When we first arrived in Yogyakarta, or Jogja as locals call it, I quickly realized this wasn’t a sleepy town where you could just stroll to dinner and call it a night. It’s busy. It’s cool. And it’s definitely a city where locals love to eat out. For us, as parents traveling with two young kids, that meant one big thing: we needed to find restaurants in Yogyakarta where our kids could move around, play, and feel comfortable enough for us to linger.
Because the truth is, with the long drive times and heavy traffic, dining in Jogja isn’t just about eating. It’s about finding a spot where the whole family can actually relax. Sometimes that means doing the local thing like trying gudeg, the city’s signature dish. Other times, it means finding a cozy café with a playground in the back so the kids can run off energy while we sip coffee.
Here’s a look at some of the family friendly restaurants in Yogyakarta that worked for us. Each one offered something unique, whether it was atmosphere, food, or space for our kids to just be kids.
Gudeg Bu Widodo 2: A True Taste of Jogja
If you ask anyone in Yogyakarta what to eat, they’ll say gudeg. It’s a sweet jackfruit stew that looks and tastes surprisingly like meat. In a city where pork isn’t common, this dish is a favorite. We took a Grab to a street lined with gudeg spots, asked our driver for his favorite, and landed at Gudeg Bu Widodo 2.
The atmosphere was simple, local, and authentic. We sat low to the ground on mats with a little table, which instantly felt like an adventure for the kids. The gudeg came out fast, already cooked and ready to serve. We ordered one plate for the kids to share, and to my surprise, they actually enjoyed it (as long as we steered clear of the spicier sides). For us as parents, it was a reminder that not every meal needs a playground—sometimes it’s about trying something new together.
Parent Highlights:
- Affordable, quick local meal
- Authentic Jogja experience
- No play space, but fun seating setup on the ground
- Great intro to Indonesia’s signature dish
Rooster and Bear: Comfort Food with a Quirky Twist
This spot felt like stepping into a playful, modern café. Upstairs in a hotel building, Rooster and Bear is filled with greenery, quirky wall art, and the stars of the show, giant teddy bears that our kids immediately ran to hug. When we visited, they were even doing a restaurant photo shoot, which added to the fun energy.
The food? Comforting and familiar. We split two pizzas with the kids, and the portion sizes were generous. The staff was kind, and the whole vibe was relaxed, even without a formal play area. It was just one of those places where you felt welcome to take your time.
Parent Highlights:
- Modern, cozy atmosphere kids loved
- Indoor and outdoor seating (note: smoking outside)
- Familiar comfort food like pizza
- Inviting, quirky décor—big teddy bears were a hit
Tempo Gelato: The Ice Cream Stop That Everyone Raves About
When I searched for ice cream in Yogyakarta, Tempo Gelato popped up with thousands of reviews. And yes, the hype is real. When we arrived, there was a line out the door, but it moved quickly. Inside, the décor was vibrant and stylish, and the ice cream case was overflowing with flavor choices.
The kids were thrilled, and honestly, so were we. It wasn’t the cheapest treat in Jogja, but still affordable and worth every rupiah. The only downside? I’d also avoid weekends when the crowd doubles.
Parent Highlights:
- Affordable, high-quality gelato
- Dozens of flavor options
- Beautiful design and fun atmosphere
- Not stroller-friendly, best for weekdays
Epic Coffee: More Than Just Coffee
Epic Coffee was one of our favorite surprises. It’s not just a coffee shop, it’s also connected to a furniture warehouse, giving it a spacious, creative vibe. We sat outside, enjoyed delicious food, and finally got that much-needed caffeine break. The coffee was excellent, and I loved the quirky detail of having call buttons on the tables to summon servers (though a few didn’t work).
This wasn’t just a “grab a coffee and go” spot. It felt like a place to breathe, let the kids relax, and stay awhile.
Parent Highlights:
- Spacious, laid-back environment
- Excellent coffee + full menu of food
- Outdoor seating gave kids room to move
- Fun table call-button system
De Tropen: A Garden Escape with Play Space
This place was made for families. De Tropen has an open-air, garden-like atmosphere that instantly felt calm after the chaos of Jogja’s traffic. The menu offered both local dishes and international options, plus a kids’ menu with fun names.
The real magic? The back area. A playground, bikes, and even bunnies to pet. Our kids were in heaven. They also handed out coloring sheets and pencils, which meant we could linger over our meals without rushing.
Parent Highlights:
- Playground and animal area (bunnies were a win!)
- Kids’ menu with creative names
- Relaxed, garden setting
- Coloring activities to extend mealtime
All Rich Resto: Dining Plus a Learning Space
Right next to Oddish, All Rich Resto offers a little more structure for families. There’s a large wooden playground and even an educational center for kids. You pay for playtime by the hour, which bought us some much-needed breathing room while the kids played safely.
The menu had a mix of soups, noodles, and coffee, though some kids’ options were sold out when we arrived late. Still, the atmosphere was warm, and it felt like one of those rare spots where parents and kids both get what they need.
Parent Highlights:
- Wooden playground and learning space for kids
- Hourly play option keeps kids entertained
- Tasty soups, noodles, and good coffee
- Great place to escape the busy streets
ESCO: Burgers, Comfort Food, and Space to Breathe
ESCO has a casual, modern feel with brick interiors and a menu that mixes Indonesian and Western food. Our kids stuck to familiar comfort food, fried chicken and a barbecue-style plate, while we had one of the best burgers of our travels. It’s the kind of spot that works well if your kids need something recognizable while still letting you enjoy a solid meal in Yogyakarta.
Outside, there’s a grassy lawn with plenty of covered seating, giving families space to linger without feeling rushed. The staff was welcoming, prices were in line with other higher-end Western-style restaurants in Yogyakarta, and it was easy to get there by Grab. No reservations needed, and on a weekday evening it wasn’t crowded at all.
Parent Highlights:
- Casual, modern vibe with brick interior
- Mix of Indonesian and Western dishes (great burgers)
- Kids liked the comfort food options
- Spacious outdoor seating with grass and cover
- Family friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere
- Prices on par with higher-end Western dining in Yogyakarta
- Easy to reach by Grab, no reservations needed
Final Thoughts: Finding Family Friendly Restaurants in Yogyakarta
Traveling in Indonesia with kids is always an adventure, and eating in Jogja is no exception. Between the long drive times, busy roads, and endless food choices on the map, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here’s the good news: there are plenty of restaurants in Yogyakarta that welcome families.
From tasting authentic gudeg to relaxing in a café with a playground, these spots gave us balance. They let our kids eat, play, and be themselves while we enjoyed a meal without stress.
If you’re planning a trip here, don’t overthink it. These family friendly restaurants will give you both the local dining experience and the space you need as a parent.
