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.
le feu, frankston
If you are looking for a super family friendly spot for lunch or dinner - then Le Feu in Frankston is for you!
If you are looking for a super family friendly spot for lunch or dinner - then Le Feu in Frankston is for you!
With its relaxed vibe, extensive - and budget friendly - menu AND a great kids play room, it really is the ideal place for a family meet up or a mums group lunch.
There’s heaps of space here for prams, and the kids will love the play room that consists of a mini slide, ball-pit balls, books, rocking horses and more.
The menu is extremely inclusive - with everything gluten free plus great options for vegetarians and low Fodmap.
The food is delicious and offers a great variety of Vietnamese and Pan-Asian, plus a kids menu with Korean fried chicken and chips if kids like things a bit more simple.
Mamma’s crew LOVED the dumplings, spring rolls, sweet and sour chicken and pad thai and the older crew loved the pho. Each table has all the sauces you need - even chilli oil!
So add this to your list for your next family friendly meal out!
the nitty gritty
315 Nepean Hwy, Frankston, 3199
OPEN
7 days a week
11.30am - 9pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
Keep the fun times going and head to General Public for some bowling or arcade fun
flinders sourdough bakery, flinders
Hidden away down a little dusty court, you will find Flinders Sourdough Bakery, home to the yummiest sourdough bread, melt-in-your-mouth cookies and pastries.
If you are a lover of all things carbs (and let’s face it, who isn’t…) then no doubt you would have heard about Flinders Sourdough bread! It is simply the BEST; fluffy yet dense - soft but with a crunchy crust - it is just YUM!
So, Mamma was stoked to discover the actual source of this amazing bread is home to the cutest little - hidden - bakery in Flinders!
Hidden away down a little dusty court, you will find Flinders Sourdough Bakery, with an option to sit out in the garden to enjoy your lunch.
Not only can you enjoy freshly baked bread, but there’s a great selection of pies, pastries and melt-in-your-mouth brownies and cookies. Plus - you can even buy your own sourdough starter kit!
Make sure you stop in here on your next Flinders visit - you wont regret it!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Thursday - Sunday
9am - 3pm
(bread not available Thursday)
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
Take some goodies to go and explore the spectacular Flinders Blowhole not far away.
red hill brewery, red hill south
Perched on top of Red Hill, nestled under the hop vines; this rustic, charming barn in the middle of the bush is where delicious craft beer is produced and great BBQ food is served!
Driving through the Peninsula Hinterland you might be too busy marvelling at the picturesque scenery in front of you to notice the little turn off into this absolute hidden gem - the stunning Red Hill Brewery.
Perched on top of Red Hill, nestled under the hop vines; this rustic, charming barn in the middle of the bush is where delicious craft beer is produced and great BBQ food is served!
Walk through the low hanging trees and head towards the smoke from the firepit; sit in the undercover decking and just take in the scenery with an ice cold pale ale - or Mamma suggests the tasting paddle to sample the seasonal brews. Their award winning beers are made in small batches and offer a range of 6 types available all year plus seasonal specials.
Wrap yourself in a blanket in the cooler months - or enjoy the cool breeze on warmer days. The kids can frolic in the open grassy space and watch the neighbouring horses.
There is a laid back vibe here - perfect for a long lunch with yummy food on offer like brisket, ribs, pulled pork or fried chicken burgers, mac n cheese and loaded fries!
This is a must for all beer connoisseurs!
the nitty gritty
88 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South, 3937
OPEN
Thursday - Sunday
11am - 6pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
After a meal head down the road to the stunning Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens
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!
cocoa rouge chocolaterie and ice creamery, red hill
Nestled amongst the vines and trees at the back of Mont Rouge Estate in Red Hill, is this charming little family-owned chocolaterie and ice creamery
Mamma and her crew are big chocolate and ice cream fans, so finding this little hidden treasure, in our most favourite part of Melbourne, has been one of our best discoveries yet!
Nestled amongst the vines and trees at the back of Mont Rouge Estate in Red Hill, is this charming little family-owned chocolaterie and ice creamery with the most delicious hand-made chocolate and scrumptious smooth and velvety ice cream - all made in store!
You can find such delights as chocolate caramel covered hazelnuts, crisp coated honeycomb, salted caramel clusters, bon bons and SO much more. They even have little party-packs for the kids in Dinosaur, Unicorn and Star Wars themes - as well as chocolate lollipops!
Then there’s the ice cream with seriously amazing flavour - Mamma’s crew highly rates the Chocolate Hazelnut and Mango sorbet - so GOOD! You can also have a hot drink, an iced-drink or sample their premium wines made right there at the vineyard!
You can take your goodies and sit outside in the courtyard, surrounded by beautiful trees and listen to the abundant birdsong. Nature, fresh air and the aroma of chocolate - is there a better combination?
The nitty gritty
232 Red Hill Rd, Red Hill 3937
(at the back of Mont Rouge Estate)
OPEN
Monday/Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday - Sunday: 11am – 5pm
wanna know more? click here.
Mamma's special mention:
Red Hill is home to so much fun!
Feel like a good meal? Head to Red Gum BBQ
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.
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.
pelikan societe, hastings
If you like your meal with a view - you are going to LOVE this absolutely magical spot.
If you like your meal with a view - you are going to LOVE this absolutely magical spot.
Set on the Hastings foreshore, you can enjoy a delicious meal al fresco (indoor dining as well) and may just be lucky enough to be in the company of pelicans strolling the sand down below. Your view over looks Hastings pier and out onto Westernport.
This great family friendly cafe has some delicious offerings on the menu. For the little ones, they can choose pancakes smothered in maple syrup, fish and chips, toasted sandwiches to name a few. A juice is also included with their meal.
Mamma can’t resist a good banana bread, and theirs is a really GREAT banana bread. But the hero dish of the day goes to the Cuban sandwich, served in a cigar box! So cute.
Great food. Great coffee. Great service and GREAT view. This one’s a winner folks!
Mamma's special mention:
You can spend the day here. Head for a stroll out on Hastings pier and walk the foreshore to spot some pelicans. Then head behind the cafe and play at Fred Smith Reserve and enjoy a takeaway coffee under the shade of the many large trees.
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
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.
green olive winery, red hill
This place has it all - and it's not the wine talking - Mamma promises!
Wineries. Surely the perfect sunny day outing for families these days - especially when they cater for the kids as well as the adults.
This place has it all - and it's not the wine talking (promise). The grounds are lovely with plenty of green grass for rolling down the hills, a (gated) dam for yabbie spotting, a TRAMPOLINE (yes) and plenty of room to move - and that's just for the kids!
For the adults the scent of delicious garlic and fresh food make you instantly hungry, the wine is amazing (pinot!) and there is a great area to buy some treats and gifts to take home as memento's. The menu is tapas with plenty of delicious options. No kids menu but the sausages, meatballs and potatoes will keep them happy. Mamma loved the service - it was a super busy day and they were so accommodating and always had a smile on their face. What a great place!
Mamma's special mention:
Make a day of it and head up early to visit the Mornington Racecourse Market! (Held on the second sunday of the month)
the nitty gritty
Lunch bookings for 4 or more 12-2.30pm (Mamma says just book anyway and get there on time - it gets VERY busy on the weekends or be prepared to wait for a bit and have a drink while you wait!)
Open 7 Days a week from 9am to 5pm Public Holidays 9am to 5pm
Christmas Day & Boxing Day Closed
Our All Day Tapas Menu is served from 9am – 4pm. Coffee, wine and dessert served until 5pm
Wine Tasting by appointment only. Wine Paddles available all day.
wanna know more?
Click here
