sharidan bowman sharidan bowman

brick valley yum cha @ the glen, glen waverley

Located upstairs in The Glen’s dining precinct, you will find the unique Brick Valley - a LEGO themed yum cha restaurant. Yes, you heard Mamma… LEGO and yum cha. Turns out it’s a match made in heaven! 

Located upstairs in The Glen’s dining precinct, you will find the unique Brick Valley - a LEGO themed yum cha restaurant. Yes, you heard Mamma… LEGO and yum cha. Turns out it’s a match made in heaven! 

When you enter the restaurant you are first met with Brick Valley’s masterpiece gallery showcasing remarkable LEGO creations from builders across the globe. Be sure to also check out the jaw dropping floor to ceiling LEGO mosaic created by one of the owners himself. 

There are subtle (and not so subtle) nods to the theme throughout the restaurant - from display cases and walls covered in LEGO creations, to flower displays created out of LEGO and light fixtures that echo the iconic block design. 

Most incredible (from Mamma’s point of view) is the dedicated kids room that is filled with Duplo to keep the kids entertained while you wait for your food… and also while you digest afterwards. 

Speaking of food, the selection here is vast and generous (though it is important to note that there is no trolley service and everything is to be ordered off menu). Mamma got to enjoy classics from childhood like congee, lotus leaf wrapped glutinous rice and steamed rice noodle rolls aka Cheung Fun. The kids absolutely devoured the noodles, dumplings and fried rice… almost like they were in a rush to get back to the duplo room.

Mamma says - this place can get BUSY so be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment.

the details

Shop 1-001, The Glen, 235 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley 3150

Opening hours:

7 Days
10:30am - 1am
(closed 4pm - 5pm)

wanna know more?
 click here

Mamma’s special mention
Head to Cubetown for some immersive active gaming!

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

moon dog beach club, frankston

There’s a new brewery - right in the heart of Frankston!
Located beach side is the newest establishment from Moon Dog Brewery - this is the Moon Dog Beach Club!

Located beside Frankston beach is the newest establishment from Moon Dog Brewery - let Mamma introduce you to the Moon Dog Beach Club!

Here’s a place where you can kick back with a cold brew - or delicious cocktail and enjoy a meal.
The kids can be happily entertained in their own small separate area - which includes a fenced in boat with a slide to play on, some pinball machines and a rubber ducky claw machine. You can also grab a colouring sheet and crayons from the bar!

Over the coming months you can also enjoy Family Sunday sessions from 12pm- 3pm, where there will be a different activity each week; from Balloon Twisting, Face Painting and Petting Zoos! Follow their social pages here to keep up to date.

This quirky tropical-themed brewery is a real mix of a family-friendly pub - to the perfect girls/mates/date bar night out. (Mamma should note - whilst the kids area is at the front of the establishment - and away from the balcony beer garden, it is still very loud and can be overwhelming for the more sensitive little ones. Kids also need to be out of the premises after 10pm.)

The balcony beer garden is a showstopper. Overlooking the beach, it’s the perfect spot to lounge on a couch - or perch on bar stool, sipping on a cocktail or one of a dozen varieties of Moon Dog beer while soaking in the sun and enjoying the view.

Inside there are different sections, from a raised dining platform, to cabana huts - and all are surrounded by lush green trees and neon signs - there’s even a photobooth!

The menu includes share platters, burgers and parmas and the kids have their own menu with the usual faves.

Whether you're after a laid-back drink on the rooftop with the girls or a family meal - Moon Dog Beach Club is one to add to your list!

the details

490 Nepean Hwy, Frankston, 3199

OPEN
Sunday –Tuesday 11.30am–10pm
Wednesday 11.30am–11pm
Thursday 11.30am–12am
Friday–Saturday 11.30am–1am

Family friendly - but kids need to leave by 10pm

wanna know more?
click here

Mamma's special mention:
Head across the road to General Public for some ten pin bowling or arcade fun!

