farmhouse kitchen @ churchill island, phillip island
If you are looking for the perfect spot for a family Sunday brunch - or any day really - then you have found it here!
If you are looking for the perfect spot for a family Sunday - or any day - brunch, then you have found it here!
Farmhouse Kitchen on Churchill Island in Phillip Island offers the most spectacular scenery. Surrounded by blue bay and rolling green hills, sprinkled with sheep - throw in a inquisitive peacock and you have the recipe for the ultimate family lunch.
You can opt to sit inside the cafe, on the decking or at the picnic tables down below where the kids can run around on the grass - whichever you choose, you’ll have a great view!
The menu offers breakfast items, burgers, Devonshire tea and has a kids menu as well, so there’s bound to be something that will please every taste.
Surrounded by nature - even a wondering peacock, fresh air and yummy food, it’s the perfect spot to make some memories!
The nitty gritty
246 Samuel Amess Dr, Churchill Island 3925
OPEN
Weekdays
10am - 4pm
Weekends
9am - 4pm
Wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Spend the day here and explore Churchill Island!
crackerjack beachfront restaurant, seaford
Located on Seaford beach, the upstairs restaurant overlooks the bay and is the perfect place to watch a storm come rolling in, or enjoy the sunset and listen to the waves crash.
This location is so stunning, there has even been a movie about it! Well, to be fair the movie is about the lawn bowls green underneath… BUT Crackerjack Beachfront in Seaford really is movie-worthy and the ultimate place to enjoy a meal!
Located on Seaford beach, the upstairs restaurant overlooks the bay and is the perfect place to watch a storm come rolling in, or enjoy the sunset and listen to the waves crash.
The exquisite view is matched by the equally amazing food! The menu has lots of seafood offerings such as linguini packed with prawns and pesto, seafood platters, paella and salads to name a few! Catering for breakfast, lunch and dinner (on weekends) it’s always a great time to visit.
There’s also a kids menu AND a gelato freezer, so the kids will love it here as well.
The nitty gritty
Keast Park, 4/1N Nepean Hwy, Seaford, 3198
OPEN
Lunch
Wednesday - Sunday
9am - 3pm
Dinner
Friday/Saturday
6pm - 9pm
Wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Burn off some energy before lunch at the Keast Park Playground below the restaurant.
edithvale general store, edithvale
Mamma loves to discover a hidden treasure - and that is exactly what the gorgeous Miss Moose Cafe in Somerville is - a truly family friendly GEM!
A favourite amongst locals, Edithvale General Store offers a little bit of everything. The space is split into two distinct areas with the cafe on one side and general store on the other.
The cafe, with its white walls, wooden accents and splashes of greenery offers customers a wide variety of all day brunch and lunch options. There is also a dedicated kids section of the menu and colouring pencils to keep the small ones happy.
Little miss 4 loves the waffles and ice cream (while also managing to eat half of her brother’s eggs on toast). Mamma absolutely loves the chilli scramble which packs such a punch that for once the phrase “you won’t like it, it’s spicy” is actually true.
After fuelling up on breakfast, Mamma loves heading next door to the general store which is like a nostalgic trip back in time. With an array of milk bar lollies, slush puppies behind the counter and ice cream by the scoop, this Mamma has some serious 90s childhood flashbacks.
Mamma’s tip - jump online and book ahead of time to avoid having to line up for a table with hangry kids in tow.
The nitty gritty
38-40 Munro Ave, Edithvale 3196
OPEN
Cafe
7 days
7am - 3pm
Friday
5pm - 7:30pm
General Store
Monday - Saturday
6am - 7pm
Sunday
7am - 7pm
Wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Afterwards, head to Bicentennial Park Playground just a few minutes down the road.
miss moose cafe, somerville
Mamma loves to discover a hidden treasure - and that is exactly what the gorgeous Miss Moose Cafe in Somerville is - a truly family friendly GEM!
Mamma loves to discover a hidden treasure - and that is exactly what the gorgeous Miss Moose Cafe in Somerville is - a truly family friendly GEM!
On the walls, along side the gorgeously painted Moose murals, you will find cute little kids coloring masterpieces proudly displayed in amongst the kids corner. Here you can choose from 1 of 5 different Moose picture to colour - plus there’s a basket of assorted toys and dolls, an old-school desk with some stuffed teddies and costumes and a blackboard with chalk that will keep the kids busy for ages!
