When it comes to Cape Town family restaurants there's just no way I can ignore...
the Spur!
I comfort myself with the fact that it was truly a Capetonian start-up, although it is now a national chain. And while it now trades from a loftier space, the first-ever Spur opened its doors in Newlands, a mere pebble's toss from the SAB brewery and Newlands rugby stadium.
So while usually I share places and experiences that are unique to Cape Town, in this case I have been overruled - so many friends can't all be wrong!
ALL of them mentioned the Spur when asked about their favourite family restaurants!
If you're not South African family, the Spur will be a novelty for you. If you are South African, you'll share our soft spot for the original Cape Town family restaurants chain!
So which one?
Of course there are many Spurs but in my opinion not all are created equal.
I'll tell you which are our favourites and why.
And as Spur pricing is pretty good value, they probably fall in the 'cheap Cape Town family restaurants' category - pricier than McDonalds but far nicer to eat at.
Our favourite Spurs - Cape Town Family Restaurants
- Waterfront - about the only Spur with an incredible view. (No play area :( - must be the high cost of Waterfront retail space - so no letting off steam for little 'uns here.)On the upper level of Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront
- Fishhoek - close to the beach, but with a view across the railway line! Great physical play area. However for meals-while-beaching the Bayside Bistro is right ON the besch, so during the day is a more conveneient option.
Hout Bay - right beside the beach. We work off everyone's excess energy on the sand then head in to deal with their tummies!The Spur in Hout Bay closed down!
A kindly site visitor says that the best Hout Bay options for family friendly spaces and menus now are
- Primi Piatti (The Village Gate, Promenade Rd, Tel 021 791 4746) and
- Cilantro (Beach Cres, Tel 021 790 4076).
Downside to Spur Restaurants - for tourists
They are geared towards local South African families, so tend to be found in convenient suburban spots and shopping centres without spectacular views.
Upside to Spur Restaurants - for all of us!
Thye are truly child friendly from balloons to crayons to play spaces and games.
Kids meals arrive fast and first to avoid that nagging "Where's my milkshake?" syndrome.
The kids love 'em!
The food is good!
Spur - Great Expectations?
With a name like "Spur Steak Ranches" you know you're deep into burger and chips territory with a Tex-Mex element thrown in.
The kids' menu includes the usual suspects -- viennas, pizza, toasted sarmies, fish fingers and chicken nuggets, plus some funky ice cream clowns for dessert.
Luckily you'll find far more than that on offer for adults. They do a mean steak, great grilled chicken and in keeping with trends the world over are starting to offer healthier heart-friendly meals too.
Entertaining The Offspring?
Balloons, crayons and colouring-in for younger children come standard at all Spurs. If your waitron is slack, don't be shy to ask.
When it comes to other entertainment options, Spur restaurants differ. This is where the age of your children may influence your choice.
Where there's plenty of space, there's generally an indoor climbing and sliding area to keep the kids moving and which suits us down to the ground. This may be combined with arcade-style video games -- all free -- for older kids. (Ugh! I hate them, but maybe that's just me.)
Some Spurs also have a video area. Somehow when faced with the choice of sitting or climbing, the couch potato takes my kids captive and plonks them on their butts! So we tend to avoid video entertainment and stick to our top choices up above.
Will your family enjoy a treehouse meal?
We found a great Cape Town family restaurant for sushi and Thai. Seafood nearby!
Even more child friendly Cape Town restaurants
You may find the following related pages helpful:
Family Cape Town
Cape Town Things to Do with Kids
From Cape Town Family Restaurants to the Homepage
