the pancake train, braeside
Design your own decadent pancakes!
This place is a little bit of a hidden secret. Tucked away inside JV Marine World, you will find this pancake heaven!
Delivered to your table on a platter, you can choose what flavour topping (lemon curd was Mamma’s Favourite), what flavour ice-cream (peanut butter was the crew’s fave) and little vial of ‘dust’ to top it off (choc mint is a winner).
There are loads of flavours which means there are plenty of possible combinations. Mamma will need to go back a few times to try them all - chocolate fudge is next on the list!
You don’t have to design your own, you can opt for ‘regular style’ - but why miss out on the fun? There are also savoury options if sweet isn’t your style.
The Pancake Train is only open on weekends; during the week it is a regular cafe.
A deliciously decadent way to enjoy a family brunch!
Mamma's special mention:
Head down the road to check out the Dinosaurs at Gardenworld - or across the road to play at Pencil Park
the nitty gritty
Open
Saturday - Sunday
9.30am - 2.30pm
(and open during school holidays)
Cafe is quite small and not a lot of room inside for prams.
wanna know more?
click here
878 Springvale Rd,
Braeside
(inside JV Marine World)
click here for more great eats in Melbourne's South
jetty road brewery, dromana
Looking for a cool spot to chill out with an ice-cold beer, to warm yourself over the open fire, and where the kids are welcome? You’ve found it!
Looking for a cool spot to chill out with an ice-cold beer, to warm yourself over the open fire, and where the kids are welcome? You’ve found it!
Jetty Road brewery serves up the tastiest beer and food, with a side of awesome atmosphere.
You can kick back and enjoy a Sunday sesh (or any day sesh) and bring the kids with you. Kids can colour and draw at the table, or let them run out their energy outdoors in the undercover cubby house area. There’s also a kids menu, too.
You’ve just gotta try the beer though, obviously! Mamma recommends the tasting paddle - so you can sample a few of the delicious brews on offer.
Mamma will be back soon to sample the rest!
Such a great family-friendly spot.
Mamma's special mention:
Head down the road for a play at the awesome Rosebud Jetty Foreshore Playspace or drop in for some mini golf at Boneo Maze Discovery Park.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Wednesday - Thursday
4pm - 9pm
Friday - Saturday
12 -11pm
Sunday
12pm - 9pm
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
mr grumpy, mulgrave
Grumpy by name but joyful by nature, this Mulgrave favourite is more than meets the eye. From the street, you would never guess Mr Grumpy’s Cafe was as large or as cheerful as it is. Mamma and the fam were certainly surprised to find out just how far back the undercover, heated courtyard stretched.
Grumpy by name but joyful by nature, this Mulgrave favourite is more than meets the eye. From the street, you would never guess Mr Grumpy’s Cafe was as large or as cheerful as it is. Mamma and the fam were certainly surprised to find out just how far back the undercover, heated courtyard stretched.
This Narnia-esque revelation only added to the excitement of discovering the many different characters and pop culture references that can be found on the murals that sprawl across the walls both inside and out.
The murals were definitely a high point of our visit but this mamma couldn’t go past the well stocked book case brimming with kids books, toys and colouring-in stuff. The grown ups even managed to polish off coffee number three for the morning while both littlies entertained themselves - win!
From the menu, Mamma’s little girl couldn’t go past the scrambled eggs on toast with avo, while the toddler made quick work of Mr Grumpy’s signature granola and yogurt. Mamma and Mr Mamma were treated to very generous serves of the breakfast burrito and pork beni which filled us up for the rest of the day.
Though there is no dedicated kids menu, Mr Grumpy is still very much a child friendly cafe - from asking if the kids food should come garnish free to the sheet of stickers little miss 4 received at the counter… mamma’s kids were well looked after!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Friday
6am - 3pm
Saturday - Sunday
7am - 3pm
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
once refueled, head over to Ellis Park for a play!
chilled @ mordy, mordialloc
This shop is so much more than just ice-cream! There’s donuts, shakes, smoothies, cold press juices and coffee!
Finally, an ice-cream shop has opened up across the road from Mordy beach! But this shop is so much more than just ice-cream.
