red hill brewery, red hill south
Perched on top of Red Hill, nestled under the hop vines; this rustic, charming barn in the middle of the bush is where delicious craft beer is produced and great BBQ food is served!
Driving through the Peninsula Hinterland you might be too busy marvelling at the picturesque scenery in front of you to notice the little turn off into this absolute hidden gem - the stunning Red Hill Brewery.
Perched on top of Red Hill, nestled under the hop vines; this rustic, charming barn in the middle of the bush is where delicious craft beer is produced and great BBQ food is served!
Walk through the low hanging trees and head towards the smoke from the firepit; sit in the undercover decking and just take in the scenery with an ice cold pale ale - or Mamma suggests the tasting paddle to sample the seasonal brews. Their award winning beers are made in small batches and offer a range of 6 types available all year plus seasonal specials.
Wrap yourself in a blanket in the cooler months - or enjoy the cool breeze on warmer days. The kids can frolic in the open grassy space and watch the neighbouring horses.
There is a laid back vibe here - perfect for a long lunch with yummy food on offer like brisket, ribs, pulled pork or fried chicken burgers, mac n cheese and loaded fries!
This is a must for all beer connoisseurs!
the nitty gritty
88 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South, 3937
OPEN
Thursday - Sunday
11am - 6pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
After a meal head down the road to the stunning Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens
levi cafe, murrumbeena
Housed in a former denim factory, Levi is a sun drenched, plant-filled cafe with killer coffee, an extensive menu… and did Mamma mention, a dedicated kids play room?! Jean-ius.
Housed in a former denim factory, Levi is a sun drenched, plant-filled cafe with killer coffee, an extensive menu… and did Mamma mention, a dedicated kids play room?! Jean-ius.
The cafe itself is generous and spans a number of large open areas, all flooded with natural light and the feeling of space that only high warehouse ceilings can offer - the perfect spot to accommodate multiple prams. In fact, this Mamma can’t recall a visit (and there have been many) where there wasn’t a mother’s group catch up present.
The little ones are provided with a kids menu colouring sheet, while the grown ups are treated to a menu teaming with so many mouth watering dishes that this Mamma had to turn the very patient waitress away twice while trying to narrow down the list of prospective meals.
In the end, the chilli scramble with crispy pork belly won out, while Mister Mamma was ever so gently encouraged to order the Nutella and raspberry hotcakes. With so many options for the children to choose from, this crew happily devoured the ham and cheese toastie as well as burger and fries, complete with ludicrous amounts of tomato sauce.
Down the very end of the cafe, the kids will find a sweet little hidey-hole filled with beanbags, toys and a rock climbing wall. There is enough seating available nearby that parents can keep an eye on playing littlies while enjoying a relaxing coffee from the comfort of their table - though there are some blind spots, either end of the playspace that are difficult to see unless in there.
Levi even caters for the children of the four legged variety, with the front room (up until the counter) welcoming dogs on lead, so the whole fam can enjoy a meal out together!
the nitty gritty
6 Railway Parade, Murrumbeena 3186
OPEN
Monday - Saturday
7:30am - 3:30pm
Sunday
8am - 3pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
If the kids are in the mood for a bit more play, head over to Murrumbeena Park Playground to let off some steam.
red hill lavender farm cafe, main ridge
In the middle of the pine tree lined street, a top of the lavender fields in Main Ridge, you will find the sweetest little Red Hill Lavender Farm Cafe.
In the middle of the pine tree lined street, atop of the lavender fields in Main Ridge, you will find the sweetest little Red Hill Lavender Farm Cafe.
This is the ULTIMATE place for a coffee with a view - with an abundance of shaded grass area and picnic tables. Or enjoy a dine-in meal at the gorgeous cafe, with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Enjoy a delicious sandwich or Johnny Ripe pie or some divine pastries.
Sit inside amongst the warmth of an open fireplace, surrounded by locally made gifts and flowers upon every table. Or sit outside up on the deck and take in the magnificent views of the Peninsula Hinterland - you can even borrow a blanket in colder weather.
