Bloemfontein, the capital city of the Free State, is a beautiful city to explore. Steeped in history, natural beauty and complete with a slower pace than some of South Africa’s other major cities, Bloemfontein (fondly dubbed ‘the city of roses’) makes for a lovely family outing or stay.
Add to that, fun experiences, family friendly restaurants and plenty to see and do besides – and you are all geared up for a great escape!
Here are the best family friendly restaurants in Bloemfontein:
#1 Avanti Restaurant
This classy Italian eatery is great option for families, couples or groups of friends. It has lovely, dedicated kiddies’ play areas – both indoors and out – so even if the weather is bad, the kids can still have some fun!
Avanti also offers a lovely, relaxed atmosphere (and beautiful setting), delicious, authentic Italian food and friendly service, ensuring an enjoyable visit for both young and old!
What’s more, you can also host excellent kids’ parties here, as they offer some special kiddies’ ‘Bambini party options’!
Contact: +27 (051) 436 7981, louise@avantirestaurant.co.za
Website: N/A
Address: Avanti Restaurant, Woodlands Boulevard, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa.
#2 Koekela
Koekela – one of the most family friendly spots in Bloemfontein – is a delight for one and all.
Priding themselves on offering a menu with the freshest ingredients, delicious seasonal goods and all things sweet – Koekela provides guests with ample food options.
It has a home-away-from-home feel, enhanced by the garden, veranda and inside seating alike.
Koekela is also great for families with children, thanks to its beautiful garden and outdoor space.
Contact: +27 (073) 141 1730, info@koekela.co.za
Website: www.koekela.co.za
Address: Koekela, 17 Reid Street, Westdene, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa.
#3 CoffeeTalks Cafe
CoffeeTalks Cafe is where visitors fall in love with coffee for the first time… or all over again.
This delightful, quirky cafe is a joy to visit and, with its own board game part of the cafe, it offers fun for kids and adults alike! There is also a nice playground for children to enjoy.
The cafe offers a good menu, complete with a wide range of local- and internationally-inspired dishes.
Contact: +27 (082) 855 0066, coffee@coffeetalks.co.za
Website: www.coffeetalks.co.za
Address: CoffeeTalks Cafe, 6 Ray Champion Street, Rayton, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa.
#4 New York Restaurant
Established in 1989, New York Restaurant has stood the test of time, consistently showing its quality to visitors over the years.
Bringing together friends and family, this exquisite restaurant offers an excellent menu, outdoor deck for functions and parties and a warm atmosphere where food, family and fond memories merge together seamlessly.
The menu offers great options for adults and it also has a little section just for kiddies, with meal choices like ribs, schnitzel, steak, kingklip and some yummy milkshake options too!
Visit them for a special occasion or simply for treating your family.
Contact: +27 (051) 447 7279, newyorkbloem@gmail.com
Website: newyorkrestaurant.co.za
Address: New York Restaurant, Corner of 2nd Ave & Reid Street,
Westdene, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa.
#5 The Blue Gem Restaurant
This stylish, still-new restaurant, inspired by Mediterranean blues, might not look child-friendly (due to how stunning and chic it is)… but we are pleased to report that it is!
So, if you are looking for a modern, classy restaurant to visit with the family, The Blue Gem might be your answer.
They have a lovely A La Carte menu, as well as Sunday- and Tapas-Buffet ones. The A La Carte menu is suitable for any taste, culture or age and the children’s menu ensures that even the tiniest tummy is well catered for!
Visit The Blue Gem for a memorable meal with your loved ones.
Contact: +27 (051) 436 0742, info@thebluegem.co.za
Website: www.thebluegem.co.za
Address: The Blue Gem Restaurant, Shop 76+77, Preller Square Centre, Dan Pienaar, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa.
#6 Bushpub Family Restaurant and Pub
For those seeking a more relaxed place to go with friends or family (kiddies included), the Bushpub Family Restaurant and Pub is a great alternative.
They offer hearty, delicious food, a pleasant dining experience (for both young and old) and a nice play area for children to enjoy.
Visit them for a casual, fun meal out with your family.
Contact: +27 (051) 101 1605, bushpubrestaurant@gmail.co.za
Website: bushpub.wixsite.com
Address: Bushpub Family Restaurant and Pub, Bains Lodge, Old Kimberley Road, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa.
#7 Copper and Coal Woodfired Grill
Established in 2016, Copper and Coal Woodfired Grill is an innovative restaurant inspired by a father-and-sea duo.
The focus here is not just on serving tasty food (although they certainly do that too!) – but also on the experience and outing that they seek to create for their guests.
They are also happily child-friendly, offering a play room and fun games area for kids.
Join Copper and Coal for a great dining experience with your family and friends.
Contact: +27 (051) 451 1122, copperandcoalwoodfiredgrill@gmail.com
Website: www.copperandcoal.net
Address: Copper and Coal, Shop 1, Recon Park, 22 Faan Ferreira Avenue, Spitskop, Langenhoven Park, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa.
#8 Eatalia Restaurant
Eatalia Restaurant thrives in terms of good food, quality service and a pleasant family friendly atmosphere.
They have a good play area for kids and offer some tasty pasta, house specials and pizza options, which are sure to delight young and old diners alike.
This is a relaxing, trendy eatery that brings a taste of Italy to Bloem.
Contact: +27 (051) 433 1235, info@eatalia.co.za
Website: eatalia.co.za
Address: Eatalia, Kenneth Kaunda Road,
Northridge Mall, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa.
#9 Jack and Jill Food Co.
Overlooking the water, this charming little spot is both tranquil and vibrant in terms of its decor and vibe.
Jack and Jill Food Co. offers a wonderful selection of bakes and yummy savoury options, like mouthwatering sandwiches and much more.
Although not strictly child-friendly, children do visit this cosy spot. Still, it is perhaps best suited to older children or those who are fine sitting quietly and enjoying a meal with their parents or grandparents.
Visit this delightful spot for some decadent sweet treats and other foodie gems!
Contact: +27 (063) 675 9502, yello@jackandjillfoodco.co.za
Website: N/A
Address: Jack and Jill Food Co, Shop UG 8, Loch Logan Waterfront, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa.
#10 RocoMamas Langenhoven Park
While RocoMamas is not specifically geared at kiddies, their branches are generally always child-friendly, especially for older children or those who can sit and enjoy a meal with their parents.
And, because they offer such a wide array of gourmet burgers, fried goods, decadent desserts (especially their unbeatable waffles!) and incredible shakes – both children and adults will leave with full, contented tummies!
This particular branch offers quick, good service, friendly staff and quality food and drinks alike… Join them for a fun meal for all!
Contact: +27 (051) 446 0707, bloem1@rocomamas.com
Website: www.rocomamas.com
Address: RocoMamas Langenhoven Park, Shop SH10G001A, The Walk Shopping Centre, Corner Jan Spies Avenue & Maretha Maartens Street, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa.
These are just some of the best family friendly restaurants and cafes in Bloem… Which are you keen to visit first?