Discovering the best family-friendly restaurants in Invercargill means finding welcoming spots with kids menus, relaxed atmospheres and hearty local flavours that suit parents and children alike. Invercargill’s dining scene features venues offering everything from pub classics and Irish fare to Southland-inspired dishes, with amenities like activity options and dietary accommodations. Waxy’s Irish Pub and The Cabbage Tree stand out for their dedicated kids offerings and family-focused settings.
1Waxy’s Irish Pub
Waxy’s Irish Pub brings authentic Irish hospitality to Invercargill with a lively yet welcoming atmosphere perfect for families. Located on Dee Street, it serves hearty pub fare alongside traditional Irish dishes and features a dedicated kids menu. The venue includes live music on weekends and special family deals that make it ideal for casual meals with children.
Services
- Irish pub classics and Southland dishes
- Kids menu with bangers and mash, chicken nuggets, fish bites and mini hot dogs
- Lunch and dinner menus
- Dessert options and kids cocktails
- Private function hosting
Highlights
- Kids dine free on Sundays
- Half price desserts on Thursdays
- Live music on Friday and Saturday nights
- Pool tables and comfortable seating areas
- St Patrick’s Day festivities and themed events
Location & Contact
Name: Waxy’s Irish Pub
Address: 90 Dee Street, Invercargill
Phone: 03 214 0313
Website: waxys.co.nz
2The Cabbage Tree
The Cabbage Tree is a relaxed restaurant and bar in Otatara just outside Invercargill, set among native plantings with a vineyard-style feel. It offers a range of menu favourites including burgers, seafood salads, steaks and pork belly, with dedicated kids pricing that suits family outings. The venue also hosts functions such as weddings and birthdays.
Services
- Restaurant and bar dining
- Menu items including chicken burgers, seafood salad, pork belly and kiwi steak
- Function and event catering including grazing tables
- Christmas Day buffet with kids options
- Outdoor and indoor seating
Highlights
- Kids menu pricing (under 3 free, 3-5 $25, 6-12 $45)
- Established in 2000 with local ownership since 2018
- Native plantings and scenic Otatara setting
- Function spaces for weddings, birthdays and corporate events
- 100% local focus with Central Otago schist construction
Location & Contact
Name: The Cabbage Tree
Address: Otatara, Invercargill
Phone: 03 213 1443
Website: thecabbagetree.com
3Speight’s Ale House
Speight’s Ale House is the southernmost Speight’s venue in New Zealand, located on Dee Street in central Invercargill. It serves hearty southern fare expertly matched with award-winning Speight’s beers in a lively atmosphere with live sports and entertainment. The pub-style setting welcomes families for meals and gatherings.
Services
- Hearty southern fare and pub classics
- Speight’s craft beers and ales
- Menu options for satisfying meals
- Live sports screening and entertainment
- Takeaway and dining options
Highlights
- Southernmost Speight’s Ale House in New Zealand
- Opened in 2006 in a character building from the early 1900s
- Live music and vibrant night spot atmosphere
- Warm welcome and southern hospitality focus
- Local produce and quality ingredients
Location & Contact
Name: Speight’s Ale House
Address: 38 Dee Street, Invercargill 9810
Phone: 03 214 5333
Website: speightsalehouseinv.co.nz
4The Saucy Chef
The Saucy Chef on St Andrew offers a sophisticated yet welcoming dining experience with a Murihiku/Southland-inspired, game-led menu. Situated at the corner of St Andrew and Sydney Streets, it features curated wines and beers alongside dishes designed for sharing and enjoyment with company. Sunday brunch adds flexibility for family visits.
Services
- Game-led and Southland-inspired cuisine
- Finely curated wines and beers
- Brunch service on Sundays
- Table bookings and reservations
- Conservatory and bar areas for dining
Highlights
- Chic Heineken bar and sunny conservatory
- Focus on warm hospitality and unparalleled service
- Delicious southern flavours paired with beverages
- Private dining and function suitability
- Operated by Invercargill Licensing Trust
Location & Contact
Name: The Saucy Chef
Address: Cnr St Andrew and Sydney Streets, Invercargill
Phone: 03 217 1980
Website: thesaucychef.co.nz
5Thar & Feather Restaurant
Thar & Feather Restaurant at the Southland Sports Bar provides a lodge-style dining experience with an extensive menu loved by locals. Located on Elles Road, it features an open fire for winter comfort and an outdoor courtyard for summer evenings, along with a courtesy coach for convenience. The relaxed tavern atmosphere suits family meals and gatherings.
