[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Are you looking for a family-friendly CBD restaurant?
The Boatbuilders Yard is a spacious cafe and bar on the banks of the Yarra River near the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, DFO Shopping and Polly Woodside.
It’s a rarity in the CBD because it is one of the few places that is absolutely child-friendly. There are abundant high chairs, room for prams, change facilities, a kids menu and even a play area.
The sandpit is popular with families. There are several unshaded tables right near it (that you can book) if you want to ensure your children are within sight.
The river also provides lots of passing entertainment – but of course be vigilant with little ones wandering off.
The Boatbuilders Yard is open from breakfast to late 7 days a week. The huge menu covers lots of different cuisines and in different portion sizes, so there should be something to suit everyone.
Find Hotels and Airbnbs near The Boatbuilders Yard, South Wharf
We are invited to visit for a relaxed Sunday lunch after popping into Polly Woodside. While there’s a queue to order at the counter, the meals come out reasonably quickly.
We feast on huge zucchini, lentil & turmeric fritters from the breakfast menu ($14), a ‘South American super salad’ with quinoa, cauliflower, kale, hominy, black beans, charred corn and toasted seeds ($18), then pick our way through some of the smaller dishes – fried calamari ($14), lamb ribs ($16), chickpea chips ($10) and haloumi fries ($13).
Be warned, the desserts are decadent! Choose between a very boozy warm spiced rum cake with caramelised quince and macadamia dolce ice cream ($12) and a very rich dome of dense chocolate mouse ($12).
If you’re there with kids you can’t go past the Boaties sundae. It’s a tall glass filled with salted caramel, chocolate fudge, brownie bites, toffee popcorn ($16). Just make sure you share it with 2-3 people!
Speaking of kids – I think the children’s menu is pretty pedestrian. For breakfast you can choose between a soft boiled egg with Vegemite soldiers, coco pops or scrambled eggs on toast ($5). Lunch is pizza, fish and chips, mini burger and chips ($7-$10) and it comes with a soft drink.
The Boatbuilders Yard is a good choice for food if you’re visiting Polly Woodside, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre or DFO (you can get 50% off your parking if you eat there). The food has improved a lot since my last few visits and it caters really well for families in the CBD.
For another family-friendly eatery at South Wharf try The General Assembly.
Click here for places to eat in Melbourne CBD with kids
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”thon-hot-tips-panel”]HOT Tips:
- pram access;
- high chairs;
- change table;
- disabled toilet;
- kids menu
- standard menu suitable for kids;
- play area – outdoor sandpit; and
- nearest carpark is DFO for $12 per hour or $6 per hour if you buy something from the shopping centre. A cheaper option is the Melbourne Convention Centre carpark which you can prebook via Wilson Parking’s Book A Bay for cheaper rates.
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