sebastian's food & wine, hampton
This Hampton institution is situated right on Hampton Street next to the train station, you can’t miss it! Welcome to Sebastian’s.
This Hampton institution is situated right on Hampton Street next to the train station, you can’t miss it! Welcome to Sebastian’s!
The all day menu features great breaky staples like a chilli scramble and smashed avo as well as some fun and tasty lunch options such as crispy chicken bao or a poke bowl. It caters to a broad range of dietary requirements with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and dairy free options. There is coffee, tea, juices, smoothies and homemade spritzes to choose from, as well as an extensive alcohol list.
But let’s not forget the kids! A menu come colouring page will let your children choose from eggs on toast, ham and cheese jaffles, pancakes or even fish and chips.
There’s bike racks out the front and plenty of bench seating with heaters - if you’ve got a train mad child, Mamma recommends a seat out the front to watch them all go by. Out the back there’s a beautiful sunlit, umbrella filled courtyard surrounded by greenery and decked out in a Hampton-esque blue and white stripe theme.
Mamma's special mentions: Once you’re full of good food and drinks, make sure to head to the nearby Gipsy Village Park to burn off all that energy!
naked racer cafe & bar, cheltenham
If there is a lover of all this auto in your fam - you need to bring them to this great cafe for a meal!
If there is a lover of all things auto in your fam - you need to bring them to this great cafe for a meal!
From the moment you arrive you are enveloped by the Wild Wild West. From the front courtyards desert feel - complete with cactus and road signs - to when you enter the country saloon style cafe.
But there’s so much more to this quirky cafe - it is also home to hundreds of antique motorbikes. It’s great to take a wander through and marvel at the magnificence of these machines. It is also a dealership and workshop, too!
The cafe serves delicious food - with a great kids menu (the most fancy kids ravioli this Mamma has seen!), it’s also a bar and can host functions, too!
Mamma's special mentions:
Head down the road for a play at Kingston Heath Reserve OR check out the awesome Aviation Museum
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Thursday 7am–4:30pm
Friday 7am–1am
Saturday 7am–1am
Sunday 8am–5pm
Wanna know more?
click here
beachcomber, st kilda
This is a slice of paradise that the whole family will enjoy. Sit back, enjoy great food and even a cocktail - while the kids can play in the sand right in front of you.
Relaxing at the table, feet in the sand, sounds of waves gently crashing, you could be forgiven for thinking that you have stepped onto a beach in Queensland - or perhaps even the French Riviera - but no, it is right here in sunny St Kilda!
This is a slice of paradise that the whole family will enjoy. You can sit back, enjoy the sunshine, great food and even a cocktail - while the kids can play in the sand right in front of you. There’s even a bucket of sand toys that the kids can borrow!
You can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner options and the kids have their very own - rather extensive - menu to chose from as well.
You can opt to sit at the bench tables, under the cover of a bamboo cabana - or soak up the sun on a colourful deck chair. Should the weather turn, there’s also undercover seating away from the sand as well.
Fresh air, great food, sunshine, kids playing on sand - and cocktails, what more could you ask for?!
Mamma's special mentions:
There’s a heap to do here in St Kilda. Head across the road to Luna Park. Walk down St Kilda Pier. Go on the Solar System Trail walk. Explore Catani Gardens. Go to The Esplanade Market and Pony Rides on a Sunday!
vue bar & restaurant @ settlers run golf and country club, botanic ridge
Here’s a great restaurant that the whole family will enjoy!
Here’s a great restaurant that the whole family will enjoy!
Surrounded by stunning views of the Settlers Run golf course, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you pick the right time, you may even spot a few curious kangaroos.
It’s a great relaxed feeling, with plenty to keep the kids happy. They have their own dedicated menu, colouring in packs with meals, toys and - kids eat free Tuesday nights!
They have Sunday sessions with music, food/drink specials and lawn games for kids like giant Jenga, Connect Four, Quoits, Bowling and more.
There’s also a playground out the front, with a permanent coffee van beside it. Not to mention the spectacular golf course - perfection for the whole family!
