Carluccios
A firm favourite with little ones, thanks to the always-welcoming staff for a start and the colouring books are always a hit too. When it comes to the menu, freshly-made, baked pizza and pasta are on the cards, and each child’s meal comes with a pot of vegetable crudités to start – that’s the five-a-day ticked off before the main event has even arrived, perfect. You can even request for some hidden veg, extra cheese or more protein to be added if you wish. All of this is washed down with a glass of fresh juice, or – our preference – a glass of cold milk. Yum.
Times vary. Various locations across the UAE including Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi and Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai, www.carlucciosme.com.
Hickory’s
An outdoor terrace with plenty of room to run around at this Abu Dhabi restaurant is perfect for little diners who can’t sit up at the table for long. The kids’ menu at the Yas Links Golf Club eatery houses children’s classics named after cartoon characters such as Mickey’s Burger, Bugs Bunny (chicken nuggets) and Captain Hook (fish fingers). The dishes are well-balanced with sides consisting of sweet potato fries and vegetables. Mums and dads can choose from an extensive list of dishes from salads, soups and sandwiches to Asian choices such as nasi goreng and katsu curry and healthy eats like the keto bowl.
Open daily 6.30am-midnight. Yas Links Golf Club, Yas Island (02 404 3000).
Mediterranean Kitchen
Mediterranean Kitchen at Dubai’s La Mer has recently introduced a brand-new kids’ menu offering little ones wholesome, healthy food – what every parent wants to hear – including a selection of Mediterranean classics with a healthier, more nutritious twist. Mini diners can tuck into tasty eats such as Aladdin’s (chicken or beef) Skewers, Nona’s Special Ravioli or Salmon Patties that are served with creamy mashed potatoes and greens. And because every child has a sweet tooth (or two) the Chocolate Chip Cannoli is the perfect serving size and freshly made in-house to satisfy them.
Open daily 10am-midnight. La Mer, Jumeirah 1 (04 874 85 37).
Pizza Express
The specially-curated Piccolo menu (Dhs40 for a vegetable starter, pizza or pasta dish and choice of desert with the Nutella dough balls being the sweet treat of choice) is a favourite with youngest diners across the UAE. A real highlight for the little ones is being able to don their own white chef’s hat – which they can decorate in their unique style – and apron before making their own pizzas at the mini pizza-making station.
A top option for a spontaneous supper with the kiddos.
Times vary. Various locations across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. www.pizzaexpress.ae.
Reform Social & Grill
A real hit with little ones in the cooler weather when they can run around in the huge garden and clamber all over the playground. Housed at The Lakes Club, Reform Social & Grill has long been a popular spot with families, and for good reason. Little ones have room to roam and play, the mood is chilled-out, and parents can dig into some tasty pub grub. There’s an excellent menu for the kiddos (which is divided into two age groups) with pasta, burgers et al and, of course, that famous ice cream parlour that’s sure to make everyone grin. Four-legged family members are also welcome here, which is an added bonus.
Open daily 8am-midnight. The Lakes (04 454 2638).
Sanderson’s Café
Sanderson’s has a hearty kids’ menu filled with homemade dishes that are full of goodness including macaroni cheese dish and some tasty-sounding Nutella and strawberry pancakes. Desserts such as home-made ice creams with healthy toppings and fruit sticks dipped in dark chocolate will satisfy their sweet tooth, but won’t mean a crazy sugar rush once they’ve polished it off – breathe a sigh of relief mums and dads.
Daily 8am-10pm. Andalus Al Seef Resort, Khalifa Park area, www.wearesandersons.com (02 222 1142).
The Green Planet Café
The rainforest-themed eatery has a top children’s menu, huge terrace, an outdoor play area and the chance to get up close and personal with one of the indoor rainforest’s creepy crawlie inhabitants over your freshly-squeezed fruit juice. Little David Attenborough wannabes can choose from a selection of kids’s menu that houses pizzas, burgers, hot dogs and more, are on offer. There is also a kids’ play area, complete with soft play small slides, climbing, a ball pit and plenty more to keep the youngest family members entertained before they head inside the biodome to meet its residents. Plus, you may be surprised by a slithery snake who puts in an appearance every now while you’re tucking into your spaghetti. You have been warned.
Open daily 10am-7pm. City Walk, Al Safa Street (04 317 3999).
The Noodle House
This is a wallet-friendly, as well as a family-friendly, supper option because kids eat free at The Noodle House in Dubai’s Nakheel Mall. For every adult meal purchased, little ones under 12 will get their own bowl of noodles at no extra cost. Kiddos can choose from the Little Noodler menu, which is filled with a variety of noodle-tastic options to whet their appetite and fill their hungry tummies. Best of all, there are different sized portions for different aged mini diners, so tiny tots up to four years old can opt for the Little Noodlers 20 dishes that include while older siblings can choose the Big Noodlers 25 plates that are ideal for kids up to 12.
Times vary. Various locations including JBR and Nak The Palm (900 666 353).
