Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Child-Friendly Restaurants in Port Blair
- Local Culture and Food in Port Blair
- Nearby Getaways for Families
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Getting Around Port Blair
- Family-Friendly Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs for Families
- Shopping with Kids in Port Blair
- Family Dining Tips and Safety
- Travel Tips by Traveler Type
- FAQs: Child-Friendly Dining in Port Blair
- Conclusion
- Validation Checklist
Introduction
Port Blair, the lively capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is a wonderful family destination. Between beach days, boat rides to nearby islands, and walks on the seaside promenade, you’ll find plenty of child-friendly restaurants serving everything from mild South Indian meals to familiar pizzas and noodles. This guide highlights the best kid-friendly places to eat in Port Blair, plus practical travel details—how to reach, where to stay, estimated costs, and easy day trips—so your family holiday runs smoothly.
Top Child-Friendly Restaurants in Port Blair
These family-friendly spots offer approachable menus, relaxed seating, and reliable service. Always check current opening hours and consider calling ahead for large groups or to ask about high chairs.
Annapurna Cafeteria (Aberdeen Bazaar)
Cuisine: Vegetarian South & North Indian
Why it works for kids: Mild dosas, idlis, curd rice, and thalis; quick service; bright, casual dining room.
Good to try: Masala dosa, mini idli, veg thali.
Budget: ₹200–400 per person
Notes: Centrally located in Aberdeen Bazaar; gets busy at peak meal times.
Icy Spicy (Junglighat/Dollygunj area)
Cuisine: Vegetarian fast food, bakery & desserts
Why it works for kids: Familiar pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and an excellent pastry counter; air‑conditioned seating.
Good to try: Margherita pizza, veg pasta, fresh pastries.
Budget: ₹200–500 per person
Ananda Restaurant (Aberdeen Bazaar)
Cuisine: Indian & Indo‑Chinese
Why it works for kids: Wide menu with mild curries, fried rice, noodles; fast turnaround for hungry little ones.
Good to try: Veg pulao, butter chicken (mild), Hakka noodles.
Budget: ₹200–450 per person
Mandalay Restaurant (Fortune Resort Bay Island)
Cuisine: Multicuisine with sea views
Why it works for kids: Calm ambiance, courteous staff happy to tone down spice, comfortable seating with space for strollers.
Good to try: Tandoori breads, grilled fish (plain), dal and steamed rice.
Budget: ₹600–1,000 per person
Sinclairs Bayview Restaurant (Sinclairs Bayview, South Point)
Cuisine: Indian & continental, occasional buffets
Why it works for kids: Scenic sea-facing dining; buffets (when available) simplify family ordering.
Good to try: Grilled chicken, veg cutlets, simple soups.
Budget: ₹600–900 per person
New Lighthouse Restaurant (Near Marina Park)
Cuisine: Seafood & Indian
Why it works for kids: Open-air, casual setting; flexible menu with fried rice, noodles, and basic curries alongside seafood.
Good to try: Plain grilled fish, egg fried rice, butter naan.
Budget: ₹400–800 per person
Also worth checking
- Lighthouse Residency Restaurant (Aberdeen area): Multicuisine, family-friendly setup.
- Simple local canteens near the Marina Park promenade: Quick snacks, coconut water, and light bites during evening walks.
Tip: If you need high chairs, baby cutlery, or allergen guidance, call ahead—availability can vary. Carry a compact booster seat if that’s essential for your child.
Local Culture and Food in Port Blair
Port Blair blends mainland Indian flavors with coastal island life. Expect freshly caught seafood, coconut-based gravies, and plentiful vegetarian options due to diverse visitors and local residents. Many restaurants can reduce spice levels on request, and staples like rice, dal, curd, and breads are widely available—ideal for young palates. Desserts and bakeries are popular for evening treats after seafront strolls.
Nearby Getaways for Families
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Short boat ride; leafy walks, deer sightings, historic ruins.
- North Bay Island: Glass-bottom boats, snorkeling for older kids; watch currents and follow safety briefings.
- Chidiya Tapu: Golden-hour views, easy shore time; small biological park nearby.
- Wandoor Beach & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Calm beach time; boat trips to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal).
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) & Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Great overnight family extensions for beaches and water fun.
How to Reach Port Blair
- By Air: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) connects with Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and other major Indian cities. Flight time is typically 2–3 hours from the east coast.
- By Sea: Government ships operate from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam. Journeys can take ~60–72 hours, sailings are infrequent, and schedules may change—best for slow travel enthusiasts.
Airport to city: Aberdeen Bazaar is ~15–20 minutes by taxi or auto-rickshaw depending on traffic.
Getting Around Port Blair
- Auto-rickshaws: Easy and economical for short hops.
- Taxis: Ideal for families; arrange by the hour for sightseeing.
