picoletta, frankston
Gelato and the beach - is there a better combination? Well, yes - when you throw in a smoothie, coffee or sandwich and you pretty much have everything you need!
Gelato and the beach - is there a better combination? Well, yes - when you throw in a smoothie, coffee or sandwich then you pretty much have everything you need! And that is EXACTLY what this mighty little food truck provides!
This brand new van is the newsest truck in town, or Olivers Hill boatramp, and is the combination of the fabulous Paletto’s and Mercettas.
Serving up absolutely delicious (and gluten free) gelato on a stick, coffee, cold press juices, smoothies, sandwiches and gluten/dairy/sugar free treats from Horribly Healthy.
This little boatramp is now one of the BEST places to be in summer - or any time to be honest!
the nitty gritty
Oliver’s Hill boat ramp (off nepean highway) Frankston
OPEN
7 days
12pm - sunset
coffee/ice cream/sandwich van - some seats available
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
Drive down to the next carpark and have a play at the Frankston Foreshore Playground.
sunset scoops, edithvale
There’s a brand new ice cream shop right beside the beach in Edithvale, and it is DELICIOUS!
There’s a brand new ice cream shop right beside the beach in Edithvale, and it is DELICIOUS!
With over 30 flavours, that rotate regularly - you will find kid favourites like skittles, rainbow, bubblegum, choc mint and more. Little Miss went straight for skittles and was very impressed!
The cabinets are separated into ones that contain nuts - think ferrero, snickers, peanut butter, kinderella, pistachio and more. Then sorbet/dairy free options - forest fruits, pink lemonade, lemon-lime, strawberry and more. And lastly all the other faves like salted caramel, cookies and cream, golden gaytime, old english toffee, licorice and heaps more!
You are able to test a few to make sure you don’t get food envy, but with so many flavours - it is a hard decision! Mamma’s crew can’t wait to come back to try some more!
the nitty gritty
246 Nepean Hwy, Edithvale 3196
OPEN
Sunday - Thursday 1pm - 9pm
Friday - Saturday 1pm - 9.30pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
Chelsea Beach Playground is down the road and is a great little playground!
zagu japanese kitchen, parkdale
This family owned cafe is the perfect spot to bring the kids; they will love the selection of sushi, Japanese drinks and sweet treats.
There’s a brand new Japanese cafe in town! This little kitchen serves up delicious, freshly made sushi rolls as well as a main menu offering items like soups, Karaage, Teriyaki, curries, noodles, sushi bowls .. and more!
This family owned cafe is the perfect spot to bring the kids; they will love the selection of sushi, Japanese drinks and sweet treats.
Mamma can highly recommend the Karaage (Japanese Fried chicken) so crunchy and delicious, and the kids said it’s the best sushi they’ve had - big call! The best bit is that they open at 8am on weekdays - so you can pick up some sushi rolls for a special treat for the kids lunchbox!
the nitty gritty
17A Chandler St, Parkdale 3195
OPEN
Monday - Friday
8am - 4pm
Saturday 11.30am - 4pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
Grab some sushi to go and head to Dolomore Reserve for a picnic!
beach bar carrum, carrum
The awesome new courtyard boasts an undercover sandpit complete with buckets and shovels, a shopfront, a little boat (kindly donated by Parkdale Yacht Club), and a surfboard they can pretend to surf on
This place is bright and FUN!
The awesome courtyard boasts an undercover sandpit complete with buckets and shovels, a shopfront, a little boat (kindly donated by Parkdale Yacht Club). Lots of fun for the little ones.
You can also sit inside at a table, or lounge on their comfy couches. There are few board games and colouring options for the kids.
By day it is a cafe serving delicious food and drinks - perfect for mother’s groups!
They have recently added a brand new Take Away section at the back - where you can grab some food and drinks to go and picnic at the beach - or enjoy in their sunny courtyard.
Keep an eye on this one - as they will be offering kids school holiday activities, and special fish n chip takeaway options in summer.
Mamma’s special mention
Take the kids down the road for a play at the awesome Carrum Foreshore Playground.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday/Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday/Thursday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday/Saturday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday:
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
okay lucy gelato, mornington
Here you can choose from delicious hand-made gelato and fresh and fruity sorbet, with rotating daily flavours. And to put the cherry on top - you can have your scoop drizzled with nutella!
If you are a gelato fan (who isn’t?) you are gonna LOVE this place.
Perfectly located opposite Mornington Park, is this light, bright and funky new ice cream shop.
Here you can choose from delicious hand-made gelato and fresh and fruity sorbet, with rotating daily flavours. And to put the cherry on top - you can have your scoop drizzled with nutella!
The gelato is seriously delicious, this Mamma has to keep visiting to make sure every flavour has been sampled!
With a few tables outside under the shelter of umbrellas, and a few bench seats; you can savour the flavour as you watch the world go by. Or you can head across the road to the Mornington Park reserve.
