ARTICLE
Breakfast with Children on the Costa Brava
Eating out for breakfast with children is an adventure. Between high chairs that don't fit, menus with no options for little ones, and staff who give you dirty looks when your child knocks over a glass... finding a place that really works for families isn't easy. This guide covers the best places for breakfast with children on the Costa Brava — with real criteria from real parents.
What Makes a Place Truly "Family-Friendly"?
Many places claim to be "family-friendly" but then don't have a high chair, the space is tiny, or the staff sigh when you walk in with a pushchair. These are the criteria we use:
The Basics (Minimum Requirements)
- ✅ High chairs available — And not broken
- ✅ Space to move — Pushchairs, toddlers walking about
- ✅ Accessible toilets — Ideally with a changing table
- ✅ Menu with options for children — Not just nuggets
What Makes the Difference
- 🌟 Terrace or outdoor space — Children don't explode if they go outside
- 🌟 Patient staff — You can tell when they like children
- 🌟 Relaxed atmosphere — It's not a Michelin-starred restaurant where you have to be quiet
- 🌟 Proximity to parks or beach — For afterwards
The Exceptional
- 💫 Play area — Rare, but it exists
- 💫 Creative children's menu — Beyond the classic options
- 💫 Flexible hours — For families who wake early or not
The Best Places for Breakfast with Children by Area
S'Agaró — Platja d'Aro — Sant Feliu Area
🐇 Dirty Rabbit — S'Agaró
Avenida Platja d'Aro 275, S'Agaró · Google Maps
Dirty Rabbit is the only speciality coffee shop in the area with a children's area. It's not a ball pit, but we have a space where little ones can move and play without disturbing.
What we have:
- Children's area — The only café in the area with dedicated space for little ones
- Large terrace — More space to move around
- High chairs — Yes, and in good condition
- Relaxed atmosphere — We're not a place where you have to whisper
- Endless patience — We know children are children
- Quality products for them too — La Puntual pastries, Origo bread, not just industrial biscuits
3 minutes from Sant Pol Beach — Have breakfast then head down to the beach. Sant Pol is perfect for children: fine sand, calm waters, lifeguard in season.
Menu for children (not official, but it works):
- Toast with butter and jam
- Pastries (croissant, pain au chocolat)
- Yoghurt with fruit
- Warm milk or hot chocolate
- Natural juices
Hours: Check socials, we open for breakfast.
Languages: Spanish, Catalan, English, Polish. Menus in Russian, French, Ukrainian.
La Maglia Coffee & Co — Platja d'Aro
Carrer Juli Garreta, 10, Platja d'Aro · 5 min drive
Large terrace, relaxed atmosphere, açaí bowls that children love (they're purple!). It's cyclist-friendly, which means they're used to groups and noise.
For children:
- Açaí bowls — Visually appealing
- Natural juices
- Toast
Near: Platja Grande de Platja d'Aro (more touristy, but with services).
ANNNA — Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Carrer de l'Hospital, 21 · 7 min drive
100% gluten-free bakery. Note: the venue is very small and NOT ideal for children — there's no space to move around, and the atmosphere is more for quiet adults. The exception: if your child is coeliac, it's worth the effort because it's the best gluten-free option on the Costa Brava.
For coeliac children: Yes, this is the option. Everything is gluten-free, with quality ingredients. But come prepared — limited space.
Hours: Thursday to Monday, 9:00–15:00.
Maison Marcel — Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Carrer Major, 5 · 5 min drive
French bakery. The croissants are spectacular, and children love sweet things. The space is small, so better with children who can sit still.
For children: Croissants, pain au chocolat, juices.
Begur — Pals Area
Fitzroy Café — Begur
Carrer de Francesc Forgas, 1, Begur · 20 min drive
Australian brunch with terrace in Begur's old town. Pancakes and banana bread are hits with children.
For children:
- Pancakes with syrup
- Banana bread
- Smoothies
Afterwards: Begur has pedestrianised streets for walking. No direct beach, but Begur's coves (Aiguablava, Sa Tuna) are 10 minutes by car.
Note: Seasonal — check before going in winter.
Grava — Pals
Carrer de la Font, 7, Pals · 20 min drive
Café + pizzeria. The outdoor patio is perfect for children — they can move around while you wait. The homemade pizzas are a hit.
For children:
- Pizzas (for lunch)
- Coffee and sweets for breakfast
- Large outdoor space
Afterwards: The medieval village of Pals is right there — perfect for exploring.
Girona City Area
Federal Café — Girona
Carrer de la Força, 9 · 35 min drive
Part of the Federal chain. Australian-style brunch with options for everyone. It's near Girona Cathedral.
For children:
- Pancakes
- Toast
- Juices and smoothies
Afterwards: Girona city has many playgrounds. Parc de la Devesa is huge.
Oniria Café — Girona
Carrer del Nord, 11 · 35 min drive
Small and cosy. Vegan and no-added-sugar pastries — can be hit or miss with children (depends how used to them they are). Dogs welcome.
Northern Area — Cadaqués, L'Escala
It's Coffee Time — L'Escala
Passeig del Mar, 18, L'Escala · 40 min drive
Facing the sea. Pancakes, smoothies, açaí bowls. Children love having breakfast with sea views.
