Family Friendly Restaurants in Vientiane
What makes a good children-friendly restaurant can depend on your taste, but some prerequisites probably include a menu suitable for kids, a welcoming atmosphere and perhaps amenities such as a playground, all at a reasonable price.
The good news is that Vientiane now offers a growing list of eat-out options to suits kids, and the following are just a few eclectic suggestions. Larger outlets often accept card or smartphone payment options, but all accept cash.
Pizza
Kids love Pizza and its great to divvy up and share for a family meal. The nation’s capital boasts a growing range of Pizza options that are sure to satisfy even the testiest toddler.
Judging by the many favourable reviews on social media, PDR – Pizza da Roby is the place if you want to treat the family to delicious authentic Italian style Pizza. This laidback venue is located downtown on Sihome Road.
Open Monday to Saturday 11:30 am-2 pm, 5:30 pm-10 pm. Closed Sunday. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PDR-Pizza-Da-Roby-648500301997409/
If you want to dine where many local families eat, then The Pizza Company is your venue. They have colouring packs for kids, and most have a couple of highchairs. This Thai Pizza restaurant franchise has five outlets around Vientiane with some located next to Swensen’s ice-cream parlours to satisfy another ‘essential’ food group for kids.
Open daily 10 am-10 pm.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePizzaCompanyLao/
Mexican
If your tykes want to tuck into a tasty taco or bountiful burrito Gringo’s Taco Bar is sure to please. This popular Mexican restaurant also boasts plenty of car parking and a great kids’ room. Located in Sokpalouang, Soi 9, close to the German Embassy.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday 11 am-2pm, 4 pm-9 pm, Friday 11 am-2pm, 4 pm-10 pm, Saturday 11 am-10 pm, Sunday 11 am-9 pm, Closed Monday
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gringosvientiane/
Other venues with playgrounds
Love Life Café in Saphanthong Tai near Vientiane International School offers delicious healthy menu options and has a shaded garden playground so parents can watch on in comfort as the kids have fun.
Normally open Tuesday to Friday 11 am-8 pm, Weekend 8 am-8 pm. Closed Monday. Check for summer opening days and times.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovelifelaos/
Common Grounds Cafe & Bakery is a modern western-style restaurant on Chao Anou Road. Their in-house bakery offers fresh products daily, including pastries, sandwiches, wraps, pitas and Mexican food.
Open Monday to Saturday & 7 am – 8 pm.
Website www.commongroundslaos.com
Kids Garden Café, located just off 23 Singha Road (just behind the BMW dealer) in Nongbone, features a great indoor play area for kids in a relaxed café style setting.
Open Tuesday to Sunday 9 am – 8 pm, Closed Monday.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kidsgardencafe/
Vientiane Center
This shopping mall located downtown on Kouvieng Road is a great place for families. Dining wise your choice includes options such as the Pizza Company and numerous restaurants and cafes along with a food court for the more value-conscious.
The best news for kids is that Vientiane Center also has a children’s playground, tenpin bowling and a Major Platinum Cineplex to keep them entertained under the one air-conditioned roof.
Open daily 10 am to 9 pm.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vientianecenter/
View Mall
Located at Km 7 along Road 13 South in Phakhao village, this leafy boutique mall with ample parking features several family-friendly eating options. Coolly Chef next to Rimping Supermarket is good value for money with a mix of Lao/Thai and western dishes while out the front HK Food serves up the best in Hong Kong cuisine among its colourful décor. Upstairs there is Pho Zap with Vietnamese favourites and Ramen Yamagoya Lao with their take on Japanese noodles.
All open daily for lunch and dinner.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/viewmall.vte/
Further options
These are just some of the dining choices for families. If you’d like other suggestions, why not join the Expat Laos Facebook page and ask there?
Did we forget to mention another family friendly restaurant ? Please send us the details to info@jclao.com
by Shane Marshall, copyright J&C Services 09/2019
