trinity, st kilda
What a STUNNING place this is! The perfect spot for the whole fam - even the furry kids can join in on the fun.
What a STUNNING place this is! The perfect spot for the whole fam - even the furry kids can join in on the fun.
This new space, in what was once a historic church hall, is now home to a spectacular pub/beer hall/food truck park! It even has a fantastic fenced-in marine themed playground- including a boat and cubbyhouse - in the back courtyard!
There are multiple seating areas - so pick a spot depending on what vibe you are after. The rear courtyard has some shaded tables out near the playground, the front food truck outside area is a relaxed environment where your doggos can join you; inside the stunning bar has velvet booths, and lots of bar tables to sit around - or upstairs in the mezzanine area is the perfect function area, with red velvet curtains and velvet chairs, it’s super cool. Or you can also chill out in the Hideaway room for a more intimate feel.
The bar offers 12 beers on tap and an extensive cocktail list - Mamma can recommend their signature cocktail, the Holy Trinity - DELICIOUS!
The food trucks rotate and there’s also live music on certain days - so keep an eye on their socials for updates.
the nitty gritty
Open
Mon - Wed 5pm - 10pm
Thursday - 12pm- 11pm
Friday/Sat 12pm - 1am
Sunday 12pm - 11pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Grab a drink to go and head to the St Kilda Botanical Gardens
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
saska cafe, beaumaris
Mamma loves a bright and spacious cafe, especially one that has a kids corner!
Mamma loves a bright and spacious cafe, especially one that has a kids corner!
This gorgeous corner cafe has an abundance of light and a heap of character - not to mention DELICIOUS food! There’s 3 different dining spaces; you can sit out the front where there are umbrellas and heating, inside the cafe or out the back in the courtyard.
The kids can be entertained with the little play nook next to the stairs. There’s a little kitchen, heaps of toys and books - and also pencils and paper provided at the tables, too (just ask the lovely waiters).
Keep your eyes posted on their special Friday night events where you can enjoy dinner and live music and the kids can sit upstairs on the comfy beanbags and watch a movie!
The staff are super lovely and the food here is amazing. From the kids breaky bowl (such generous sizes) to the burgers and fish tacos! Simply scrumptious.
the nitty gritty
Open
Monday - Thursday
6am - 4pm
Friday
6am - 10pm
Saturday- Sunday
7am - 3pm
wanna know more?
click here
359 Balcombe Rd, Beaumaris 3193
Mamma's special mention:
Head down the road for a play at Banksia Reserve Playground or Beaumaris Reserve Playground.
that spirited lot, seaford
Sit in a cosy little bar, enjoy a cocktail or spirit flight, a cheese board or a toastie, whilst hearing all about the distillery process from their delightful staff.
That Spirited Lot is a small-batch distillery, tucked away in a little warehouse in Seaford. They specialise in gin, and recently - vodka, and it is AMAZING!
It’s made with patience and care, by passionate brothers, whose love and knowledge of the industry is clearly evident.
You can now sit in a cosy little bar, enjoy a cocktail or spirit flight, a cheese board or a toastie, whilst hearing all about the process from their delightful staff.
Mamma recommends getting the spirit flight as it is a great way to sample the many different flavoured spirits on offer. Top pick is the Grandfather Vodka - which is flavoured with Commonfolk coffee beans and is just perfection - and of course you can’t go past their awarding winning Ninch Dry Gin - spectacular.
They also serve (and sell take home bottles) of delicious home-made soda, which is made right there in the distillery. A lower sugar and much tastier alternative to traditional soft-drinks, and is the perfect accompaniment to the delicious spirits!
This is the perfect spot for a relaxed drink with the girls - a date day or you could bring your kids, too - as there are sodas and toasties they can eat - just bring a colouring book for them so they don’t run around - as the space is quite small.
This is a family-run business and you just couldn’t meet a nicer bunch of people! Head down there, have a chat and check out all that they offer.
Mamma's special mention:
Get a delicious soda mixer from the delicious Peninsula BLVD.
the nitty gritty
Open
Wednesday to Friday
12pm - 6pm
Saturday/Sunday
12pm - 5pm
Bookings online
wanna know more?
click here
brighton soul, brighton
This cute cafe will most certainly brighten your soul after some tasty and impressively presented food and drinks!
This cute cafe will most certainly brighten your soul after some tasty and impressively presented food and drinks!
