the galley, carrum
Come for the beach views, stay for the epic babychinos!
Come for the beach views, stay for the epic babychinos!
The Galley is a quaint little restaurant practically ON Carrum Beach offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. With the beach straight in front and a playground directly to the right, The Galley’s position cannot be beat.
Grab an outdoor table on the porch and enjoy the sea breeze while the kids play on the little patch of fenced off sand that is part of the venue. Mamma’s tip - byo some beach toys to keep the little ones entertained.
When Mamma says the babychinos are next level, it is an understatement. We’re talking double marshmallow action, chocolate sauce faces and a sprinkle rim. This is the babychino that all babychinos will be compared against from now on.
The food does not disappoint here either! Mamma’s two little bacon guzzlers absolutely demolished their kids breakfast while the “big kids” enjoyed a delicious eggs Benedict and eggs Hebridean (one for the black pudding fans out there).
If a sit down meal is not on the cards for those little energiser bunnies, grab a takeaway and head straight to the playground!
the nitty gritty
7/13 Johnson Avenue, Carrum 3197
Opening hours:
Monday - Thursday
7:30am - 5pm Friday - Sunday
7:30am - 10pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
Take ten steps to the left and you’ll be at Carrum Foreshore Playground!
levi cafe, murrumbeena
Housed in a former denim factory, Levi is a sun drenched, plant-filled cafe with killer coffee, an extensive menu… and did Mamma mention, a dedicated kids play room?! Jean-ius.
Housed in a former denim factory, Levi is a sun drenched, plant-filled cafe with killer coffee, an extensive menu… and did Mamma mention, a dedicated kids play room?! Jean-ius.
The cafe itself is generous and spans a number of large open areas, all flooded with natural light and the feeling of space that only high warehouse ceilings can offer - the perfect spot to accommodate multiple prams. In fact, this Mamma can’t recall a visit (and there have been many) where there wasn’t a mother’s group catch up present.
The little ones are provided with a kids menu colouring sheet, while the grown ups are treated to a menu teaming with so many mouth watering dishes that this Mamma had to turn the very patient waitress away twice while trying to narrow down the list of prospective meals.
In the end, the chilli scramble with crispy pork belly won out, while Mister Mamma was ever so gently encouraged to order the Nutella and raspberry hotcakes. With so many options for the children to choose from, this crew happily devoured the ham and cheese toastie as well as burger and fries, complete with ludicrous amounts of tomato sauce.
Down the very end of the cafe, the kids will find a sweet little hidey-hole filled with beanbags, toys and a rock climbing wall. There is enough seating available nearby that parents can keep an eye on playing littlies while enjoying a relaxing coffee from the comfort of their table - though there are some blind spots, either end of the playspace that are difficult to see unless in there.
Levi even caters for the children of the four legged variety, with the front room (up until the counter) welcoming dogs on lead, so the whole fam can enjoy a meal out together!
the nitty gritty
6 Railway Parade, Murrumbeena 3186
OPEN
Monday - Saturday
7:30am - 3:30pm
Sunday
8am - 3pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
If the kids are in the mood for a bit more play, head over to Murrumbeena Park Playground to let off some steam.
merrymen, hampton
Very rarely will you find this little gem of a cafe without a small crowd out front, happily waiting for their morning brew. A stones throw away from the beach, Merrymen is the perfect place to fuel up before heading for the sand.
Very rarely will you find this little gem of a cafe without a small crowd out front, happily waiting for their morning brew. A stones throw away from the beach, Merrymen is the perfect place to fuel up before heading for the sand.
Whether you choose to bask in the sunshine and sea air in their undercover outdoor dining area or soak in the warmth of their wood detailed interior, you will be in for a treat.
Take a beat and peruse the comprehensive and diverse menu while the little ones colour in the dedicated kids menu/activity page. This Merrymamma couldn’t go past the flavour bomb that was the Tomatoes on Rye with Bloody Mary vinaigrette (YUM!).
The goods don’t stop there though, with dishes like Miso Mushrooms, Scotch Fillet Steak Benedict and Okonomiyaki on the menu, it’s not hard to try something new every time you come back (and you will be back!). For the kids, there’s crumpets, avocado and cheese toasties or popcorn chicken (amongst other things) to keep them happy.
At the counter, little fingers will be occupied with toy cars while you settle the bill and decide whether or not to pick up a pastry from the cabinet for later (hot tip - the answer is always yes).
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Sunday
6:30am - 4pm
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
If the beach isn’t your thing, why not head down the road to Thomas Street South Reserve Playground for a play!
nature cafe bar, frankston
This is one of the prettiest cafes this Mamma has ever seen!
