the heritage balnarring, balnarring
This place is pure heaven!
This restaurant/bar is set on a sprawling 2 acre property, including an absolutely stunning heritage home, complete with an open fireplace, HUGE beer garden and multiple dining areas.
This place is pure heaven!
This restaurant/bar is set on a sprawling 2 acre property, including an absolutely stunning heritage home, complete with an open fireplace, HUGE beer garden and multiple dining areas.
It truly is the most perfect way to spend a few hours with the family. If you sit outdoors, the kids are free to roam and play on the open space in the beer garden. There are some balls they can kick around or they can cartwheel to their heart’s content!
If you don’t have kids with you, take advantage of the stunning dining rooms, or the sunny deck out back.
The food is delicious and so are the cocktails! Mamma sampled a few just to make sure! The staff are super lovely and the service is great. It really is heaven!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Wednesday - Sunday
11:30am - late
Monday & Tuesday
Closed
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Make a day of it and head to the awesome Funky Farm just up the road.
nordie cafe, red hill
This cafe has an amazing view and THE MOST perfect space for kids to roam!
This gorgeous cafe is set on top of hill with a huge leafy garden and spacious courtyard.
It provides HEAPS of space for the little ones to run around. There’s even a cubby house!
The owners have really thought of everything here; they supply blankets for the chilly weather so that you can still sit outside, there are high chairs and a change table. Oh, and you can bring your fur babies too!
As the name implies, the menu has bit of a Nordic twist on things; delicious Dutch carrots on the smashed avo, Copanhagen hot dog and the Viking breakfast bun to name a few! The kids also have their own menu with yummy options.
Add this one to the list and thank Mamma later!
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
Keep the fun going and head down the road the Enchanted Adventure!
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
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
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 nitty gritty
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
bottega 188, mt eliza
Here’s the newest family and pet friendly restaurant to grace the Mornington Peninsula!
Here’s the newest family and pet friendly restaurant to grace the Mornington Peninsula! Bottega 188 in Mt Eliza has recently opened and has already warmed the hearts of locals; stepping through the doors feels like a big warm hug for all the senses!
The aroma of fresh wood-fired pizzas, the ambiance of lush greenery and fairy lights, the sounds of the little canaries singing in their aviary, the weightlessness of swinging in an egg chair, the taste of Palettos AMAZING gelato and even the feel of fluffy donkey fur as you greet resident donkey Elsa - covers all the bases!
This great new restaurant is part pizzeria, part deli, part cafe, part gelateria and even part food truck! So you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner here. There are things like little ride on cars, a play mud kitchen and egg chairs to entertain the kids, they also have their own kids menus. It is super pet friendly, so much so in fact that pups have their own menu too! Including puppy cookies - which are made by Barking Mad - a business created by the owners 12 year old son!
You’ll love this place, it really is the perfect family friendly spot, so make sure you add it your list!
The nitty gritty
188 Humphries Rd, Mount Eliza 3930
OPEN
Monday – Sunday
7am - 8pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mentions:
Head down the road for a play at the cute little Mt Eliza Regional Park
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
the pig and whistle tavern, main ridge
In the front courtyard area there are sprawling gardens bursting with colourful flowers, gigantic trees full of all sorts of birdlife, and a kids playground!
In the stunning Mornington Peninsula Hinterlands, there resides the most family-friendly, spectacularly beautiful and deliciously tasty restaurant called The Pig and Whistle Tavern in Main Ridge.
In the front courtyard area there are sprawling gardens bursting with colourful flowers, gigantic trees full of all sorts of birdlife, and a kids playground equipped with a rope climbing net, wooden balancing logs, a slide - even a log with an etched naughts and crosses board, and heaps of open grass area to kick a ball around!
Inside you will find a delightfully cosy English-style tavern with vintage posters, wood panel ceiling, mosaic windows - there’s even a stone (electric) fireplace, too!
The menu offers old-style favourites like bangers and mash, chicken parma, pie of the day, curries and salads; plus the kids have their own menu including frog-in-a-pond for dessert!