Mamma's special mentions:
Settlers Run also offers Tennis, Golf and swimming lessons for both adults and kids PLUS Kids Sports classes on Wednesdays by Happy Kids sports - Also offers rooms to hire for functions
check out more HERE.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Breakfast
Saturday & Sundays
8.30am – 11.30am
Lunch
Tuesday to Sunday
12.00pm – 5.00pm
Dinner
Tuesday to Sunday
5.00pm – 8.30pm
Wanna know more?
click here
only mine chocolates, cranbourne west
Calling all chocoholics - there’s a new chocolate factory in the south that you are going to want to visit, your taste buds will thank you!
Calling all chocoholics - there’s a new chocolate factory in the south that you are going to want to visit, your taste buds will thank you!
If you’re anything like Mamma and her crew, when you hear that there is a brand new chocolate shop opening in your hood - you know that a visit there will be imminent! Especially when you already know that this particular chocolate is delicious. Only Mine also has a shop in the beautiful hills of Olinda.
This latest addition offers beautiful hand made chocolates that are almost as stunning to look at as they are delicious to eat! There’s also their famous hot chocolate, chocolate blocks, bars and pastilles; plus cute little chocolate animals as well.
Whilst this is only a takeaway shop, you can still get delicious food like chocolate drizzled waffles and ice cream, brownies, cookies and more. Pure decadence!
Mamma's special mentions:
Grab some to go and picnic in the park at Trueman Reserve not far away.
modu, clayton
Modu is great little family-friendly restaurant, that offers a HUGE menu with so many incredible options to choose from.
If you love exquisite Chinese cuisine - you are in for a TREAT!
Modu is great little family-friendly restaurant, that offers a HUGE menu with so many incredible options to choose from. Whilst there is no dedicated kids menu as such, there are plenty of meals they will enjoy - like an assortment of dumplings, noodle dishes, rice and popcorn chicken.
Mamma’s little ones labelled it as “the best meal” they have eaten! Now, that’s a big call!
Our crew can highly recommend the dumplings, pork belly, ribs, noodles and the AMAZING fried rice. The food really is delicious and the staff are lovely and attentive.
Makes for the perfect dining experience!
Mamma's special mentions: Head around the corner for a play and explore at Namatjira Park.
le bar supper club, beaumaris
Encapsulating all that was brilliant about the romantic 1920s glamour era, you will feel like you have stumbled across your own private speakeasy.
Hidden behind a dramatic black door is this STUNNING new bar and restaurant in Beaumaris.
Encapsulating all that was brilliant about the romantic 1920s glamour era, you will feel like you have stumbled across your own private speakeasy.
With no signage out front, only a gold ‘Le Bar’ sign on the pavement, you will be blown away by the decadence once you open that beautiful black door.
Drenched in black and gold decor and dazzling lights you will find multiple tables with bucket chairs, a few booths and chairs at the bar. Gold frame paintings adorn the walls, and stunning gold chandelier lights hang from the ceiling.
The menu is quality, not quantity. French inspired and amazing - Mamma had the oysters, the truffle pomme frites and an amazing fillet mignon - everything was perfection.
The cocktails are delicious - Mamma loved the theatre of the The Flapper with its smokey flavour gun. Impressive!
The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable and make sure you have a complete experience - even finishing off the meal with a complimentary chocolate!
Mamma's special mentions: This is the perfect spot for a night out with the girls - a date night and even a great place to bring your parents!
loosie's diner, mornington
There’s a new diner in town, folks - and you are going to want to check this out!
There’s a wonderful new place to dine in the south - and you are going to want to check this out!
Loosie’s Diner is serving up delicious American-inspired food in the most spectacularly cool little restaurant!
The decor is a visual treat, you wont know where to focus your eyes on first. From the stunning lantern lights, the green booth seats, the vintage black and white photos covering the walls, to the lightboard showcasing the menu and COCKTAIL list. There’s just such a great vibe here.
