somerville general store, somerville
If only there was a little Somerville General Store in every local community where Mamma's could meet up for their weekly coffee fix!
Away from the bustle of the busy shopping strip, Somerville General Store is a little - hidden - slice of heaven!
Proudly perched on the crossway of two suburban streets, shines this white, umbrella lined general store. Home to one of the best coffees this Mamma has had, which we have already experienced from their sister stores - Aspendeli, Langwarrin General Store and Edithvale General Store.
Keeping with an old-school milk bar vibe, is a spacious and light filled family friendly spot - perfect for a mums group catch up - offering kids menus acting as colouring sheets as well as packed pencil cases to keep those little hands busy.
The food has a yummy assortment of bagels, toasties, pastries, acia bowls, smashed avo and smoothies to name a few! Plus you can also pick up artisan bread, fresh produce and pantry items - there’s even slush puppies, too!
Mamma is very jealous that this isn’t in walking distance! It’s the perfect relaxed vibe, great staff and the yummiest coffee!
the nitty gritty
43 Wiltshire Dr, Somerville 3912
OPEN
Monday to Friday
6am - 5pm
Saturday - Sunday
7am - 4pm
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
You can’t go to Somerville and NOT visit the DINOSAURS at Dinosaur World
american doughnut kitchen @ prahran market, south yarra
There are few things, more universally agreed upon, than the icon status of Queen Victoria Market’s hot jam doughnuts. Good news south siders! They have opened a shop front at Prahran Market.
There are few things, more universally agreed upon, than the icon status of Queen Victoria Market’s hot jam doughnuts.
To the delight of all Southside tastebuds, after 70 years of slinging these hot doughy balls of goodness exclusively through their Queen Vic van, American Doughnut Kitchen have finally opened a second location at Prahran Market.
Operating out of a dedicated shopfront overlooking Prahran Market’s “Market Square”, ADK now boasts a much larger kitchen and coffee machine… so now mammas can sit back and relax with a doughnut (or five) in one hand and a latte in the other, while the kids run off that sugar high.
the nitty gritty
163 Commercial Rd, South Yarra 3141
OPEN
Tuesday
7am - 5pm
Thursday - Saturday
7am - 5pm
Sunday
10am - 3pm
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
While you’re there, why not explore the many delights that Prahran Market has to offer.
cafe la wheels, seaford
Cafe La Wheels in Seaford is the sweetest little retro diner, ran by - and made for - people living with disabilities.
Cafe La Wheels in Seaford is the sweetest little retro diner, ran by - and made for - people living with disabilities.
Offering diner-style food cooked from a retro food van, vintage decor with neon lights and nostalgic memorabilia every where you look; it exudes a fun and relaxed vibe, making it the perfect family friendly lunch spot!
As soon as you enter the cafe you are greeted by super lovely and friendly staff who all seem to love what they are doing, and so do we! The food was great - delicious pancakes (and spiders!).
The crew loved the Blinky Bill ride on (Mamma had flashbacks of putting in a 20 cent coin and riding on a the mechanical kangaroo out the front of Tuckerbag 30 odd years ago!) There’s also a chocolate claw machine, pacman arcade game, jukebox and great music clips playing on the projector that the kids enjoyed watching- a great introduction to Grease!
This is such a great initiative and a wonderful inclusive diner, we’re very excited to watch its growth!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Friday
10.30am - 2:30pm
(weekend hours opening soon)
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Keep the fun going and head down the road to Gravity Zone!
smiths social cafe, clyde north
Do you know what Mamma loves on school holidays?
A cafe, with awesome options for the whole family PLUS a wonderful playground just over the road! Let Mamma show you around Smiths Social Cafe
Check out this wicked cafe in the most perfect of locations - right next to an AWESOME playground. It’s a winner!
Smiths Social Cafe have new management an still are serving up great coffee and yummy food! It’s super family friendly with a huge range of brekkie and lunch options for dine in or takeaway (yup … the playground is pretty tempting). There are great gluten free options, as well as a bunch of awesome friendly staff!
And lets be honest, who doesn’t love a cafe where you can sit outside and enjoy a coffee, while the kids keep themselves busy playing at this wonderful playground!
