urban whisk, highett
Pull out that fancy outfit because Mamma’s found a high tea the kids and adults will love.
Pull out that fancy outfit because Mamma’s found somewhere to go that everyone can feel a little special. This cafe on Highett’s main street offers high tea style afternoon tea for kids and adults.
As soon as we walked in we were greeted with the most beautiful sight - our table set up with this amazing tiered stand, with a platter suspended like a swing! Nothing says fancy and fun like a platter of swinging cheese, fruit and crackers!
The selection of sweet and savoury goodies was impeccable with cheesy mite scrolls, Biscoff caramel slice , honey joys (!) and rocky road, some of the special standout inclusions, and of course there were sausage rolls, sandwiches and scones with jam and cream!
Everyone gets to choose a drink to enjoy too with a beautiful selection of teas, plus a cute selection of kids teas, as well as coffee and juices.
There is the option to also paint your own cookie (small additional cost) which is a fun activity for kids to do while you’re there, or can easily be taken home! And if you need something more to keep the kids busy there’s a huge tub of Lego, and an assortment of colouring books, with pencils and textas for them to get stuck into.
As the high tea is only available on weekends Mamma suggests you Book in early, as spots fill up fast! But if you do need a sweet treat fix, the cafe is open Wednesday to Sunday for coffee and a huge selection of cookies and other desserts. Plus they also offer party catering where you can get a similar spread of sweets and savouries as the high tea menu.
the details
OPEN
Tuesday to Thursday
10am - 5:30pm
Friday and Saturday
10am - 8pm
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Keen for a run around before or after your high tea? Highett Reserve has a fairytale themed playground perfect for the royal guests!
rustik catering and food store, parkdale
Rustik Catering and Food Store - where you can stop for a meal, grab a coffee or pick up dinner
Looking for a local spot where you can enjoy a coffee and something delicious while keeping the little people happy? Rustik in Parkdale is one to add to your family-friendly cafe list!
There’s a relaxed vibe, with indoor seating for cooler days and outdoor tables for when the weather allows. Little diners are well catered for too, with a kids menu to keep those hungry tummies happy, plus colouring-in to keep little hands busy while you wait for your food to arrive.
And if the kids need a little extra entertainment, there’s a toy box to dive into! Because sometimes a few toys are all it takes to give this mamma a few extra minutes to enjoy her coffee.
One of the handy extras at Rustik is the range of take-home meals, making it a great option for those days when cooking dinner is the last thing on your to-do list. Pick up something delicious to take home and you can tick dinner off the list without having to pull out a chopping board.
Whether you’re stopping in for breakky or lunch, grabbing a coffee with the kids or picking up dinner for the family, Rustik Food Store is a good one to have up your sleeve.
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Got energy to burn afterwards? Head across to Dolomore Reserve Playground for a run around!
revs coffee, somerville
Revs Coffee in Somerville roasts the most AMAZING coffee!
If you are after truly awesome coffee, head straight to where it is roasted! Revs Coffee in Somerville roasts the most AMAZING coffee as well as serving yummy food too!
This family-owned roastery used to only roast their delicious coffee and supply it to local cafes, but have extended their warehouse into a cafe, so you can grab a coffee as well as some beans to take home.
You can enjoy a decadent pastry, toastie, donut or cookie alongside your coffee. There are different types of coffee to try as well, and all of them are INCREDIBLE. Before you head off, don’t forget to grab a bag of their freshly roasted coffee beans to take home, so you can enjoy that beautiful coffee hit whenever you need it.
Coffee lovers - make sure you add this to your list!
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Make a day of it and head to Dinosaur World for some roarsome fun!
red gum bbq at home, seaford
Great news all of you BBQ lovers, the amazing Red Gum BBQ have spread their delicious wings and are now offering delectable BBQ goodness to take-away in Seaford!
The crew have JUST released a brand new menu - offering all the BBQ meat and sides that you are familiar with from their flagship restaurant in Red Hill! Same amazing flavour - without the travel time!
Great news all of you BBQ lovers, the amazing Red Gum BBQ have spread their delicious wings and are now offering delectable BBQ goodness to take-away in Seaford!
The crew have JUST released a brand new menu - offering all the BBQ meat and sides that you are familiar with from their flagship restaurant in Red Hill! Same amazing flavour - without the travel time!
