the prince public bar, st kilda
The Prince Public Bar transformed from what it was quite a few years ago now, but still feels authentic and familiar. It’s relaxed, and open and welcoming, with the stunning curved bar and the cozy family friendly dining section.!
Ahh, Mamma recalls frequenting this establishment back in the day! Some very good times were had here pre kids…and NOW we can bring them here for some new memories!
The Prince Public Bar transformed from what it was, quite a few years ago now, but still feels authentic and familiar. It’s relaxed, and open and welcoming, with the stunning curved bar and the cozy family friendly dining section.
You will find PLENTY of options on the menu - both for kids and adults. With the kiddos VERY impressed with both the burger and fish fingers (these kids can be picky!). And the adults…my goodness we were blown away with our meals - our general go-to of steak and also seafood linguine were the best we have had since we can remember. So tasty and well prepared. The staff were lovely and attentive and we cannot recommend a visit here more - lovely in the summer and cozy in the winter - we will be back!
The nitty gritty
OPEN
Mon-Fri 7am-late
Sat-Sun 8am-late
Kids menu - park in carpark in Jackson Street
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
The Rain Room is right here!
bad shepherd brewing co, cheltenham
Mamma loves a suburban brewery and this one is anything but “bad”.
Mamma loves a suburban brewery and this one is anything but “bad”. On the edge of Cheltenham’s industrial and residential precincts, Bad Shepherd Brewing Co has been slinging beers and filling bellies since 2015.
With a rotating tap list of 17 in-house beers and a mouth watering menu of comforting American BBQ classics, it’s easy to understand why Bad Shepherd is a favourite amongst locals.
Sit back and relax with a pint while the kids entertain themselves in the cubby house or grab one of the many board games available and duke it out with the fam over a BBQ platter.
The food here is SO good. Mamma dreams about their brisket and pulled pork while the littlies absolutely devour the corn ribs, chicken and chips and, obviously, the cookies and cream cheesecake.
The good news - their opening times are conducive to early family dinners, so feeding the kids by 5 is not a problem here. If you’ve hit mid week and the idea of rustling up a meal for the fam feels like a bridge too far, Mamma recommends taking advantage of Bad Shepherd’s 50c Wednesday Wings (from 5pm until sold out). With 23 flavours to choose from, it won’t be hard to keep everyone happy!
The nitty gritty
386 Reserve Rd, Cheltenham VIC 3192
OPEN
Monday and Tuesday
4pm - 11pm
Wednesday and Thursday
12pm - 11pm
Friday and Saturday
12pm - 12am
Sunday
12pm - 9pm
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
Head to Cheltenham park reserve and playground and keep the family fun going.
mr pappardelle @ karingal hub, frankston
There’s a new family friendly Italian restaurant on the block in the Karingal Hub entertainment precinct, and if you love pasta - you will love Mr Pappardelle!
There’s a new family friendly Italian restaurant on the block in the Karingal Hub entertainment precinct, and if you love pasta - you will love Mr Pappardelle!
Serving up giant bowls of al dente, silky pappardelle ribbons, with sauces such as; creamy carbonara, woodfired chicken and pesto, marinara - and more! The kids will also enjoy generous servings of meatballs, bolognaise, chicken and chips - and pizza!
There is also an extensive list of wood-fire pizzas, salads, parmas and if your stomach allows - top it all off with a decadent dessert like tiramisu, cannoli or a Nutella calzone! Your tastebuds will thank you!
The restaurant has little booths, pink neon lighting, checkerboard flooring and a very relaxed vibe! Staff are lovely and the food is delicious - making it the perfect spot for a family meal!
- Note: they are currently awaiting a liquor license.
The nitty gritty
S207/330 Cranbourne Rd, Frankston 3199
Karingal Hub (near the Village cinemas)
OPEN
Sunday - Thursday
11am - 9pm
Friday - Saturday
11am - 9.30pm
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
Check out the awesome Happy Camp Playground out the front after your meal!
lennox 3188, hampton
Lennox covers all bases. Family friendly with a cubby house and toys outside in the back courtyard and a kids menu. Doggos are also welcome.
