5 Restaurants in South Africa Where Kids Eat Free

Eating out with kids is always fun, but the bill can add up quickly. Luckily, some restaurants across South Africa make family dining a little easier on the pocket with “Kids Eat Free” deals. Whether you’re planning a Sunday lunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or a Monday treat, these restaurants welcome families with offers that are too good to miss.

Here are five franchise restaurants where your little ones can eat for free - and all you need to do is order your own meal.

1. Ocean Basket – Mondays

Ocean Basket’s Kids Eat Free Mondays are a family favourite. When you order an adult main meal, your child (12 and under) gets a free meal from the Kid’s Catch menu. The offer is dine-in only and valid at participating branches.

Ocean Basket is well-loved for its family-friendly vibe, Mediterranean-style seafood, and generous portions. It’s a relaxed spot for kids to tuck into fish and chips while parents enjoy platters of prawns or calamari.

2. Mozambik – Mondays

Start your week with a family dinner at Mozambik, where Kids Eat Free on Mondays. The deal is simple: spend R100 or more on a main meal, and your child (under 12) gets a free kiddies meal.

Mozambik is known for its Afro-Portuguese flavours, hearty grills, and warm atmosphere. Their colourful décor and friendly service make it an easy choice for dining with kids.

3. Bossa – Wednesdays and Sundays

Bossa is all about good times and good food. Their Kids Eat Free deal runs twice a week - every Wednesday (all day) and Sundays until 4pm. For every adult main ordered, a child under 12 eats free.

With branches across the Western Cape, Bossa is popular for family outings. Many locations include kids’ play areas, making it easier for parents to enjoy a meal while little ones stay entertained. We particularly love the Canal Walk branch and their steaks and burgers are delicious!

4. Panarottis – Sundays

Pizza and pasta lovers will want to mark Sundays on the calendar. At Panarottis, kids under 12 get a free meal from the kids’ menu with every adult main purchased.

Panarottis has always been family-focused, with colouring-in sheets, a friendly atmosphere, and fun “make your own pizza” options for children. We love the play area at the Claremont Branch and are keen to visit the newly opened restaurant at Blue Route Mall. There are also halal restaurants available – Kenilworth Centre is great. It’s an easy win for Sunday lunch.

Bonus tip – download their app and sign up for their rewards programme where you can accumulate points and vouchers. Remember to add your kids and they will get a free kids meal for their birthday.  

5. Cape Town Fish Market – Thursdays

On Thursdays, Cape Town Fish Market (CTFM) lets kids eat free with every adult main ordered. One child (under 12) per adult qualifies.

With branches at the V&A Waterfront and Big Bay, CTFM offers family-friendly seafood dishes, stunning views, and kids’ menu favourites like fish and chips or chicken strips. It’s a treat for both parents and kids.

Tips for Making the Most of Kids Eat Free Deals

• Always check if your local branch participates.

• These offers are usually dine-in only.

• Most restaurants allow one free kids’ meal per paying adult.

• Age limits usually apply - most promos are for kids under 12.

• Booking ahead on busy days (Sundays especially) is a good idea.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Taking the family out doesn’t need to be stressful on your budget. From seafood to pizza, these restaurants make it easy to enjoy a meal together while saving a little along the way.

Do you know of any other spots in Cape Town or South Africa where kids eat free? Let me know in the comments - I’d love to add to this list for fellow parents.