Everything about this place just screams to be photographed! From the neon lights, glitter balls hanging from the ceilings and graffiti art walls to the coloured iced drinks and decadent dishes of incredible food!
With an all day breakfast menu offering up such things as ‘smoked eggs benny’ that arrives literally smoking in a glass dome - and the ‘teddy bear’ which is a delicious bowl of baked granola, vanilla custard, strawberry sorbet and seasonal fruit. And lunch menu serving up prawn tacos, Mongolian beef and lobster rolls as a few examples!
The kids are also covered with their own menu (which they can colour in) and some buckets of toys to play with, too!
There’s two levels and a courtyard - each with a different theme and gorgeous wall art. Makes this the perfect experience to ignite all your senses! Oh, and the coffee is perfection too!
deoro by the bay, hastings
This may just be one of your new favourite spots to eat on the Peninsula!
This may just be one of your new favourite spots to eat on the Peninsula!
With the stunning marine views encased by huge palm trees, the large open grassy space for kids to run and play with supplied building blocks, the gorgeous stone building, the delicious food, the cosy front bar and throw in special Mums and Bubs days, and - it is a WINNER!
Inside the spacious restaurant, there’s heaps of room for prams, making it the perfect location for their Wednesday and Thursday Mums and Bubs days. There is a special lunch menu on these days, as well as cute ‘teddycinnos’ for the little ones.
You can sit outside and the kids can run around on the sprawling grass while you take in the bay views, sunshine and enjoy a hot coffee (or cold wine!). The kids can be kept busy with provided colouring books, some games and blocks.
Make sure you check this one out and book ahead, as it will get busy!
nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday/Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday - Thursday 11:30am - 3:00pm
Then 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Friday 11:30am to 3:00pm
then 5:30pm to 10:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am - 10:00pm
Sunday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
21 Skinner Street, Hastings, 3915
Wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Head down the road to the awesome Fred Smith Reserve for a play and skate!
oliver's corner, frankston
Welcome to your new favourite hang out!
This BRAND new cafe is sure to become your favourite! Right on the foreshore of the beautiful Frankston Beach, overlooking the pier and Oliver’s Hill - it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee (or cocktail), take in the stunning views - especially the sunset, and the kids can play on the sand!
Or if it’s too cold to enjoy the outdoors, sit inside in the warmth and enjoy the views from floor to ceiling windows.
There’s a great menu - with breakfast options, burgers, pizzas, salads and lots more, plus delicious coffee and an extensive wine/cocktail list too!
It’s the perfect spot to catch up with friends, have a family meal or enjoy date night! With spectacular views - you can even see the city on clear days, great service and yummy food - it is sure to be a winner!
nitty gritty
OPEN
Open 7 days
10am - sunset
Frankston Yacht Club, Long Island Drive Frankston
Wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Grab some food and a coffee to go and head to Frankston Foreshore Playground
the st kilda dispensary, st kilda
This place sure does dispense happiness! They will prescribe just the right script for whatever ails you.
As the name implies - this unique cafe is the site of the old St Kilda Dispensary, therefore it’s fitting the owners have kept with the medical theme.
This place sure does dispense happiness! They will prescribe just the right script for whatever ails you. Desperate for your coffee fix? All sorts of delicious brews are on offer. Had a big night? Let Doctor phyll take care of you - a delicious green smoothie served up in a beaker!
The food is delicious offering all day breakfast with options like dukka eggs on toast, egg and bacon rolls, flatbread toasties, delicious corn fritters, soups and more.
The vibe here is just so cool from the vintage medical-themed decor and funky music, to the hanging lightbulbs and great service.
At the counter you can grab some fresh pastries, cookies, doggy biscuits and bring home some medicine (a chocolate bar) to manage the “man flu!”
It’s definitely worth filling your prescription here!
nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Friday
7am - 2.30pm
Saturday - Sunday
8am -2.30pm
13-15 Brighton Rd, St Kilda, 3182
Wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Grab some food and a coffee to go and head down the road to Botanic Gardens Or keep the family fun going with a bit of arty fun at Glaze It.
sunnyside sliced, mentone
Just wow. This place has the BIGGEST pizza this Mamma has ever seen!
Just wow. This place has the BIGGEST pizza this Mamma has ever seen!
Newly opened, Sunnyside has already established a name for itself as one of the best pizza places in Melbourne - and it’s easy to see why!