Lennox 3188 is a gorgeous coastal themed cafe in Hampton, offering a calming vibe and a visual delight. The owners vision was to bring a bit of Bryon to Bayside Melb!
Lennox covers all bases. Family friendly with a cubby house and toys outside in the back courtyard and a kids menu. Doggos are also welcome. There’s two shaded, white-stone covered courtyards - one out the front and the other out the back. The inside is crisp white decked out with neutral colours and comfy chairs - there’s even a little fire place in the middle. The atmopshere is very welcoming.
There’s a great all day brunch menu offering colourful acai bowls, cold-pressed juices, smoothies and a range of salads - as well as your standard brekky options - yummy bacon and egg rolls, avo toast and fresh pastries.
It’s the perfect spot for lunch with the kids (and fur kids!) a date day or a catch up with the girls!
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
There’s the wonderfully cute Wishart Reserve - which is a farm yard themed playground - as well as a fully-fenced dog park - around the corner!
frank's, cheltenham
Hiding down a quiet residential shopping strip, Frank’s is a cafe loved by locals and the Cheltenham community at large. Sit back and relax with a coffee while the little ones peruse the dedicated kids menu, which also doubles as a fun colouring page.
Hiding down a quiet residential shopping strip, Frank’s is a cafe loved by locals and the Cheltenham community at large.
Sit back and relax with a coffee (or their aptly named Frank’s Extraordinary Coffee Thick Shake) while the little ones peruse the dedicated kids menu, which also doubles as a fun colouring page.
From simple Coco Pops or fruit salad to the more substantial chicken and chips or ham, cheese and tomato toastie, even the pickiest of eaters are catered for. Mamma’s little one (unsurprisingly) jumped at the kid’s waffle with ice cream and chocolate sauce.
Their ‘grown ups’ menu is decidedly more savoury (this mamma couldn’t go past the Crispy Pork Belly Benedict), though the treats cabinet by the front counter will sort out any cravings your sweet tooth may have. With vegetarian, vegan and gluten/dairy friendly options on hand, Frank’s truly has something for everyone.
In a rush? Order ahead of time from their “grab and go” menu via the website and pick up at the front window en rout to your next adventure!
The nitty gritty
97 Cavanagh St, Cheltenham 3192
OPEN
Monday - Friday
7am - 3pm
Weekends
8am - 3pm
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
Once your bellies are full, take a short walk down the road to Friendship Square Reserve Playground.
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
red gum bbq at home, seaford
Great news all of you BBQ lovers, the amazing Red Gum BBQ have spread their delicious wings and are now offering delectable BBQ goodness to take-away in Seaford!
Great news all of you BBQ lovers, the amazing Red Gum BBQ have spread their delicious wings and are now offering delectable BBQ goodness to take-away in Seaford!
The crew have only JUST opened their doors and getting the feel of things, but already are proving to be extremely popular with the locals, and it isn’t hard to see why once you have tasted their mouth-watering burgers and fries!
Currently on offer are brisket, beef, mushroom and - Mamma’s fave - southern-fried chicken burgers - all of which are packed full of creamy coleslaw and cheese.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Red Gum BBQ if you couldn’t pick up some of their famous sauces and rubs! Shelves are stocked with all the goodies and they are made right there onsite. And watch this space as they grow, as very soon you will also be able to takeaway some of their BBQ meats as well.
This store also offers catering - which is perfect for all your picnic, party or work functions! Check out more about catering on their website - and don’t forget - you can still enjoy all the goodness of the Red Gum BBQ Red Hill venue!
The nitty gritty
21 Rutherford Rd, Seaford 3198
OPEN
Monday - Friday 11am - 4pm
Take away - a few seats in store.
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mentions:
Just down the road you burn off some energy at Gravity Zone!
la cabra mexican, mornington
La Cabra Mexican is the latest restaurant to salsa its way into Main Street Mornington. This place is bright, fun and incredibly tasty!
La Cabra Mexican is the latest family friendly restaurant to salsa its way into Main Street Mornington. This place is bright, fun and incredibly tasty!
Jump into a pink booth and nestle in amongst the wall art, neon lights and hanging plants, to feast on some delicious fajitas, enchiladas, nachos and so much more - even burgers!
