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
reverie cafe & dessert, prahran
Dessert lovers beware! One bite here and you will be hooked!
Dessert lovers beware! One bite here and you will be hooked!
The patisserie is owned by the very charismatic and talented French pastry chef, Pierrick Boyer.
The cafe itself is light and bright, with pink tones and woodgrain finish; complemented with greenery throughout, making it very welcoming.
They provide a kids menu and crayons and different colouring sheets to keep the little ones busy, whilst the big ones can indulge in delicious savoury dishes such as: soft-shell chilli crab scramble, burgers, eggs numerous ways, salads and more!
But let's be honest, the main reason you will be visiting here, is for the delectable desserts!
Where does Mamma even start! With a display cabinet stocked full of delicious hand-made delicacies, the hardest part is making a decision on what to order. Mamma's crew settled on the Hazelnut Soft and Crunchy. This was AMAZING. Like eating a cake-form Ferrero Rocher.
Everything here is delicious. You will definitely want to come back to sample some more!
They also hold regular cooking classes for adults and kids. Keep that in mind for school holiday fun! Mamma is looking forward to Cookies for Kids!
Mamma's special mention:
Run off the energy consumed at the cute little Grattan Reserve, directly next door!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Wednesday - Friday 8am - 3pm
Saturday - Sunday 8.30am - 3pm
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.
two boys one beagle and a coffee shop, frankston
Decked out in a gorgeous blush tone, Two Boys One Beagle Coffee Shop is hiding in a suburban street - Mamma says this is a local fave and a very cute little cafe.
This place is a little hidden treasure!
lush with colours and hiding in a suburban street, you will find this cute little cafe. Mamma says look out - locals love it and it is busy most days - especially on weekends.
Totally kid friendly with colouring sheets, a few toys, high chairs and a kids menu (however, no change table spotted).
It can be a little squishy inside for prams make sure you check the outdoor tables at the front, they can work for prams too. Plus there is a great courtyard out the back with grassy space for the kids to chill or run around on.
There’s a small and delicious menu, as well as a decadent homemade cake cabinet. Yum.
Or why not grab a takeaway coffee and head next door to let the kids play in the little reserve.
Mamma's special mention:
Ready for a bigger play? Head around the corner to the amazing Ballam Park and most definitely check out their sister gift shop Herbert’s Corner, it is right next door!
nice buns, berwick
Nice Buns is the very BEST of all things YOMG - Yo My Goodnes. This innovative Melbourne based biz love to push the envelope with food, dining and stacks of fun. You can even get merch!
If you don’t say “OMG” at least once when you eat at this burger joint, then this kinda food ain’t for you. Nice Buns is the very BEST of all things YOMG - Yo My Goodnes. This innovative Melbourne based biz love to push the envelope with food, dining and stacks of fun. You can even get merch!
Here you’ll find their famous frozen yoghurt, their insane burger menu, shakes that are to-die for (hello raspberry lemon cheesecake!), delicious desserts plus a wall of slushies! On top of this, the menu features the BEST-OF all the past ‘specials’ that have been tried and tested in their standard stores (Fountain Gate, Mornington and Mordialloc) are your next south-side options!). Mamma just HAD to try the Purple People Eater! Yum-ooooo.
The place is super family friendly. The playground alone will be a hit. Kids - or should I say “Little G’s’ - meals are great value and easily shared with two little kiddos. You can even order online from your table so watching the kids is a breeze.
Mamma's special mention: This place is like-totally-so-hot-right-now and the dinner service can be pretty busy so be mindful of when you choose to check our the goods! There is still stacks of room inside and out and you can make a booking ahead of time. If you are looking for a playspace near by, The Old Cheese Factory is just around the corner for a run-around.
The nitty gritty
OPEN
7 days
11am - 11pm
(until midnight Friday and Saturdays)
wanna know more? click here.
roundabout cafe, frankston
There’s delicious food on offer here, with the menu changing with the seasons; including all day breakfast and a kids menu.
Mamma loves this gorgeous little cafe.
Opposite a duck filled lake, you will often find some little feathered friends waddling on by.
There’s delicious food on offer here, with the menu changing with the seasons; including all day breakfast and a kids menu.
It is an extremely family friendly cafe, with plenty of room both inside and outside for prams; and there are high chairs and changing facilities.