Now you can enjoy melt-in-your-mouth brisket, smoked chicken breast, succulent pulled pork, pork belly bites, ribs and more - plus all the tasty sides like creamy mac and cheese, tangy coleslaw, the most AMAZING fries and rich decadent brownie or banana puddings for dessert!
Of course, it wouldn’t be Red Gum BBQ if you couldn’t pick up some of their famous sauces and rubs! Shelves are stocked with all the goodies and they are made right there onsite.
This store also offers catering - which is perfect for all your picnic, party or work functions! Check out more about catering on their website - and don’t forget - you can still enjoy all the goodness of the original Red Gum BBQ Red Hill venue!
The nitty gritty
21 Rutherford Rd, Seaford 3198
OPEN
Sunday/Monday closed
Tuesday/Wednesday 11.30am - 2pm
Thursday to Saturday 11.30am - 8.30pm
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mentions:
Just down the road you burn off some energy at Gravity Zone!
the mordi canteen, mordialloc
This cute cafe has it all! The perfect location, an amazingly tasty and unique menu, fantastic service, delicious coffee and a kids menu.
This cute cafe has it all! The perfect location, an amazingly tasty and unique menu, fantastic service, delicious coffee and a kids menu.
Perched on the corner opposite where Mordialloc creek joins the bay, (and across the road from one of the best playgrounds), you have the perfect view and the best spot to watch the world go by as you enjoy a great meal.
The menu offers your usual faves like big brekky, smashed avo, acai bowls and more, but also offers meals with a twist - like their Magic Mushies on toast, To India Via France (chicken mince on smashed avo sourdough with bechamel leek) and the amazing pumpkin, sweet potato, zucchini and sweet corn fritters - Mamma can highly recommend these! The kids menu offers nuggets, toasties, bircher and acai to name a few.
With high chairs and a spacious outdoor decking - there’s room for prams and perfect for mothers group catch ups and family lunches!
The nitty gritty
226 Beach Rd, Mordialloc, 3195
OPEN
7 days
7.30am - 3pm
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
After your meal - head across the road to the awesome Peter Scullin Reserve Playground
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
wild gypsea wellness cafe, elwood
Hey Mammas of Elwood, have you seen this ORGANIC cafe and wellness studio with a PLAYGROUND right outside?
Hey Mammas of Elwood, have you seen this ORGANIC cafe and wellness studio with a PLAYGROUND right outside?
This wholesome, light filled cafe uses ethical and organic produce - much of it plant based, to make you feel good from the inside out. The impressive and considerate menu has been created by a local naturopath and has something for everyone and maybe something new for you to explore too.
There’s crayons for colouring, plenty of cushions to lounge on and even a guitar to play! Mamma’s of littlies take note, there aren’t any high chairs and not much room for prams inside, so plan to go on a nice day where you can sit outside with more space for them to move!
The other part of the building houses a wellness studio where you can do yoga, sound healing or maybe try out a sauna session. This part is open until 9pm during the week, so Mamma recommends coming back after the kids are asleep for some me time!
The nitty gritty
63A Ormond Esplanade, Elwood, 3184
OPEN
Cafe Hours:
Mon - Fri:
7am - 4pm
Sat - Sun:
8am - 4pm
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
Once you’re done with your delicious coffee, head on outside to Elwood Playspace for a run around - or grab your coffee and food from the window to go and enjoy it outside at the park.
yo my goodness, frankston
Yo My Goodness is the newest burger and self-serve frozen yoghurt joint on the block in Frankston!
Yo My Goodness is the newest burger and self-serve frozen yoghurt joint on the block in Frankston, and it packs a punch with its extensive topping offerings!
The frozen yoghurt and acai bar made Mamma’s little ones eyes explode and tummies rumble with all the options! You can choose from frozen yoghurt flavours like salted caramel, mango and chocolate - or opt for a deliciously refreshing acai. Then over at the toppings bar you can load up with fresh fruit, boba, granola, Oreos and Tim Tams, M&Ms, sour straps, gummy worms - and SO much more!
Not only is there the decadent sweet side - but you can also get juicy burgers, crunchy fries, loaded milkshakes and fried chicken here too. It’s prime position next to the movie theatre and opposite the mall and Bayside shopping centre, with plenty of seating inside the shop or outside under umbrellas.
The nitty gritty
Shop G008/27 Wells St, Frankston VIC 3199
OPEN
7 days
11am - 10pm
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
Keep the fun going and head next door for some mini golf fun at Holey Moley!
angela’s bakery, huntingdale
Nestled on a lively street, this cosy Asian-inspired cafe is a must-try for those who love freshly baked goodies.
