Because every little helps…

We all know that sending the kids back to school can be a bit painful on the purse strings with fees, uniforms, books and supplies. So when the weekend comes, the last thing you want to do is spend even more taking the little ones out for a pricey meal. Luckily a few of Dubai’s best restaurants offer children a complimentary meal when accompanied by paying adults.

Here are 11 restaurants where you can take your kids to eat for free.

El Chapo’s Tacos

New amigo on the block, El Chapo’s Tacos, is the funky homegrown Mexican restaurant in Studio One Hotel. From opening at midday until 4pm every Friday and Saturday, children under 8 eat for free when dining with their family. There’s a whole host of tasty Mexican street food to choose from, plus indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy as the weather cools.

El Chapo’s Tacos, Studio One Hotel, Dubai Studio City, 12pm to 4pm, Friday and Saturday. Tel: (04) 514 5411. Facebook.com/ElChaposTacosstudiocity

Zoco

Kids are looked after all weekend at Habtoor City Mexican, Zoco. Every Saturday little ones under 10 years old can enjoy a free meal from the kids menu between 2pm and 7pm. The menu consists of a few Mexican classics including quesadillas, tacos, tostadas and empanadas. On Fridays, the Arriba Arriba brunch even has a kids’ corner full of activities to keep them entertained all afternoon.

Zoco, The Atrium, Al Habtoor City, Sheikh Zayed Road, Saturdays 2pm to 7pm, kids under 10 eat free. Tel: 04 437 0044. zocodubai.com

Stoke House

Neighbourhood-style pub Stoke House has a family-friendly offer running every Saturday. Play-Doh Saturdays offers a two-hour masterclass with entertainment and activities for little ones to enjoy from 1pm to 3pm. Once they’re worked up an appetite, they can eat for free from the special kids menu.

Stoke House, Trump International Golf Club, DAMAC Hills, Saturdays, 1pm to 3pm. Tel: (04) 245 3939. stokehouse.ae

Mighty Quinns

All-American diner, Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, has launched a back-to-school offer that no parent can refuse. Kids under six will enjoy a complimentary meal with every adult meal purchased until the end of September. Options include a range of barbecue delights including cuts of meat, savoury appetisers and a selection of sandwiches.

Mighty Quinns, The Walk at JBR, daily noon to 11pm. Tel: (04) 380 1888. facebook.com/mightyquinnsbbquae

QE2

We all know it’s not only us adults that love to brunch, kids can get in on the action too. Lucky for them though (or us), they won’t even be charged. At QE2’s Lido Brunch kids under 12 can enjoy free access and unlimited food and beverages for each adult who purchases a soft or house package. The offer is valid until Friday September 27.

Lido, QE2, Port Mina Rashid, Fridays, 1pm to 4pm, soft Dhs225, house Dhs395, kids under 12 free. Tel:  (04) 526 8888. qe2.com

Luigia

For an Italian affair, head to Luigia every Friday where kids under seven will get a complimentary pizza or pasta when accompanied by an adult paying for brunch. The brunch menu includes dishes such as frittura di calamari, margherita pizza, and classic Italian dessert, tiramisu.

Luigia, Rixos Premium JBR, JBR, Fridays, 1pm to 4pm, soft Dhs220, house Dhs320, kids under 7 free. Tel: (04) 349 6950. luigia.ae

California Pizza Kitchen

Popular mall-based restaurant California Pizza Kitchen has a back to school offer running where for each adult paying for a main course, one child will get a meal free. There’s plenty of options, all with an authentic Italian flavour. The offer runs Sunday to Thursday.

California Pizza Kitchen, various locations, Sun to Thurs. facebook.com/CPKME

Eggspectation

While not strictly a free meal, every little helps, and as part of a back to school promotion Eggspectation is offering free smoothies for kids this September. From Sunday to Thursday between 3pm and 6pm, with every kids meal ordered, they’ll receive a complimentary smoothie of their choice.

Eggspectation, JBR and City Walk, valid Sun to Thurs, 3pm to 6pm until Sept 30. Tel: (04) 430 7252. facebook.com/eggspectationuae

Tom & Serg

Head to homegrown favourite, Tom & Serg, any weekday during September where kids can eat for free and the grown-ups get two-for-one on coffees when they bring their little one along. The offer runs from 8am to 4pm until the end of the month.

Tom & Serg, Al Quoz, Sun to Thur, 8am to 4pm, until Sept 30. Tel: (056) 474 6812. tomandserg.com

Mina Brasserie

If you’re in the mood for a tasty breakfast, Mina Brasserie offers a tempting menu. Made even more so by the fact that under 5’s can join you for free. Choose any breakfast and get a complimentary dish from the kids menu too.

Mina Brasserie, Four Seasons, DIFC, daily 7am to 11am. Tel: (04) 506 0100. minabrasserie.com

Todd English Food Hall

Visit Todd English any time during September and for every parent ordering a meal for themselves, the restaurant will offer a kids meal absolutely free. The kids menu offers a wide range of dishes including pizza, pasta and burgers while the adult menu extends to sushi and bao.

Todd English Food Mall, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, throughout September. Tel: (04) 526 9178. tefhdubai.com

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