take it one step at a time...could you take the kids out with your mum or a close friend who understand what you're going through? And just stay for a short time, a quick drink or morning tea, and then gradually extend it until you would have time to have a proper meal. Choose a cafe that is kid-friendly (have high chairs, maybe a toy basket for the kids).

I worry about going out with DD, but I've enjoyed the couple of times we have had morning tea or lunch together at a lovely cafe in town. Even if I've eaten really quickly so we can be out of there before she gets sick of sitting! We went to a chinese restaurant when family were down here for her birthday, she was pretty loud and kept throwing food all over the floor (just great trying to pick up bits of rice off the floor! Lol), but you know kids will be kids and you can't shut them in a box, so I think as long as they are being pretty well behaved try not to worry too much, and even if they do throw a tantrum, it's not the end of the world