Read More
sharidan bowman sharidan bowman

banks brewery, seaford

A family friendly brewery with a playground? Now you’re speaking Mamma’s language. You’ll find Banks Brewing hiding at the end of an industrial cul-de-sac in the beachside suburb of Seaford.

A family friendly brewery with a playground? Now you’re speaking Mamma’s language. You’ll find Banks Brewery hiding at the end of an industrial cul-de-sac in the beachside suburb of Seaford. 

Their access-only carpark is home to the brewery's beer garden, partially fenced playground, table tennis table and basketball ring… Mamma told you it was family friendly!

Venture inside and you will find a generous beer hall decked out with festoon lights, neon signs and the buzz of punters watching the game on one of the many TVs (and projector screen) dotted around the space. 

The grown ups are kept happy with a rotation of 17 beers and alcoholic sodas on tap, while the kids and teetotalers are looked after with  mocktails, juice boxes and soft drinks. 

The food menu here does not disappoint either. With a decent selection of pizzas, bar snacks and share plates available at all times, you’ll also find the kitchen slinging burgers on a Thursday night. Mamma’s crew could not go past the hot honey chicken tenders, stuffed flatbread and “hold the lettuce” pizza - think if a cheeseburger and a pizza had a baby… extra pickles. 

With a little bit of everything to keep the whole family happy, this place will quickly become a family go to - you can BANKS on that. 

the nitty gritty

12 Hi-Tech Pl, Seaford 3198

Opening hours:

Thursday
2pm - 9pm

Friday & Saturday
12pm - 9pm

Sunday
12pm - 7pm

wanna know more?
 click here

Mamma’s special mention
If the kids want to carry on playing, East Seaford Reserve Playground is just down the road.

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

toolshed, noojee

Set at the base of Mt Baw Baw, at The Toolshed in Noojee, you are surrounded by breathtaking beauty in every direction you look. Huge colourful trees (spectacular in Autumn!) and a abundance of beautiful birdlife, this hidden gem feels like something straight out of a storybook.

If you didn’t already know that this STUNNING restaurant exists, let Mamma introduce you to your new favourite day trip lunch destination; you are going to love the amazing Toolshed Bar and Bistro in Noojee.

Set at the base of Mt Baw Baw, you are surrounded by breathtaking beauty in every direction you look. Mountains, huge colourful trees (spectacular in autumn!) and an abundance of beautiful birdlife, this hidden gem feels like something straight out of a storybook.

The Toolshed isn’t your average country pub. Think hearty, home-style meals with family favourites like juicy steak sandwiches, crispy schnitzels, and the most delicious woodfired pizzas. And parents, don’t worry they have a fantastic kids' menu too (with very generous portions!).

It’s rustic, it’s cosy, and it’s bursting with charm. Inside, you’ll find warm timber interiors - with the ceiling and walls decorated with all types of tools, crackling fireplaces in winter, and friendly staff. And the outside area is even better! The huge garden area is perfect for kids to explore, there’s a little swing set, and you might even spot a cheeky kookaburra or an array of colourful and musical birds joining you for lunch.

If you’re looking for your next family-friendly adventure with a side of incredible food and unforgettable scenery, the Toolshed in Noojee is your answer!

the nitty gritty

38 Loch Valley Rd,
Noojee 3833

Opening hours:

Monday - Tuesday 11am - 3pm
Wednesday - Sunday 11am to late

wanna know more?
 click here

Mamma’s special mention
Make a day of it and head down the road a bit to the stunning Toorongo Falls

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

the heritage balnarring, balnarring

This place is pure heaven!
This restaurant/bar is set on a sprawling 2 acre property, including an absolutely stunning heritage home, complete with an open fireplace, HUGE beer garden and multiple dining areas.

This place is pure heaven!

This restaurant/bar is set on a sprawling 2 acre property, including an absolutely stunning heritage home, complete with an open fireplace, HUGE beer garden and multiple dining areas.

It truly is the most perfect way to spend a few hours with the family. If you sit outdoors, the kids are free to roam and play on the open space in the beer garden. There are some balls they can kick around or they can cartwheel to their heart’s content!

