Dinner used to be my favourite meal of the day, but since having a kid, breakfast is now my number one meal. I think it may have something to do that I am now forced to wake up at the crack of dawn- by 09:00 it feels like it should be lunch time.
I reviewed many restaurants that offer a great breakfast menu, impeccable service and activities to keep the kids busy. Here are my top choices in Cape Town:
Vovo Telo - Steenberg Village
This restaurant may not have a play area, but they have so many other fun activities for the kids to enjoy. The waitress offered crayons and a picture to colour in. These works of art are then displayed on the Vovo Telo Wall of Fame.
Nunu absolutely loved that we were offered dough with which to bake! Children are offered dough, rolling pin and cookie cutters. They can design their own biscuits which are then baked on the premises! Nunu couldn't wait for the baking part though...
The food prices are fair and the menu has great variety. The options are different to your ordinary breakfast dishes. We tried the 44 Stanley which was delicious! There is also a lovely kids menu. Nunu had scrambled eggs with soldiers.
We will definitely visit again! Vovo Telo also hosts the most amazing Adventure Clubs! Your kids can make their own croissants, fruit pin wheels and more! Go and download the Adventure Club app to find out more!
2. Café Roux, Noordhoek
What a pleasure visiting this beautiful restaurant set in the Noordhoek Farm Village. It just has that cosy, relaxed feel that one needs to unwind and to enjoy a warm cup of coffee while the kids enjoy the well designed playground.
The little ones can play safely in the fenced off play area. The kids menu is reasonably priced and has a variety of healthy options from which to choose. There is a nappy changing station and wifi available (these two things just made me an even happier brunching mom).
The adult menu had comfortingly familiar "homely" meals. I decided to have the Eggs Benedict and it was one of the best I've had! The eggs were poached to perfection and were resting on crispy bacon and a potato rosti. A generous dash of hollandaise sauce completed the dish.
Cafè Roux gives that holiday feel, where you could pretend for a minute that you are in the country surrounded by horses and quaint little shops. Sip your flat white beneath the dappled shade, enjoy the scenery and definitely order the Eggs Benedict!
3. Jonkershuis, Groot Constantia
This venue may not have a play area, but the gorgeous sprawling lawns and cute duck pond make up for it. We chose to sit inside as it was a bit windy, but there are tables available outside too. The inside of the restaurant seems quite formal compared to the more casual and relaxed outdoor area.
The menu is averagely priced with Eggs Benedict costing R81. Nunu had scrambled eggs and toast. The food was prepared quickly - thank goodness as Nunu was busy having a tantrum as apparently we never feed him... We were well looked after by our waiter and the service was prompt. The kids menu had some exciting choices such as Nutella and banana French toast.
We went for a stroll after breakfast and enjoyed the beautiful gardens. If you like, you can also take the kids to explore the Groot Constantia Manor House which is situated right next to the restaurant. This is just such a gorgeous space to visit.
4. Rhodes Memorial Tea Room, Newlands
One would almost expect to happen upon a fairy or two when exploring this magical play area set high above the busyness that is Cape Town. The jungle gym area is in close proximity to the eating area, so it is easy to keep an eye on your littlies while you enjoy the delicious spoils on offer.
Even though the "beloved" South Easter was galing down below, the outdoor area of the restaurant was very well protected. I (of course) ordered the Eggs Benedict which was averagely priced at R85. The staff were also very helpful with Nunu, offering him a high chair and making up a special plate of his favourite breakfast foods (he loves tomato at the moment).
The views are gorgeous and you must make time after your meal to go and see this for yourself! Absolutely breathtaking to see Cape Town Southern Suburbs far below your feet!
This venue is not pram-friendly- unless you are strong enough to man handle it down some steep stairs. Rather hold baby on hip or in a carrier.
5. Know Thy Farmer, Oude Molen Eco Village
If you are longing for the simple life and feel like relaxing under the shade of a tree with horses neighing in the foreground, Know Thy Farmer is the place for you. It is currently under construction, but there is still lots on offer at this rustic venue.
The play area allows a child's imagination to run wild, with a tree house shaped as a ship in the middle of the outdoor play area.
All of the ingredients are sourced from local farms and contain no toxic substances that many of our foods today do. The menu is simple and gives the feeling of living the easy life on the farm. The prices are extremely reasonable with a standard breakfast costing only R50. Freshly squeezed fruit juice is just what the doctor ordered!
The kids will also enjoy seeing the horses up close and personal! There are horse rides available for those who are interested.
This restaurant has so much potential and I will definitely be revisiting once the building is completed!
