robin’s deli, cheltenham
Who’d have thought you’d be able find the most mouth watering toasties nestled amongst the warehouses and factories of Cheltenham’s industrial area?
Who’d have thought you’d be able to find the most mouth watering toasties nestled amongst the warehouses and factories of Cheltenham’s industrial area?
Meatball subs with chimichurri, fresh chicken sambos and the fanciest cheese and Vegemite toastie (epic cheese pull included) are on the menu at Robin’s Deli.
They make a mean chip too, the perfect accompaniment to any sandwich - BUT this will forever be the place where Mamma’s 16 month old discovered that hash browns are life.
the nitty gritty
132 Keys Rd, Cheltenham 3192
OPEN
Monday - Friday
6am - 2:30pm
Saturday
8am - 2pm
Wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention: Once the kids have refueled, head to Karkarook park playground just a few minutes down the road.
a pinch of joy, glen iris
This new play cafe has loads of toys for imaginary play, a small climbing structure, Lego, dress ups and more. It’s right next to Glen Iris Train Station so you can even wave at the trains as they go by.
It’s not often a Mamma gets to sit down and read the paper whilst enjoying a cuppa, so when you get the chance you take it! Not only did Mamma get the chance here, there’s also some lovely food and a great play area to play with your little ones.
This new play cafe has loads of toys for imaginary play, a small climbing structure, Lego, dress ups and more. It’s right next to Glen Iris Train Station so you can even wave at the trains as they go by.
Mamma’s 2.5yr played happily on his own in the gated play area before coming to the table for some yummy food. There’s a good variety of food and drinks available, the chips and nuggets were a hit with the little one and Mamma enjoyed a mushroom and feta Tartin.
The cafe is filled with stuffed toys and cute little quirky bits and pieces, even the toilet roll holder was a polaroid camera!
the nitty gritty
1543 High Street, Glen Iris
OPEN
Wednesday - Monday
7am - 4pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention: If your kids want even more playtime, why not check out Central Park which is around the corner!
hooked on thai, frankston
Hooked on Thai in Frankston is such a great little surprise. Tucked in amongst the hustle and bustle of Young Street - right across from the train station, you will be welcomed into the warm and cosy little restaurant.
Hooked on Thai in Frankston is such a great little surprise. Tucked in amongst the hustle and bustle of Young Street - right across from the train station, you will be welcomed into the warm and cosy little restaurant.
Mamma’s crew were cordially welcomed with the door being opened for us and greeted by the sweetest elderly gentleman, all decked out in suit attire and led to our table.
It is clear that this spot is a local favourite, with every seat full and an endless stream of folks picking up their take away. And as soon as the food is served, you can see why!
Fresh, flavoursome and fantastic! Mamma’s crew loved everything - even the kiddos couldn’t get enough. From the flaky curry puffs through to the just-the-right-amount-of-spice curries and noodle dishes. We all cannot wait to sample more!
The nitty gritty
OPEN
Open Tuesday - Sunday 5.30pm - 9pm
Wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mentions: Make a night of it and head around the corner for some mini golf at Holey Moley
skinny boy, aspendale
Skinny Boy in Aspendale is a great little cafe that has something for everyone. Delicious food and AMAZING coffee - check! Fantastic service - check! Courtyard with kids corner - CHECK!
Here’s a great little cafe that has something for everyone. Delicious food and AMAZING coffee - check! Fantastic service - check! Courtyard with kids corner - CHECK!
The cute little courtyard has a cubbyhouse full of toys to keep the kids imaginations running wild, plus there is a basket full of games, toys and colouring books and crayons inside to keep those little hands busy.
The menu offers an all day breakfast and is packed full of items such as smashed pumpkin and beetroot hummus on ciabatta (highly recommend this!), an assortment of toasties waffles, granola and a separate kids menu as well.
It’s a great family-friendly cafe offering a relaxed vibe, yummy food, delicious coffee (Mamma’s fave - Revolution Roasters) and the staff are super lovely!
The nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Friday 6am - 2.30pm
Saturday
7am - 2pm
Sunday
7.30am - 2pm
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mentions:
Grab a coffee and treat to go and head around the corner for a play at the cute little Carinya Avenue Playground
flavours of syria, st kilda
Hiding down an unassuming laneway off Chapel street in St Kilda, is the secret oasis - Flavours of Syria.
****THIS VENUE IS NOW CLOSED****
Hiding down an unassuming laneway off Chapel street is the secret oasis - Flavours of Syria.
From the moment you turn the corner you’re transported to a magical place where the kids can run and play with the interactive murals while you sit back and relax with a cuppa or meal (see? Mamma told you… MAGICAL). There is not a single surface in this cafe/art installation that doesn’t radiate joy and positivity.
Need a jolt of energy? Grab an Arabic Coffee while the kids play snakes and ladders or hopscotch on the numerous murals covering the outdoor floor space. Indulge in a special Syrian Platter, falafel or shakshuka and soak in the rainbow of colour that surrounds you. Treat yourself to some baklava or Turkish delight while you forget you’re in the middle of St Kilda.