Services
- Extensive a la carte menu
- Wine, beer and cocktail selection
- Sports bar with local tavern feel
- Function and event hosting
- Courtesy coach service
Highlights
- Cozy open fire and outdoor courtyard
- Southern hospitality focus
- Unique lodge-style setting
- 7 days a week dining with extended hours
- Free off-street parking available
Location & Contact
Name: Thar & Feather Restaurant
Address: Corner McQuarrie Street & Elles Road, Invercargill
Phone: 03 216 8094
Website: southlandtavern.co.nz
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Invercargill at a Glance
| Business | Based in | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Waxy's Irish Pub | Invercargill | Kids dine free on Sundays |
| The Cabbage Tree | Invercargill | Kids menu pricing (under 3 free, 3-5 $25, 6-12 $45) |
| Speight's Ale House | Invercargill | Southernmost Speight’s Ale House in New Zealand |
| The Saucy Chef | Invercargill | Chic Heineken bar and sunny conservatory |
| Thar & Feather Restaurant | Invercargill | Cozy open fire and outdoor courtyard |
How to Choose the Right Family-Friendly Restaurant in Invercargill
- Check for dedicated kids menus with familiar favourites and portion sizes suitable for children.
- Look for venues with dietary options including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan choices to suit the whole family.
- Consider location convenience near central streets like Dee Street or family-friendly suburbs such as Otatara.
- Verify amenities like highchairs, activity options, live entertainment or function spaces for special occasions.
- Review opening hours, booking policies and any family deals such as kids-eat-free nights before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invercargill Family-Friendly Restaurants
Do family-friendly restaurants in Invercargill offer kids menus?
Yes, several venues including Waxy’s Irish Pub and The Cabbage Tree provide dedicated kids menus with items like chicken nuggets, fish bites and classic pub favourites, often with complimentary desserts or special pricing.
Are there restaurants with family deals like kids eat free in Invercargill?
Waxy’s Irish Pub offers kids dine free on Sundays and half price desserts on Thursdays, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious families seeking value alongside quality meals.
What cuisines are available at family restaurants in Invercargill?
Options range from Irish pub classics and hearty southern New Zealand fare to game-led Southland-inspired dishes and pub-style meals, with many places accommodating dietary needs like gluten-free and vegetarian.
Do Invercargill restaurants provide highchairs or booster seats?
Many family-oriented spots offer highchairs and booster seats; it is advisable to mention requirements when booking to ensure arrangements are made, especially at busier venues on weekends.
Is it best to book ahead at family restaurants in Invercargill?
Reservations are recommended for weekends, evenings or larger groups to secure seating, particularly at popular spots like Speight’s Ale House or The Saucy Chef where live entertainment or functions may increase demand.
Which suburbs or areas in Invercargill have good family dining options?
Central locations on Dee Street and Elles Road host several options, while Otatara offers a scenic setting just outside the city with venues like The Cabbage Tree that appeal to families seeking a relaxed outing.
How can I find restaurants suitable for large family gatherings in Invercargill?
Look for venues with function spaces or private areas such as Waxy’s Irish Pub and The Cabbage Tree, which cater to birthdays, celebrations and groups with dedicated booking options and flexible seating.
Are there any licensing or safety considerations for dining with children in Invercargill?
Restaurants operate under standard New Zealand hospitality regulations; families can enjoy venues with designated family areas, and checking current menus or calling ahead confirms suitability for younger diners.
How We Chose the Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Invercargill
Every business in this guide was found by searching for family-friendly restaurants in Invercargill, then checked against its own website. Names, addresses and phone numbers are taken from the business’s own site rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what they publish themselves. We also check that each one is actually based in or genuinely serving Invercargill, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business with no website of its own is not listed, because there is no primary source to verify it against.