Dogs are welcome here and if you visit in January - you can also walk down the hill and check out the stunning Lavender Farm.
the nitty gritty
284 Main Creek Rd, Main Ridge, 3928
OPEN
Thursday - Monday
9am - 4pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
If you visit in January, check out the Lavender Farm whilst you are there - otherwise check out Mamma’s Best of Red Hill and Surrounds for ideas
braeside brewing co, mordialloc
At this brewery you will find the most loveliest owners, amazing food, delicious beer and a gated kids corner. What more could you need?!
This brewery is a local favourite family-friendly dining spot!
Here you will find the most loveliest owners, amazing food, delicious beer and a gated kids corner. What more could you need?! How about half price kids meals on Sunday!
Throw in an outside decking area and a grass courtyard and there’s pencils and board games too!
The owners are parents, and know how hard it is to navigate a meal out with kids, so you can be assured that there is plenty of space inside - and out, for your prams; there’s plastic cups for the kids and the kids corner is jam-packed with toys like a cubby house, soft blocks and so much more.
The food is delicious - especially the wood-fired pizzas, and the kids meals are very generous sizes. It was Mamma’s duty to order the tasting paddle, to sample some of the beer on offer - and can happily report back that they are ALL delicious!
This is a great spot that the whole family will love!
the nitty gritty
43 Governor Rd, Mordialloc
OPEN
Wednesday - Sunday
12pm - 9pm
Kids meals 1/2 price on Sunday
kid friendly - highchairs - room for prams
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
Walk off your meal and have a play down the road at the wonderful Peter Scullin Reserve
nordie cafe, red hill
This cafe has an amazing view and THE MOST perfect space for kids to roam!
This gorgeous cafe is set on top of hill with a huge leafy garden and spacious courtyard.
It provides HEAPS of space for the little ones to run around. There’s even a cubby house!
The owners have really thought of everything here; they supply blankets for the chilly weather so that you can still sit outside, there are high chairs and a change table. Oh, and you can bring your fur babies too!
As the name implies, the menu has bit of a Nordic twist on things; delicious Dutch carrots on the smashed avo, Copanhagen hot dog and the Viking breakfast bun to name a few! The kids also have their own menu with yummy options.
Add this one to the list and thank Mamma later!
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
Keep the fun going and head down the road the Enchanted Adventure!
grounded grocer cafe, endeavour hills
Grounded Grocer Cafe in Endeavour Hills is a gorgeous family run breakfast and brunch cafe, dishing up exceptional loaded toasties, brekky burgers and a delicious assortment of cakes, cookies and pastries!
Grounded Grocer Cafe in Endeavour Hills is a gorgeous family run breakfast and brunch cafe, dishing up exceptional loaded toasties, brekky burgers and a delicious assortment of cakes, cookies and pastries!
More than just a cafe, you can also pick up some pantry essentials, skin care and beautiful leafy plants, too!
Little Miss claims the chicken pesto toastie is the best she’s ever had! Big claims for a kid who knows her toasties! And this Mamma thinks the homemade banana bread with dark chocolate chips is pretty hard to beat!
The vibe here is super relaxed, with each table decked out with fresh colourful flowers and bright potted plants spread sporadically throughtout the cafe. Service is spot on and the coffee is amazing! What more could you want?!
the nitty gritty
99 Gleneagles Dr, Endeavour Hills 3802
OPEN
Tuesday - Sunday
9am - 3pm
closed Mondays
wanna know more? click here
somerville general store, somerville
If only there was a little Somerville General Store in every local community where Mamma's could meet up for their weekly coffee fix!
Away from the bustle of the busy shopping strip, Somerville General Store is a little - hidden - slice of heaven!
Proudly perched on the crossway of two suburban streets, shines this white, umbrella lined general store. Home to one of the best coffees this Mamma has had, which we have already experienced from their sister stores - Aspendeli, Langwarrin General Store and Edithvale General Store.
Keeping with an old-school milk bar vibe, is a spacious and light filled family friendly spot - perfect for a mums group catch up - offering kids menus acting as colouring sheets as well as packed pencil cases to keep those little hands busy.
The food has a yummy assortment of bagels, toasties, pastries, acia bowls, smashed avo and smoothies to name a few! Plus you can also pick up artisan bread, fresh produce and pantry items - there’s even slush puppies, too!