The kids have their own menu and can choose from items like cheesey quesidillas, tacos, burgers and even fish and chips!
You wont go thirsty here either, with an extensive list of cocktails (with great happy hour deals!), mocktails and mexican sodas.
So if you’re in the mood for a Mexican feast, treat your tastebuds and check it out!
The nitty gritty
OPEN
Sunday - Thursday
11am - 9pm
Friday - Saturday
11am - 12am
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mentions:
Mornington Park playground is not far away to burn off excess energy!
the store, ventnor - phillip island
Make sure you add the family and dog-friendly The Store in Ventnor Phillip to your list next time you visit Phillip Island!
The Store in Ventnor, Phillip Island is simply magical. Sitting outside in the umbrella-shaded courtyard, with rolling cow-filled fields on one side, and huge trees on the other, fuelled with great coffee and yummy food - it’s serenity amplified!
With a menu offering delicious sourdough smashed avo, gourmet toasties, pastries- including a great range of gluten free options- and a kids menu, everyone will find something that tickles their tastebuds.
Then you have the games and a box full of toys for the kids - even some trucks for those little hands to vroom around, which means you can actually enjoy your meal and take in the peace of this gorgeous little cafe.
If the weather isn’t courtyard friendly, there’s also a cosy little indoor area, with a window overlooking the fields.
What’s more, it’s dog-friendly, even offering a puppy library with toys! You can also pick up some gourmet locally-produced groceries, flowers and fresh produce.
Make sure you add it to your list next time you visit Phillip Island!
sebby's scrolls, caulfield south
Who doesn’t love to eat super-soft layers of dough, cinnamon and caramelised brown sugar topped with cream cheese icing?!
Mamma LOVES Sebby’s Scrolls!
Sebby’s Scrolls is one of the best things to have come out of Melbourne’s COVID lockdowns. Head on down to Caulfield South and you’ll find a small ‘hole in the wall’ style operation with the most delicious cinnamon scrolls this Mamma has ever tasted.
Who doesn’t love to eat super-soft layers of dough, cinnamon and caramelised brown sugar topped with cream cheese icing?! Sebby’s also releases special flavours on occasions but the cinnamon is their staple.
They’ve just also recently opened a takeaway window serving Allpress coffee to go with your scroll! YUM!
While you wait, your little ones will be mesmerised watching the Sebby’s team making the scrolls on site through large windows that surround the kitchen.
Mamma also really loves the gorgeous garden and seating area right next to Sebby’s, so you and the kids can have your coffee and a scroll in the sun nearby.
Sebby’s is a must visit - your little ones (and Mamma) will not regret the visit!
The nitty gritty
367 North Rd, Caulfield South 3162
OPEN
Wednesday - Saturday 7am - 2pm
Saturday
7.30am - 1.30pm or until sold out
closed Monday and Tuesday
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mentions:
Grab some to go and enjoy a picnic at the fabulous Princes Park
humble merchant, clyde north
The Humble Merchant in Clyde North is a great family friendly cafe, located directly next to the fabulous Fresco Place Playground.
The Humble Merchant in Clyde North is a great family friendly cafe, located directly across the road to the fabulous Fresco Place Playground.
There are a few tables inside or grab some to go and head across to the playground to enjoy. They make it easy with little kids lunchbox style packs, toasties, delicious pastries, yummy coffee and even fruit slushies!
The locals are very spoilt to have this great spot, being part of a community centre that also offers a little book library and lounge area (with playstation!) as well.
Its the perfect location for some yummy snacks and a great start for a playground journey of Clyde!
The nitty gritty
16 Playwright St, Clyde North, 3978
OPEN
Tuesday - Friday 7am - 2pm
Saturday - Sunday
8am - 2pm
closed Monday
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mentions:
Right next door is the fabulous Fresco Place Playground!
yo gainz, carrum
Top up your bowl with decadent treats like M&Ms, Oreo cookies, chocolate flakes, gummy bears and brownie bites - or opt for some healthier additions like fresh fruit, coconut and granola
Perfectly located beside the beach and an awesome playground, is Yo Gainz in Carrum, where you can indulge in self-serve protein packed frozen yoghurt, acai AND bubble tea!