If you don’t have kids with you, take advantage of the stunning dining rooms, or the sunny deck out back.

The food is delicious and so are the cocktails! Mamma sampled a few just to make sure! The staff are super lovely and the service is great. It really is heaven!

OPEN
Wednesday - Sunday
11:30am - late
Monday & Tuesday
Closed

wanna know more?
click here

Mamma's special mention:
Make a day of it and head to the awesome Funky Farm just up the road.

Read More
sharidan bowman sharidan bowman

red hill brewery, red hill south

Perched on top of Red Hill, nestled under the hop vines; this rustic, charming barn in the middle of the bush is where delicious craft beer is produced and great BBQ food is served!

Driving through the Peninsula Hinterland you might be too busy marvelling at the picturesque scenery in front of you to notice the little turn off into this absolute hidden gem - the stunning Red Hill Brewery.

Perched on top of Red Hill, nestled under the hop vines; this rustic, charming barn in the middle of the bush is where delicious craft beer is produced and great BBQ food is served!

Walk through the low hanging trees and head towards the smoke from the firepit; sit in the undercover decking and just take in the scenery with an ice cold pale ale - or Mamma suggests the tasting paddle to sample the seasonal brews. Their award winning beers are made in small batches and offer a range of 6 types available all year plus seasonal specials.

Wrap yourself in a blanket in the cooler months - or enjoy the cool breeze on warmer days. The kids can frolic in the open grassy space and watch the neighbouring horses.

There is a laid back vibe here - perfect for a long lunch with yummy food on offer like brisket, ribs, pulled pork or fried chicken burgers, mac n cheese and loaded fries!

This is a must for all beer connoisseurs!

the nitty gritty

88 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South, 3937

OPEN
Thursday - Sunday
11am - 6pm

wanna know more?
click here

Mamma’s special mention
After a meal head down the road to the stunning Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

red hill lavender farm cafe, main ridge

In the middle of the pine tree lined street, a top of the lavender fields in Main Ridge, you will find the sweetest little Red Hill Lavender Farm Cafe.

**CLOSED FROM MAY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2026

In the middle of the pine tree lined street, atop of the lavender fields in Main Ridge, you will find the sweetest little Red Hill Lavender Farm Cafe.

This is the ULTIMATE place for a coffee with a view - with an abundance of shaded grass area and picnic tables. Or enjoy a dine-in meal at the gorgeous cafe, with both indoor and outdoor seating.

Enjoy a delicious sandwich or Johnny Ripe pie or some divine pastries.

Sit inside amongst the warmth of an open fireplace, surrounded by locally made gifts and flowers upon every table. Or sit outside up on the deck and take in the magnificent views of the Peninsula Hinterland - you can even borrow a blanket in colder weather.

Dogs are welcome here and if you visit in January - you can also walk down the hill and check out the stunning Lavender Farm.

the nitty gritty

284 Main Creek Rd, Main Ridge, 3928

OPEN
Thursday - Monday
9am - 4pm

**CLOSED FROM MAY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2026

wanna know more?
click here

Mamma’s special mention
If you visit in January, check out the Lavender Farm whilst you are there - otherwise check out Mamma’s Best of Red Hill and Surrounds for ideas

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

nordie cafe, red hill

This cafe has an amazing view and THE MOST perfect space for kids to roam!

This gorgeous cafe is set on top of hill with a huge leafy garden and spacious courtyard.
It provides HEAPS of space for the little ones to run around. There’s even a cubby house!

The owners have really thought of everything here; they supply blankets for the chilly weather so that you can still sit outside, there are high chairs and a change table. Oh, and you can bring your fur babies too!

As the name implies, the menu has bit of a Nordic twist on things; delicious Dutch carrots on the smashed avo, Copanhagen hot dog and the Viking breakfast bun to name a few! The kids also have their own menu with yummy options.

Add this one to the list and thank Mamma later!