The venue also has The Shed, which has live music and shows, a cellar door and pizza bar! This will quickly become a favourite!
the nitty gritty
365 Purves Rd, Main Ridge, 3928
Open
Wednesday- 12pm - 4pm
Thursday 12pm - 9pm
Friday - Saturday
12pm - 11pm
Sunday 12pm- 9pm
Bookings are essential
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention
Finish off (or start) with a walk to see a waterfall at Kings Fall in Arthurs Seat
red gum bbq, red hill
Red Gum BBQ in the spectacularly stunning Red Hill, is the perfect family restaurant
Red Gum BBQ in the spectacularly stunning Red Hill, is the perfect family restaurant. BBQ meat for the meat lovers, veggie options for vegetarians, a wide range of amazing cocktails and beer - AND there’s a dedicated indoor play area - with a cubby house - to keep the kids happy! They also have pencils and colouring sheets for when you manage to get them away from the play area.
The tables here are mainly long wooden benches; the communal dining adding to the great atmosphere.
The food is AMAZING! It is ‘Aussie-smoked, American-style BBQ’, and it is simply divine.
The meat is slow-cooked in a large smoker, which fills the shed with a smokey scent.
The menu is predominantly meat-filled, however - there are still lots of options for vegetarians like; creamy mac and cheese, buffalo cauliflower, bean chilli, salads and delicious fries. The kids even have their own menu with such offerings as brisket or pulled-pork rolls and mac and cheese. Mamma’s crew can highly recommend the ribs and LOVED the mac and cheese and the little ones couldn’t get enough of their meat rolls!
Mamma says this is a MUST VISIT!
The nitty gritty
87 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill
OPEN
Monday/Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday – Thursday : 11am – 8pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am – 9pm
Sunday: 11am – 4pm
wanna know more? click here.
Mamma's special mention:
Red Hill is home to so much fun!
Feel like fruit picking? Head to Ripe n Ready Cherry Farm or Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm.
Looking for adventure? Head to Enchanted Adventure Garden.
Thirsty? Green Olive Winery is perfectly kid-friendly.
wombat cafe, dromana
Located directly opposite a bushy reserve, offering views of beautiful trees and a sound track of kookaburras laughter, it’s the perfect accompaniment to fresh, colourful and delicious vegan food and smoothies.
This gorgeous, bright cafe is one to add to your books! Located directly opposite a bushy reserve, offering views of beautiful trees and a sound track of kookaburras laughter, it’s the perfect accompaniment to fresh, colourful and delicious vegan food and smoothies.
The menu offers a range of food from breakfast faves like smashed avo on sourdough and granola - through to meals like banh mi and burgers. Kids have their own menu with pancakes and nutella on sourdough to name a few.
There’s also an extensive smoothie list - so grab one to go and head across to the reserve to soak in the beauty of the bush!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
7 days
8am - 4pm
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Head across the road to have a scoot at the awesome Dromana Pump Track
penni ave distillery, rye
Did you know that there’s a VODKA DISTILLERY in the South? This Mamma did NOT, and WOW, this place is amazing!
Did you know that there’s a VODKA DISTILLERY in the South? This Mamma did NOT, and WOW, this place is amazing! It’s one of a very few dedicated vodka distilleries in Australia.
The idea for this distillery came about while owner Gen was on maternity leave and started creating vodka at home, and then along with her brother, Penni Ave was born! Here they distill the most INCREDIBLE botanical vodka, infused with native botanicals like Lemon Myrtle and Kakadu Plum; you will just love the smooth, and fruity flavours.
You can sample all the flavours with a tasting paddle, or opt for a signature cocktail. Mamma highly recommends the Kakadu Mule - it is incredible! When you discover your favourite, you can buy a bottle to take home or there’s even delicious ready-to-drink cans you take home as well. The Kakadu Plum vodka with lime, ginger and soda is spectacular!
There are rotating food trucks here, so you can grab some food to go along with your beverages, and yep - the kids, and dogs - are more than welcome, too!
There’s also a cafe area serving up amazing coffee if you come along in the morning - with heaps of room for prams it’s a great mothers group catch up space, too!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Wednesday 6.30am - 11.30am
Thursday 6:30am - 11:30am, 5pm - 9:30pm
Friday 6:30am - 11:30am, 5pm - 9:30pm
Saturday 7am - 9:30pm
Sunday 7am - 6:00pm
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Head down the road for a play at Rye Forehsore Playground while you’re in the area!
sages cottage farm and cafe, baxter
A cafe - a playground - a lake AND animals? This will be your new favourite place!