Serving up the most deliciously cheesy, New York inspired hand-stretched pizza - by the slice or you can order the whole pie (be hungry!) You can get thin-based or deep dish, with flavours like Sunnyside cheese, Pepperoni, White Truffle and Hella Honey to name a few!
.You can sit inside on some bench seats and enjoy the aroma and ambience of NY themed wall hangings and merch, whilst watching the chefs prepare the pizzas behind a glass booth.
Or, sit outside in the huge courtyard with such a cool vibe - tunes pumping, a heap of space and even a cocktail bar! The kids will love the Ninja Turtles painting on the wall, and everyone will love the under cover marquee, with heaters to keep you nice and cosy in all weather.
You can even buy a slice to go - from the window in the front of the shop. If you’re a pizza connoisseur - you NEED to give this place a visit!
nitty gritty
OPEN
Wed-Thursday 12pm - 9pm
Fri/Sat 12pm - 10pm
Sunday - 12pm - 9pm
34 Como Parade W, Mentone, 3194
Wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Run off all that doughy goodness at Illaroo Reserve Playground
toast it!, moorabbin
There’s a toastie for everyone here, with gluten free breads, multiple vegetarian and vegan options!
Toast It! is located down the street from Moorabbin train station, just off Nepean Highway… meaning it’s super easy to access on your way to just about anywhere! It has limited seating inside and out, so unless you’re lucky enough to knab a spot, plan on getting takeaway and enjoying your toasties at a park nearby - Moorabbin Reserve is right around the corner.
There’s a toastie for everyone here, with gluten free breads, multiple vegetarian and vegan options as well as some classic fillings like chicken schnitzel with THREE types of cheese, tarragon, avocado, roasted capsicum, mayo and salt flakes. Why do salt flakes on top of a toasted sandwich heighten them to a whole new level of YUM?! There’s also a great range of hot and cold drinks to choose from to accompany your generously sized (Mamma’s talking huge!) sandwich.
And let’s not forget the kids! They have seven different toasties to choose from such as cheese and vegemite, ham, cheese and tomato and there’s even a NUTELLA one if you’re feeling up to it. Ie. chasing them around the park later.
nitty gritty
OPEN
7am to 3pm Mon-Fri
7.30am to 3pm Sat
8am to 3pm Sun
Wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Head on over to Moorabbin Reserve to enjoy a picnic lunch and burn off that energy!
the 1985 kafe, clayton south
If you’re looking for a delicious warm drink with a side if tasty cute cakes - you have found the spot!
If you’re looking for a delicious warm drink with a side of tasty cute cakes - you have found the spot!
This cute little coffee shop has an extensive list of drinks that are both equally impressive in taste as they are in looks. Here you will find your regular delicious coffee and tea - plus their ‘signature fusion lattes’ which include a variety of matcha lattes - even a sweet potato latte! There’s also some great iced lemonades with spectacular colours.
THEN there are the gorgeous miniature desserts. These include an assortment of cheesecakes, pastries, cookies, panacotta, matcha shortcake and more. PLUS you can also get some scrumptious Onigiri - Japanese rice balls, yum!
nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Sunday
8am - 4pm
Wanna know more?
click here
59 Springs Rd, Clayton South, 3169
Mamma's special mention:
Grab your drink and treat to go and head up the road to the awesome Namatjira Playground for a play!
toppings & tea, springvale
There’s a BRAND NEW store - the one and ONLY do-it-yourself bubble tea in Melbourne, and it is right here in the SOUTH!
Here’s some tea!
There’s a BRAND NEW store - the one and ONLY do-it-yourself bubble tea in Melbourne, and it is right here in the SOUTH!
This great spot allows you to make your very own personalised tea, choosing from a dozen flavoured teas - and load up with an UNLIMTED amount of toppings.
Here’s how it works - choose your cup size, select from an assortment of toppings such as rainbow jelly, popping pearls, puddings and more - then add some ice, fill it up with your tea of preference, hand it to back to get sealed up and voila! Your very own personalised bubble tea!
If you’re not sure what flavour tea you’d like - you can get a little sample cup and test them out!
The kids will love the experience!
nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday-Thursday 10am - 9pm
Friday 10am - 10pm
Saturday 9.30am -10pm
Sunday 9.30am - 9pm
Wanna know more?
click here
33A Buckingham Ave, Springvale, 3171
Mamma's special mention:
Grab your drink and head to Springvale Community Playground for a play!
spanish bar, seaford
Here’s a place the whole family will love! So funky and versatile that you can come for a family lunch - date night - or drink with the girls and get the perfect vibe each time.