This is one of the prettiest cafes this Mamma has ever seen!
Full of leafy plants, vibrant paintings and an outdoor courtyard with a jungle-themed wall mural, it’s such a beautiful vibe from the moment you walk in.
Parents will love the couch area, where there’s a play kitchen, books and some toys to keep the kids busy.
The cafe serves healthy, vegan food, which is colourful and delicious; hot tip - the Acai Bowl is as tasty as it is stunning! The cold pressed juices and smoothies are divine, and there’s a diverse menu offering everything from avo on toast through to burgers, pasta, spring rolls and cocktails! The kids also have their own menu with options as ‘beef’ burgers, pancakes and smashed avo.
Mamma can’t wait to come back and try out the cocktails! Keep your eyes on their socials as they also have live music on Friday nights.
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
Head across the road and have a some ten pin bowling or arcade fun at General Public.
langwarrin general store, langwarrin
Under the shade of some big leafy trees is the Langwarrin General Store - offering a bit of everything the locals could need!
This is such a cute little store! Under the shade of some big leafy trees is the Langwarrin General Store - offering a bit of everything the locals could need!
Sit outside under the shade of colourful umbrellas, or inside amongst the rows of gourmet produce, and enjoy a simple lunch packed with incredibly tasty sandwiches, subs and hot pastries.
You can also get smoothies, hot/cold drinks, loaded cookies, ice cream - and Mamma's crews favourite - slushies!
It's the perfect spot for breakfast or lunch with the fam or a coffee catch up with the girls, in a peaceful location and with really delicious food.
The store also sells gourmet produce as well as your necessities like bread, milk, eggs, lollies and chocolate!
And - there's a playground at the end of the street - perfect way to spend a few hours with the kids!
the nitty gritty
31 Northgateway, Langwarrin, 3910
OPEN
Monday - Friday
6am - 5pm
Saturday 6.30am - 4.30pm
Sunday 7am - 4pm
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
Head to the end of the road and have a play at the Southgateway Reserve Langwarrin
apple espresso cafe, mornington
Tucked in a corner, between a nursery and produce shop, you will find this little hidden treasure.
Tucked in a corner, between a nursery and produce shop, you will find this little hidden treasure.
Boasting both a sprawling grassy area, with barrel tables under the shade of umbrellas and its own takeaway window; as well as a cute cottage-style cafe, with indoor and outdoor seating area.
The takeaway area is the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a drink or some brunch/lunch, where the kids can run around - perfect for a Mothers group catch up with plenty of room for prams. (Though there is a carpark nearby, so as always - would need to keep a close eye on the kids).
There’s a great menu offering pizzas, an extensive variety of toasted wraps/rolls, Johnny Ripe pies and a HEAP of mouth-watering desserts. You can also grab ice cream from the takeaway window and sit under the shade of a beautiful pear tree!
Oh, it is also licensed so you can sit outside and enjoy a cocktail, too! It’s a great little spot.
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
Head up the road for a play at the Mt Eliza Regional Playground or go for a Heritage Train Ride!
liberty slices pizza, endeavour hills
If you are a fan of pizza, you NEED to do yourself a favour and head straight to Liberty Slices!
If you are a fan of pizza, you NEED to do yourself a favour and head straight to Liberty Slices….Mamma’s crew have tried A LOT of pizza over the years, but it would be pretty hard to top this place!
It might look like a little unassuming shop front when you walk past it, but - trust Mamma, the crisp thin dough, the amazing tomato sauce and the stretchy delicious cheese, make this just the perfect combination for an unbeatable New York style pizza! There are a few tables inside - and out the front to sit and eat in - there’s even colouring pages and pencils!
The kids say it’s the best pizza they have ever had, and Mamma is inclined to agree! We can recommend the meatlovers, pepperoni and the favourite – The Burrata Slice. This one was not on the menu – but ask for it – you will not regret it!
The chef and owner is extremely passionate about his craft, and has spent years perfecting the dough and creating its perfect consistency. He is extremely helpful and accommodating to make sure you get the perfect slice.
Mamma’s crew are super jealous of the locals that get to call this place their regular – and want to only get pizza from here in the future! It’s THAT good!
the nitty gritty
Shop 4, 51 Heatherton Road
Endeavour Hills, 3802
OPEN
Wednesday- Thursday 4pm - 10pm
Friday - Saturday 4pm – 10pm
Sunday 4pm - 9pm
Lunch sat - sun 11am -2pm
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
After you’ve had the best pizza of our life - head for some racing fun at Mr Slot Car!.
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
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.