Have you been to Angela's Bakery in Huntingdale? Nestled on a lively street, this cosy Asian-inspired cafe is a must-try for those who love freshly baked goodies.
As you step in the scent of homemade cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats - all freshly prepared daily in store - greets you. It's like a warm embrace for your senses.
What makes Angela's Bakery a hit is the play area at the back. Perfect for babies and toddlers is a fenced soft-play zone, a book nook, and colouring tables. This means you can relish your coffee and a moment of peace while the little ones are entertained.
With soft lighting and soothing music, it’s an ideal spot to unwind or catch up with a friend. The small menu offers a delightful mix of interesting tea and coffee choices (try the matcha cookie or the hoijicha latte). If you're feeling peckish, there are sandwiches, sourdough toasties, and rice bowls. And there's a kids' menu too!
The nitty gritty
298 Huntingdale Road, Huntingdale 3166
OPEN
7.30am – 4pm Monday to Sunday
Toilets – baby change table – pram accessible
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
Grab some goodies to go and head to the colourful Galbally Reserve in Hughsdale
geonbae korean bbq, frankston
If you have never tried a Korean BBQ before, let Mamma tell you all about the AMAZING fun and tastiness that awaits you here at Geonbae in Frankston!
If you have never tried Korean BBQ before, let Mamma tell you all about the AMAZING fun and tastiness that awaits you here at Geonbae in Frankston!
Firstly, you’d be hard pressed to find a nicer location than right beside Kananook Creek and the Frankston waterfront. Sit outside on the decking and enjoy the views, with heaters if required - or if the weather isn’t great sit indoors with little booth tables and cute hanging lights!
Each table has your very own grill in the middle, just ready to sizzle up a feast! If you choose 2 x set menu BBQ options, you will have your own personal chef (trained in Korean BBQ) cooking up a storm right there at your table, ensuring your meat is cooked just the way you like it!
Mamma’s crew have a particular love of wagyu, therefore opted for the Chefs Selection option (definitely a treat) which includes; spicy chicken and pork, beef brisket and bulgogi, pork samgyupsal and of course, wagyu scotch fillet. This also comes with onion and potatoes cooked on the grill.
There are no kids menu as such, but plenty they will enjoy such as the dumplings, corn cheese, pa jeon (vegetable pancake) and the ice cream tasting plate!
It’s such a fun experience and perfect for a special occasion!
The nitty gritty
4 Kananook Creek Blvd, Frankston, 3199
OPEN
7 days
11.30am - 9.30pm
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions: The Frankston Foreshore playground is not far away for a play after - or to burn off energy before your meal!
the prince public bar, st kilda
The Prince Public Bar transformed from what it was quite a few years ago now, but still feels authentic and familiar. It’s relaxed, and open and welcoming, with the stunning curved bar and the cozy family friendly dining section.!
Ahh, Mamma recalls frequenting this establishment back in the day! Some very good times were had here pre kids…and NOW we can bring them here for some new memories!
The Prince Public Bar transformed from what it was, quite a few years ago now, but still feels authentic and familiar. It’s relaxed, and open and welcoming, with the stunning curved bar and the cozy family friendly dining section.
You will find PLENTY of options on the menu - both for kids and adults. With the kiddos VERY impressed with both the burger and fish fingers (these kids can be picky!). And the adults…my goodness we were blown away with our meals - our general go-to of steak and also seafood linguine were the best we have had since we can remember. So tasty and well prepared. The staff were lovely and attentive and we cannot recommend a visit here more - lovely in the summer and cozy in the winter - we will be back!
The nitty gritty
OPEN
Mon-Fri 7am-late
Sat-Sun 8am-late
Kids menu - park in carpark in Jackson Street
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
The Rain Room is right here!
bad shepherd brewing co, cheltenham
Mamma loves a suburban brewery and this one is anything but “bad”.
Mamma loves a suburban brewery and this one is anything but “bad”. On the edge of Cheltenham’s industrial and residential precincts, Bad Shepherd Brewing Co has been slinging beers and filling bellies since 2015.
With a rotating tap list of 17 in-house beers and a mouth watering menu of comforting American BBQ classics, it’s easy to understand why Bad Shepherd is a favourite amongst locals.
Sit back and relax with a pint while the kids entertain themselves in the cubby house or grab one of the many board games available and duke it out with the fam over a BBQ platter.