Here’s a place the whole family will love! So funky and versatile that you can come for a family lunch, date night or drink with the girls and get the perfect vibe each time.
On the weekends, enjoy the beautiful courtyard, enclosed with heaters in the cold weather, with a great little kids corner set up. (Groups can request to sit out in the courtyard on weekdays with prior organisation - pending staff availability.)
Along with the vibrant decor, there’s a delicious menu - offering breakfast, tapas, separate kids menu and an extensive cocktail list!
Of course, it’s hard to resist the churros that comes with chocolate and dulce de leche sauce - yum!
The kids will love the location too, being opposite a duck-filled lake AND a train line!
This place is a local favourite, it has even had pop royalty - P!NK visit on her last tour, with the chair she sat on commemorated. (Mamma’s crew even saw her ride off on her motorbike after the visit, they were very excited!).
nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday/Tuesday 9am - 2pm
Wednesday - Friday
11am - 9pm
Saturday 9am -9pm
Sunday 9am - 4pm
Wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention: Grab a coffee and head for a play at Keast Park Playground down the road.
popkin's artistan popcorn, elwood
Are you ready to taste THE most AMAZING artisan popcorn?! Well get set, cos you’re in for a TREAT!
Are you ready to taste THE most AMAZING artisan popcorn?! Well get set, cos you’re in for a TREAT!
This new ‘popcornery’ specialises in the most deliciously crisp and tasty small batch popcorn. It’s made fresh daily, with a range of flavours. Mamma’s fave is the Caramel Gold, this is sweet and crunchy and very moreish! Mamma’s crew couldn’t decide between the Buttery or the Country Cheddar as their faves - both are equally delectable.
You are free to sample whichever flavour you like - so give them a try! The Chilli and Cheddar and the Chocolate Gold are also amazing.
You can pick up some old fashioned sodas and Choc Tops as well - all the essentials for your next movie night or picnic!
Mamma's special mention: Grab some popcorn and head for a picnic at St Kilda Botanical Gardens
kaiju cantina, huntingdale
Mamma can’t decide what is better - the cool paintings on the wall, the great tasting beer OR the cool van-slash-kid magnet at the NEW Kaiju Cantina!
Mamma can’t decide what is better - the cool paintings on the wall, the great tasting beer OR the cool van-slash-kid magnet at the NEW Kaiju Cantina! These magical ingredients work so well together, making the brewery space a great place to visit with the family.
The Cantina specialise in pizzas and they know how to feed a crowd. We can recommend Cheeseburger and the Calabrese, plus the crew gets a double thumbs up as they have kids options too. The dining area is super laid back, with beer-hall style tables, more intimate booths and even an outdoor roadside zone for those awesome summer arvos.
Oh, how could we forget, the cantina has 16 taps of the brewed stuff as well. You have to try a few of the different beers from the Kaiju range. There are some cool flavours you might not find elsewhere - so HOP to it, and book a table for the crew today!
Mamma's special mention: Head down the road for a play at the colourful Galbally Reserve
nitty gritty
OPEN
Wednesday and Thursdays
4pm - late
Friday - Sunday
12 pm - Late
Wanna know more?
click here
dandee donuts extra, cranbourne west
How good are these delicious morsels dusted in sugar and pumped full of sweet, warm raspberry jam!
How good are hot jam donuts? Little delicious morsels dusted in sugar and pumped full of sweet, warm raspberry jam! Mamma could be wrong, but arguably the absolute BEST jam donuts are those from the Dandenong Market! Well - good news folks! You don’t need to head into the market JUST to get donuts anymore!
You can head to Dandee Donuts Extra in Cranbourne! Serving their much loved Hot Jam donuts - and more.
Along with the absolute delectable hot jam donuts, they also have iced donuts of assorted colours and toppings, hot filled donuts - with nutella/custard, donut sundaes, mini donuts and even a Tim Tam donut burger!
And vegan and gluten free donut lovers are catered for as well.
Everyone is a winner here!
Mamma's special mention: Grab some to go and head to the awesome Trueman Reserve Playground.
nitty gritty
Sunday to Thursdays: 10am-5pm
Fridays: 10am-8pm
Saturdays: 9am-8pm
Public Holidays: 10.30am-4.30pm
Wanna know more?
click here
grazing moments, cranbourne west
This BRILLIANT new shop lets you choose your own masterpiece while they make it up right before your eyes! How good is that?!
