I wanted to tap the collective knowledge here for child-friendly restaurants. We're going to be down on Bonaire next week with our 2 year old and while we're staying at a place with a kitchen, I know we'll be eating dinners out a bit.

So I wanted to know if people had recommendations for restaurants that are child-friendly: i.e. - have high chairs, service isn't too slow, can accommodate early dining (5:30-6pm), and don't mind a (well-behaved) kid who still might need to walk around a bit during dinner.

Thanks in advance!

Peter

Peter, my children were 3 and 7 last year and any restaurant we went into I would consider "child friendly". Cactus Blue had a wonderful server who brought my son back and showed him around, gave him a balloon and made him very comfortable! Richard (from Richards) came over and chatted with the kids and asked them what they wanted and offered to prepare the typical childs fare or take any menu item and make a childs size portion for them. Casablanca was also wonderful, Pablo, Pablito and Mama came and joked with the kids and made them special child size portions...and the list goes on. I don't think you will have a problem anywhere you go. If you have a question about a specific restaurant please ask.

Rosanne,

Thanks for the tips. I find it's always useful to check these things. Some places we've traveled have been great for kids (Sweden!). Others a bit more challenging. Glad to hear Bonaire is kid-friendly!

Peter

Peter - Most of the places we have visited are kid friendly, although the food may not be what they are used to. We found the standard chicken portion on Bonaire is 1/4 dark meat chicken, rather than the boneless white chicken you find in the US. We found China Nobu made the closest presentation to US chicken tenders & fries for our son. For a 2-year old, I don't think most place would object if you brought finger food in for him/her.

A few years ago, I remember City Cafe having a few large live tropical birds that my kids found facinating. Only issue with City Cafe (and other restaurants on the water) is that sunset is close to your preferred dining time, so it will be crowded.

Enjoy...

We've had grandchildren as young as 3 and never experienced any problem at any restaurant. Richards even found a Nathan's Hot Dog once. The hamburgers at City Cafe are always liked, large enough for 2 children. Pizza at Pasa Bon Pizza and breakfast a Divi were favorites as well.

The new Sunrise at Sand Dollar has a pool and a huge area for kids to wander and play. Was there for lunch yesterday and counted at least 20 kids.

Thanks for the tip, Michael, Joe and I shall keep that in mind. LOL. Hugs. cb