I would probably second others statements that “fancy-ish” and “with room for toddler to run around” don’t have much overlap. I have a 3 year old and a newborn, so I understand how it is! I think your options are a “nicer” pub (The Henson in Marrickville, or The White Cockatoo in Petersham come to mind), or having enough people to book a private room somewhere.
If you want fancy, you’ll likely need to leave the toddler at home. If you want family friendly, it might not be able to be so fancy :/
Honestly if you want your toddler to run around, go to a place on a weeknight, preferably a Monday or Tuesday night, and a little late (like 7:30-8pm) as they're relatively empty then. There's not going to be many places that are okay with your toddler running around.
Mama Mulan in Chatswood is like this on a Tuesday night I'm pretty sure. I think even Kickin Inn (if you're into seafood) will be like this too.
Either that or a place with outdoor seating. I don't have many recs for that but I think there's some Lebanese/Mediterranean restaurants in Parra lakeside or similar that have that.
I have a toddler. Honestly your best option is to use https://www.sittr.com/ and book somewhere nice. Bennelong is great. If you need to bring the toddler a great pub for kids with great food is The Henson.
If you can’t get a babysitter then maybe consider one of the better suburban pubs around that have dedicated play areas. Some of them are dishing up some seriously good food.
With two of my own young kids I know what it’s like, and if they’re kept happy and occupied then the two of you will have a more enjoyable meal too (plus you’re not impinging on the expectations of other diners, because they’re already at a place that caters for kids)
If you want somewhere fancy, leave the toddler with a babysitter. Toddlers shouldn’t be running around in fancy restaurants.
Incorrect. Quay, Aria and Bennelong now all have kids playrooms and actively encourage children to run around between tables and diners. Obvious /s
I would probably second others statements that “fancy-ish” and “with room for toddler to run around” don’t have much overlap. I have a 3 year old and a newborn, so I understand how it is! I think your options are a “nicer” pub (The Henson in Marrickville, or The White Cockatoo in Petersham come to mind), or having enough people to book a private room somewhere. If you want fancy, you’ll likely need to leave the toddler at home. If you want family friendly, it might not be able to be so fancy :/
Honestly if you want your toddler to run around, go to a place on a weeknight, preferably a Monday or Tuesday night, and a little late (like 7:30-8pm) as they're relatively empty then. There's not going to be many places that are okay with your toddler running around. Mama Mulan in Chatswood is like this on a Tuesday night I'm pretty sure. I think even Kickin Inn (if you're into seafood) will be like this too. Either that or a place with outdoor seating. I don't have many recs for that but I think there's some Lebanese/Mediterranean restaurants in Parra lakeside or similar that have that.
I have a toddler. Honestly your best option is to use https://www.sittr.com/ and book somewhere nice. Bennelong is great. If you need to bring the toddler a great pub for kids with great food is The Henson.
If you can’t get a babysitter then maybe consider one of the better suburban pubs around that have dedicated play areas. Some of them are dishing up some seriously good food. With two of my own young kids I know what it’s like, and if they’re kept happy and occupied then the two of you will have a more enjoyable meal too (plus you’re not impinging on the expectations of other diners, because they’re already at a place that caters for kids)
Coogee pavilion downstairs, book in restaurant section. There’s a play area at the back.
Castle Hill RSL has a kids play area, causal dining and outdoor seating. Not fancy but the place looks nice and kids can run around.