The menu is simple and perfect. The southern fried chicken is a MUST! You can have it in a yummy burger - or on top of golden waffles (with maple syrup if you dare!). And the FRIES, are something else! Deliciously golden and crispy on the outside, yet fluffy and soft on the inside. SO GOOD! There’s also a dedicated kids menu.
The staff are super friendly and helpful and know how to make some KILLER cocktails! This is the perfect place to meet up with friends, a date night and a great family night out, too!
Mamma's special mention: Keep the fun times rolling and head around the corner for a hit of golf at the family-friendly X-golf Mornington!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Wednesday - Sunday
5pm - late
wanna know more?
click here
sugar buns bakery cafe, hampton park
Attention all sugar lovers - indulge in some serious DECADENCE here!
Attention all sugar addicts - here is a place to truly indulge in some serious DECADENCE! As the name implies, this cafe is definitely a TREAT, a place to really splash out, if you choose their sugary items - however, there are also healthy options on the menu too!
Sugar Buns are famous for their mega shakes, which are as much a feast for your eyes as they are for your tastebuds! Bright and FULLY LOADED, they are perfect for sharing. The shakes come with a delicious flavoured milkshake, a scoop of ice-cream on top and covered with an assortment of lollies, chocolate, rainbow popcorn and fairy floss - and yes, they’re VERY sweet!
Mamma loves chocolate, so when there’s a mega hot chocolate on offer, it needs to be ordered. It is HUGE, and full of Nutella, and covered with a choc chip cookie, chocolate and fairy floss. It is pretty spectacular.
The burgers are also AMAZING! Mamma’s crew had a chicken schnitzel and it was the tastiest, yummiest chicken we’ve had in a while!
The littlies are also covered with a kids menu offering a healthy plate (something to counteract all that sugar!). This comes with vegemite sandwich fingers, fruit and yoghurt.
There’s also fresh juices and smoothies and breakfast til 3pm.
Mamma's special mention: After all that sugar, head down to the stunning Banjo Paterson Reserve and burn off some energy!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Wednesday 7am - 5pm
Thursday -Saturday 7am - 8pm
Sundays- 8am - 5pm
wanna know more?
click here
Hampton Park Shopping Centre, 1a/55 Hallam Rd, Hampton Park
cup cup and away coffee shop, hallam
If you have a little super hero lover - you need to bring them in for a milkshake and let them be immersed in bundles of super hero fun!
Wham! Bam! It’s Superhero time!
If you have a little superhero lover - you need to bring them in for a milkshake and let them be immersed in bundles of super hero fun!
They’ll love the cool memorabilia displayed on the walls and statues and figurines all around them; there’s even a TV playing movies too.
Parents can grab a coffee and watch the faces of their little ones in complete wonderment of their heroes.
This venue used to be a milk bar, and as such - there is no actual kitchen - so the menu is either air-fried things like hash browns, chips, potato gems - or oven warmed sausage rolls, pies etc. There’s also a fridge with some sandwiches and assorted cakes and slices. It’s very much snack food with yummy coffee, milkshakes and spiders!
You can even purchase some merchandise like drink bottles, backpacks, games, clothing, books and more.
So superhero up and check it out!
Mamma's special mention: Make a day of it and head over to Paint a Pot
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Friday
7.30am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sundays- closed
wanna know more?
click here
major mitchell, carnegie
This is such a cute, bright and tasty cafe that the whole family will love!
This is such a cute, bright and tasty cafe that the whole family will love!
Perfect for those warm days, sitting out in the courtyard while the kids can play in the cubby house and grassy area, and your furry friend can enjoy the sun at your feet.
For those cooler days you can sit inside amongst the stylish bright decor and super-cool bustling vibe, and enjoy the delicious and spectacularly presented food.
The kids have their own menu with items like chicken and chips, spaghetti and waffles to name a few. They also offer an all day breakfast and Mamma can recommend the smashed avo and peas with chilli and crispy kale, and the pulled pork on brioche toast! Delicious.
Great coffee, yummy food and a cute little outdoor kids area in a very cool location, makes this little cottage-like cafe a winner!