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
THE BEST bit is, this cafe leads onto the awesome Banjo Playground!
dessertopia by 196below, south melbourne
Attention sweet tooths, does Mamma have the place for you! With glow in the dark cakes and liquid nitrogen ice cream and drinks, Dessertopia in South Melbourne is serving up a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds.
Attention sweet tooths, does Mamma have the place for you! With glow in the dark cakes, liquid nitrogen ice cream and drinks, Dessertopia in South Melbourne is serving up a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds.
Their shopfront is hard to miss, with colourful cartoons and festoon lights adorning the windows and awning. Inside, rainbow lighting and black lights let you know you’re in for an immersive experience.
Famous for their glow in the dark night sessions, Dessertopia have recently installed black out blinds so that the kidlets can enjoy the magic of this experience during the day too! With desserts in the shape of iconic pop culture characters like Psyduck, Totoro and Mario’s Super Mushroom to name a few - it’s hard to believe that these works of art taste even better than they look… but they do!
There is plenty of seating inside, though they tend to get busy on weekends and nights so Mamma suggests hopping online and booking a table just to be safe.
the nitty gritty
342 Clarendon St, South Melbourne 3205
OPEN
Wednesday - Thursday
11am - 9pm
Friday - Saturday
11am - 10pm
Sunday
11am - 9pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Carry on the fun and colourful theme by heading to Skinners Adventure Playground, just a 5 minute walk down the road.
two rupees brewing company, clayton
Two Rupees Brewing Company boasts an impressive lineup of in-house beers on tap, with a more succinct food menu comprising primarily of pizzas to complement.
Surrounded by Clayton’s mechanics and smash repairers, the local favourite, Two Rupees Brewing Company is hidden in plain sight.
The brewpub boasts an impressive menu of beers on tap, with a more succinct food menu comprising primarily of pizzas to complement.
Pizza and beer, what more do you need?! Mamma’s answer… Two Rupee’s delicious and fragrant Sri Lankan pan rolls - curried meat or vegetables wrapped in a crepe and fried until brown and crispy. They were sooo good in fact, that mamma’s 4 year old didn’t even care that they were a little spicy.
So grab the kids and head over to Two Rupees for an easy last minute meal or to watch the footy on one of the many screens dotted throughout the brewery… oh, and they’re dog friendly too so don’t forget to bring the pooch!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Wednesday
4pm - 9pm
Thursday
4pm - 10pm
Friday - Saturday
12pm - 11pm
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
Once you’ve had your fill of beer and pizza, head to Clayton’s Heatherton “Troll” Park to run off some of that energy and vanquish some beasties.
hotel lona, frankston
Whether you choose to soak in the atmosphere of the epic rooftop or bask in the warmth of their downstairs fireplace, the family friendly Hotel Lona’s got it covered!
Whether you choose to soak in the atmosphere of the epic rooftop or bask in the warmth of their downstairs fireplace, the family friendly Hotel Lona’s got it covered!
With live music filling the rooftop every day of the week, the only thing to lure miss 4 off the dance floor was the smell of her Spaghetti Bolognaise.
Alongside the typical spag bol, the dedicated kids menu has something for even the most discerning little tastebuds. The big “kids” menu is just as diverse - from pizza to pub classics, Hotel Lona also have a wide range of vegan options for the plant based mammas.
But wait, there’s more! Under 12s eat free Monday through Thursday (with the purchase of any main meal) so pop the chops back in the freezer and treat the fam to a midweek dinner out.
the nitty gritty
473 Nepean Hwy, Frankston 3199
OPEN
Sunday - Thursday
12pm - 1.30am
Friday - Saturday
12pm - 3am
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
Head around the corner for a bowl or arcade fun at General Public
third space cafetorium, keysborough
If you’re looking to pump the kids (and yourself) full of delicious sugar, then make your way to Third Space Cafetorium in Keysborough.
A cafe dedicated to sweet treats? This mamma says YES PLEASE!
If you’re looking to pump the kids (and yourself) full of delicious sugar, then make your way to Third Space Cafetorium in Keysborough.
Mamma’s 4 year old made easy work of the strawberries and cream milkshake the size of her head while mister fancy pants only stopped crying once he tasted their amazing Kunefe. The “big kids” couldn’t go past the decadent and ultra creamy San Sebastian cheesecake complete with warm chocolate sauce **drool**.
