Family dining can be fun and fuss-free when you know your smallest foodie is catered for. Find out why NSM Discoverer Rochelle Kim will be making another reservation at The Ranch, North Ryde soon.
I admit it, I don’t love cooking! I just don’t get excited about the prospect of preparing dinner and I’d bet my last dollar I’m not alone. Who doesn’t at least semi-regularly think: nope, not tonight! Cooking and dishes can wait. The problem though; it can be hard finding a place to dine that doesn’t cost a fortune and caters for the whole family.
Well, let me put The Ranch on your child-friendly dining radar! We had never visited before, and when we entered for dinner, I was surprised to discover just how great this place is for kids. There was a friendly atmosphere, and the floor was filled with booths perfect for families with lots of room for highchairs. There’s also a playground, a games room, colouring-in for children and you can ask for a tablet if you need a minute to eat your meal in peace (we’ve all been there!). Not to mention there’s two-for-one kids meals on Wednesday nights. All this and we hadn’t even looked at the menu yet!
The stylish interiors make for a relaxing and enjoyable setting for a family meal
A great playground to help keep children entertained while you relax
The colouring-in wall offered lots of activities for kids
The games room for older children
The Meal
We went on Wednesday for steak night – who can go past an $18 scotch fillet? I’m also a fan of good old pub meals, so I ordered the chicken schnitzel ($19) and kids battered fish for my toddler. The hubby ordered his steak medium-rare and gave it a solid thumbs up. My chicken schnitzel was ordered with a side of potatoes and mushroom sauce, which was also delicious. I found the portion sizes decent without being overwhelming. If you’re a sauce lover like me, note that the sauce comes in a small pot on the side, which just wasn’t quite enough for me- I love sauce and can be a little heavy handed with it. In hindsight, I should have asked for extra, which I’m sure they would have happily accommodated!
The scotch fillet with mushroom sauce
The chicken schnitzel with mushroom sauce
I really liked the Kid’s Menu options (all $9.90, dessert extra $3). Too often I’m disappointed at seeing no vegetable or salad options for children. Here, salad and chips or vegetables with potatoes were given as a side with every meal. My little girl absolutely loved her dinner, which was the battered fish with vegetables. The fish tasted great and the vegetables looked fresh and nicely cooked. She still didn’t eat the cauliflower though, but there are some battles you will never win.
Kids battered fish with potatoes and vegetables
Dessert
If you’re a sweet tooth like me, you can also order dessert at The Ranch from the window counter. There was your standard selection of cakes, slices and, cheesecake. Personally, I couldn’t go past the caramel tart with ice cream, cream, and chocolate sauce. I wasn’t sure if I could eat much more, but I’m glad I made space because it was really delicious. I was a little reluctant to share with my hubby. Hint to self: order two next time.
Luckily I ordered the kids dessert for my girl so I didn’t need to share three ways! There were the usual favourites like chocolate mousse and frog in a pond. She ended up with ice cream with chocolate sauce, which was served in a cup for easy eating. Side note: she didn’t want to share either.
The delicious caramel tart, kids ice cream and, latte
Extras For The Kids
The options for families to entertain children were a highlight and a reason I’ll be coming back. Depending on the day, there are:
- Cooking classes
- Arts and craft
- Face painting
- Petting zoo
- Jumping castles
Plus, kids even eat free on Saturday lunch and all day Sunday. For me and I’m sure most, eating out as a family sounds a lot less daunting when you know you’re children are happy. Check out the website for upcoming kid-friendly activities.
Final Verdict
This was a fun night and a great way to get out for a fuss-free and delicious dinner out. There was a friendly atmosphere, the service was quick and with great mid-week deals, it’s a perfect option for when the dishes can wait or you just want a nice day out with the family. Visit on a Wednesday night for two-for-one kids meals.
Essential Details
- Address: Cnr Epping & Herring Rds, North Ryde, NSW, 2122
- Phone: (02) 9887 2411
- Website
- Parking: Entrance is from Herring Road where there is plenty of parking available
- Opening Hours:
- Continental Buffet Breakfast: Mon-Fri 6.30am-9.30am & Sat-Sun 7am to 8am
- Lunch & Dinner: Every Day 11:30am – 9:30pm