The food here is SO good. Mamma dreams about their brisket and pulled pork while the littlies absolutely devour the corn ribs, chicken and chips and, obviously, the cookies and cream cheesecake.
The good news - their opening times are conducive to early family dinners, so feeding the kids by 5 is not a problem here. If you’ve hit mid week and the idea of rustling up a meal for the fam feels like a bridge too far, Mamma recommends taking advantage of Bad Shepherd’s 50c Wednesday Wings (from 5pm until sold out). With 23 flavours to choose from, it won’t be hard to keep everyone happy!
The nitty gritty
386 Reserve Rd, Cheltenham VIC 3192
OPEN
Monday and Tuesday
4pm - 11pm
Wednesday and Thursday
12pm - 11pm
Friday and Saturday
12pm - 12am
Sunday
12pm - 9pm
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
Head to Cheltenham park reserve and playground and keep the family fun going.
mr pappardelle @ karingal hub, frankston
There’s a new family friendly Italian restaurant on the block in the Karingal Hub entertainment precinct, and if you love pasta - you will love Mr Pappardelle!
There’s a new family friendly Italian restaurant on the block in the Karingal Hub entertainment precinct, and if you love pasta - you will love Mr Pappardelle!
Serving up giant bowls of al dente, silky pappardelle ribbons, with sauces such as; creamy carbonara, woodfired chicken and pesto, marinara - and more! The kids will also enjoy generous servings of meatballs, bolognaise, chicken and chips - and pizza!
There is also an extensive list of wood-fire pizzas, salads, parmas and if your stomach allows - top it all off with a decadent dessert like tiramisu, cannoli or a Nutella calzone! Your tastebuds will thank you!
The restaurant has little booths, pink neon lighting, checkerboard flooring and a very relaxed vibe! Staff are lovely and the food is delicious - making it the perfect spot for a family meal!
- Note: they are currently awaiting a liquor license.
The nitty gritty
S207/330 Cranbourne Rd, Frankston 3199
Karingal Hub (near the Village cinemas)
OPEN
Sunday - Thursday
11am - 9pm
Friday - Saturday
11am - 9.30pm
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
Check out the awesome Happy Camp Playground out the front after your meal!
lennox 3188, hampton
Lennox covers all bases. Family friendly with a cubby house and toys outside in the back courtyard and a kids menu. Doggos are also welcome.
Lennox 3188 is a gorgeous coastal themed cafe in Hampton, offering a calming vibe and a visual delight. The owners vision was to bring a bit of Bryon to Bayside Melb!
Lennox covers all bases. Family friendly with a cubby house and toys outside in the back courtyard and a kids menu. Doggos are also welcome. There’s two shaded, white-stone covered courtyards - one out the front and the other out the back. The inside is crisp white decked out with neutral colours and comfy chairs - there’s even a little fire place in the middle. The atmopshere is very welcoming.
There’s a great all day brunch menu offering colourful acai bowls, cold-pressed juices, smoothies and a range of salads - as well as your standard brekky options - yummy bacon and egg rolls, avo toast and fresh pastries.
It’s the perfect spot for lunch with the kids (and fur kids!) a date day or a catch up with the girls!
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
There’s the wonderfully cute Wishart Reserve - which is a farm yard themed playground - as well as a fully-fenced dog park - around the corner!
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.
panda, blairgowrie
How could you not love a restaurant that has a cute little kids corner with cubby and kids corner, has impeccable service by the most friendly staff, stunning location, AMAZING food and is doggo friendly too?!
This has to be one of Mamma’s most favourite places! How could you not love a restaurant that has a cute little kids corner with cubby and kids kitchen, has impeccable service by the most friendly staff, stunning location, AMAZING food and is doggo friendly too?! Panda in Blairgowrie is a winner on all fronts.
You can sit outside in the front and side courtyard, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees and enjoy the sea breeze (and kids corner!) or relax inside amongst the cosy candlelit tables and enjoy the vibe. The kids can also be kept busy with some colouring sheets.
The food is truly delicious - we love the open souvlaki, panda bowl and the kids rave about the dumplings! There’s also a kids menu - oh and save room for dessert - the Skillet Cookie Pie is amazing!