Mamma is very jealous that this isn’t in walking distance! It’s the perfect relaxed vibe, great staff and the yummiest coffee!
the nitty gritty
43 Wiltshire Dr, Somerville 3912
OPEN
Monday to Friday
6am - 5pm
Saturday - Sunday
7am - 4pm
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
You can’t go to Somerville and NOT visit the DINOSAURS at Dinosaur World
american doughnut kitchen @ prahran market, south yarra
There are few things, more universally agreed upon, than the icon status of Queen Victoria Market’s hot jam doughnuts. Good news south siders! They have opened a shop front at Prahran Market.
There are few things, more universally agreed upon, than the icon status of Queen Victoria Market’s hot jam doughnuts.
To the delight of all Southside tastebuds, after 70 years of slinging these hot doughy balls of goodness exclusively through their Queen Vic van, American Doughnut Kitchen have finally opened a second location at Prahran Market.
Operating out of a dedicated shopfront overlooking Prahran Market’s “Market Square”, ADK now boasts a much larger kitchen and coffee machine… so now mammas can sit back and relax with a doughnut (or five) in one hand and a latte in the other, while the kids run off that sugar high.
the nitty gritty
163 Commercial Rd, South Yarra 3141
OPEN
Tuesday
7am - 5pm
Thursday - Saturday
7am - 5pm
Sunday
10am - 3pm
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
While you’re there, why not explore the many delights that Prahran Market has to offer.
cafe la wheels, seaford
Cafe La Wheels in Seaford is the sweetest little retro diner, ran by - and made for - people living with disabilities.
Cafe La Wheels in Seaford is the sweetest little retro diner, ran by - and made for - people living with disabilities.
Offering diner-style food cooked from a retro food van, vintage decor with neon lights and nostalgic memorabilia every where you look; it exudes a fun and relaxed vibe, making it the perfect family friendly lunch spot!
As soon as you enter the cafe you are greeted by super lovely and friendly staff who all seem to love what they are doing, and so do we! The food was great - delicious pancakes (and spiders!).
The crew loved the Blinky Bill ride on (Mamma had flashbacks of putting in a 20 cent coin and riding on a the mechanical kangaroo out the front of Tuckerbag 30 odd years ago!) There’s also a chocolate claw machine, pacman arcade game, jukebox and great music clips playing on the projector that the kids enjoyed watching- a great introduction to Grease!
This is such a great initiative and a wonderful inclusive diner, we’re very excited to watch its growth!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Friday
10.30am - 2:30pm
(weekend hours opening soon)
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Keep the fun going and head down the road to Gravity Zone!
smiths social cafe, clyde north
Do you know what Mamma loves on school holidays?
A cafe, with awesome options for the whole family PLUS a wonderful playground just over the road! Let Mamma show you around Smiths Social Cafe
Check out this wicked cafe in the most perfect of locations - right next to an AWESOME playground. It’s a winner!
Smiths Social Cafe have new management an still are serving up great coffee and yummy food! It’s super family friendly with a huge range of brekkie and lunch options for dine in or takeaway (yup … the playground is pretty tempting). There are great gluten free options, as well as a bunch of awesome friendly staff!
And lets be honest, who doesn’t love a cafe where you can sit outside and enjoy a coffee, while the kids keep themselves busy playing at this wonderful playground!
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
THE BEST bit is, this cafe leads onto the awesome Banjo Playground!
dessertopia by 196below, south melbourne
Attention sweet tooths, does Mamma have the place for you! With glow in the dark cakes and liquid nitrogen ice cream and drinks, Dessertopia in South Melbourne is serving up a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds.
Attention sweet tooths, does Mamma have the place for you! With glow in the dark cakes, liquid nitrogen ice cream and drinks, Dessertopia in South Melbourne is serving up a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds.
Their shopfront is hard to miss, with colourful cartoons and festoon lights adorning the windows and awning. Inside, rainbow lighting and black lights let you know you’re in for an immersive experience.
Famous for their glow in the dark night sessions, Dessertopia have recently installed black out blinds so that the kidlets can enjoy the magic of this experience during the day too! With desserts in the shape of iconic pop culture characters like Psyduck, Totoro and Mario’s Super Mushroom to name a few - it’s hard to believe that these works of art taste even better than they look… but they do!
