Words by: Adam Hopkins
Photos by: Crazy Cart Café, Money Jump Fun & Restaurant, Mr. Tree, Taiwan Scene
Taipei is one of the world’s greatest foodie destinations. From street snacks to fine dining, and from local delicacies to more international fare, the Taiwanese capital has something for all tastes and budgets. For many families, a good old-fashioned family dinner is one of the few occasions they get to spend time together. Fortunately for them, and you, Taipei has a great selection of restaurants for families of all ages. Whether you live here or are just visiting, you’ll always be able to find somewhere suitable for a family outing. For this roundup, we’re going to concentrate in particular on kid-friendly restaurants; places where families can take their young children to not only eat good food, but also play and enjoy themselves. So, without further ado, here are four great family-friendly restaurants in Taipei. (You might also like: Taipei Summer Hotspots: Beat the Heat This Summer with These Five Family-Friendly Outdoor Destinations)
CRAZY CART CAFÉ
We’ll admit, at first, we misread this as Crazy Cat Café. However, on closer inspection, you’ll find it’s nothing of the sort. Based at Global Mall Nangang Station (環球購物中心南港車站), Crazy Cart Café (甩尾主題餐廳) is all about go-karts
Perhaps best before they eat, kids can get behind the wheel of a kart and zoom around to their hearts’ content (or until their allotted time runs out, at least). Karts come in different sizes that allows both adults and children to experience the excitement of go-kart racing, and the venue is available to be hired for private functions like birthday parties. Tier barriers are added around the track for safety, while there are also trackside podiums where winners can pose for photos to remember their day.
In terms of food, think American-style burgers, steaks, onion rings and fries — typical Western favorites that kids love. There is a fully stocked bar complete with alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, while the bar area also has a big screen to show live sporting events and the like. Come for the fast cars, stay for the definitely not fast food. (Read more: Taipei — The Most Kid-Friendly City in Asia)
🏠 1F, 360, Sec. 8, Civic Blvd., Nangang Dist.
☎️ (02) 2782-2300
🕒 11:00am – 10:00pm
MONEY JUMP FUN & RESTAURANT
In Neihu (內湖), Money Jump (媽咪講親子餐廳會所) has all sorts of different activities onsite to keep kids entertained before they even realize they’re hungry. We’re talking a fully functional carousel, an interactive ball pool, a parent-and-child reading room, a peekaboo tunnel and more.
Money Jump is open in three sessions per day, and the restaurant has both a dedicated kids’ menu of set meals and one for babies featuring different kinds of purees. For parents, there are choices of salmon fillets, pork chops, sirloin steaks, afternoon tea sets, pizzas, salads and more, as well as a full wine list.
🏠 2F, 127, Minshan St., Neihu Dist.
☎️ (02) 2792-1156
🕒 11:00am – 1:30pm / 2:00pm – 5:00pm / 5:30pm – 8:00pm
MR. TREE (GUTING BRANCH)
A stone’s throw away from MRT Guting Station, Mr. Tree (大樹先生的家) is a great place for kids to burn some energy while the grown-ups put up their feet and relax. (Read also: Exploring Museums with Kids in Taipei)
There is a specialized kids’ menu with many popular favorites presented as funny faces and the like, as well as many options for adults, including pastas, salads and a range of teas and coffees.
The children’s play area is both in and outdoors and features a huge ball pit, slide, a child-size mock kitchen, a sandpit, soft play, costumes for dressing up and more.
🏠 38, Chaozhou St., Daan Dist.
☎️ (02) 3393-3313
🕒 11:30am – 2:30pm / 3:00pm – 5:30pm / 6:00pm – 9:00pm (Closed on Mondays)
FARM TABLE
Kids can eat healthy and learn about where their food comes from at the farm-to-table restaurant Farm Table (農人餐桌). There is a mock kitchen for kids to play in, while onsite DIY classes are provided occasionally for you to join. (You might also like: 10 things to do with your parents in Taipei)
Appetizers include steamed eggs and baked pumpkins, while main courses range from steak to seafood to risotto. There are sharing meals such as fried chicken baskets with fries, and the impressive kids’ menu boasts Japanese chicken curry, tuna rice balls, alphabet spaghetti and more. Also, be sure not to skip dessert. The selection includes organic strawberry ice cream and cheese cake. Afternoon tea is also available. All the ingredients used are organic, with its menu are special designed to teach kids the importance of eating healthy. It’s a great place to bring kids to prove that healthy can also mean tasty!
🏠 B1F, 51, Sec. 2, Chongqing S. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist.
☎️ (02) 2322-3716
🕒 11:00am – 8:30pm
More about Family Travel in Taiwan
- 8 Things To Do When Traveling With Kids in Kaohsiung
- Step Inside the Enchanting World of Picture Book
- The Family that Rides Together: Around the world with Céline and Xavier Pasche
- 3 Ideas For Family, Couples, and Friends To Travel Around Taiwan
- Flower Viewing in Taipei: Three Routes Recommended for Couples, Friends, and Families
This article is reproduced under the permission of TAIPEI. Original content can be found at the website of Taipei Travel Net (www.travel.taipei/en).