There are loads of kids activity books to keep them busy, too. The staff are friendly and happy to help and the coffee is fabulous!
Once you have finished eating, head across the road and walk around the lake, spotting all the gorgeous ducks. Little Miss couldn’t wait for that part!
Do note that they ask you not to feed the ducks - as much as the cheeky little things want you too!
Mamma's special mention:
Grab a takeaway and head around the corner to Witternberg Reserve
The nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Friday
7am - 4pm
Saturday - Sunday
8am - 3pm
wanna know more? click here.
gelato unou, seaford
Mamma’s gonna call it - this may be the BEST ice-cream in the South!
Mamma’s gonna call it - this may just be the BEST ice-cream in the South!
It’s a big call, but this ice-cream is simply amazing.
Hand-made to perfection with flavour combinations that you just can’t find at your regular ice-creamery. Mamma’s favourite is the cremino. This is absolute heaven in your mouth; a mix of coffee, hazelnut and caramel. AMAZING.
All the flavours look incredible, and you can sample some to find the one you want. But be warned, this causes major anxiety in trying to choose just one! Luckily, they allow you to have two flavours in one scoop cones or cups!
Situated across the road from the beach, it’s the perfect spot to retreat to after a stroll or swim.
They also sell delicious frozen desserts and ice-cream cakes; as well as dutch pancakes for the colder days. But let’s be honest… it’s never too cold for ice-cream!
Mamma's special mention:
Feel like burning off some of that sugar? Head around the corner to Bayside Rock Climbing!
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!
cafe del sol, safety beach
Coffee lovers - this is a MUST SEE!
What could be better than sipping on a delicious hot cup of coffee? Doing it by the seaside with fresh air and spectacular views, as the kids play at the playground, of course!
This colourful iconic van is a bundle of goodness, guaranteed to brighten your day! Not only serving fantastic coffee, but also smoothies, shakes, icy poles, toasted sangas - even smashed avo on sourdough!
Pull up a milk crate, take in the gorgeous bay views surrounding you and let the kids play at the playground or down on the sand.
Such a cool spot to stop and unwind and breathe in the beauty of the Peninsula.
Mamma's special mention:
Keep the good times rolling and make a day of it by heading up the road to the awesome Enchanted Adventure Garden.
The nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Sunday
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
toilet facilities - parking
wanna know more?
click here
chocolate grove, carrum downs
There's no secret that Mamma LOVES chocolate. So upon discovering that there is a chocolate shop nearby, it was a MUST to visit.
It's no secret that Mamma LOVES chocolate. So upon discovering that there is a chocolate shop nearby, it was simply a MUST to visit.
These chocolates are homemade and delicious and the prices are great.
Little Miss could not WAIT to get her hands on a giant Smartie pizza! Mamma can't go past the white chocolate raspberries. YUM!
There are lot of novelty chocolates like footballs, Transformers, chickens and Easter eggs all year round!
Perfect for that last minute gift! But let's be honest - there doesn't have to be a special occasion to drop in!
It is also a small living history museum of sorts, providing information and graphic designs/packaging of chocolate bars of the past.
NOTE - NOW with an ONLINE shop available!
Mamma's special mention:
Looking to burn off some of that sugar? Head up the road to Gravity Zone
The nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Friday
8am - 5pm
Saturday
12pm - 4pm
Sunday - closed
wanna know more?
click here
click here for more great eats in Melbourne's South
acai brothers, langwarrin
Taste a rainbow of fresh flavours!
This place really makes you feel like you are tasting a rainbow!
There's nothing more appealing to this Mamma than a big bowl of fresh fruit - especially when it is sprinkled with chocolate, of the healthy variety, of course.
Acai brothers have only recently launched their new location in Langwarrin; but it seems they have have already proven to be popular, with lines out the door!
It easy to see why. Delicious, healthy food and shakes - and even something a little more decadent in the form of raw treats.
Mamma had a tough job trying to choose what to order - but finally settled on the Choc Treat Yo self bowl and The Incredible Hulk smoothie - delicious!! Will most certainly be back very soon, the Espresso Bliss smoothie is calling Mamma's name.
Mamma's special mention:
Grab something to take away and head across the road to the awesome Loyd Park Reserve.