The nitty gritty
2871 Point Nepean Rd, Blairgowrie 3941
OPEN
Open Monday – Friday
4:30pm – Late
Open Weekends
12pm – 3pm 4.30pm – Late
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mentions:
Before or after a meal take in the scenery at the most STUNNING Bridgewater Bay
la cabra mexican, mornington
La Cabra Mexican is the latest restaurant to salsa its way into Main Street Mornington. This place is bright, fun and incredibly tasty!
La Cabra Mexican is the latest family friendly restaurant to salsa its way into Main Street Mornington. This place is bright, fun and incredibly tasty!
Jump into a pink booth and nestle in amongst the wall art, neon lights and hanging plants, to feast on some delicious fajitas, enchiladas, nachos and so much more - even burgers!
The kids have their own menu and can choose from items like cheesey quesidillas, tacos, burgers and even fish and chips!
You wont go thirsty here either, with an extensive list of cocktails (with great happy hour deals!), mocktails and mexican sodas.
So if you’re in the mood for a Mexican feast, treat your tastebuds and check it out!
The nitty gritty
OPEN
Sunday - Thursday
11am - 9pm
Friday - Saturday
11am - 12am
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mentions:
Mornington Park playground is not far away to burn off excess energy!
the store, ventnor - phillip island
Make sure you add the family and dog-friendly The Store in Ventnor Phillip to your list next time you visit Phillip Island!
The Store in Ventnor, Phillip Island is simply magical. Sitting outside in the umbrella-shaded courtyard in Summer - or under a marquee in the colder months, with rolling cow-filled fields on one side, and huge trees on the other, fuelled with great coffee and yummy food - it’s serenity amplified!
With a menu offering delicious sourdough smashed avo, gourmet toasties, pastries- including a great range of gluten free options- and a kids menu, everyone will find something that tickles their tastebuds.
Then you have the games and a box full of toys for the kids - even some trucks for those little hands to vroom around, which means you can actually enjoy your meal and take in the peace of this gorgeous little cafe.
If the weather isn’t courtyard friendly, there’s also a cosy little indoor area, with a window overlooking the fields.
What’s more, it’s dog-friendly, even offering a puppy library with toys! You can also pick up some gourmet locally-produced groceries, flowers and fresh produce.
Make sure you add it to your list next time you visit Phillip Island!
sebby's scrolls, caulfield south
Who doesn’t love to eat super-soft layers of dough, cinnamon and caramelised brown sugar topped with cream cheese icing?!
Mamma LOVES Sebby’s Scrolls!
Sebby’s Scrolls is one of the best things to have come out of Melbourne’s COVID lockdowns. Head on down to Caulfield South and you’ll find a small ‘hole in the wall’ style operation with the most delicious cinnamon scrolls this Mamma has ever tasted.
Who doesn’t love to eat super-soft layers of dough, cinnamon and caramelised brown sugar topped with cream cheese icing?! Sebby’s also releases special flavours on occasions but the cinnamon is their staple.
They’ve just also recently opened a takeaway window serving Allpress coffee to go with your scroll! YUM!
While you wait, your little ones will be mesmerised watching the Sebby’s team making the scrolls on site through large windows that surround the kitchen.
Mamma also really loves the gorgeous garden and seating area right next to Sebby’s, so you and the kids can have your coffee and a scroll in the sun nearby.
Sebby’s is a must visit - your little ones (and Mamma) will not regret the visit!
The nitty gritty
367 North Rd, Caulfield South 3162
OPEN
Wednesday - Saturday 7am - 2pm
Saturday
7.30am - 1.30pm or until sold out
closed Monday and Tuesday
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mentions:
Grab some to go and enjoy a picnic at the fabulous Princes Park
humble merchant, clyde north
The Humble Merchant in Clyde North is a great family friendly cafe, located directly next to the fabulous Fresco Place Playground.
The Humble Merchant in Clyde North is a great family friendly cafe, located directly across the road to the fabulous Fresco Place Playground.
There are a few tables inside or grab some to go and head across to the playground to enjoy. They make it easy with little kids lunchbox style packs, toasties, delicious pastries, yummy coffee and even fruit slushies!
The locals are very spoilt to have this great spot, being part of a community centre that also offers a little book library and lounge area (with playstation!) as well.
Its the perfect location for some yummy snacks and a great start for a playground journey of Clyde!
The nitty gritty
16 Playwright St, Clyde North, 3978
OPEN
Tuesday - Friday 7am - 2pm
Saturday - Sunday
8am - 2pm
closed Monday
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mentions:
Right next door is the fabulous Fresco Place Playground!
