Melbourne’s shrine to French butter-layered pastry landed on Manning Street recently, bringing with it twice-baked croissants, morning buns, kouign-amann and Danishes. Whether it’s breakfast on-the-run or snacks for a packed picnic lunch, Lune’s pastries – artfully made over three days – will win over everyone. 15 Manning St, South Brisbane

This isn’t your typical red and white tablecloth joint; Julius covers off a wider Italian terrain with reverence for quality ingredients. There’s pizza built atop 48-hour fermented dough, plus top-notch antipasti, pasta and wine for mum and dad, with a full-fledged bambino menu so the littles can satisfy their red sauce and carb cravings, too. 77 Grey St / Cnr Fish Lane, South Brisbane

Since swinging its doors open in 2017, Frankie & George have been powering the good people of Brisbane with Single O coffee and sustainably sourced organic cafe fare: think savoury crepes, steak sandwiches, fritters and French toast. Kids will love their frappes, chatty staff and white hot chocolates. 366 George St, Brisbane

Since swinging its doors open in 2017, Frankie & George have been powering the good people of Brisbane with Single O coffee and sustainably sourced organic cafe fare: think savoury crepes, steak sandwiches, fritters and French toast. Kids will love their frappes, chatty staff and white hot chocolates. 366 George St, Brisbane

You won’t need to whip out iPads at this family-run eatery, thanks to its handy vantage point at a busy intersection in West End, where kids can happily view all the roadside action over homely Greek plates like souvla, moussaka and pita wraps. The Parmaklis families, who opened Little Greek in 2009, hail from Makedonia in the country’s north and have ferried over regional flavours from their hometown. Shop 5, 1 Browning Street, West End

Inside a straight-out-of-Mykonos taverna, Jonathan Barthelmess (of Sydney’s Apollo and Cho Cho San fame) serves the same mod Mediterranean plates that have earned him a cult following in Sydney: think grilled and puffy breads with traditional tarama, honey-drenched saganaki, fire-kissed seafood and fall-apart lamb. 3/5 Boundary Street, Brisbane

Overlooking the buzzing Howard Smith Wharves precinct, the stylish-yet-relaxed Mews at Crystalbrook sees the best of land and sea served up with a conscience, meaning they divulge the total ‘climate calories’ of your meal (hello, fascinating family talking point!). An all-day kids menu offers up cheesy gnocchi, a ‘big kids’ steak’ or fish. 5 Boundary St, Brisbane City

Since opening in 1975 (they’ve since expanded), this deli-cum-cafe is a New Farm institution. Beyond the timber shelves lined with olive oils, vinegars, pastas and preserves is a buzzing cafe where you can cosy up on leather banquettes and feast on homemade pasta, secondi and panini before indulging in above-average cannoli and baked cheesecake. 900 Brunswick St, New Farm

Offering a slice of Palm Beach in South Brisbane, this seaside pub will satisfy the family’s tropical-soaked dreams via cabana seating, beachy vistas and lush greenery. Settle into an island-themed cocktail, the lychee lagoon is equal parts sweet and sour, and ponder a menu spanning burgers to salads and pan-Asian plates. Then let the kids run off their soft drinks on the beach afterwards. 30a, Stanley St Plaza, South Brisbane

In a cavernous warehouse under the iconic Story Bridge at Kangaroo Point, this brewery and restaurant is conveniently located near Captain Burke Park. With a menu designed to appease the masses, parents will be able to linger a while and sample top-notch brews while kids happily pick at pizzas, burgers and nuggets. 89 Main Street, Kangaroo Point

An enclosed indoor playground is the restaurant equivalent of a babysitter, making Jugar a no-brainer for those with young kids who want to finish a whole conversation and a meal. Don’t be fooled by the size of the play area – the food rivals the fun here, with a pub-inspired menu catering for all. 71 Jane Street, West End

Shining the light on the lesser known food of the Alsace region of France, like the wafer-thin tarte flambée, this alfresco all-day bistro in Red Hill ticks plenty of family dining boxes. Airy surrounds where little acoustics can soar free? Tick. Shoestring fries with most meals? Double tick. French pastries ‘til your heart’s content? Step right this way. 5/1 Enoggera Terrace, Red Hill

Older kids will appreciate this neon-pink mod Asian gem where fried chicken bao cosies up to dumplings, crispy pork belly, curries and duck fried rice under the glow of multi-coloured, ping pong-sized globe lights. The sensory feast continues outside with pink picnic tables offering a breezier dining option. 76 Skyring Terrace, Newstead

Taking its cues from the laidback beach diners of California, Master Toms invites big and little guests on a food tour of the west coast right in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. In true Cali style, expect grass-fed free-range chicken burgers (the house special), salads and juices, with house-roasted coffee to help you refuel for the day. 60 Albert Street Brisbane City and 240 George Street, Brisbane City. To learn about American Express and the Shop Small campaign, visit here.