Owned by a lovely local family, they have delivered what has been missing in the Mordialloc strip, and locals (as well as not-so-locals) are LOVING IT!
Mamma isn’t sure what the crew loved more… was it the delicious gelato? (Must come back to try the Ferrero!) The decadent hand-crafted donuts? (SO many to try, so little time!) The creamy milkshakes (15 flavours!) or the unsuspecting surprise of the bubble tea?
There’s also homemade slices, healthy smoothies, cold-press juices, coffee and yummy hot chocolate.
Make sure you pop into this one and support this gorgeous family business. It’s always a good time for ice-cream and donuts!
Mamma's special mention:
Grab some goodies to go and head across the road to the awesome Peter Scullin Reserve to have a play.
the nitty gritty
Open
Sunday - Wednesday
10am - 9pm
Thursday - Saturday
10am - 10pm
wanna know more?
click here
phillip island winery, ventnor
Mamma loves a winery lunch outing with the family. Gorgeous open spaces, great food and a drop or two of wine. The Phillip Island Winery is definitely one of Mamma’s favourites. Grab a seat in the cozy indoor spaces with sheepskin adorning the chairs, or the outside tables where the kids can run around on the grass.
Mamma loves a winery lunch outing with the family. Gorgeous open spaces, great food and a drop or two of wine. The Phillip Island Winery is definitely one of Mamma’s favourites. Grab a seat in the cozy indoor spaces with sheepskin adorning the chairs, or the outside tables where the kids can run around on the grass.
They have a great menu! The food is incredible and they also have a kids menu AND a POOCH menu! Naww.
Oh and make sure you pop into the GORGEOUS cellar door and homewares shed - The Yards, that sits to the right of the restaurant. Good luck not wanting to buy EVERYTHING for home! Hot tip: There is a larger Yards store in San Remo if you need to stop on your way home, just sayin’…
the nitty gritty
Open Wednesday – Sunday 11.30am until 5.30pm (unless there are weddings booked)
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention: There are so many great places to explore in Phillip Island - check out what else Mamma recommends here!
click here for more great eats in Melbourne's South
the pantry, phillip island
ALL the cheese, crackers, sourdough , nuts, meats and fruit that you could want; all great quality and totally delish!
A visit to Phillip Island isn’t complete without treating yourself to a bit of decadence. The best thing about The Pantry is that it comes to YOU, wherever you may be!
Wanting to take a picnic as you explore the coastline? Done. Want to indulge in the comfort of your own accommodation? Easy. However you choose to enjoy this sensational grazing platter, you will be in heaven.
It has ALL the cheese, crackers, sourdough, nuts, meats and fruit that you could want; all great quality and totally delish!
Mamma still dreams about the creamy soft cheese with honeycomb on top…
Mamma's special mention:
To really treat yourself, order your platter to enjoy as you stay at the luxurious Five Acres Farms Stay.
the nitty gritty
Delivered anywhere in Phillip Island & San Remo
Prices start from $120
wanna know more?
click here
click here for more Must Do’s in Phillip Island
westernport hotel, san remo
A relaxed family friendly hotel with great pub grub and things to keep the kids busy!
Mamma loves this little gem, especially on cold rainy days! Sit by the open fire place and watch out the window as the weather comes across the bay - heaven!
This is a great, relaxed, family- friendly hotel with tasty pub grub and plenty of things to keep the kids busy!
There’s a little kids corner with giant Jenga, pool tables and a couple of arcade games. There’s also things to colour in at the table.
There’s always something happening here on weekends with live music and theme nights, too.
It’s open all day so make sure you add this to your list for checking out!
Mamma's special mention:
This is a great spot for lunch after watching the Pelican Feeding across the road!
san remo bakehouse, san remo
Award winning pies and views of the bay! What could be better than that?! Oh, wait - maybe having a kids corner, free babycinos and a charging station!
Award winning pies and views of the bay - what could be better than that?! Oh, wait - maybe having a kids corner, free babycinos and a charging station!
