It’s one thing to find a child-friendly restaurant, but to find one where kids can eat for free may be like hitting the jackpot. With food and petrol prices continuing to increase, a free restaurant meal sure does go a long way. Luckily, there are family-friendly restaurants that have been offering “kids eat free” specials for some time. This is a reminder of where to find them in Joburg.

Harvard Café at Rand Airport (Germiston)

Harvard Café is a unique outdoor restaurant set on the side of the runway at Rand Airport in Germiston. With this great atmosphere as its leading attraction, the venue also plays host to birthdays, conferences and weddings. It caters to families with its children’s section where kids can enjoy playing on the jungle gym. The menu specialises in burgers, seafood, steaks and poultry with a Mediterranean leaning, but it is the pizzas you should come for. Kids under 12 years eat for free every Friday (except during holidays). The terms and conditions stipulate that one child per dining adult can have one free main meal. The restaurant is open Mondays to Thursdays and Sundays from 7am to 10pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 7am to 11pm.

Panarottis (Cresta)

The well-known Panarottis prides itself on its family-friendly atmosphere and its great pizzas. The Cresta branch has a “kids eat free” special that runs all day on Sundays. It allows one child per dining adult to enjoy a free main meal order. This applies to kids 12 years and under. Panarottis is open Monday to Sundays from 9am to 10pm.

Papachinos (Fourways)

The focus on quality moments with family and children is at the heart of the dining ethos at Papachinos. As a family-friendly restaurant, Papachinos is a great place to host children’s birthday parties. The space boasts a state-of-the-art playground. The food offering is all about healthy and delicious meals ranging from pizzas and pasta to seafood, burgers, steaks and sushi. Kiddies have their own menu to choose from packed with variety. Among the running specials is Teddy Tuesdays where kids under 12 years eat for free when they bring their whole family. One kid per dining adult can order a free main meal. As part of the fun, kids can also customise their own pizzas. Papachinos is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 8am to 9pm, and on Sundays and public holidays from 8am to 6pm.

Smoke Daddy’s (Fourways)

Smoke Daddy’s is a sister restaurant to Papachinos and so the same ethos about quality dining for families and children applies. The steampunk meets vibrant cartoon theme of the place adds to the experience and makes for a lovely kids’ party venue. The difference is that here the menu specialises in tasty smoked steak dishes. Kids under 12 years eat for free on Wednesdays – one main meal per dining adult applies. Children can also have fun in the colourful play area. Smoke Daddy’s is open Mondays to Saturdays from 8am to 9pm and on Sundays from 8am to 6pm.

Mozambik (Benoni)

Mozambik, built on Mozambican culture and cuisine, is a family-friendly restaurant that is about Afro-Porto delights. The seafood and poultry dishes here are some of the best with their distinct flavour. With an easygoing vibe and atmosphere, some branches of the franchise go the extra mile with a kids’ play area included in the space. Children under 12 years can enjoy the “kids eat free Mondays” special, which allows one kid per dining parent to enjoy a free main meal. Mozambik is open on Mondays from 5pm to 9pm, Tuesdays to Thursdays from 11am to 9pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 10pm, and on Sundays from 11am to 5pm.

The Baron (Bryanston, Bedfordview & Fourways)

The food at The Baron boasts the comfort of a home-cooked meal but with an elevated touch, in a contemporary yet relaxed atmosphere. The Baron is big on grills and espetada, burgers and pregos, with some pastas and seafood dishes. Kids under 12 years enjoy a free meal when a parent orders a main dish from Wednesdays to Fridays from 3 to 6pm. The Baron is open from Mondays to Sundays from 10am till late, and Sundays from 10am to 4pm.

The Porterhouse (Roodepoort)

The Porterhouse is a family restaurant and steakhouse serving up delicious steaks, spare ribs, seafood, pasta and homemade pizza. It is, however, most popular for its carvery offering. It also stands out for its reasonably priced menu items, complemented by various specials throughout the year. Every Saturday, kids under 12 years eat for free with every main meal the parent orders. This special is only on offer until the 31st of July 2022. The Porterhouse is open on Mondays from 11am to 9pm, Tuesdays to Thursdays from 11am to 9.30pm, Fridays from 11am to 10.30pm, Saturdays from 10am to 10pm, and Sundays from 10am to 8.30pm.