Let me introduce you to one of Mamma’s all time favourite places!
Not only does this place have THE most gorgeous little cafe with a playground; it also has a small farm, gardens, lake, historic cottage, bushwalks, is set amongst stunning surroundings… and …. PIGS!
The cafe focuses on community integration by employing all ability staff from their partnership with Wallara. Staff are trained in the industrial training kitchen based at Sages Cottage, and once students have successfully competed their training, they are employed to work at the cafe to improve their social skills. Staff are also trained in horticulture and work in the gorgeous gardens- which makes this lovely place even more special.
Now, lets talk about this cafe! It's a gorgeous old wooden barn, decked out with fairy lights and flowers on all tables indoors - and outside there is a new marquee area - with picnic table seating. Here you can sit and watch your little ones play in the playground and play with some of the toys provided - like giant Connect Four and trucks etc. It is just perfect.
The menu at the moment is very simple - but very tasty, and the coffee is delicious. The staff are just gorgeous and very attentive.
After you've had your meal, take a stroll around the lake or into the gardens. Visit the little farm and say hi to the chooks, bunnies and guinea pigs. Then make sure you go to the ‘pig viewing area’ (Mamma’s favourite) and check out the gorgeous girls Edna and Ursula. There’s also goats and miniature horses near the car park, too!
Currently the cafe is only open Monday - Thursday, but by the start of March it should be operating 7 days - AND have some new play equipment!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
7 days
8am - 4pm
* the playground is currently under renovations
Plenty of room for prams - toilet facilities
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
Kids wanting more play fun? Head down the road to the fully enclosed Overport Park Playground.
merricks general wine store, merricks
Nestled underneath shady trees, just opposite the walking trail and across the road from views of the stunning Merricks Beach, lies Merricks General store.
Wow, is this place PRETTY!
Nestled underneath shady trees, at the end of the red hill trail and just opposite views of the magnificent Merricks Beach, stands the hidden treasure that is - Merricks General store.
Walk into an outdoor oasis of tables under the shade of umbrellas and vine-draped canopies, flower beds and majestic trees - and order some food from the Verandah coffee window - or some wine from the little caravan bar.
You can also peruse The Traders, which is a little boutique store selling all sorts of things like plants, bags, clothes and more!
Or if you prefer, dine inside the cosy bistro - with a log wood fire, kids menu and an extensive wine list! You can also sample and purchase some wine from the Cellar Door.
This place is just heaven for a relaxing long lunch with the family, some wines with friends, or any occasion really!
the nitty gritty
3460 Frankston - Flinders Rd, Merricks, 3916
OPEN
7 days
8.30am - 5pm
Verandah Coffee window- 7am - 3pm
The Traders Store - 9am - 5pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
Before/after your meal - head down the road and explore the stunning Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens!
alatonero, mccrae
Situated by the stunning McCrae foreshore, you could be forgiven for thinking you have stepped into an European oasis here at Alatonero!
Situated by the stunning McCrae foreshore, you could be forgiven for thinking you have stepped into an European oasis here at Alatonero!
You can sit outside in the open terrace dining area - decked out with blue and white striped umbrellas and a leafy marquee with festoon lights; or sit in the breezy inside area with cushion covered little booth seats and tables, stunning ceiling lights and artwork.
The owners have installed a little bit of Greece here with the decor and mouth-watering menu. Think tapas - share plate style - but also has larger meals available, too. And - an extensive drinks list with heaps of cocktails, mocktails, wines and more.
Mamma can highly recommend the DIY souvlaki, spanakopita cigars and the signature cocktails! The kids have their own menu - complete with wordsearch, colouring and pencils - and their meals are IMPRESSIVE - both in quality and quantity! No nuggies here - there’s tender lamb, chicken or calamari and delicious chips. The staff are lovely and attentive and the vibe here is super family friendly.
Mamma’s special mention
After feasting - head right across the road and have a play at the cute lighthouse themed McCrae Foreshore Playground
boatshed cheese, dromana
Hidden away in an industrial street, you will find this little unassuming cheese factory that packs a huge punch!
Calling all cheese lovers - you really need to jump on board this boat!