The nitty gritty

1008 Mornington-Flinders Rd, Red Hill

OPEN
7 days
7.30am - 3pm 

wanna know more?
click here

Mamma’s special mention
Keep the fun going and head down the road the Enchanted Adventure!

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

farmhouse kitchen @ churchill island, phillip island

If you are looking for the perfect spot for a family Sunday brunch - or any day really - then you have found it here!

If you are looking for the perfect spot for a family Sunday - or any day - brunch, then you have found it here!

Farmhouse Kitchen on Churchill Island in Phillip Island offers the most spectacular scenery. Surrounded by blue bay and rolling green hills, sprinkled with sheep - throw in a inquisitive peacock and you have the recipe for the ultimate family lunch.

You can opt to sit inside the cafe, on the decking or at the picnic tables down below where the kids can run around on the grass - whichever you choose, you’ll have a great view!

The menu offers breakfast items, burgers, Devonshire tea and has a kids menu as well, so there’s bound to be something that will please every taste.

Surrounded by nature - even a wondering peacock, fresh air and yummy food, it’s the perfect spot to make some memories!

The nitty gritty

246 Samuel Amess Dr, Churchill Island 3925

OPEN

Weekdays
10am - 4pm

Weekends
9am - 4pm

Wanna know more?
click here

Mamma's special mention:
Spend the day here and explore Churchill Island!


 

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

crackerjack beachfront restaurant, seaford

Located on Seaford beach, the upstairs restaurant overlooks the bay and is the perfect place to watch a storm come rolling in, or enjoy the sunset and listen to the waves crash.

This location is so stunning, there has even been a movie about it! Well, to be fair the movie is about the lawn bowls green underneath… BUT Crackerjack Beachfront in Seaford really is movie-worthy and the ultimate place to enjoy a meal!

Located on Seaford beach, the upstairs restaurant overlooks the bay and is the perfect place to watch a storm come rolling in, or enjoy the sunset and listen to the waves crash.

The exquisite view is matched by the equally amazing food! The menu has lots of seafood offerings such as linguini packed with prawns and pesto, seafood platters, paella and salads to name a few! Catering for breakfast, lunch and dinner (on weekends) it’s always a great time to visit.

There’s also a kids menu AND a gelato freezer, so the kids will love it here as well.

The nitty gritty

Keast Park, 4/1N Nepean Hwy, Seaford, 3198

OPEN
Lunch
Wednesday - Sunday
9am - 3pm

Dinner
Friday/Saturday
6pm - 9pm

Wanna know more?
click here

Mamma's special mention:
Burn off some energy before lunch at the Keast Park Playground below the restaurant.


 

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

devilbend farm beer brewery, tuerong

Devilbend Farm Beer Brewery is a great family friendly spot that place that the whole family will love!

The Devilbend Farm Beer Brewery in Tuerong, is the perfect location for a family lunch or a drink with mates. With a rustic wood and corrugated iron shed set-up and bush scenery, you will feel like you have travelled to the country!

There’s over 10 beers on tap and dozens of local wine to check out. The focus is on ‘paddock to pint’, so they grow their hops and grains, so each batch is fresh - and Mamma can vouch for it being delicious, too!

The remnants of the former apple orchard make up the fit out of this old barn-style brewery; old pallets make up part of the live-edge bar, and logs of wood are resurfaced as funky dining tables.

You can sit indoors with a wood heater and large windows overlooking the surrounding farm, where the ingredients for the Devilbend beer is grown. Inside there is a kids corner with a soft floor mat, toys, mini chalkboard and plenty of things to colour with (in warmer months the indoor area is moved outside).

Or you can sit outside, with heaters and a firepit for those colder days. The kids can be kept busy with the outdoor playground - including an undercover tin shelter with blackboard and sandpit - there’s also a tyre swing, bikes and scooters to ride on too.