They really do have everything at this cute little bakery. A huge range of pies, delicious coffee and lots of vegan options, too. Don’t even get Mamma started on the sweet section …
The bakery is decorated with adorable little furnishes like a fairy door, large metal eggs, a fairy house decked out with little street signs, mushroom stool and lots of greenery.
The kids corner has toys, books, a pencil case full of pencils/crayons/textas, and some bean bags and cushions to sit comfortably on.
A perfect stop for some lunch and a spot of people (and pelican!) watching.
Mamma's special mention:
Right across the road is a playground and at 12pm every day you can view the wonderful Pelican Feeding.
the cupcake queens, frankston
SPECIAL NOTE = You can order online and have it delivered to your door!
They don’t call themselves the cupcake QUEENS for nothing! These are tiny morsels of pure heaven.
How good are cupcakes, right?
And if you haven’t tried one from here, where have you been?! They don’t call themselves the cupcake QUEENS for nothing! These are tiny morsels of pure heaven.
The only problem you will have at this new eat-in store in Frankston, is deciding which flavour to get - and stopping at one!
Mamma’s Little Miss takes decision making very seriously, but can never go past pink icing! The Rocky Road is a winner. Mamma’s favourite is a tie between the carrot and the white choc + raspberry; both are simply sensational.
With this awesome eat-in shop, you can now sit down and savour each bite, enjoy a side of coffee - or perhaps a milkshake - and decide which delicious flavour you will choose next time.
The Cupcake Queens also make your party a little easier with their range of large themed cakes; Unicorn Party anyone?
Note - For cupcake decorating classes, click here
Mamma's special mention:
Burn off that sugary goodness with a play at Frankston Foreshore Reserve or George Pentland Playground.
the nitty gritty
Open
Monday - Wednesday
9am - 5.30pm
Thursday - Friday
9am - 8.30pm
Saturday - 9am - 5pm
Sunday - 10am - 5pm
wanna know more?
click here
portsea hotel, portsea
The Portsea Hotel has recently had a make over for some freshening up and Mamma must say, she is more beautiful than ever. Fresh and clean and bright, but still with a bayside feel. Book and dine inside (the glass doors open up for those sunny days) or try your luck in the beer garden and just turn up to get the more casual seating outdoors.
The Portsea Hotel has been sitting proud on her perch, overlooking the bay at the end of the peninsula since 1876. This Mamma, for one, has made many memories visiting this place over the years. Gatherings here in this breathtaking destination are hard to forget. She has recently had a make over for some freshening up and Mamma must say, she is more beautiful than ever. Fresh and clean and bright, but still with a bayside feel. Book and dine inside (the glass doors open up for those sunny days) or try your luck in the beer garden and just turn up to get the more casual seating outdoors. The food is delicious of course, with plenty of choice. Is it kid friendly? The grassy area was FULL of kids having fun, climbing trees, playing leap frog and even some kick to kick! The family feel here was wonderful, and Mamma loved seeing all the happy faces creating all those new memories of their own.
Mamma's special mention: Head down the track and take a walk along the pier, or have a play at the small playground at the beach entrance.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday – Friday
Lunch 12.00pm – 3.00pm
Dinner from 5.00pm
(Snack Menu available all day)
Saturday / Sunday
All day from 12pm
wanna know more?
click here
mornington peninsula chocolaterie & ice creamery, flinders
The aroma fills your lungs as soon as you step through the door. Chocolate; sweet, sweet chocolate!
The aroma fills your lungs as soon as you step through the door. Chocolate; sweet, sweet chocolate!
It’s a sensory overload as the scent permeates the air; your vision is drawn to the hundreds of chocolates on display, and you can grab a spoonful of the small buds of scrumptious white, dark and milk chocolate to sample.
Easter is always a good time to visit, with loads of gorgeous creations on display. But ANY DAY is perfect. There’s more than just chocolate, too! There’s delicious ice cream, coffee, hot chocolate and a brownie bar!
Why not book into a tasting session or workshop? They have special weekend and school holiday sessions for the kids.
It’s hard to pick a favourite here, but Mamma simply cannot resist a good old chocolate freckle!