If you’ve managed to score a child free date night, mamma suggests heading here after dark for a sweet treat since they’re open until late!
the nitty gritty
Shop 9/599 Chandler Rd, Keysborough 3172
OPEN
Monday - Tuesday
7am - 2pm
Wednesday - Friday
7am - 2pm
6pm - 10:30pm
Saturday
10am - 10:30pm
Sunday
10am - 10pm
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
Let the kids run that sugar high off at Frederick Wachter Reserve Playground a few minutes down the road.
gelato lab, black rock
Gelato Lab in Black Rock has had a makeover and is now owned by a lovely husband and wife team. The decor here is bright orange and you can now sit inside to enjoy your gelato!
Gelato Lab in Black Rock has had a makeover and is now owned by a lovely husband and wife team. The decor here is bright orange and you can now sit inside to enjoy your gelato!
The gelato is churned fresh instore and comes in lots of delicious flavours!
You are welcome to sample scrumptious flavours like rocky road, Biscoff, dark chocolate, cookies and cream and MANY more. Mamma’s favourite is the Coffee - the perfect combination of sweet and bold coffee.
This is really worth a visit if you’re a connoisseur of delectable gelato!
the nitty gritty
3/38 Bluff Rd, Black Rock, 3193
OPEN
Thursday - Friday 2pm - 7pm
Saturday - Sunday
12pm - 7pm
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
Grab a cup to go and check out the majestic lion at Tjilatjirrin Reserve Playground
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!
elwood sourdough, elwood
Next time you are in the seaside suburb of Elwood, simply follow the aroma of freshly baked bread and you’ll find the local favourite, Elwood Sourdough.
Next time you are in the seaside suburb of Elwood, simply follow the aroma of freshly baked bread and you’ll find the local favourite, Elwood Sourdough.
Nestled down a residential street next to the picturesque Elwood canal, is the little bakery operating out of owners’ Greg and Tracey’s beautiful home. A fixture in the community, Elwood Sourdough is a feast for not just the nose and mouth, but eyes too, with Tracey’s amazing paintings gracing the labels and walls of the bakery.
Open 6 days a week, Elwood Sourdough sell a range of loaves, bagels, sweet breads and treats that will make your mouth water just by looking at them.
Mamma’s little girl absolutely devoured the bakery’s famous and much loved Spotty - a glazed sweet bun teaming with the most aromatic dried fruits and spices.
Next time you’re in need of a loaf or two, why not take the fam for a trip to this special little gem... but be quick! They usually sell out before closing time.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Tuesday - Sunday
7:30am - 11:30am
Wanna know more? Click here
Mamma's special mention:
Grab some to go and head down to for a play at the awesome Point Ormond Reserve Playground
nyc bagels, rosebud
Here you can get rainbow AND choc chip bagels AND fill them with NUTELLA!
Mamma’s little ones cannot get enough of bagels, so finding a place that specialises in only bagels is a dream come true! ESPECIALLY when you can get rainbow AND choc chip flavours AND fill them with NUTELLA!
For those that prefer a more savoury flavour - you are also in luck with dozens of different styles to choose from; such as poppy seed, onion, cheese, rye and lots more - with fillings like chicken and avo, Rueben, gourmet brekky, tuna, cream cheese and lots more!
There’s seating inside and out - and it’s right next to the beach so you could grab some and picnic!
The bagels are divine. Authentic boiled New York Style and are very more-ish - so it’s lucky that you can take some home with you as well!
the nitty gritty
1245 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud, 3939
OPEN
Tuesday - Friday 7.30am - 2.30pm
Saturday/Sunday
8am - 2.30pm
closed Monday
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Grab some to go and head down to the awesome Rosebud Jetty Foreshore Playspace
goodie two shoes, officer
Goodie Two Shoes in Officer is the newsest dessert bar on the block, and here you are spoilt for choice in sugary goodness!
If you have a sweet tooth - Mamma knows the place for you to indulge! Goodie Two Shoes in Officer is the newsest dessert bar on the block, and here you are spoilt for choice of sugary goodness!
With a huge selection of creamy gelato, cheesecakes, donuts, brownies, cakes - and hot desserts with delicious churros accompanied by multiple flavours of dipping sauce, deluxe loaded waffles, and loukoumades, too!
There’s also plenty of drink options with milkshakes, smoothies and coffee! If you are in the mood for something a bit healthier you can get an Acai Bowl topped with fresh fruit.