It’s a great place that the whole family will love! Even the furry kids are welcome here - with a pet station (including treats!) set up outside.

the details

990 Stumpy Gully Rd, Tuerong 3915

OPEN
Wednesday - Sunday
11am -7pm
(kitchen 12pm-5pm)

wanna know more? CLICK HERE

Mamma's special mention:
Make a day of it and head down the road to the fantastic The Big Goose animal farm


 

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

main ridge dairy, main ridge

It’s the perfect location for a picnic - they even supply picnic blankets - where you can set up by the dam or next to the goats and enjoy a grazing board full of soft, whipped or hard cheeses and some locally produced wines or craft beers.

There’s a cute little dairy farm hidden amongst the hills in the Mornington Peninsula. Main Ridge Dairy is a small little goat farm - the only goat dairy on the Peninsula, that produces delicious, creamy goats cheese made from fresh goats milk!

It’s the perfect location for a picnic - they even supply picnic blankets - where you can set up by the dam or next to the goats and enjoy a grazing board full of soft, whipped or hard cheeses and some locally produced wines or craft beers.

The kids can run in the fields and enjoy the perfect cheese toastie and say hi to the goats!

the nitty gritty

289 Main Creek Rd, Main Ridge, 3928

OPEN
Thursday: 10.30am – 4pm
Friday: 10.30am – 4pm
Saturday: 10.30am – 4pm
Sunday:  10.30am – 4pm
(Monday – Wednesday Closed)

Wanna know more?
click here

Mamma's special mention: After your cheese sampling - head down the road and pick some strawberries at Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm. 

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

rattling red cafe, tyabb

Mamma cannot believe that it’s taken this long to discover this adorable hidden gem!

Mamma cannot believe that it’s taken this long to discover this adorable hidden gem!

Tucked away in a village just behind Tyabb Packing House, is home to a 100 year-old vintage Red Rattler Train that has been transformed into a cafe!

Climb aboard and enter your private carriage for a unique dining experience. With carriages offering booth seats as well as two-person tables.

If you would prefer to sit outside, there is decking on both sides, as well as shaded tables down on the grass next to a little playground! The playground has a little cubbyhouse, slide and ride on bikes and scooters are available for the kids to (carefully) ride around the area.

The menu offers items like pancakes, smashed avo, a range of toasties and salads plus a kids menu - Mamma’s crew love a hot dog!

There’s a great vibe in this little community village, and kids will just love the novelty of eating onboard one of these carriages. As an added bonus - it lies right opposite a train line - so kids can also watch the trains go past!

the details 

14 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Tyabb 3913
(at the back of Tyabb packing house)

OPEN

Thursday - Friday
9am - 4pm
Saturday - Sunday
9am - 5pm

Wanna know more? click here

Mamma’s special mentions:
After your meal - head next door to the absolutely adorable The Fairy Maker shop

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

the pig and whistle tavern, main ridge

In the front courtyard area there are sprawling gardens bursting with colourful flowers, gigantic trees full of all sorts of birdlife, and a kids playground!

In the stunning Mornington Peninsula Hinterlands, there resides the most family-friendly, spectacularly beautiful and deliciously tasty restaurant called The Pig and Whistle Tavern in Main Ridge.

In the front courtyard area there are sprawling gardens bursting with colourful flowers, gigantic trees full of all sorts of birdlife, and a kids playground equipped with a rope climbing net, wooden balancing logs, a slide - even a log with an etched naughts and crosses board, and heaps of open grass area to kick a ball around!

Inside you will find a delightfully cosy English-style tavern with vintage posters, wood panel ceiling, mosaic windows - there’s even a stone (electric) fireplace, too!

The menu offers old-style favourites like bangers and mash, chicken parma, pie of the day, curries and salads; plus the kids have their own menu including frog-in-a-pond for dessert!

The venue also has The Shed, which has live music and shows, a cellar door and pizza bar! This will quickly become a favourite!

the nitty gritty

365 Purves Rd, Main Ridge, 3928

Open
Wednesday- 12pm - 4pm
Thursday 12pm - 9pm
Friday - Saturday
12pm - 11pm
Sunday  12pm- 9pm

Bookings are essential

wanna know more?
click here
 

Mamma's special mention
Finish off (or start) with a walk to see a waterfall at Kings Fall in Arthurs Seat

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

red gum bbq, red hill

Red Gum BBQ in the spectacularly stunning Red Hill, is the perfect family restaurant

Red Gum BBQ in the spectacularly stunning Red Hill, is the perfect family restaurant. BBQ meat for the meat lovers, veggie options for vegetarians, a wide range of amazing cocktails and beer - AND there’s a dedicated indoor play area - with a cubby house - to keep the kids happy! They also have pencils and colouring sheets for when you manage to get them away from the play area.