Mamma's special mention
Grab a coffee and cake to go and run off some energy at the fabulous frog-themed Packer Park.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Friday
7am - 3.30pm
Saturday - Sunday
7.30am - 3.30pm
wanna know more?
click here
lizzy's chocolates, carnegie
Attention all chocoholics! THIS shop has your name on it!
Attention all chocoholics! THIS shop has your name on it! Well, actually it has Lizzy’s. But there will definitely be something that calls out to you here!
Are you a rich, home-made gooey caramel kind of person? Or more of a hazelnut praline melt-in-your-mouth truffle connoisseur? There are SO many delectable morsels of hand-crafted fine chocolates here, you will have a very hard time trying to decide what to order!
Lizzy’s is a family owned business that has been in Carnegie for 38 years. If you can’t get down to Carnegie- never fear, you can order online!
Mamma’s crew opted for a bit of everything (after a VERY big and LONG decision making process). Some of the deliciousness we sampled included; cute animal shaped chocolates, a bag of speckled chocolates, a good-old simple white chocolate bar, caramel lips and a box of assorted truffles - all were DIVINE. Absolutely worth the lifetime on the hips!
You can grab a seat out the front (only a few tables) and enjoy a coffee or decadent hot chocolate, some freshly baked goods and some chocolate, of course - or grab some to go.
Mamma's special mention
Grab some goodies to go and run off some energy at the fabulous frog-themed Packer Park.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Thursday
9am - 5.30pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday
9am - 3.30pm
Closed Sunday
wanna know more?
click here
the timbuktu cafe, brighton
This great cafe has a fabulous kids play area, including a cubby house, toy kitchen and heaps of toys and books and delicious coffee!
This cute little cafe is hidden away from all the hustle of busy Brighton. On a side-street, only a few hundred metres walk from the library, it makes for the perfect coffee stop before or after a visit.
It has a fabulous kids play area, including a cubby house, toy kitchen and heaps of toys and books. Colouring books and pencils are also available and there’s a dedicated kids menu with items like sausages and chips, nutella pancakes and fried rice!
The coffee is delicious, the hot chips are mouth-wateringly good, the staff are extremely lovely and the kids are completely entertained - making this the perfect spot for a meal with the fam!
Mamma's special mention
Run off some of that extra energy at The Village Green Playground around the corner.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Thursday
7am - 4.30pm
Friday 7am - 7pm
Saturday - Sunday
7.30am - 3pm
wanna know more?
click here
happy as larry, mentone
How good is a cafe that totally caters for kids, but still has AMAZING food?! Add this one to your list folks, you will LOVE it.
How good is a cafe that totally caters for kids, but still has AMAZING food?! Add this one to your list folks, you will LOVE it.
You wouldn’t know it from its unassuming shopfront, but behind those doors hides a little oasis for families wanting to have a relaxed and tasty meal. The kids will love the undercover decking area - home to the play area consisting of a cubby house, little slide, toy oven, some sensory toys, a letter box - and more. There’s also a great kids menu with yummy options at good prices.
The adults will love having the kids distracted so they can enjoy their food. Of which, there is a great menu with lots of healthy and delicious options.
You can also bring your furry friends, too! It’s the perfect family spot.
(Note - It can get quite busy - as you can imagine - but the staff are super lovely and do their best to get your orders in a timely manner).
Mamma’s special mention
Keep the fun going and head around the corner to a stunning reserve and playground - Illaroo Reserve.
wolf of the willows, mordialloc
This relatively new taproom in the South offers some great ales and an EXTREMELY family friendly and relaxed vibe.
It doesn’t matter what the weather is doing, it is ALWAYS a good time for a locally made craft beer. This relatively new taproom in the south offers some great ales and is EXTREMELY family friendly, with a relaxed vibe. Cold weather? Sit inside by the fire. Sunny? Enjoy the space under an umbrella in the beer garden!
Try a sample paddle - it’s a great way to make your way through the different flavours on offer. They also make their own seltzers, which are delicious, with flavours like cola - ginger and lime and tropical. You can also buy spirits made from local distilleries.