For children:
- Pancakes
- Colourful smoothies
- Açaí bowls
Afterwards: L'Escala beach is literally in front.
Casa Nereta — Cadaqués
Carrer Pintor Joan Ponç, 1, Cadaqués · 60 min drive
Boutique hotel with café. They serve La Cabra (the same coffee as Dirty Rabbit). Pastries from El Puto Ken. It's a quiet space, works better with older children.
Tips for Eating Out with Children
Timing
- Avoid 11:00–13:00 — Peak time everywhere
- 8:30–10:00 — Ideal. Emptier places, fresher children
- Bring emergency snacks — In case the food takes a while
What to Ask When You Arrive
- "Do you have a high chair?"
- "Is there a toilet with a changing table?" (not always)
- "Can we sit outside?" (if the weather allows)
Managing Expectations
- Speciality coffee places don't usually have formal children's menus — but they can almost always adapt
- In Spain, don't expect play areas in cafés — the culture is different
- Most waiters are patient, but not all
The Survival Kit
- Snacks just in case
- Something to entertain (book, paper for drawing)
- Bib/extra napkins
- Change of clothes if you're going to the beach afterwards
Breakfast + Beach: The Best Combos for Families
Combo 1: Dirty Rabbit + Sant Pol Beach
Why it works:
- 3 minutes' walk between both
- Sant Pol: fine sand, calm waters, lifeguard, showers
- No need to take the car
The plan:
- 9:00 — Breakfast at Dirty Rabbit
- 10:00 — Head down to Sant Pol
- 10:15 — Sand, water, play
- 13:00 — Head home or eat something at the beach
Combo 2: La Maglia + Platja d'Aro Beach
Why it works:
- Platja Grande de Platja d'Aro has all the services
- More touristy, but more options (ice creams, beach bars)
The plan:
- 9:30 — Coffee and açaí at La Maglia
- 10:30 — Platja Grande (short walk)
- 13:00 — Ice cream on the promenade
Combo 3: It's Coffee Time + L'Escala Beach
Why it works:
- Literally next to the sea
- L'Escala has fishing village atmosphere
The plan:
- 10:00 — Breakfast at It's Coffee Time
- 11:00 — Beach right in front
- 13:00 — Walk around the village
Combo 4: Fitzroy + Begur Coves
Why it works:
- Begur is beautiful for walking
- The coves (Aiguablava, Sa Tuna) are spectacular
The plan:
- 9:30 — Brunch at Fitzroy
- 11:00 — Drive to Aiguablava (10 min)
- 11:15 — Paradise cove, fewer people than big beaches
Note: Begur's coves have fewer services (not always a lifeguard). Better for children who can swim or with close supervision.
Options for Special Needs
Coeliac Children
Best option: ANNNA in Sant Feliu de Guíxols. 100% gluten-free, artisan bakery. But warning: the venue is very small, not ideal for active children.
Alternatives:
- Fitzroy Café (has GF options, more space)
- Dirty Rabbit (some gluten-free options, but not 100% GF kitchen — ask)
Children with Allergies
Food allergy culture in Spain is less developed than in other countries. Always ask before ordering. Speciality coffee places tend to be more aware.
Children with Mobility Needs
- Sant Pol has wheelchair/pushchair access via the main ramp
- Dirty Rabbit has street-level access
- Many medieval villages (Begur, Pals) have cobbled streets — difficult with a pushchair
Frequently Asked Questions
Are speciality coffee shops good for children?
Generally yes. The atmosphere tends to be more relaxed than formal restaurants. Quality coffee comes with quality products — also for children.
What time do Spanish families have breakfast?
Weekdays: 8:00–9:00 before school. Weekends: 10:00–12:00 is usual. If you want to avoid queues, go at 9:00–10:00.
Are pushchairs accepted in cafés?
Most yes. Smaller spaces (ANNNA, Oniria) can be tight. Ask if you're not sure.
Are there children's menus?
Not as common as in Anglo-Saxon countries. But they can almost always adapt — toast with butter, pastries, fruit. Ask.
Can I breastfeed in cafés?
Yes. It's legal in Spain and normalised. We've never seen anyone have a problem.
How much does breakfast with children cost?
Depends. At Dirty Rabbit: 2 adults + 1 child, about €30–40 with everything. At cheaper places: €15–25. At luxury hotels: €50+.
Our Recommendation
If you have to choose just one place for breakfast with children in the S'Agaró area:
Dirty Rabbit — The only speciality coffee shop with a children's area. Terrace, high chairs, relaxed atmosphere, and 3 minutes from Sant Pol. Patience, good products, and a space where children are genuinely welcome.
If your child is coeliac: ANNNA — but bear in mind the venue is very small. Come prepared.
If you want more elaborate brunch and the children are older: Fitzroy in Begur.
Come to Dirty Rabbit with the whole family — Avenida Platja d'Aro 275, S'Agaró. We have a terrace, high chairs, and the coffee parents need after a night with little ones. 3 minutes from Sant Pol Beach. Your home away from home — also for the little ones.
Last updated: February 2026