is worth a visit on any day of the week. But it’s the free-flowing Sunday brunch that we really love. Indulge yourself in a vast selection of cuisine from around the world, including excellent fresh seafood, a carving station and the kids fave – the cooked-to-order pasta station. Mom and dad can relax and sip free-flowing Champagne, wine and Sorbet cocktails as the children get glitter tattoos and are entertained with close-up magic and balloon twisting. However, the real show-stopper here is the dessert buffet, which includes crepes made-to-order and a chocolate fountain.
When: Lunch buffet Monday to Saturday 12.00pm to 2.30pm; Sunday brunch buffet 11.30am to 3.00pm
Cost: Lunch buffet Monday to Friday $448 per adult, $318 per child aged 3-11; Saturday $508 per adult, $358 per child aged 3-11; Sunday brunch $898 per adult with free-flowing Perrier-Joüet Champagne, wine & beer, $848 per adult with free-flowing juice and soft drinks, $598 per child aged 3-11, one child (age 3-11) free per every three paying guests.
Where: Harbourside, Intercontinental Hotel, 18 Salisbury Road
Yamm at the Mira
Kids’ menu, high chairs, baby-changing, play area, under 3s free
It’s quite the lavish affair at the award-winning Yamm, with abundant international brunch and lunch buffets, including a fresh seafood spread, sushi and different live cooking stations to pique kids’ interest, including newly revamped ones featuring Chinese BBQ meats, Asian noodles and fragrant Indian Tandoor oven specialties. The younger set can keep themselves entertained with colourful play art in the kids corner until you’ve finished your fancy coffee and it’s time to leave.
When: Lunch buffet Monday to Saturday 12.00pm to 2.30pm; Brunch buffet Sunday 11.30am to 2.45pm
Cost: Lunch buffet Monday to Friday $328 per adult, $198 per child aged 3-11; Saturday $368 per adult, $248 per child aged 3-11; Sunday Brunch Buffet: $438 per adult, $288 per child aged 3-11
Where: G/F Lobby, The Mira Hong Kong, Mira Place, 118-130 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Book: 2368 1111 or info@themirahotel.com
Kitchen at W Hotel
High chairs, baby-changing, under 4s free
Every day of the week for lunch is covered at Kitchen, as well as every budget, and let’s not forget their famous weekend brunches. The seafood is tops, from fresh sashimi to oysters, and the younger crowd will marvel at all the food choices up for grabs. Another big draw is the fantastic harbour views, where kids can count how many times the iconic red-sailed junk sails by.
When: Lunch Buffet – daily 12.00pm to 2.30pm; Saturday Family Day – 12.00pm to 2.30pm; Bubbly Sunday Brunch – 12.00pm to 3.00pm
Cost: Lunch Buffet $358 per adult, $179 per child aged 4-11, under 4s free; Saturday Family Day $488 per adult, one child (4-11) eats free with every paying adult, maximum three children per table); Bubbly Sunday Brunch $888 per adult, $444 per child aged 4-11, under 4s free
Where: No. 1, Austin Road West, Kowloon
Book: 3717 2299 or Kitchen.hk@whotels.com
See also Jamie’s Italian (listed under Causeway Bay).
Origami Kids Cafe
Play area (additional charge to use this), high chairs, kids’ menu, must pre-book at weekend
This is a welcome addition to the kids scene, as it’s more than just a place to dine. Billed as an ‘innovative space’, there’s educational activities, creative workshops and more for families to enjoy in a cool piece of architecture smack on the rooftop of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. But you’re here for the food, and they have that too. The menu is simple and good for Asian bites while you’re whiling away the hours, with soup and mains if you’re looking for more. If you forgot to pack a snack for the little one, no worries, as they carry Little Freddie organic baby food.
When: Open from 10am daily
Cost: Mains from $48; Appetizing Platter $88 (choose four items); Little Freddie organic baby food from $20; 2 hour slot in play area is $138 per child Mon-Fri and $198 at weekends, for under 12s only, better for under 7s; minimum spend for adults $100 per person
Where: Shop N305, 3/F, Zone B, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, 33 Shing Fung Road, Kowloon Bay
Book: 6063 7470 or info@origami.com.hk
See also Yum Cha (listed under Central)
Theo Mistral by Theo Randall
Kids’ Menu, Children’s Play Area
Set within the elegant property of the InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong, Theo Mistral by Theo Randall offers British celebrity chef Theo Randall’s signature style of contemporary Italian fare for discerning gourmands. The Sunday brunch is decidedly kid-friendly with both a kid’s menu and designated kids play area next to the restaurant. Your children can roam freely in the play area under close supervision by trained staff while mum and dad enjoy a well-deserved Sunday feast with friends. The kids’ menu includes household favorites such as Pizza Margherita with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil and Penne al Pomodoro with Datterini tomato sauce and more. In addition, children under 4 can enjoy brunch for free. Parents can rest assured that their little ones are well taken care of by the restaurant team and enjoy a leisurely afternoon of delicious food and drink with friends.