It’s the perfect spot to fill up on refreshing fruity or milky tea - with flavours like appple, grape and strawberry and then popping in your own boba (the kids favourite!), or select from 10 rotating flavours of frozen yoghurt - including two dairy-free options and DELICIOUS acai berry.
Then top up your bowl with decadent treats like M&Ms, Oreo cookies, chocolate flakes, gummy bears and brownie bites - or opt for some healthier additions like fresh fruit, coconut and granola. Finish it off with a dash of nutella or peanut butter and your taste buds will be in heaven!
There’s some seating instore and tables out the front and side of the shop - or head a few meters towards the sand on the glorious Carrum beach!
The nitty gritty
OPEN
Tuesday - Friday 12pm - 8pm
Saturday - Sunday
11am - 8pm
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mentions:
Grab some to go and head 100m down the road to the awesome Carrum Beach Playground!
tricky wicket, malvern
We don’t like cricket - we LOVE IT! Not only does this venue pump out exceptional food with beautiful service, it allows the whole family an opportunity to test their batting skills in the nets.
*Tricky Wicket is now closed*
Be prepared to be hit for six! Tricky Wicket on Glenferrie Road in Malvern has to be one of the coolest concepts we have come across. Not only does this venue pump out exceptional food with beautiful service, it allows the whole family an opportunity to test their batting skills in the nets.
So the concept is simple. Book in a session via the QR code on the table, head to the nets with a bat and prepare to face a couple of overs. You can select your level (backyard is the easiest) and your bowler (Po from Kung Fu Panda is the coolest choice!) - then you are away. The screen is synced in time with the bowling machine so it looks like you are facing a real bowler. When (…or if) you connect with the ball, the machine calculates the number of runs made and keeps track for you.
Mamma’s 5 year old hasn’t had much cricket practice so found the whole process a little tricky, but he did manage 12 runs over 24 balls. Not bad and we still had a good giggle! Sessions start at $10 for two overs.
Now back to the food! The menu here is not your typical indoor sports venue or MCG kiosk. This is top notch pub grub. You can go full steakhouse style for dinner, pick a delicious main, or spread out the love and grab a whole bunch of appetisers like Mamma (who can never commit to one type of order!). The flavours have a unique mix of international dishes from all the wonderful cricket playing nations. The papadum tacos are exceptional, as well as the fish n chips on the kids menu.
The nitty gritty
OPEN
Tuesday - Sundays
12pm - late
wanna know more? click here
256 Glenferrie Road, Malvern
Mamma's special mentions: Sports fans will also LOVE the Australian Sports Museum at the MCG!
mae, malvern east
We may have just found the best spot for brunch. Mae in Malvern East is the sweetest new cafe on the block, blushing in baby doll pink and the food is perfection!
We may have just found the best spot for brunch. Mae in Malvern East is the sweetest new cafe on the block, blushing in baby doll pink and the food is perfection!
Mamma loves your classic avo on toast, but also can’t say no to some chicken and waffles. If you are a sweet tooth kinda gal, you have to try the French toast too. Coffee is on point and the service here was exceptional.
The space is light and airy, as well as absolutely huge. Diners can choose from 3 different dining rooms OR have a spot out the front. There is stacks of room for a pram or three as well so bring the kids along too.
Grab the crew because it’s gotta be… MAE!
The nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 AM - 03:00 PM
wanna know more? click here
137-139 Waverley Rd Malvern East
Mamma's special mention: After a great big feed, head to the Urban Forest for an outdoor adventure.
old jetty cafe, tooradin
The Old Jetty Cafe nestled beside the Tooradin Jetty, is just the most divine little rustic cafe that’s just perfect for a laid back family meal!
This Mamma loves nothing more than discovering a cute little local spot to grab a coffee and bite to eat, and The Old Jetty Cafe nestled beside the Tooradin Jetty, is just the most divine little place!
This used to be a tea-house and is so reminiscent of a quaint old tea-room inside, and outside is a rustic alfresco courtyard with mis-matched seats and tables, umbrellas and walls crawling with over-grown ivy. There are some smaller tables for kids, and some blackboards to keep them busy. You could also grab some goodies to go and enjoy on one of the many picnic tables alongside the foreshore.