Hidden away in an industrial street, you will find this little unassuming cheese factory that packs a huge punch! You can sample any cheese on display and indulge in delicious cheese and charcuterie boards, even baked brie, in this cute little nautical-themed space.
There are so many types of cheese - it makes the decision making a tough one - luckily you can ask for a sample which might make it easier to narrow it down. Mamma opted to let the experts select a hard, soft and goat cheese option and they were all amazing! There was a tempest buffalo, goats cheese oasis and boathouse cheddar. Hard to pick a favourite but the oasis was incredible!
You can also see the cheese being made - Mamma got to see the Brie being flipped and chat with the cheesemakers which was very cool.
If you love cheese, you really need to check this place out!
the nitty gritty
Open
Tues - Sat 9am - 4pm
Monday - closed
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention
Heaps to while you’re here! Make your own scented candle at Red Hill Candle Co - sample some rum at Jimmy Rum Distillery or grap a paddle board at Jetty Road Brewery - all are just around the corner!
schnapper point kiosk and bar, mornington
Right on the waterfront, with views of the city out in one direction, and red cliffs in the other - you will LOVE this spot!
You can’t get much better than this location!
Right on the waterfront, with views of the city out in one direction, and red cliffs in the other. And you can take them all in while swinging on a swing perched on the deck, sipping on a hot coffee or a cool cocktail and enjoying delicious food!
If the swing isn’t for you, there are plenty of tables with phenomenal views out on the deck, or inside near the extensive bar.
The menu is full of delicious, simple options, like - fish souvlaki plate, burgers, toasties, fish and chips, cauliflower tacos and more.
It’s the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy the sunshine - or watch a storm roll through. You can also grab some to take away and stroll down the beach to enjoy.
the nitty gritty
Open
7 days
8am - 4pm
wanna know more?
click here
1 Schnapper Point Drive
Mornington, 3931
Mamma’s special mention: Head up the path to have a play at Mornington Park Playground
slims hot pizza, mt eliza
Mamma’s loving everything about Mount Eliza’s coolest new local Slim’s Hot Pizza!
Mamma’s loving everything about Mount Eliza’s coolest new local Slim’s Hot Pizza!
With it’s retro 70’s vibe, super friendly staff, delicious Naples style pizzas and Americano style sit up bar, this family friendly pizza parlour needs to be on your list of places to try.
They’ve kept the menu simple with ten different pizza topping options and a handful of salads, but that’s really all you need because who doesn’t love pizza! The fancy hawaiian which is topped with streaky bacon, caramelized pineapple and the perfect amount of stringy cheese was a big hit with the kids.
They have two large bench tables out front with room for a pram which is the most family friendly area to grab a table. Inside is all tall bench table seating with stools, so littler babe’s would have to rest on laps or hang out in the baby carrier.
When the kids get sick of colouring make sure you take them up to the front window so they can watch their pizza being cooked before it’s served up to them. We got quite a show from the fun loving staff. Oh and make sure you call ahead and book. This place gets super busy.
the nitty gritty
Open
Thursday - Sunday
4pm - 11pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention: Why not head to Mt Eliza’s Regional Park for a play before your pizza feast.
benton rise farm, tuerong
Wow - Mamma has stumbled across a gem here! Feed some farm animals, have a coffee AND grab fresh produce onboard a 1910 red rattler train carriage!
Wow - Mamma has stumbled across a gem here!
On this gorgeous farm, you will find, well - a bit of everything, really! The first thing you will notice, a part from a flock of chickens, are the vintage carriages! One being a classic old green and gold tram that you can jump onboard and play with toys and books - and the other - a stunning 1910 ‘red rattler’ train carriage, which is home to a market showcasing a delicious array of fresh locally grown produce.
Fill up your basket with fruit n veg, artisan breads, cheese, pies, honey, pasta and more!
Once you have finished shopping, head out to the farm and feed the hungry goats and sheep. The kids (and you!) will love these beautiful, friendly animals. There’s now a playground the kids can play at, too!
Then sit in the undercover little cafe - or heated marquee, order a coffee or try out a gourmet sausage roll or cake while the kids can play in the sandpit.
This is the perfect way to spend a couple of hours AS WELL as stocking up on farm fresh produce and supporting local farms.
the nitty gritty
Open
Monday - Sunday
9am - 4pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Head down the road for the most spectacular animal farm experience at The Funky Farm
