el mercado, cheltenham
Save the airfare and travel to South America via Cheltenham courtesy of El Mercado - a bakehouse adored by locals and cherished by the South American community who make the drive for a taste of home.
Save the airfare and travel to South America via Cheltenham courtesy of El Mercado - a bakehouse adored by locals and cherished by the South American community who make the drive for a taste of home.
Dishing up some of the tastiest empanadas and sweet treats you will ever have the pleasure of trying, El Mercado makes everything from scratch in-house daily - and you can tell.
For Mamma, you can’t go past the chipotle pulled pork or slow cooked beef empanadas for savoury and the Alfajor or moist (sorry) orange cake as a treat afterwards coupled with a cup of their strong coffee!
For Mamma’s kids, their go-tos have always been the ham and cheese, margarita or corn and manchego empanadas with a cinnamon scroll or loaded cookie chaser.
And the great news? You can either order their iconic empanadas hot to enjoy in-store or grab a selection to reheat at home for later (hot tip - they make a FANTASTIC lunchbox addition for the kiddos).
There are little touches here that tell you El Mercado is family run. Firstly, you are made to feel like a regular whether you visit every day, once every few months or for the first time.
Secondly, their little kids caddy complete with toys, books, colouring in and games lets you know that not only do the owners have children, but yours are also welcome in this space as well. And finding a place where you can bring the kids, take a breath and enjoy a coffee is worth its weight in gold (or empanadas).
Mamma says - if the kids are being particularly kiddish, grab your order to go and walk the 5 minutes to the fully fenced playground just down the road.
Mamma’s special mention
Cheltenham Recreation Reserve is a fantastic playground just a short drive away.
bromley’s bread, cheltenham
A favourite amongst locals, Bromley’s Bread is tucked away down a beautiful lane next to Cheltenham Station.
A favourite amongst locals, Bromley’s Bread is tucked away down a beautiful lane next to Cheltenham Station. Their white facade, hanging pots of greenery and outdoor seating transport you to another place… far away from trains and the bustling trade of the main street.
Having slowly expanded over the years across a number of existing shop fronts, the cafe and bakery is a glorious representation of a family business passionately supported by its local customers.
Enter through the first door and you will find Bromley’s bakery, with a display cabinet brimming with delicious sourdough bread, the most decadent brownies and flakiest pastries.
If you would prefer more of a cafe vibe, carry on towards the second entrance where there is plenty of indoor seating, perfect for chowing down on one of their amazing sandwiches. Mamma can never go past the toasted prosciutto and veg filling housed in Bromley’s epic olive sourdough baguette.
Sit back and relax with one of the best coffees around and point the kids in the direction of the magazine rack. There they can pick up a note book and pencil case full of crayons to entertain themselves while you recover from the delicious carb overload.
the nitty gritty
1/255 Charman Rd, Cheltenham 3192
Opening hours:
Monday - Friday
7am - 3pm
Saturday - Sunday
7am - 2pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
Cheltenham Park Reserve and Playground is just down the road and the perfect place to take the family for a play and explore.
robin’s deli, cheltenham
Who’d have thought you’d be able find the most mouth watering toasties nestled amongst the warehouses and factories of Cheltenham’s industrial area?
Who’d have thought you’d be able to find the most mouth watering toasties nestled amongst the warehouses and factories of Cheltenham’s industrial area?
Meatball subs with chimichurri, fresh chicken sambos and the fanciest cheese and Vegemite toastie (epic cheese pull included) are on the menu at Robin’s Deli.
They make a mean chip too, the perfect accompaniment to any sandwich - BUT this will forever be the place where Mamma’s 16 month old discovered that hash browns are life.
the nitty gritty
132 Keys Rd, Cheltenham 3192
OPEN
Monday - Friday
6am - 2:30pm
Saturday
8am - 2pm
Wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention: Once the kids have refueled, head to Karkarook park playground just a few minutes down the road.
frank's, cheltenham
Hiding down a quiet residential shopping strip, Frank’s is a cafe loved by locals and the Cheltenham community at large. Sit back and relax with a coffee while the little ones peruse the dedicated kids menu, which also doubles as a fun colouring page.
Hiding down a quiet residential shopping strip, Frank’s is a cafe loved by locals and the Cheltenham community at large.
Sit back and relax with a coffee (or their aptly named Frank’s Extraordinary Coffee Thick Shake) while the little ones peruse the dedicated kids menu, which also doubles as a fun colouring page.
From simple Coco Pops or fruit salad to the more substantial chicken and chips or ham, cheese and tomato toastie, even the pickiest of eaters are catered for. Mamma’s little one (unsurprisingly) jumped at the kid’s waffle with ice cream and chocolate sauce.
Their ‘grown ups’ menu is decidedly more savoury (this mamma couldn’t go past the Crispy Pork Belly Benedict), though the treats cabinet by the front counter will sort out any cravings your sweet tooth may have. With vegetarian, vegan and gluten/dairy friendly options on hand, Frank’s truly has something for everyone.
In a rush? Order ahead of time from their “grab and go” menu via the website and pick up at the front window en rout to your next adventure!
The nitty gritty
97 Cavanagh St, Cheltenham 3192
OPEN
Monday - Friday
7am - 3pm
Weekends
8am - 3pm
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
Once your bellies are full, take a short walk down the road to Friendship Square Reserve Playground.