Mamma's special mention:
There’s so much to explore in this beautiful part of the Peninsula. Make it a day of indulgence and head to the Peninsula Hot Springs.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
7 days a week
9am - 5pm
NOW DELIVERS!
Click here for more
wanna know more? click here
burger days, frankston
Any day is a Burger Day!
Who doesn’t love a really good burger?
Well - there’s lots to love here.
Decked out with awesome graffiti art, jukebox and milkshakes to die for; you have entered fast food heaven!
There’s something for everyone here.
Deluxe packed-to-the-max burgers, hot dogs, vegan burgers, wings, curly fries, mac and cheese, even monster shakes!
Kids can also choose a meal that comes with fries and a juice. The sizes of the kids meal and the quality of the food is impressive.
Don’t be put off by the location (on the same block as a petrol station) the food is worth filling up for!
Mamma's special mention:
Grab some burgers to go and head to the awesome Ballam Park for a picnic.
woodstock pizzicheria, chadstone
Who doesn’t work up an appetite after shopping up a storm! Luck for all the happy shoppers, Woodstock Pizzicheria is serving up pizza and other Italian delights, all day long.
Who doesn’t work up an appetite after shopping up a storm! Luck for all the happy shoppers, Woodstock Pizzicheria is serving up pizza and other Italian delights, all day long. Located in Chadstone Shopping Centre’s Dining Terrace, and just near LEGOland Discovery Centre, this casual eatery is perfect for you and the kids. The service is fast. There are views of the city (provided it isn’t cloudy) and the food is delicious. Mamma loves taking position in the round booths and tucking into an authentic slice of pizza heaven.
Mamma's special mention: Heading northside for your Italian fix? Lucky for you - there’s the original Woodstock in Fitzroy North. They have been making pizza in Melbourne since before it was cool!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Thursday
9am - 10pm
Saturday
10am - 12am
Sunday
10am - 10pm
wanna know more? click here
Level 1 Dining Terrace, Chadstone Shopping Centre, Chadstone
click here for more great eats in Melbourne's South
beach kiosk, point leo
This great little cafe is THE place to be on a Summer’s Day!
This gorgeous little cafe is THE place to be on a summer’s day.
Perched on top of hill, with views overlooking the stunning Western Port bay, you can enjoy a cool drink and some hot and tasty food.
The music is pumping and the outdoor set up is perfect for relaxing. Numerous chairs of all varieties, heaps of shaded grass to lounge on, a short stroll down to the beach and toilets!
Mamma and crew thoroughly enjoyed kicking back on the bean bags, sipping on a delicious iced-coffee (and milkshakes) and watching the birds dart from tree to tree.
You can also pick up some little snacks to take down the beach like lolly-bags, cookies and icy-poles.
This little beauty is only open in Summer and at Easter - so keep that in mind and don’t miss out!
Mamma's special mention:
Once you have refreshed, head over to Point Leo Foreshore for a play at the park, walk along the beach and boardwalk.
The nitty gritty
OPEN
During Summer and Easter
Monday - Friday
8am - 5pm
Saturday - Sunday
7am - 6pm
(times may vary).
Closed all other times of the year.
wanna know more? click here.
phoenix park cafe, malvern east
This cute little cafe is in prime position. Smack bang between a library and the awesome Phoenix Park Playground.
This cute little cafe is in prime position. Smack bang between a library and the awesome Phoenix Park Playground.
Naturally, it completely caters for kids - with kid-size chairs, books, toys and a kid-friendly simple menu.
Plenty of room inside for prams, with a cafeteria-hall style room. Outdoors has little tables under the cover of perfectly picturesque leafy trees.
The menu offers hot food like toasties, hot chips, pies/sausage rolls and soups, and also sandwiches, cakes and hot/cold drinks. Even icy poles are on offer!
The venue can also be hired for kids parties - how cool (easy!) is that!
Mamma's special mention:
Once you have refreshed, head over to the awesome Phoenix Park Playground, or have a read in the library upstairs.
The nitty gritty
OPEN
10am – 4pm except Tuesdays and public holidays (times may vary).
cafe can be hired for parties - toilet with change table facilities - books - toys - playground and library attached
wanna know more? click here.