When: Brunch served 12 noon – 3 pm Sundays
Cost: From $588 per adult and $388 per child aged 4-11, under 4s free, free flow Bellinis, Bottega Prosecco, house white & red wine $138 and free flow soft drinks and juice $68
Where: Level B2, InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong, 70 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon
Book: 2731 2870 or Website
Sai Kung
The Conservatory
High chairs, baby-changing, kids’ menu, al fresco seating available
The Conservatory is so inviting, whether you sit indoors under gorgeous natural light, or al fresco on the patio, providing good people-watching opportunities of the Sai Kung crowd. Munch on Mediterranean meals of refreshing salads (we can’t wait to try the avocado with minted quinoa, manchego and pine nuts), a slew of tempting small plates, or delectable platters that are enough to happily feed two for lunch. Tiny tykes will also enjoy their plates from the kids’ menu, where there’s homemade chicken nuggets, not that frozen rubbish, and tiffins that we simply adore: three layers of bowls packed with egg fried rice, sweet and sour chicken, and stir-fried Asian greens, or go the Italian route with parmesan pasta served with little meatballs in tomato sauce, plus steamed broccoli and carrots. Dessert is chocolate cake or ice cream, and they can run around in their sugar high in the small square outside.
When: Open from 9.00am daily
Cost: Mains from $58; kids’ menu plates $68, tiffins $78;
Where: G/F, 26 Wan King Path, Sai Kung
Book: 2792 1105 or conservatory@enotecagroup.com
Lantau Island
Zak’s
Kids’ menu, high chairs, al fresco seating available
Talk about family friendly – Zak’s 5,000-square foot spacious outdoor terrace is a breath of fresh air (literally, as you’re seaside) for parents and children to stretch out and not worry about prams and bags getting in the way. Picky eaters (we’re also referring to parents here) will have no issues as the menu is lengthy and multi-cultural. Kids get a free chocolate crackle dessert and soft serve ice cream with every meal (sorry mum and dad, you’ll have to pay up for your own dessert). Stick around into the evening for the added treat of the Disneyland fireworks.
When: Open daily from 8.00am
Cost: Mains from $95; mains for kids’ under 12 $60 ($65 for kids’ steak and chips)
Where: Shop G04, Block A, Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay
Book: 2987-6232 or zaks@casteloconcepts.com
Mavericks
Kids’ menu, high chairs, baby-changing, beach location, bi-monthly Friday night kids’ movie night
They’ve really got kids covered at Mavericks. The relaxed restaurant and bar (which also serves as a board shack) is perfectly located on Pui O Beach, with lots of space for you and the little ones to chill. Food for parents is comforting and not needing cutlery for the most part, in keeping with the laid back vibe of the place. The kids’ menu is fun and tasty – they’ll dig the fish n dips (real fish fingers, fries and a tomato salsa dip and guacamole dip) and the handmade ice lollies by local brand N*ice Pops (parents will love the boozy version!). To keep you all occupied throughout are board games, playing cards, children’s books, activity booklets and twice a month on Friday nights, the youngsters can sit back on a skate ramp, no less, to watch a movie under the stars.
When: Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 11.00am, Fridays from 5.00pm; closed Monday-Thursday
Cost: Mains from $98; kids’ mains for under 10s $48 each
Park Island
Cafe Roma
High chairs (limited amount), kids’ menu
There are days when a casual lunch by the beach, far away from the hustle of the city, is in order. Cafe Roma, at the tip of Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach (between Lantau and Tsing Yi) is ideal for families who enjoy wandering in for lunch in flip flops and shorts, with Fido in tow, as pets are welcome on the outdoor patio. The food, from Executive Chef Jaakko Sorsa, who also oversees FINDS, runs the gamut from naughty nuggets like fried mozzarella sticks and nachos, to healthier salads and pasta. Chef Sorsa, a parent himself, recently revamped the kids’ menu, which focuses on nutritious plates like roasted chicken, pumpkin, tomato, mozzarella and couscous salad. Everything on the kids’ menu, including appetisers, mains and dessert (the banana split is a favourite) is priced at $68.
When: Open Tuesday to Friday from 1.00pm, Saturday to Sunday from 12.00pm, closed Mondays
Cost: Mains from $78; kids’ menu mains all $68
Where: L1, Shop 7 and 8, Beach Commercial Complex, Park Island, New Territories
Book: 3446 1226 or reservations@caferoma.com.hk
Still searching for the perfect brunch? This post has the full lowdown on the best free flow brunches in Hong Kong.
Nancy Matos is a lifestyle and culture writer from Vancouver, Canada currently based in Hong Kong and London.
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