This allows for the parents to enjoy a yummy meal and even yummier coffee! The menu offers an extensive all day breakfast plus loads of yummy Turkish bread sandwiches, wraps and fritters to name a few - plus a kids menu.
The staff here are super lovely and create a place where kids can be free to be kids - noise and all!
There’s also a lovely tree out the front and numerous picnic style tables to sit at if you would prefer to sit outdoors (just note that it is on a corner of a fairly busy road.)
the nitty gritty
1/25 Grant Rd, Somerville, 3912
OPEN
Monday - Friday
7.30am - 3pm
Saturday
7.30am - 2pm
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Make a day of it and head down the road to the fantastic Dinosaur World!
devilbend farm beer brewery, tuerong
Devilbend Farm Beer Brewery is a great family friendly spot that place that the whole family will love!
The Devilbend Farm Beer Brewery in Tuerong, is the perfect location for a family lunch or a drink with mates. With a rustic wood and corrugated iron shed set-up and bush scenery, you will feel like you have travelled to the country!
There’s over 10 beers on tap and dozens of local wine to check out. The focus is on ‘paddock to pint’, so they grow their hops and grains, so each batch is fresh - and Mamma can vouch for it being delicious, too!
The remnants of the former apple orchard make up the fit out of this old barn-style brewery; old pallets make up part of the live-edge bar, and logs of wood are resurfaced as funky dining tables.
You can sit indoors with a wood heater and large windows overlooking the surrounding farm, where the ingredients for the Devilbend beer is grown. Inside there is a kids corner with a soft floor mat, toys, mini chalkboard and plenty of things to colour with (in warmer months the indoor area is moved outside).
Or you can sit outside, with heaters and a firepit for those colder days. The kids can be kept busy with the outdoor playground - including an undercover tin shelter with blackboard and sandpit - there’s also a tyre swing, bikes and scooters to ride on too.
It’s a great place that the whole family will love! Even the furry kids are welcome here - with a pet station (including treats!) set up outside.
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Make a day of it and head down the road to the fantastic The Big Goose animal farm
main ridge dairy, main ridge
It’s the perfect location for a picnic - they even supply picnic blankets - where you can set up by the dam or next to the goats and enjoy a grazing board full of soft, whipped or hard cheeses and some locally produced wines or craft beers.
There’s a cute little dairy farm hidden amongst the hills in the Mornington Peninsula. Main Ridge Dairy is a small little goat farm - the only goat dairy on the Peninsula, that produces delicious, creamy goats cheese made from fresh goats milk!
It’s the perfect location for a picnic - they even supply picnic blankets - where you can set up by the dam or next to the goats and enjoy a grazing board full of soft, whipped or hard cheeses and some locally produced wines or craft beers.
The kids can run in the fields and enjoy the perfect cheese toastie and say hi to the goats!
the nitty gritty
289 Main Creek Rd, Main Ridge, 3928
OPEN
Thursday: 10.30am – 4pm
Friday: 10.30am – 4pm
Saturday: 10.30am – 4pm
Sunday: 10.30am – 4pm
(Monday – Wednesday Closed)
Wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention: After your cheese sampling - head down the road and pick some strawberries at Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm.
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.
red door yum cha, windsor
Nestled amongst a suburban laneway, just away from the bustling Chapel Street, hides the eclectic Red Door Yum Cha in Windsor!
Nestled amongst a suburban laneway, just away from the bustling Chapel Street, hides the eclectic Red Door Yum Cha in Windsor.
With a ceiling covered with Chinese lanterns, red decor, wooden dining tables and antique furniture, the vibe here is relaxed and fun. Perfect for a family meal, a date night or catch up with the girls!
Being a Yum Cha restaurant, the menu is small plate/shared food options and consists of delicious dumplings, spring rolls, BBQ pork buns (Mamma’s crew highly recommends these!) as well as plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
There’s no specific kids menu, but if they love dumplings, they will be in heaven!
the nitty gritty
1 Mcilwrick St, Windsor, 3181
OPEN
Closed Monday
Lunch
Wednesday - Friday 12 - 2.30pm
Saturday/Sunday 11.30am - 3.30pm
Dinner
Tuesday - Thursday 6pm - 10pm
Friday/Saturday 6pm - 11pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention: Grab a dumpling to go and head to Alma Park to enjoy a picnic and play!
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.
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 nitty gritty
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!
