Great places in KL, Malaysia.
Kids. We love ‘em, but we all know the mess they make when they’re out for a meal! The food that, 99% of the time, finds its way all over the floor and on their clothes, rather than in their mouths. The innocuous chairs and tables that suddenly morph into obstacles courses to be dangerously climbed over, pushed down, and conquered.
And, of course, who could forget those scathing looks from the non-parent fellow patrons thinking to themselves “I’m never, ever reproducing!”?
So skip the drama next time, and consider taking your little ones to some of these great child-friendly venues around the KL and PJ areas that thankfully adopt and celebrate a “kids will be kids” mentality instead. Here are some of our top picks for your next (hopefully fuss-free!) family outing.
Decadent brunches and excellent coffee are the hallmarks of this local institution, bringing a distinctive Aussie flavour to several locations around the Klang Valley, including Bangsar, Midvalley Shopping Centre, Atria Shopping Centre in Damansara Jaya, and Menara Tan & Tan in the KLCC area.
Antipodean’s chalkboard wall menu also sets out its array of delicious and diverse mains for lunches and dinners, ranging from Moroccan beef kebabs and Vietnamese beef noodles, to Kiwi lamb burgers and Italian pastas, with vegetarian options aplenty.
For the little ones, Antipodean’s play nook, equipped with ample toys and a t.v. corner, should keep them suitably entertained (and give their parents a much-deserved break!).
One of the OGs of kid-centric eateries in KL, Marmalade remains a firm family favourite over 15 years in, with its warm and unpretentious atmosphere (especially conducive for breastfeeding mums), and a well-equipped and recently refurbished children’s play area.
Marmalade’s menu serves up comfort food with a healthy twist (with its tasty Salmon Laksa with Udon and Quinoa Nasi Lemak being standouts), and yummy bites for the kiddos from its children’s menu.
True to its namesake (“Namoo” being the Korean word for “tree”), this picturesque dessert cafe and bistro is set amidst the foliage of the Publika Shopping Gallery, facing an outdoor playground where your little ones can expend their energy at!
Further up on the second floor, the kids can also explore Namoo’s dedicated children’s corner, whilst their parents relax over a cuppa, or enjoy a bite from its Korean inspired menu, with savoury offerings such as its Kimchi Burrito and Bibi Rice Burger, alongside Namoo’s sweet treats.
CEO of the BIG Group, Ben Yong, continues his domination of the local F&B industry by appealing to the hearts of its littlest food critics! With its uplifting black and yellow tones, fun mini playground, and offering of daily activities such as brush colour painting, balloon twisting, and cupcake decorating for dine-in customers, Benbino has fast become a go-to for busy parents in the Publika area, and a popular place to host children’s birthday parties as well.
Kids will love their bite sized menu offerings and – for a treat- their sugar high-inducing candy counter!
Clean, green and, importantly, serene, this addition to the La Juceria chain in the Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) neighbourhood is a haven for the health-conscious mum, serving up delicious wraps, gourmet salads, and refreshing smoothie bowls, amongst others, whilst keeping the little ones happily occupied at their dedicated play area.
Highlights include Goodness Greens’ so-good-you-can’t-believe-it’s-healthy Buddha Bowl, and its variety of lovely cold pressed juices.
Photo credits: Monica Tindall, Lipstiq.com
Well-known to families around the Mont Kiara area, Noriter (meaning “playground” in Korean) was certainly designed for the needs of the little ones in mind. Located on the second floor of 1 Mont Kiara Mall, the cafe has a bright and cheery atmosphere, offering not only a healthy kids’ menu, but a spacious playground for children four years old and under, and nappy changing facilities, to boot!
The entrance fee for the playground is RM10 per child, but this is waived if you spend RM20 and over at the cafe. So indulge in a refreshing bingsu dessert as you watch the little ones at play!
Big Daddy Little Chefs
Happikiddo Quill City Mall
Multitasking mums looking to pick up essentials for their little ones need look no further – Happikiddo at Quill City Mall thoughtfully unites retail and F&B under one roof.
This particular outlet is Happikiddo’s largest yet, housing 6,000 square feet of its signature quality products and international brands, as well as an in-house cafe, Big Daddy Little Chefs. Weary parents can settle down for a quick bite and rest their tired feet (and wallets!), whilst the little ones explore the cafe’s wood chip play area.
Photo credit: Isaac Tan
Formerly located at The School by Jaya One, Bucket B Cafe has recently found a new home at IPC Shopping Centre. And what a welcome addition it is, bringing its hallmark of homey meals with a heart to the Mutiara Damansara neighbourhood.
With its clean and colourful layout, and a brand new play area for the kiddos, Bucket B is primed to be a fast favourite with families!
Photo credit: Bucket B Cafe Facebook page
Ra.Ft Cafe/Bistro
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Parents who find themselves looking for a peaceful place to park the kids over a meal in the KLCC area need look no further – Ra.Ft Cafe/ Bistro at Binjai 8 offers delicious Italian food and a much-needed caffeine fix in a lovely, light-filled setting.
Ra.Ft’s second branch has recently opened at Arcoris Plaza, delighting the discerning foodies of Mont Kiara with its hearty all-day breakfasts and classics with a twist.
As with its Binjai 8 counterpart, Ra.Ft’s latest addition continues to uphold its child-friendly ethos, providing families with a small, but decently outfitted, children’s corner.
Photo credit: Eat Drink KL
One of the newer kids on the block (or Blokke, rather), this cafe is a Lego-lover’s dream come true! Located within PJ’s Citta Mall, Blokke serves up excellent food at reasonable prices, and hosts an indoor playground, LEGO education classes, and a party space for private events – perfect for the young (and the young at heart!).
Garnering rave reviews from parents, Blokke is definitely one to watch.
Photo credit: babyliciousmalaysia.blogspot.my
From courtroom trials to the trials of first time parenthood, Kimberly Lee is a former litigation lawyer turned full time employee of her boss baby. She writes about life, loss, love and everything in between as she explores her greatest adventure yet – motherhood.
