Restaurants

Part of the Tootsies corporate family, Dexters shares a similarly child-friendly ethic and almost identical menu. High chair for high chair, burger for burger, there’s very little to distinguish between the two. No matter – families with young children can’t get enough of one, or the other. Like Tootsies, restaurants in the Dexters chain are bright and spacious, with large windows, pine furniture and plenty of space to park the pushchair. Both provide colouring books and crayons and feature Annabel Karmel’s popular kids’ menu. Try the children on macaroni cheese and ham, or beef bolognese blended with five ‘hidden’ vegetables, with strawberry and rhubarb crumble for afters. Burgers are every bit as pleasing as the versions at Tootsies. Our classic burger of smoked back bacon with melted monterey jack cheese was fresh and perfectly executed: the best we’ve tasted at an American chain. Our only quibble in such a family-friendly establishment is the lack of kids’ cutlery (although this didn’t deter the little ones from clearing their plates on our last visit). Applause all round for Ms Karmel’s menu.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009