With cooking classes and catering on offer as well, it’s a breeze to take the flavours of Syria home with you too!
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
If you want to keep the adventure going, the St Kilda Botanical Gardens are just across the highway!
jack the milkman, murrumbeena
Housed in an old milk bar, Jack the Milkman in Murrumbeena offers the classic Melbourne cafe experience wrapped in a glorious blanket of nostalgia.
Housed in an old milk bar, Jack the Milkman in Murrumbeena offers the classic Melbourne cafe experience wrapped in a glorious blanket of nostalgia.
Preserving the original facade, the outside remains true to its milk bar origins, while inside has been transformed into a light filled hive of activity, just as popular with the kids now as back in the day when 20c pick n’ mix lollies were still a thing.
The menu is diverse, from chilli scrambled eggs (mamma’s choice) to French toast and spiced baked beans. The little ones are well looked after too - with a selection of kids favourites for under 12s and a milkshake and smoothie menu available in smaller sizes (and alternative milks!), there’s no wonder this place is popular with little locals.
The nitty gritty
55 Kangaroo Rd, Murrumbeena 3163
OPEN
Open Monday - Friday
6am - 3pm
Open Weekends
7am - 3:30pm
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
Once you’ve refueled, head over to Murrumbeena Park Playground
lunar dumpling bar, mornington
The food here so delicious and fresh - and a huge menu offering varied dumplings and potstickers (grilled dumplings), wontons, rice and noodle dishes, bao buns, stir-fries and ramen.
If you walk down Main Street in Mornington you will find the bright and spacious Lunar Dumpling Bar, that is always full of smiling patrons and is a favourite amongst locals.
The food here so delicious and fresh - and a huge menu offering varied dumplings and potstickers(grilled dumplings), wontons, rice and noodle dishes, bao buns, stir-fries and ramen.
The sizing of each dish is perfect for kids, and great for sharing as well. You can even select from a range of wines and cocktails too! The venue offers seating indoors as well as out the front dining undercover and with heaters.
It is not hard to see why this place is always so busy - it’s a great laid back family option with incredible food and service.
The nitty gritty
1/96 Main St, Mornington, 3931
OPEN
Monday - closed
Tuesday - Friday
11.30am - 3.30pm 5pm -9pm
Saturday 11.30am - 9.30pm
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
After your delicious meal head across the road to Yummo Ice Creamery for a sweet treat.
the mordi canteen, mordialloc
This cute cafe has it all! The perfect location, an amazingly tasty and unique menu, fantastic service, delicious coffee and a kids menu.
This cute cafe has it all! The perfect location, an amazingly tasty and unique menu, fantastic service, delicious coffee and a kids menu.
Perched on the corner opposite where Mordialloc creek joins the bay, (and across the road from one of the best playgrounds), you have the perfect view and the best spot to watch the world go by as you enjoy a great meal.
The menu offers your usual faves like big brekky, smashed avo, acai bowls and more, but also offers meals with a twist - like their Magic Mushies on toast, To India Via France (chicken mince on smashed avo sourdough with bechamel leek) and the amazing pumpkin, sweet potato, zucchini and sweet corn fritters - Mamma can highly recommend these! The kids menu offers nuggets, toasties, bircher and acai to name a few.
With high chairs and a spacious outdoor decking - there’s room for prams and perfect for mothers group catch ups and family lunches!
The nitty gritty
226 Beach Rd, Mordialloc, 3195
OPEN
7 days
7.30am - 3pm
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
After your meal - head across the road to the awesome Peter Scullin Reserve Playground
rattling red cafe, tyabb
Mamma cannot believe that it’s taken this long to discover this adorable hidden gem!
Mamma cannot believe that it’s taken this long to discover this adorable hidden gem!
Tucked away in a village just behind Tyabb Packing House, is home to a 100 year-old vintage Red Rattler Train that has been transformed into a cafe!
Climb aboard and enter your private carriage for a unique dining experience. With carriages offering booth seats as well as two-person tables.
If you would prefer to sit outside, there is decking on both sides, as well as shaded tables down on the grass next to a little playground! The playground has a little cubbyhouse, slide and ride on bikes and scooters are available for the kids to (carefully) ride around the area.
The menu offers items like pancakes, smashed avo, a range of toasties and salads plus a kids menu - Mamma’s crew love a hot dog!
There’s a great vibe in this little community village, and kids will just love the novelty of eating onboard one of these carriages. As an added bonus - it lies right opposite a train line - so kids can also watch the trains go past!
the details
14 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Tyabb 3913
(at the back of Tyabb packing house)
OPEN
Thursday - Friday
9am - 4pm
Saturday - Sunday
9am - 5pm
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
After your meal - head next door to the absolutely adorable The Fairy Maker shop
wild gypsea wellness cafe, elwood
Hey Mammas of Elwood, have you seen this ORGANIC cafe and wellness studio with a PLAYGROUND right outside?
