East London, one of the Eastern Cape‘s most lovely cities, offers plenty for all to see, eat and explore.
It is here that visitors, especially families, can enjoy wonderful, everyday life or memorable holidays crammed full with good food, fun and fresh air.
With this in mind, here are the top 10 family friendly restaurants near East London:
#1 Emerald Vale Brewery
At Emerald Vale Brewery, one finds a lovely, family friendly restaurant, overlooking the brewery.
This relaxed, warm establishment offers wholesome meals, soothing surrounds and a beautiful restaurant setting for young and old to enjoy.
There is a play area at Emerald Vale Brewery for kiddies, as well as a Granary Kids Menu.
Contact: +27 (043) 738 5397, (073) 078 9688
Website: www.emeraldvale.co.za
Address: Emerald Vale Brewery, Emerald Vale Farm, Chintsa East, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#2 Country Bumpkin
This beautifully quaint restaurant, situated at Floradale Nursery, is the perfect place for the family.
Once you have explored every inch of the nursery, sit and join a tasty meal courtesy of Country Bumpkin… Surrounded by the nursery and beautiful trees, it is a garden paradise for guests, complete with delicious food.
Country Bumpkin has a dedicated menu for the little bumpkins and even hosts great kiddies’ parties too, so it really is the perfect child-friendly venue for families!
The garden, meanwhile, offers a fun jungle gym, thrilling bike track and trampoline to keep the little ones occupied.
Contact: +27 (043) 748 4840, info@countrybumpkin.co.za
Website: www.countrybumpkin.co.za
Address: Country Bumpkin, Shop 6, Floradale Nursery, Old Gonubie Road, Beacon Bay, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#3 Pinecreek Restaurant and Farmstall
Equipped with an incredible, brightly coloured play park, unique train ride and great food for all, Pinecreek is a lovely spot for families to visit.
This beautiful country restaurant and farm stall offers plenty to keep the whole family interested and engaged.
So, for those seeking a fun, family friendly time, lovely shop goodies and delicious food to boot – look no further than Pinecreek Restaurant and Farmstall.
Contact: +27 (043) 732 1101, bookings@pinecreek.co.za
Website: N/A
Address: Pinecreek Restaurant and Farmstall, Road A1, Holm Hill, Main Road, Beacon Bay, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#4 Guido’s Beachfront
Guido’s Beachfront is a place beloved by children. Not only do they host incredible childrens’ parties, but they are one of the most popular child-friendly spots among East London locals.
The reviews are praiseworthy indeed – and rightly so because Guido’s Beachfront has it all: a great atmosphere, excellent food, attentive service and a wonderful play area for the kiddies.
If you are looking for a highly enjoyable family friendly restaurant, head to Guido’s Beachfront!
Contact: +27 (043) 743 4441, guidos@telkomsa.net
Website: N/A
Address: Guido’s Beachfront, Kenneway Complex, Esplanade Road, Quigney, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#5 Grazia Fine Food and Wine
For those seeking a child-friendly, yet still sophisticated restaurant, Grazia Fine Food and Wine is ideal. It allows parents to take the kids along without having to compromise on their own restaurant experience in any way.
Grazia is also blessed with beautiful sea views and lovely interiors. Add to that, excellent food and fine wine and you are all set for a truly memorable meal with your loved ones.
There is no kids menu but there are plenty of meal options, meaning lots to choose from… Pizza, pasta, desserts and more will see that everyone has a good meal in their belly before the visit is done.
Note: Grazia is another spot that is ideal for families with older children and teens especially.
Contact: +27 (043) 722 2009, (087) 350 4066, grazia@graziafinefood.co.za
Website: www.graziafinefood.co.za
Address: Grazia Fine Food and Wine, Upper Esplanade/Beach Front Road, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#6 The Beach Break
With its festive ambiance, closeness to the beach and lovely food offerings, The Beach Break is a charming option for families.
This is the perfect spot for coffee or breakfast with your loved ones. There is even a small but nice outside play area to keep little ones occupied during your visit.
Before or after your stop at this cosy cafe, take a stroll to Nahoon Beach and enjoy some extended family time.
Contact: +27 (076) 787 1136, beachbreak@mweb.co.za
Website: N/A
Address: The Beach Break, Beach Road, Nahoon, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#7 The Cricketer
Serving up the best steaks in town, The Cricketer – found about 17 kilometres outside of East London – is an old-time favourite among many East London residents and visitors.
This cosy, rustic restaurant, where good food, warm service and a pleasant dining experience abound, has a homely, yet elegant feel to it. It is a restaurant grounded by family principles of respect, love and special moments spent with those you love.
It is also nice and family friendly, with a good play area outside and plenty of space outdoors for kids.
Contact: +27 (083) 659 8899, alison@2swans.co.za
Website: www.2swans.co.za
Address: The Cricketer, The Cricketer, Schafli Road, Gonubie Broads, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#8 Sanook Eatery
Sanook Eatery – which is stylish, warm and cosy all in one – is a restaurant perhaps best suited to families with older children and teens – though it is still a great place to go for a family meal.
There isn’t a kids menu but with options like tasty toast breakfasts, pizza and a few child-friendly type desserts, Sanook Eatery surely has something for every family member to savour.
All in all, Sanook Eatery is a popular, special restaurant venue – and one well-loved at that.
Contact: +27 (043) 748 2494, eat@sanook.co.za
Website: www.sanook.co.za
Address: Sanook Eatery, 13A Beacon Bay Crossing, Bonza Bay Road, Beacon Bay, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#9 Lavender Blue Market
Whether you visit with family or friends, Lavender Blue Market is a delightful experience for all. With its pleasant atmosphere, lovely surroundings and delicious eats and drinks, Lavender Blue Market is a great find.
Add to that ample space outside for children to run and play and a nice kids’ area and you have a perfect family friendly destination, designed to cater to great breakfast/brunch meals with your loved ones.
Contact: +27 (043) 732 1172, lavenderbluemarket@telkomsa.net
Website: N/A
Address: Lavender Blue Market, Old Gonubie Road, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#10 Cantina & Craft
This exciting, Mexican-themed restaurant offers a wonderful kids menu, with more options than you would usually find for the little ones.
Fun meal options like Corn on the Cob, Cheesy Nachos with Chicken, Churros and Chocolate Sauce and Mini Burrito with Mac and Cheese spring to mind, as these are sure to delight even the fussiest little eater!
Aside from that, the restaurant space is stylish and aesthetically appealing, without being pretentious, and service is friendly… and that’s before you even start on the great food and drink available here.
If you are craving Mexican cuisine – but still want to take the whole family along – then pay Cantina & Craft a visit.
Contact: +27 (043) 748 2636
Website: www.cantinaandcraft.co.za
Address: Shop i&j Beacon Bay Crossings, Bonza Bay Road, Beacon Bay, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
These are the best family friendly restaurants in East London… Which will your family be visiting first?