To accompany your beverages, there’s amazing food from the onsite food truck VanGo. Mamma can highly recommend the Feed Me for 2 grazing board , which includes spring rolls, chicken wings, softshell mud crab sliders and pulled pork tacos - so yum!
Kids aren’t forgotten here - they have an option of nuggets and chips and mini tacos.
The staff are so lovely and it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing family lunch!
Mamma’s special mention
Keep the fun going and head down the road to the awesome Kid Factory for a play - or Peter Scullin Reserve is not far for a beach playground!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Thursday 4pm - 10pm
Friday 3pm - 10pm
Saturday 12pm - 10pm
Sunday 12pm - 6pm
wanna know more?
click here
bojak brewery, dandenong
This awesome family friendly brewery offers amazing beer, local spirits, a cubbyhouse and games for kids AND kids eat free on Sundays!
How good is a cold, hand-crafted pale ale on a hot day? Or perhaps you’re more of a spritzer or locally-made gin person? Whatever your tipple - BoJak has you covered!
This funky, family-owned and VERY family-friendly brewery is the perfect spot to spend a Sunday session with the family - or a weekend date, or mate night! And now, there’s even more of a reason - kids eat FREE on Sundays! With the purchase of a main meal.
Not only will you find 12 hand-crafted beers on tap, but a range of locally made spirits, wine and sodas.
The owners have a young family themselves, that’s where the name BoJak comes into play - it’s a combination of their boys names. They are aware of the requirements a family look for when heading out. Here they offer a great kids menu, with more range than just the usual nuggets. There’s a snack plate with cheese, crackers, dip, meat and fruit; fruit kebabs and more. They have a kids corner with a small table, toys, pencils, board games and action figures. And outdoors there is a fantastic Cubbyhouse the kids will LOVE. There’s also Uno, Jenga and other table games. Plus, you can test your skills at hookey!
The main menu has a great assortment of ‘bar snacks’ like pretzel bites, mac and cheese bites, loaded fries, and of course, their delicious pizzas. All produce is sourced locally where possible.
Perfect weekend spot here!
NOTE - The outdoor courtyard backs onto a main road. Close observation of small children is required.
Mamma’s special mention
Drive down the road and visit the animals at Myuna Farm - OR - head to the wonderful Dandenong Market.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Friday 1pm - late
Saturday 12pm - late
Sunday 12pm - 6pm
Kids eat FREE on Sundays (with a purchase of main meal)
wanna know more?
click here
l'arte central, cranbourne east
This cafe has the most INCREDIBLE playroom! With the ceiling covered in fairy lights and the walls brightly painted, it is magnificently charming, and like a magnet for the kids.
Mamma adores this hidden treasure!
There is just SO much goodness about this place. Firstly - as soon as you walk in you encounter a stunning florist with a beautiful assortment of fresh and dried flowers and gifts.
Then there is the most INCREDIBLE playroom! With the ceiling covered in fairy lights and the walls brightly painted, it is magnificently charming, and like a magnet for the kids. With a heap of cool equipment to keep the kids busy; we’re talking dolls house, board games, giant Connect Four, Lego wall, toy kitchen, books, board games and more!
Next you have some seriously tasty food and coffee. In fact, they serve award winning pies! Their Sunday Roast Lamb and Chunky Beef pies were awarded 1st Place in the Great Aussie Pie awards!
But Mamma’s favourite thing about this cafe is that it is a training ground and employment opportunity for their community members who are most at risk and disadvantaged. It provides a safe and understanding working environment for those who need a second chance or suffer from mental health issues.
The vibe it creates is one of a much loved community, and a welcoming and relaxed place for families to enjoy some great coffee and meals.
Mamma's special mention:
Head across the road and have a play at Casey Fields Playspace.
nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Saturday
8am - 4pm
Closed Sunday
kids menu and kids play room
Wanna know more?
Click here
fat bobs bar & grill, moorabbin
Calling all burger lovers -this funky, neon-sign lit restaurant has a menu that is sure to tantalise your tastebuds.
Calling all burger lovers - this funky, neon-sign lit restaurant has a menu that is sure to tantalise your tastebuds.