- Two-wheeler rentals: Common, but ensure helmets for all and consider safety with children.
- Boats/ferries: For islands and marine park trips; book official counters and wear life jackets.
Family-Friendly Accommodation Options
- Fortune Resort Bay Island: Sea-facing, comfortable rooms, on-site Mandalay restaurant.
- Sinclairs Bayview, Port Blair: Scenic location, multicuisine dining, family rooms.
- SeaShell Port Blair: Central location, contemporary rooms; convenient for town and Marina Park.
- Hotel Sentinel / similar mid-range hotels: Central, value-focused, easy access to markets and eateries.
- Peerless Port Blair (near Corbyn’s Cove): Beach-access vibe with spacious grounds.
Typical nightly costs (double, varies by season):
- Budget guesthouses: ₹1,500–3,000
- Mid-range hotels: ₹3,500–7,000
- Upscale resorts: ₹7,000–12,000+
Estimated Costs for Families
- Meals: Budget eateries ₹200–400 per person; mid-range restaurants ₹500–1,000 per person; upscale ₹1,200–2,000 per person.
- Local transport: Auto-rickshaw short rides ₹80–200; taxis in-town ₹200–400 per trip; half-day taxi charters from ~₹1,500–2,500.
- Boat trips: Short island hops and activities vary widely; plan ₹800–2,500 per person depending on destination and inclusions.
Tip: Cash is handy for small eateries and boat counters, though many hotels and larger restaurants accept cards.
Shopping with Kids in Port Blair
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Souvenirs, snacks, quick bites between restaurant meals.
- Sagarika Government Emporium: Local handicrafts, shell art, wooden keepsakes; browse at an easy pace.
- Beachfront stalls (Marina Park/Corbyn’s Cove): Coconut water, ice creams, and trinkets during evening walks.
Keep shopping outings short and shaded in the afternoon heat; carry water and a small snack for kids.
Family Dining Tips and Safety
- Request low-spice versions of curries; most kitchens will accommodate.
- Stick to bottled/filtered water and well-cooked food for young children.
- Book early dinners to avoid rush hours and long waits.
- Carry a compact booster seat and basic baby cutlery if needed; high chair availability varies.
- For seafood, choose grilled/plain options for kids and avoid raw preparations.
- In monsoon, prefer indoor seating to dodge showers and mosquitoes; bring a light jacket.
Travel Tips by Traveler Type
For Families
- Pick accommodations with onsite dining to simplify meal planning.
- Plan one key outing per day; save evenings for relaxed dinners near your hotel.
- Pack sun hats, reef-safe sunscreen, motion-sickness bands for boat days.
For Honeymooners
- Opt for sea-view restaurants (Mandalay, Sinclairs Bayview) for quiet dinners.
- Time a sunset at Chidiya Tapu, then dine in town to avoid after-dark long drives.
- Confirm alcohol service and closing times; licensing varies.
For Friends/Groups
- Reserve in advance for larger tables at popular spots in Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Mix casual seafood joints (New Lighthouse) with an upscale dinner for variety.
- Schedule group island trips early; lunch at town eateries on return.
FAQs: Child-Friendly Dining in Port Blair
Q: Do Port Blair restaurants have high chairs and kids’ menus?
A: Some larger hotel restaurants may have high chairs and can prepare milder dishes. Standalone eateries often accommodate kids but may not have dedicated seats—call ahead if this is essential.
Q: What time do restaurants typically open for dinner?
A: Most serve dinner from around 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Go early with kids to avoid waits, especially in peak season (Oct–May).
Q: Is it easy to find vegetarian food for children?
A: Yes. Port Blair has several vegetarian-friendly places (e.g., Annapurna, Icy Spicy), and most multicuisine restaurants offer veg staples like dal, rice, paneer, and breads.
Q: Is tap water safe for kids in restaurants?
A: Stick to bottled or filtered water. Ask for sealed bottles and avoid ice unless confirmed potable.
Q: Can we rely on food delivery apps in Port Blair?
A: Delivery options may be limited versus big cities. It’s best to dine in or call restaurants directly; some hotels offer room service.
Conclusion
Port Blair makes family dining easy with a mix of vegetarian cafés, casual seafood joints, and hotel restaurants that happily tone down spices. With smart planning—early dinners, simple dishes for kids, and accommodations close to the action—you can pair good food with breezy island days and relaxed evenings by the sea.
Validation Checklist
- Subject identified and labeled as City (topic: child-friendly restaurants).
- Table of Contents with working anchor links included.
- City-structured sections covered: must-visit (restaurants), local culture/food, nearby getaways, how to reach, tips.
- Practical info included: getting around, accommodation options, estimated costs.
- Local experiences added: food context and shopping.
- Traveler-type tips provided (families, honeymooners, friends).
- FAQs section present with 5 Q/A pairs.
- Conclusion included.