Mamma LOVES the brownies (gluten free!) and the Churros are crunchy and delicious. The little ones adore the gelato, even if it does take them nearly all afternoon to decide on their treat! But with such a huge assortment of delicious items - who can blame them!
Mamma's special mention:
Grab some goodies to go and head the awesome Dragon Park Playground that’s not far away
Products Mamma sampled were kindly gifted.
levain doughnuts, mentone
This is where the magic happens! Dozens of doughnuts get pumped full of jam, loaded with Nutella, cream and custard; covered in M&Ms, Oreo’s and peanut butter, every hour here!
If you are a doughnut lover, you are probably already familiar with Levain Doughnuts, as they supply their decadent range to loads of cafes in Melbourne, but you may not be aware that they have their very own shop in Mentone!
This is where the magic happens! Dozens of doughnuts get pumped full of jam, loaded with Nutella, cream and custard; covered in M&Ms, Oreo’s and peanut butter, every hour here!
Mamma’s crew cannot get enough of these goodies and can highly recommend them all - especially the cinnamon scroll, it’s AMAZING. But so are all of them! You can also get coffee, milkshakes and even loaded ice cream scoops here as well!
Treat your tastebuds, they will thank you! If you can’t get to the store you can order online for delivery as well.
The nitty gritty
OPEN
Sunday - Thursday 8am - 10.30pm
Friday - Saturday
8am - 11pm
Wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Grab some to go and have a picnic at the stunning Mentone Racecourse Reserve Playground
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!
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.
edithvale general store, edithvale
Mamma loves to discover a hidden treasure - and that is exactly what the gorgeous Miss Moose Cafe in Somerville is - a truly family friendly GEM!
A favourite amongst locals, Edithvale General Store offers a little bit of everything. The space is split into two distinct areas with the cafe on one side and general store on the other.
The cafe, with its white walls, wooden accents and splashes of greenery offers customers a wide variety of all day brunch and lunch options. There is also a dedicated kids section of the menu and colouring pencils to keep the small ones happy.
Little miss 4 loves the waffles and ice cream (while also managing to eat half of her brother’s eggs on toast). Mamma absolutely loves the chilli scramble which packs such a punch that for once the phrase “you won’t like it, it’s spicy” is actually true.
After fuelling up on breakfast, Mamma loves heading next door to the general store which is like a nostalgic trip back in time. With an array of milk bar lollies, slush puppies behind the counter and ice cream by the scoop, this Mamma has some serious 90s childhood flashbacks.
Mamma’s tip - jump online and book ahead of time to avoid having to line up for a table with hangry kids in tow.
The nitty gritty
38-40 Munro Ave, Edithvale 3196
OPEN
Cafe
7 days
7am - 3pm
Friday
5pm - 7:30pm
General Store
Monday - Saturday
6am - 7pm
Sunday
7am - 7pm
Wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Afterwards, head to Bicentennial Park Playground just a few minutes down the road.
miss moose cafe, somerville
Mamma loves to discover a hidden treasure - and that is exactly what the gorgeous Miss Moose Cafe in Somerville is - a truly family friendly GEM!
Mamma loves to discover a hidden treasure - and that is exactly what the gorgeous Miss Moose Cafe in Somerville is - a truly family friendly GEM!
On the walls, along side the gorgeously painted Moose murals, you will find cute little kids coloring masterpieces proudly displayed in amongst the kids corner. Here you can choose from 1 of 5 different Moose picture to colour - plus there’s a basket of assorted toys and dolls, an old-school desk with some stuffed teddies and costumes and a blackboard with chalk that will keep the kids busy for ages!
This allows for the parents to enjoy a yummy meal and even yummier coffee! The menu offers an extensive all day breakfast plus loads of yummy Turkish bread sandwiches, wraps and fritters to name a few - plus a kids menu.
The staff here are super lovely and create a place where kids can be free to be kids - noise and all!
There’s also a lovely tree out the front and numerous picnic style tables to sit at if you would prefer to sit outdoors (just note that it is on a corner of a fairly busy road.)
the nitty gritty
1/25 Grant Rd, Somerville, 3912
OPEN
Monday - Friday
7.30am - 3pm
Saturday
7.30am - 2pm
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Make a day of it and head down the road to the fantastic Dinosaur World!
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.
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
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.