The tables here are mainly long wooden benches; the communal dining adding to the great atmosphere.
The food is AMAZING! It is ‘Aussie-smoked, American-style BBQ’, and it is simply divine.

The meat is slow-cooked in a large smoker, which fills the shed with a smokey scent.
The menu is predominantly meat-filled, however - there are still lots of options for vegetarians like; creamy mac and cheese, buffalo cauliflower, bean chilli, salads and delicious fries. The kids even have their own menu with such offerings as brisket or pulled-pork rolls and mac and cheese. Mamma’s crew can highly recommend the ribs and LOVED the mac and cheese and the little ones couldn’t get enough of their meat rolls!

Mamma says this is a MUST VISIT!

The nitty gritty 

87 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill

OPEN

Monday/Tuesday: CLOSED

Wednesday – Thursday : 11am – 8pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am – 9pm
Sunday: 11am – 4pm

wanna know more? click here.

Mamma's special mention:
Red Hill is home to so much fun!
Feel like fruit picking? Head to Ripe n Ready Cherry Farm or Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm.
Looking for adventure? Head to Enchanted Adventure Garden.
Thirsty? Green Olive Winery is perfectly kid-friendly.

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

sages cottage farm and cafe, baxter

A cafe - a playground - a lake AND animals? This will be your new favourite place!

Let me introduce you to one of Mamma’s all time favourite places!
Not only does this place have THE most gorgeous little cafe with a playground; it also has a small farm, gardens, lake, historic cottage, bushwalks, is set amongst stunning surroundings… and …. PIGS!

The cafe focuses on community integration by employing all ability staff from their partnership with Wallara. Staff are trained in the industrial training kitchen based at Sages Cottage, and once students have successfully competed their training, they are employed to work at the cafe to improve their social skills. Staff are also trained in horticulture and work in the gorgeous gardens- which makes this lovely place even more special.

Now, lets talk about this cafe! It's a gorgeous old wooden barn, decked out with fairy lights and flowers on all tables indoors - and outside there is a new marquee area - with picnic table seating. Here you can sit and watch your little ones play in the playground and play with some of the toys provided - like giant Connect Four and trucks etc. It is just perfect.

The menu at the moment is very simple - but very tasty, and the coffee is delicious. The staff are just gorgeous and very attentive.
After you've had your meal, take a stroll around the lake or into the gardens. Visit the little farm and say hi to the chooks, bunnies and guinea pigs. Then make sure you go to the ‘pig viewing area’ (Mamma’s favourite) and check out the gorgeous girls Edna and Ursula. There’s also goats and miniature horses near the car park, too!
Currently the cafe is only open Monday - Thursday, but by the start of March it should be operating 7 days - AND have some new play equipment!

the nitty gritty

85 Sages Rd, Baxter

OPEN
7 days
8am - 4pm


* the playground is currently under renovations

Plenty of room for prams - toilet facilities

wanna know more? click here

Mamma's special mention:
Kids wanting more play fun? Head down the road to the fully enclosed Overport Park Playground.


 

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

merricks general wine store, merricks

Nestled underneath shady trees, just opposite the walking trail and across the road from views of the stunning Merricks Beach, lies Merricks General store.

Wow, is this place PRETTY!

Nestled underneath shady trees, at the end of the red hill trail and just opposite views of the magnificent Merricks Beach, stands the hidden treasure that is - Merricks General store.

Walk into an outdoor oasis of tables under the shade of umbrellas and vine-draped canopies, flower beds and majestic trees - and order some food from the Verandah coffee window - or some wine from the little caravan bar.
You can also peruse The Traders, which is a little boutique store selling all sorts of things like plants, bags, clothes and more!