If you thought grazing boxes were something you had to pre-order and have delivered - think again!
This BRILLIANT new shop lets you choose your own masterpiece while they make it up right before your eyes! How good is that?! If you’re off on a picnic - stop in on the way! Need to surprise someone with a last minute gift? No worries - they have you sorted. They also offer a two-hour same day delivery service, too.
You can choose from a savoury, sweet or a mixed box and can even get a little lunch pack or sweet box for one. As well as Commonfolk coffee and a cupcake!
You can pick up some gifts to go along with the grazing box, like locally made candles, gift-boxed macarons, wine, dried flowers and even purchase a gorgeous picnic blanket or wooden grazing board.
There will soon be the option to order little kids packs - perfect for parties and picnic lunches too!
Mamma's special mention:
Choose your box and head down the road to the awesome fully-fenced Livvi’s Place Playground.
nitty gritty
Delivery Hours
Monday - Closed
Tuesday- Wednesday 10am-3pm
Thursday - Saturday
10am-5pm
Sunday 10am-3pm
Pickup Hours
Monday - Closed
Tuesday - Saturday
10am-5pm
Sunday 10am-3pm
Wanna know more?
click here
stomping ground, moorabbin
Here’s the perfect spot for the whole family - even the fury kids are welcome!
Here’s the perfect spot for the whole family - even the furry kids are welcome! Whether you’re after lunch, dinner or just a laid back Sunday session - you’ve found your place.
Having recently opened their new permanent brewery and beer hall, it is already proving to be a favourite with the locals, and it is easy to see why!
Great food (the pizzas!!), great beer and a GREAT play area for the kids.
There is a multi-level cubby house that has a slide and rope swing on the bottom level, a busy-board on the wall inside and a lookout. Whilst the levels are quite minimal, it is a great chance for imaginative play! Note that inside the cubby house is recommended for kids 5+
So while the kids are busy playing, you can sit back and sample some of their 25+ rotating craft beers on tap, sit out on the sundeck or beer garden, play some shuffl board and have a delicious meal.
Mamma's special mention:
Head down the road to have a play at Karkarook Playground.
nitty gritty
OPEN
Sunday - Thursday
11.30am - 11.30pm
Friday/Saturday
11.30am - 1am
Wanna know more?
click here
Morris Moor Building
9 Cochranes Rd, Moorabbin
fratelli italian restaurant, frankston
Mamma has been to Italy and has eaten spaghetti in Rome and Pizza in Venice and yes it was incredible - BUT - have you tried Fratelli’s in Frankston?
If you don’t know many Italian words, make sure you know this one - Bellissimo - as this is what you will be saying after one of these delicious meals touches your tastebuds.
Mamma has been to Italy and eaten spaghetti in Rome and Pizza in Venice and yes it was incredible - BUT - have you tried Fratelli’s in Frankston? If not - check it out!
This restaurant has been owned and operated by a gorgeous family since 2008, who pride themselves on humble Italian classics that the whole family will LOVE.
There’s a great kids menu with very generous servings and incredible flavours (get the spaghetti!) and an extensive menu full of amazing pizzas, delectable pastas, tender ribs, salads, cocktails, GELATO and heaps more. PLUS - every Wednesday night kids meals are FREE with a main meal purchased!
You can sit outside - undercover - and listen to the water trickle from fountain, relax on the lounge suite or sit inside in some booth-style tables. There’s also great take-away options.
Mamma's special mention: If you need a play before/after your meal head across the road to Ballam Park.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday to Sunday
11:00am – 10:00PM
cafe omnia, murrumbeena
A cafe with the kids in mind, that’s what this Mamma loves... and Cafe Omnia ticks all the boxes.
A cafe with the kids in mind, that’s what this Mamma loves... and Cafe Omnia ticks all the boxes.
Once you’ve taken a pic of the insta worthy flower wall and checked out the delicious looking pastries and sandwiches at the counter, make your way out the back to the sun lit courtyard featuring a cubby house, slide and grassed area that will be hard to get your child back from - trust Mamma!
The coffee is good and the food has a great selection from wellness bowls to calamari salads to oozing truffled mushroom toasties!
The kids have a broad range of options too - if you can get them back to the table long enough to eat!
Mamma's special mention: head down the road and explore Urban Forest!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Sunday
7am - 3pm