sharidan bowman 22/7/25 sharidan bowman 22/7/25

little z, bentleigh

Located in an unassuming strip of shops next to Patterson Station, Little Z is going to be your next go to brunch spot with the kids. Mamma reckons you should make a bee line straight for the rear courtyard so the kids can enjoy the cubby and toys.

Located in an unassuming strip of shops next to Patterson Station, Little Z is going to be your next go to brunch spot with the kids.

If you’ve got little ones, Mamma reckons you should make a bee line straight for the rear courtyard… no matter the season. This family friendly cafe has created the perfect outdoor space for Melbourne’s unpredictable weather. The tables are sheltered by huge marquees and there are plenty of gas heaters to go around (just be mindful of little fingers getting too close when they are on).

The real drawcard to the completely secure and astro turfed space however, is the cubby house, tubs of toys and ride on trike and car that keep the kids occupied while you peruse the online menu.

While the outdoor area is serviced by QR codes (table service inside for those that prefer!), Mamma was very impressed with the number of alteration options available through the online ordering system. Want the hot chocolate warm, not hot? No worries! Want the kids toastie split onto two plates for sharing? Done!

There is also a glass display filled with delicious bagels, sandwiches and wraps which became irrelevant to Mamma’s 5 year old when she found out there was French toast (complete with sprinkles) on the kids menu. The grown ups are well looked after too - Mamma and Mister Mamma couldn’t go past the breakfast burrito and truffled mushrooms on toast. YUM!

Just make sure to leave some room for a treat from the sweets cabinet. Think brownies, cruffins, slices, muffins… all perfect accompaniments for coffee number 2, or 3… or 4.

Little Z is also open for dinner service on Friday and Saturdays, so if you can wrangle a babysitter, pop this on the date night list as well!

the nitty gritty

73 Patterson Rd, Bentleigh 3204

Opening hours:

Monday - Wednesday
6:30am - 4pm
Thursday
6:30am - 5pm
Friday
6:30am - 9pm
Saturday
7am - 9pm
Sunday
7am - 3pm

wanna know more?
click here

Mamma’s special mention
Halley Park is just around the corner if the kids still want to play afterwards!

click here for more great eats in Melbourne's South

Jacqui Kavanagh 20/7/25 Jacqui Kavanagh 20/7/25

the hideout cafe, rosebud

Tucked just across the road from the beach and an awesome playground, The Hideout in Rosebud lives up to its name – it’s a little sanctuary for families, foodies, and furry friends too, with an awesome enclosed courtyard! Think cubbyhouse, toys, and space to stretch those little legs – while you sip your latte in peace!

*** COURTYARD CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS UNTIL SUMMER 2025**

If you're looking for the perfect spot in Rosebud where both kids and parents can kick back, relax, and enjoy a seriously good meal – The Hideout is the spot!

Tucked just across the road from the beach and an awesome playground, The Hideout lives up to its name! It’s a little sanctuary for families, foodies, and furry friends too, with an awesome enclosed courtyard!

Think cubbyhouse, toys, and space to stretch those little legs – while you sip your latte in peace! And if your family includes a four-legged friend, you can bring them along! The courtyard is dog-friendly - with a special rear entrance way.

When it comes to food, Mamma's crew can't go past the smashed avo, hearty focaccias, and creamy pastas. There’s a kids menu packed with tasty options and deluxe milkshakes, plus smoothies, acai bowls and more! It’s the perfect spot for breaky or brunch!

the nitty gritty

887 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud, 3939

Opening hours:

Monday - Saturday 5.45am - 3pm
Sunday 5.45am - 2.30pm

wanna know more?
click here

Mamma’s special mention
Head across the road to play at the fantastic Rosebud Foreshore Playground

click here for more great eats in Melbourne's South

sharidan bowman 30/10/24 sharidan bowman 30/10/24

2 waters cafe, longwarry

2 Waters Cafe in Longwarry welcomes families, not only with their indoor play area - but also with a trolley full of games and colouring; plastic plates, cups and utensils; room for prams and a change table.

Mamma loves nothing more than discovering a spot where families can come and enjoy a meal together in a space where kids are free to be kids - where they can make noise and not be expected to keep still!

Of course they have a great kids menu, lots of shakes and even a slushy machine! But they also have a wonderful ‘adults’ menu ranging from breakfast items all the way to a parma and lasagne. Mamma’s crew love the avo smash and steak sandwich.

The display cabinet is loaded with delicious slices, cakes and cookies - perfect to match with a coffee while the kids are busy sliding, crawling through tunnels and playing with toys. Even the crawlers have their own little soft play area.

This is a great spot that absolutely ticks all of the Mamma Must Haves!