Top 10 Child-Friendly Waterside Cafes in Sydney

Want to know the best family-friendly spots around Sydney’s North Shore for a bite to eat near the water? We have some fabulous waterside cafes in Sydney for you to pop on your bucket list. Whether it’s a lake, the harbour, cove or a beach, there are lots of child-friendly cafes around the North Shore and Northern Beaches, so book a table and try somewhere new! 

Is there anything more relaxing than sitting by the water while you enjoy a bite to eat? Even better, in some of these places you can bring your swimmers along and enjoy a dip to cool off afterwards. These waterside cafes in Sydney make for the perfect afternoon with friends and family. Use the links below to find your new favourite cafe for waterside dining…

1. Bathers’ Pavilion, Balmoral
2. The Boathouse, Balmoral
3. Plonk Beach Cafe, Mosman
4. St Siandra, Mosman
5. Celsius Coffee Co., Kirribilli
6. Deckhouse, Woolwich
7. Echo on the Marina, Roseville
8. Waterside Bistro, Bobbin Head
9. The Sandy Bar, Clontarf
10. Ripples at Little Manly, Manly

Best Child-Friendly Waterside Cafes around Sydney’s North Shore

1. Bathers’ Pavilion, Balmoral Beach

Sit and watch the waves lapping on beautiful Balmoral beach at this beautiful lower North Shore waterside cafe. Children are well looked after with colouring, highchairs and some very well equipped children’s bathrooms. Afterwards, head to the nearby playground or beach for some fun! They have a series of spaces, from relaxed to formal, with plenty of delicious menu options. Choose from Grilled octopus salad, a range of pizzas, meat, pasta and more. Discover more things to do at Balmoral.

• Address: 4 The Esplanade, Balmoral
• Website: batherspavilion.com.au

2. The Boathouse, Balmoral 

The Boathouse Balmoral

The Boathouse is a relaxed oasis by Balmoral Beach with plenty of calming green vegetation. Come for their signatures fish and chips or just a casual coffee. The queues can be long on weekends, but the atmosphere is great and food tasty. Located just near the playground, it offers the perfect spot for brunch with the family. There’s plenty of options on their menu, including Grilled Barramundi, Cold Seafood Platter, burgers and more.

They also have other beautiful venues across Sydney – Shelly Beach, Patonga (Central Coast), Rushcutters Bay & Rose Bay.

• Address: 2 The Esplanade, Balmoral
• Website: theboathousebb.com.au

3. Plonk Beach Cafe, Mosman

Plonk Beach Cafe, Mosman

Plonk Beach Cafe is tucked by the Spit Bridge at Mosman and offers great indoor and alfresco dining right on the wharf and beach. Little ones will love rummaging through the toy boxes and playing on the white sandy beach. This relaxed place offers Modern Australian food on a sprawling deck with wicker chairs and harbour views. Head there on a Sunday and you can even enjoy some live music – it’s one of the perfect waterside cafes in Sydney.

• Address: The Spit Bridge, 83 Parriwi Road Mosman
• Website: plonkcafe.com.au

4. St Siandra, Mosman

St Siandra, Mosman

St Siandra is a sunny waterfront restaurant with views of crystal clear turquoise waters and luxury yachts, located on a private beach at Mosman’s The Spit. This stylish cafe serves up coastal Mediterranean summer vibes with locally-sourced seafood, sensational seasonal produce and flavours of the Med. For a more casual vibe, you can order from their kiosk and eat (or drink) on the beach!

• Address: 75 Lower Parriwi Road, The Spit Mosman (adjacent Middle Harbour Yacht Club)
• Opening Hours: Breakfast, Brunch & Light Bites via Kiosk; 7am-2pm Wednesday to Sunday. | Lunch: Wednesday – Sunday | Dinner: Thursday – Sunday
• Website: stsiandra.com

5. Celsius Coffee & Dining Co., Kirribilli

Celsius Coffee & Dining Co., Kirribilli

The food here looks as good as it tastes. They like to try new things and mix it up a bit, with some more adventurous menu items, and your staples such as burgers. You and the kids can enjoy hearty meals and coffee in an intimate, glass-fronted cafe on a ferry wharf overlooking the harbour. You can even make a day out of it and catch the ferry there from the city with the kids.

• Address: Kirribilli Wharf, 1/2 Holbrook Ave, Kirribilli
• Website: facebook.com/celsiuscoffeeco

6. Deckhouse, Woolwich

Hidden away on Woolwich Dock with spectacular harbour views, The Deckhouse is the perfect waterside cafe for a family breakfast or lunch. They cater brilliantly for children with activity packs, high chairs, a children’s menu and plenty of space to run outside. Enjoy their ceiling-high windows and a large verandah, serving bistro-style meals, including antipasto platters, roast chicken, fritters, and more.

• Address: Clarke Rd, Woolwich
• Website: deckhouse.com.au

7. Echo on The Marina, Roseville

Echo on The Marina, Roseville

Overlooking Middle Harbour, Echo on The Marina in Roseville is a hidden gem! This waterside cafe is a gorgeous spot for a quiet brunch or lunch, that welcomes children. After your meal, why not enjoy a walk along the marina checking out the boats or admiring the ducks sun baking on the nearby beach. You really feel away from the hustle and bustle of the city here. Click here to read our review.

• Address: Echo on the Marina, 15 Normac Street, Roseville
• Website: echoonthemarina.com.au

8. Waterside Bistro, Bobbin Head

Waterside Bistro, Bobbin Head

Best Child-Friendly Waterside Cafes around Sydney’s Northern Beaches

9. Sandy Bar Cafe, Clontarf

Sandy Bar Cafe, Clontarf

Sandy Bar Cafe is a lovely waterside cafe, located by the calm inner harbour beach of Clontarf. It’s a lovely waterside spot for a coffee, breakfast or lunch. They don’t take bookings, so just walk in and find a table! Children and dogs welcome. All breeds and sizes are welcome.

• Address: Sandy Bay Road, Clontarf
• Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 7:30am – 3pm
• Website: sandybarcafe.com

10. Ripples, Little Manly

Ripples, Little Manly

Waterside cafes don’t get much better for kids… as there’s so much else to do too! Little Manly Beach is a small protected harbour beach with no waves, white sand and nearby swings. Ripples at Little Manly has with amazing views of the ocean and plenty of room for the little ones to have a ball on the sand!

Ripples Little Manly was introduced as a beachside kiosk in 2020, located on Stuart Street overlooking the picturesque beach and harbour. Now completely renovated as of 2022 and transformed into a beautiful beachside cafe, operating breakfast, lunch and dinner, this venue is completely unique.

Experience casual, fresh cafe fare for both eat-in and takeaway.

• Address: Ripples, On the Beach, Stuart St, Manly
• Opening Hours: Kiosk: Mon – Sun, 8am-4pm | Breakfast: Sat – Sun, 8am – 11am | Lunch: Fri – Sun, 12pm – 3pm | Dinner: Fri & Sat, 5pm – 9pm
• Website: rippleslittlemanly.com.au

Want more dining inspiration around Sydney’s North Shore?

• Best Bottomless Brunches around the North Shore
• Best spots for a decadent High Tea on Sydney’s North Shore
• Top 10 Cocktail Bars around Sydney’s North Shore
• Top Yum Cha Restaurants on Sydney’s North Shore
• Restaurants, cafes & pubs with playgrounds around Sydney’s North Shore