Inspired by owner Bob’s trip to the US, and his love for vintage signs, burgers and beer; Fat Bobs offers a little slice of American diner/burger culture.
With over 10 different burgers, you may find deciding on which to order quite the challenge. With such choices as 100% grass-fed beef, pulled pork, chicken fillet and vegetarian options - there is something for everyone. They are fully loaded and delicious.
The kids will love it amongst all the vintage signs and memorabilia. There is also a dedicated kids menu, with smaller versions of their burgers as well as nuggets, delicious milkshakes, spiders and ice cream, too!
And while it’s ALL about burgers here, their fries, sweet potato wedges, crispy popcorn chicken and beer/cocktail menu are also DEFINITELY worth checking out too!
Mamma's special mention:
Head across the road and burn off the burgers at Jump Central.
nitty gritty
OPEN
Wednesday - Thursday
5pm -9pm
Friday - Saturday
12pm - 9.30pm
Sunday
12pm - 8.30pm
kids menu
Wanna know more?
Click here
jimmy rum distillery, dromana
It’s laid back, has an amazing vibe, uses fresh, locally produced products and the staff are friendly, attentive and extremely accommodating. Oh, and they make KILLER cocktails!
Hidden away in the coastal town of Dromana, you will find this little gem. It embodies all the things that are so great about the Mornington Peninsula. It’s laid back, has an amazing vibe, uses fresh, locally produced products and the staff are friendly, attentive and extremely accommodating. Oh, and they make KILLER cocktails!
Jimmy Rum is the first dedicated rum distillery in Victoria, and Mamma can assure you - they know their stuff! You can go on a tour of the distillery and sample their products, or - you can just taste their delicious range of cocktails in the bar.
The place is super relaxed with inside and outdoor seating - even large bean bags are on offer. It is family friendly with colouring options for the kids. There isn’t a dedicated kids menu, but there is pizza, nachos and mac and cheese.
Perfect for a lazy family lunch - a date night or some drinks with girls, it’s the ultimate allrounder!
Mamma's special mention:
You can also go on a drive of a lifetime in a Lamborghini or Ferrari with Supercar Drive experiences departing from here.
nitty gritty
OPEN
Thursday -Saturday
12pm - 9pm
Sunday 12pm - 7pm
Cellar Door Opening Times
Every day – 10 am to 5 pm
No kids menu - free parking
Wanna know more?
Click here
the commons @ ormond collective, south yarra
This place is simply magical. It feels like you have stepped into your very own enchanted garden! From the fairy lights up above, to the greenery spread throughout, every where you look is a feast for your eyes.
This place is simply magical. It feels like you have stepped into your very own enchanted garden!
From the fairy lights up above, to the greenery spread throughout, every where you look is a feast for your eyes.
In what used to be The Belgian Beer Garden, is now The Commons - a garden cafe with an expansive courtyard, separated into different sections; one area is undercover whilst the others are under the shade of umbrellas.
The wooden tables have picnic bench style seating or large wicker chairs complete with cosy cushions. There are quirky decorations sprinkled throughout the courtyard, such as lanterns, watering cans and baskets hanging from the roof, and each table has a potted plant on it. There are vines sprawled around pillars, trees, shrubs and planter boxes spread throughout, which creates an almost fairy-tale like vibe.
With space for prams, delicious food and coffee, ‘parking’ for puppies, and a small kids menu, it’s the perfect lunch date for the whole family.
If you wanted a night with the girls, you will be very impressed with the cocktail list, and if you are after a special date night - you couldn’t find a more romantic place than sitting outdoors under the fairy lights, surrounded by views of bluestone buildings and city skyscrapers.
Mamma's special mention:
Complete your day with a shop at the Prahran Market.
nitty gritty
OPEN
Wednesday - Sunday
11am - 11pm
Small kids menu -dog friendly - pram friendly - paid street parking -indoor/outdoor dining
Wanna know more?
Click here
Corner Moubray St & St Kilda Rd Enter via, Moubray St, Melbourne