Or if you prefer, dine inside the cosy bistro - with a log wood fire, kids menu and an extensive wine list! You can also sample and purchase some wine from the Cellar Door.

This place is just heaven for a relaxing long lunch with the family, some wines with friends, or any occasion really!

the nitty gritty

3460 Frankston - Flinders Rd, Merricks, 3916

OPEN
7 days
8.30am - 5pm

Verandah Coffee window- 7am - 3pm

The Traders Store - 9am - 5pm

wanna know more?
click here

Mamma’s special mention
Before/after your meal - head down the road and explore the stunning Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens!

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

alatonero, mccrae

Situated by the stunning McCrae foreshore, you could be forgiven for thinking you have stepped into an European oasis here at Alatonero!

Situated by the stunning McCrae foreshore, you could be forgiven for thinking you have stepped into an European oasis here at Alatonero!
You can sit outside in the open terrace dining area - decked out with blue and white striped umbrellas and a leafy marquee with festoon lights; or sit in the breezy inside area with cushion covered little booth seats and tables, stunning ceiling lights and artwork.

The owners have installed a little bit of Greece here with the decor and mouth-watering menu. Think tapas - share plate style - but also has larger meals available, too. And - an extensive drinks list with heaps of cocktails, mocktails, wines and more.

Mamma can highly recommend the DIY souvlaki, spanakopita cigars and the signature cocktails! The kids have their own menu - complete with wordsearch, colouring and pencils - and their meals are IMPRESSIVE - both in quality and quantity! No nuggies here - there’s tender lamb, chicken or calamari and delicious chips. The staff are lovely and attentive and the vibe here is super family friendly.

the nitty gritty

671 Nepean Highway, McCrae 3938

OPEN
7 days
12pm - late

wanna know more?
click here

Mamma’s special mention
After feasting - head right across the road and have a play at the cute lighthouse themed McCrae Foreshore Playground

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

momo roto, frankston

Attention sushi fans - you are going to want to get ON BOARD this train!

Attention sushi fans - you are going to want to get ON BOARD this train!

Located in Bayside shopping centre is the brand new sushi train - Momo Roto! It’s the first time this Mamma and crew have checked out a sushi train - and wow, it is impressive! The crew were very excited to be able to pick out their own plates ( hot tip - make sure they read the menu and know EXACTLY what they are picking to avoid any food regret!).

The huge train runs throughout the middle of the restaurant, with lots of booth seating available around it.

The food is super FRESH and DELICIOUS. The system is your standard sushi train - pay-per-plate, with each plate coloured according to prices. You can also order hot food by request.

With great food and a fun atmosphere, the whole family will enjoy this experience! You can also grab takeaway to go.

the nitty gritty

Open

7 days
11am - 8pm

wanna know more?
click here

Ground Floor (opposite Coles)
Bayside Shopping Centre, Frankston

Mamma’s special mention: Finish off with something sweet from The Cupcake Queens next door!

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

schnapper point kiosk and bar, mornington

Right on the waterfront, with views of the city out in one direction, and red cliffs in the other - you will LOVE this spot!

You can’t get much better than this location!
Right on the waterfront, with views of the city out in one direction, and red cliffs in the other. And you can take them all in while swinging on a swing perched on the deck, sipping on a hot coffee or a cool cocktail and enjoying delicious food!

If the swing isn’t for you, there are plenty of tables with phenomenal views out on the deck, or inside near the extensive bar.

The menu is full of delicious, simple options, like - fish souvlaki plate, burgers, toasties, fish and chips, cauliflower tacos and more.

It’s the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy the sunshine - or watch a storm roll through. You can also grab some to take away and stroll down the beach to enjoy.

the nitty gritty

Open

7 days
8am - 4pm

wanna know more?
click here

1 Schnapper Point Drive
Mornington, 3931

Mamma’s special mention: Head up the path to have a play at Mornington Park Playground

Read More