Friendly staff, delicious flavours and a great location make this the perfect spot to grab a scoop!
Special note - takeaway available
Mamma’s special mention
Head across the road to have a play at Mornington Playground.
the famished wolf, braeside
Make sure you bring your appetite when you come here, folks! The burgers are big and the brats are packed full of flavour.
This little gem is hidden away in an industrial estate, so you may not have discovered it yet. Make sure you bring your appetite when you come here, folks! The burgers are big and the brats are packed full of flavour. The kids meals are very generous, especially if you get the fab kids pack. This comes with the choice of a burger, chicken strips or fish, chips and a decadent milkshake served with whipped cream, lollies and a Tim Tam! You can opt to purchase an activity pack for $2 - that goes to Make A Wish charity.
They are licensed so you can enjoy a cool beverage as you sit in the undercover decking area out front.
Great food, great service and a cool vibe makes this the perfect spot to enjoy a tasty meal with the family.
SPECIAL NOTE - Burgers can be collected and delivered to you!
Mamma’s special mention
After you’ve grabbed a bite, head down the road to Garden world and check out all the cool Dinosaurs.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Friday 9.30am - 9pm
Saturday - Sunday 12pm - 9pm
wanna know more?
click here
little olly's, frankston
This great little coffee van resides at the bottom of Oliver’s Hill in Frankston, for all your coffee needs!
Coffee and the beach. Two of Mamma’s most favourite things in the world. Now, thanks to Little Olly’s - Mamma can indulge in both at the same time!
Newly opened, this great little coffee van resides at the bottom of Oliver’s Hill in Frankston. It has permanently set up home in the boat ramp car park, for all your coffee needs! Of course, there is more than just coffee on offer, you can also choose from delicious smoothies, hot chocolate, tea or treat yourself to a little snack as well.
There a few tables that you can sit and enjoy the view at, or grab a takeaway as you stroll along the water’s edge.
Mamma’s special mention
Drive down to the next carpark and have a play at the Frankston Foreshore Playground.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Friday
5am - 12pm
Saturday - Sunday
8am - 3pm
coffee van - some seats available
wanna know more?
click here
two farm girls, aspendale
What is it that makes a really great cafe? A combination of the following things; great food, friendly service, a great vibe and things to keep the kids happy!
Two Farm Girls offers ALL of this, and more!
What is it that makes a really great cafe? Well, for Mamma, it’s a combination of the following things; great food, friendly service, a great vibe and things to keep the kids happy!
Two Farm Girls offers ALL of this, and more!
With the loveliest staff, who are just fabulous with kids, the service is simply spot on.
The menu is terrific. Offering lots of healthy, nourishing food that is packed with flavour, smoothies and juices too. There’s a great kids menu and perfect sized kids milkshakes in cute little animal-printed glass bottles.
Kids can be kept busy with colouring or they can try their luck at a board game of noughts and crosses.
With seating inside and outside, it’s the perfect spot for any day of the week!
Mamma's special mention
Take the kids down the road to play at the awesome Chelsea Beach Playground.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Friday
7am - 3pm
Saturday - Sunday
7.30am - 3.00pm
wanna know more?
click here
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
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
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
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
deoro and co, clyde north
This cafe has awesome food, and is perfect for kids with a huge play area located in its backyard!
This brand new cafe ticks all the boxes!
There’s something for every taste-bud, even the little ones have their own menu.
The food is colourful and bright, immaculately presented and tastes as good as it looks!
Mamma can highly recommend the zucchini fritters, they were amazing.
The staff are friendly and helpful and offer pencils to keep little hands busy.
There are heaps of healthy items on the menu, including smoothies and fresh juices. There are also some decadent offerings like nuttela waffles and salted caramel hotcakes. Mamma can’t wait to come back at lunch time to try the veggie burger - sounds delicious!
The best bit about this cafe, is that is incredibly spacious. There’s seating indoors and out and down the side; with HEAPS of open grass space for kids to run around. Then there is the awesome park that backs on to the cafe. With a bike path, sandpit, flying fox, slide and climbing obstacles.
This is a winner folks!
Mamma's special mention:
Keep the park play happening with one of the biggest slides in the South! Over at Casey Fields Playspace!
via battisti cafe, mt martha
Along side the gorgeous Mt Martha Bay, bask in the sunshine as you sit at an outdoor table and enjoy delicious food!
This is a big call - but Mamma's gonna say it; this cafe serves possibly the BEST muffin that Mamma's crew has tasted! White chocolate and blueberry - do yourselves a favour, and try it!
Along with the amazing muffin, they also serve the cutest little hot chocolates, with a bear made out of foam and a marshmallow, of course!
Along side the gorgeous Mt Martha bay, the scenery is just stunning. Bask in the sunshine as you sit at a table outdoors; make use of the coffee window, too.
Or you can sit indoors and admire the funky decor.