The menu offers varied delights from curries to focaccias, pancakes to sausage rolls, loads of cakes and slices and much more! You can even pick up a bag of lollies as treat.
It’s a great spot to enjoy a laid back meal with the family and enjoy all of the beauty that Tooradin offers! Don’t forget to check out the Lighthouse Playground directly opposite!
The nitty gritty
25 Foreshore Rd, Tooradin, 3980
OPEN
7 days a week
8.30am - 3.30pm
wanna know more? click here.
Mamma's special mention:
There’s always room for a delicious ice cream from Tooradin Ice Cream Shop
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
big earle's roadhouse bbq, port melbourne
Big Earle’s has such an awesome vibe, there’s warm fire pits (great for a winters day!), live music, and the entire venue is filled with rustic charm.
Big Earle's Roadhouse Barbecue in Port Melbourne offers authentic American-style BBQ cuisine that will make you and your family feel as if you are in the heart of Texas!
Big Earle’s has such an awesome vibe - you will feel it as soon as you walk in. There’s heaps of warm fire pits (great for a winters day!), live music, and the entire venue is filled with rustic charm.
Mamma’s fave food selection was the mega tasting plate - with a selection of beef brisket, pork, BBQ ribs, sausage, fries and slaw - it certainly was a winner and something you could share with the kids!
Big Earle’s is super family friendly, with heaps of fun for your little ones - little toy cars roaming around, pool tables, foosball tables and more! Mamma even spotted a few doggies on her visit!
Get down to Big Earle’s - definitely a new fave for Mamma!
the nitty gritty
273 Ingles St, Port Melbourne, 3207
Open
Wednesday- Thursday 10am - 2pm
Friday - Saturday
10am - 8pm
Sunday 11am- 3pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention
Make a day of it and head around the corner for a Cute n Cuddly Pony Ride!
cbco brewery, port melbourne
This funky shed offers a perfect setting for a family friendly sunday session!
There's nothing quite like the vibe you get at CBCo Brewery in Port Melbourne. You could spend all day sitting at a table in their open shed-like-space, with an ice-cold beverage in hand, listening to some live music (on the weekend) with your family or some friends.
This is matched with some yummy food - Mamma LOVED the burgers, the Farmhouse Pizza, and the popcorn cauliflower - YUM! There are a few kids meal options for the little ones too.
Oh and did Mamma mention that this is actually a brewery?! Where you get to taste their delicious range on tap?! Yep - grab a paddle and sample their range - you will not be disappointed!
There’s indoor and outdoor seating too, overlooking the half basketball court next door for the kids to play on!
Make this the spot for your next family-friendly Sunday session!
the nitty gritty
Open
Wednesday 3pm -7pm
Thursday 12pm - 9.30pm
Friday 12pm - 11pm
Saturday 12pm - 10pm
Sunday 12 pm- 5pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention
You cannot go to Port Melbourne and not stop in at the awesome Maritime Cove Park!
the wooli tavern, cape woolamai phillip island
With an open fire place, live music, pool table and extensive cocktail list - it has everyone covered.
The Wooli Tavern in Cape Woolamai - Phillip Island, is the perfect family friendly restaurant with a laid back vibe and delicious meals. With an open fire place, live music, pool table and extensive cocktail list - it has everyone covered.
On the colder days you can sit indoors, by the warmth of the open fire surrounded by wooden roofing and large windows - perfect to watch the weather roll by. On the warmer days sit outside in the courtyard on picnic-table style seating with umbrellas and enjoy the music.
The food is great - Mamma can highly recommend the chicken burger - and the kids have their own small menu with options of pasta, fish and chips and chicken tenders and are generous sizes.
It’s a great spot to visit when you’re on the island!
the nitty gritty
1 Vista Pl, Cape Woolamai, 3925
OPEN
Closed Mondays
Tuesday - Thursday 11.30am - 10pm
Friday - Saturday 11.30am - 11pm
Sunday
11.30am - 10pm
wanna know more?
CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
There is SO much to do in Phillip Island - click here for Mamma’s Must Do’s in Phillip Island
