Crema Espresso at North Lakes

There can be nothing more challenging than taking your toddler to the shopping centre, but sometimes you have no choice but to brave it. Thankfully, at Westfield North Lakes there’s a toddler-friendly cafe in the heart of the shopping centre (opposite Kmart) that can help make a trip to the shops feel a whole lot easier. 

Crema Espresso is particularly well suited to parents with babies, toddlers and younger children who need somewhere welcoming to pause between errands or for morning tea. The cafe is brightly lit, has plenty of space to manoeuvre prams and in the heart of it, there’s an enclosed playground suited for children aged 0-6 years of age.  

The Space 

Within the play area there is a small playhouse with cut out windows and pretend serving section, which is perfect for cafe role play. There are also two tunnels which kids can crawl through, as well as a sensory chain curtain.  

Crema Espresso offers seating all the way around the playground, and the glass gate means your little one can see you and, more importantly, you can always see them. Families can choose a table close to the play area, both inside the cafe or outside for more space, which might help when you’re juggling prams, bulky nappy bags and energetic youngsters. 

The café is fully pram accessible, with easy access., Highchairs are available for younger diners.

The atmosphere is quite relaxed and family-friendly, so hopefully parents won’t feel stressed if their baby starts crying. The open layout also helps make it easy to walk through without having to worry about navigating tight spaces. 

The Kids’ Menu 

Crema Espresso has a children’s menu that suits young children, offering a range of simple favourites including ham and cheese flat bread, egg on toast and chicken tenders, as well as fairy bread, a range of cookies, milkshakes, fresh juices and babyccinos. Prices are very reasonable, with most menu items sitting comfortably under the $12 mark. 

The menu caters particularly well to younger children who prefer familiar foods, while the portion sizes feel appropriate rather than oversized. There are also gluten-free options available across parts of the broader menu for families managing dietary requirements. 

Babyccinos come with sprinkles on top and two marshmallows in a miniature cup and saucer, so your child can be just like the ‘grown ups.’

The Parent Factor 

While the children are happily working through their fairy bread or milkshake, parents have the option of one of Crema’s coffees or something off the extensive food menu. 

Breakfast favourites such as smashed avocado, eggs benedict, savoury beef and breakfast burritos are available all day, in addition to plenty of lunch options like burgers, salads, sandwiches and fish and chips. Fresh juices, smoothies and frappes can also be found on the menu. 

Mums’ groups, as well as grandparents and parents with young children make up a large portion of the regular crowd.  

One of the best things for parents is that they could potentially have the chance to enjoy a coffee in peace and while it’s warm, as the enclosed play area offers a safe space for young children, without the grown ups being too far away. 

The Magic Ingredient  

What makes Crema Espresso stand out is its location within Westfield North Lakes itself. Parents can grab a coffee and meal without committing to a long sit-down restaurant experience, while still having plenty of room for prams and little ones.  

The combination of spacious seating, family-focused service and a dedicated kids’ space makes it the sort of place where a quick coffee stop can easily turn into a relaxed morning play. What’s more, because of its affordability and location, it might be a welcome break for the whole family while shopping. 

However, the play area is specifically tailored for younger children, unlike the outside playground at the other end of the North Lakes Westfield shopping centre, which caters for a mixed age range of children. But the fact that this place has an enclosed space is appealing to those with very young kids.  

The Facts

Location: Westfield North Lakes, 1 North Lakes Drive, North Lakes

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8:00am – 4:00pm & Sunday: 8:30am – 4:00pm

Highchairs: Yes

Pram Access: Yes

Outdoor Seating: Yes (within the Westfield shopping centre)

Kids’ Menu: Yes

Parking: Ample parking available at Westfield North Lakes, including designated parents-with-prams parking.

Bookings: Walk-ins preferred, as bookings are generally not required.

Brisbane Kids Says 

A simple family café that’s perfect for a mid-shopping reset with little ones in tow.

Crema Espresso North Lakes is located at Westfield North Lakes, 1 North Lakes Drive, North Lakes. Visit their website to find out more.