Hey Mammas of Elwood, have you seen this ORGANIC cafe and wellness studio with a PLAYGROUND right outside?
This wholesome, light filled cafe uses ethical and organic produce - much of it plant based, to make you feel good from the inside out. The impressive and considerate menu has been created by a local naturopath and has something for everyone and maybe something new for you to explore too.
There’s crayons for colouring, plenty of cushions to lounge on and even a guitar to play! Mamma’s of littlies take note, there aren’t any high chairs and not much room for prams inside, so plan to go on a nice day where you can sit outside with more space for them to move!
The other part of the building houses a wellness studio where you can do yoga, sound healing or maybe try out a sauna session. This part is open until 9pm during the week, so Mamma recommends coming back after the kids are asleep for some me time!
The nitty gritty
63A Ormond Esplanade, Elwood, 3184
OPEN
Cafe Hours:
Mon - Fri:
7am - 4pm
Sat - Sun:
8am - 4pm
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
Once you’re done with your delicious coffee, head on outside to Elwood Playspace for a run around - or grab your coffee and food from the window to go and enjoy it outside at the park.
yo my goodness, frankston
Yo My Goodness is the newest burger and self-serve frozen yoghurt joint on the block in Frankston!
Yo My Goodness is the newest burger and self-serve frozen yoghurt joint on the block in Frankston, and it packs a punch with its extensive topping offerings!
The frozen yoghurt and acai bar made Mamma’s little ones eyes explode and tummies rumble with all the options! You can choose from frozen yoghurt flavours like salted caramel, mango and chocolate - or opt for a deliciously refreshing acai. Then over at the toppings bar you can load up with fresh fruit, boba, granola, Oreos and Tim Tams, M&Ms, sour straps, gummy worms - and SO much more!
Not only is there the decadent sweet side - but you can also get juicy burgers, crunchy fries, loaded milkshakes and fried chicken here too. It’s prime position next to the movie theatre and opposite the mall and Bayside shopping centre, with plenty of seating inside the shop or outside under umbrellas.
The nitty gritty
Shop G008/27 Wells St, Frankston VIC 3199
OPEN
7 days
11am - 10pm
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
Keep the fun going and head next door for some mini golf fun at Holey Moley!
angela’s bakery, huntingdale
Nestled on a lively street, this cosy Asian-inspired cafe is a must-try for those who love freshly baked goodies.
Have you been to Angela's Bakery in Huntingdale? Nestled on a lively street, this cosy Asian-inspired cafe is a must-try for those who love freshly baked goodies.
As you step in the scent of homemade cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats - all freshly prepared daily in store - greets you. It's like a warm embrace for your senses.
What makes Angela's Bakery a hit is the play area at the back. Perfect for babies and toddlers is a fenced soft-play zone, a book nook, and colouring tables. This means you can relish your coffee and a moment of peace while the little ones are entertained.
With soft lighting and soothing music, it’s an ideal spot to unwind or catch up with a friend. The small menu offers a delightful mix of interesting tea and coffee choices (try the matcha cookie or the hoijicha latte). If you're feeling peckish, there are sandwiches, sourdough toasties, and rice bowls. And there's a kids' menu too!
The nitty gritty
298 Huntingdale Road, Huntingdale 3166
OPEN
7.30am – 4pm Monday to Sunday
Toilets – baby change table – pram accessible
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
Grab some goodies to go and head to the colourful Galbally Reserve in Hughsdale
geonbae korean bbq, frankston
If you have never tried a Korean BBQ before, let Mamma tell you all about the AMAZING fun and tastiness that awaits you here at Geonbae in Frankston!
If you have never tried Korean BBQ before, let Mamma tell you all about the AMAZING fun and tastiness that awaits you here at Geonbae in Frankston!
Firstly, you’d be hard pressed to find a nicer location than right beside Kananook Creek and the Frankston waterfront. Sit outside on the decking and enjoy the views, with heaters if required - or if the weather isn’t great sit indoors with little booth tables and cute hanging lights!
Each table has your very own grill in the middle, just ready to sizzle up a feast! If you choose 2 x set menu BBQ options, you will have your own personal chef (trained in Korean BBQ) cooking up a storm right there at your table, ensuring your meat is cooked just the way you like it!
Mamma’s crew have a particular love of wagyu, therefore opted for the Chefs Selection option (definitely a treat) which includes; spicy chicken and pork, beef brisket and bulgogi, pork samgyupsal and of course, wagyu scotch fillet. This also comes with onion and potatoes cooked on the grill.
There are no kids menu as such, but plenty they will enjoy such as the dumplings, corn cheese, pa jeon (vegetable pancake) and the ice cream tasting plate!
It’s such a fun experience and perfect for a special occasion!
The nitty gritty
4 Kananook Creek Blvd, Frankston, 3199
OPEN
7 days
11.30am - 9.30pm
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions: The Frankston Foreshore playground is not far away for a play after - or to burn off energy before your meal!
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.
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
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!