It's quite a busy little cafe- but the staff are very welcoming, attentive and patient. There's a kids menu, and healthy sweet options as well.
Mamma will back for another muffin soon!
Mamma's special mention:
Make sure you visit the stunning Balcombe Estuary Reserves and go on an adventure.
cubbyhouse canteen, armadale
This little treasure is a clubhouse made for little ones, and boy do they know what little kids like!
Mamma may be a little late to the party and has only just discovered the amazing gem that is - Cubbyhouse Canteen. This little treasure is a clubhouse made for little ones, and boy do they know what little kids like! Just check out that babycino for example!
The Cubbyhouse Canteen is located in the Union Street Reserve alongside the tennis club; but, more importantly, is located between two cute playgrounds - one which is directly connected to the cafe, and then a larger playground just opposite.
This truly is such a great, family friendly place - with gorgeous staff and delicious food, including lots of healthy options. (That's IF you can resist the decadent sweets like chocolate chip banana bread - yum!)
Worth noting that they also hold and cater for some magnificent kids parties with the most amazing looking cakes!
Mamma's special mention:
Whilst in Armadale, if you have a little doll lover you just HAVE to visit Florrie Dolls & Cafe!
eeny meeny, frankston
Not only is the food delicious, the coffee amazing, the staff gorgeous and attentive - but the music is terrific, too!
Mamma loves a good breakfast, and this cafe serves a wonderful all day breakfast menu - making it the perfect brunch cafe!
Not only is the food delicious, the coffee amazing, the staff gorgeous and attentive - but the music is also Mamma's favourite - the best of the 70's and 80's! You'll be singing along to the tunes without even realising it!
There is a cute little fish pond out the back that will keep the kids busy, as well as plenty of colouring in options and some toys - meaning you will actually get to enjoy your meal! Oh, and if it is still on offer - you must try out the coffee in a cone option!! Delicious!
Of course, you can't go wrong with smashed avo - this one has a twist, served with corn and black bean salsa and chipotle mayo, yum!
Mamma's special mention
Grab a coffee for the road and head around the corner to peruse the wonderful Robinsons Bookshop - there's free storytime from 11am every Monday.
the nitty gritty
Open
Monday - Sunday 8am - 3pm
toilet facilities (no change table) - room for prams - outside dining - toys/colouring in options for kids
wanna know more?
click here
commonfolk coffee, mornington
Behind this metal roller-door lays a hidden gem; a coffee lover's paradise!
In a suburban industrial street, hidden behind a metal roller-door - is the most funky, arty haven this Mamma has ever seen!
Once you walk in the door you are surrounded by fairy lights, bright decor, hessian sacks, working artists, and an intoxicating aroma of roasting coffee beans.
This cafe doesn't just sell coffee - it roasts it own!
There are also artist rooms available to hire and then sell the art made. They have little viewing windows where cafe patrons can see all the love that goes into making the creations.
It is great for kids, too! The spacious outdoor courtyard has a garden and watering cans scattered around where kids can help water the plants.
Great food and even better coffee - Mamma says you've gotta try this one!
Mamma's special mention
Grab a coffee for the road and head around the corner to The Messy Shed for some more arty fun!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday to Friday
6.30am to 5pm
Saturday- 8am to 5pm
Sunday- 9am to 5pm
wanna know more?
click here
the oakleigh doughnut co, oakleigh
These doughnuts are NO ordinary doughnuts!
In the words of a well known and highly respected food critic, 'mmmmm, doughnuts..'
And these doughnuts are unlike the rest!
Formed around the owners Greek heritage, you will find such delicacies as; the bakladough, galakdough (mamma's favourite!), doughloumba - and other wonderful flavours like, red velvet, strawberry cheesecake and nutella ion!
There's also spectacular coffee - which makes for the perfect accompaniment.
Whilst there may be plenty of doughnut shops around, there aren't many that have the originality of these wonderful creations. The two brother's who own this little shop are most definitely on to a winner here!
Mamma's special mention
Why not get some to take away and enjoy a picnic at the wonderful Booran Reserve not too far away?
daniel's donuts, springvale
Who can resist a decadent, delicious donut? Not this Mamma!
Who can resist a decadent, delicious donut? Not this Mamma!
Whether you love the traditional cinnamon or hot jam donut, or like something more fancy like a peanut butter and jelly, salted caramel and pod encrusted- or my favourite - nutella and kit-kat; this place knows their way around donuts! They are delicious.
What's even better than a shop with over 20 unique flavours to try? It NEVER closes!! That's right, it is open 24/7. Perfect for those late night cravings!
Oh yeah, there is also a bakery part - serving delicious sausage rolls, pies etc.. but who is Mamma kidding - it's all about the DONUT!
Mamma's special mention:
Why not work off some donut and take the kids to the amazing Crocs indoor playcentre not far away?
6-7/819 Princes Hwy
Springvale