There is plenty of seating inside, though they tend to get busy on weekends and nights so Mamma suggests hopping online and booking a table just to be safe.
the nitty gritty
342 Clarendon St, South Melbourne 3205
OPEN
Wednesday - Thursday
11am - 9pm
Friday - Saturday
11am - 10pm
Sunday
11am - 9pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Carry on the fun and colourful theme by heading to Skinners Adventure Playground, just a 5 minute walk down the road.
two rupees brewing company, clayton
Two Rupees Brewing Company boasts an impressive lineup of in-house beers on tap, with a more succinct food menu comprising primarily of pizzas to complement.
Surrounded by Clayton’s mechanics and smash repairers, the local favourite, Two Rupees Brewing Company is hidden in plain sight.
The brewpub boasts an impressive menu of beers on tap, with a more succinct food menu comprising primarily of pizzas to complement.
Pizza and beer, what more do you need?! Mamma’s answer… Two Rupee’s delicious and fragrant Sri Lankan pan rolls - curried meat or vegetables wrapped in a crepe and fried until brown and crispy. They were sooo good in fact, that mamma’s 4 year old didn’t even care that they were a little spicy.
So grab the kids and head over to Two Rupees for an easy last minute meal or to watch the footy on one of the many screens dotted throughout the brewery… oh, and they’re dog friendly too so don’t forget to bring the pooch!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Wednesday
4pm - 9pm
Thursday
4pm - 10pm
Friday - Saturday
12pm - 11pm
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
Once you’ve had your fill of beer and pizza, head to Clayton’s Heatherton “Troll” Park to run off some of that energy and vanquish some beasties.
hotel lona, frankston
Whether you choose to soak in the atmosphere of the epic rooftop or bask in the warmth of their downstairs fireplace, the family friendly Hotel Lona’s got it covered!
Whether you choose to soak in the atmosphere of the epic rooftop or bask in the warmth of their downstairs fireplace, the family friendly Hotel Lona’s got it covered!
With live music filling the rooftop every day of the week, the only thing to lure miss 4 off the dance floor was the smell of her Spaghetti Bolognaise.
Alongside the typical spag bol, the dedicated kids menu has something for even the most discerning little tastebuds. The big “kids” menu is just as diverse - from pizza to pub classics, Hotel Lona also have a wide range of vegan options for the plant based mammas.
But wait, there’s more! Under 12s eat free Monday through Thursday (with the purchase of any main meal) so pop the chops back in the freezer and treat the fam to a midweek dinner out.
the nitty gritty
473 Nepean Hwy, Frankston 3199
OPEN
Sunday - Thursday
12pm - 1.30am
Friday - Saturday
12pm - 3am
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
Head around the corner for a bowl or arcade fun at General Public
third space cafetorium, keysborough
If you’re looking to pump the kids (and yourself) full of delicious sugar, then make your way to Third Space Cafetorium in Keysborough.
A cafe dedicated to sweet treats? This mamma says YES PLEASE!
If you’re looking to pump the kids (and yourself) full of delicious sugar, then make your way to Third Space Cafetorium in Keysborough.
Mamma’s 4 year old made easy work of the strawberries and cream milkshake the size of her head while mister fancy pants only stopped crying once he tasted their amazing Kunefe. The “big kids” couldn’t go past the decadent and ultra creamy San Sebastian cheesecake complete with warm chocolate sauce **drool**.
If you’ve managed to score a child free date night, mamma suggests heading here after dark for a sweet treat since they’re open until late!
the nitty gritty
Shop 9/599 Chandler Rd, Keysborough 3172
OPEN
Monday - Tuesday
7am - 2pm
Wednesday - Friday
7am - 2pm
6pm - 10:30pm
Saturday
10am - 10:30pm
Sunday
10am - 10pm
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
Let the kids run that sugar high off at Frederick Wachter Reserve Playground a few minutes down the road.
gelato lab, black rock
Gelato Lab in Black Rock has had a makeover and is now owned by a lovely husband and wife team. The decor here is bright orange and you can now sit inside to enjoy your gelato!
Gelato Lab in Black Rock has had a makeover and is now owned by a lovely husband and wife team. The decor here is bright orange and you can now sit inside to enjoy your gelato!
The gelato is churned fresh instore and comes in lots of delicious flavours!
You are welcome to sample scrumptious flavours like rocky road, Biscoff, dark chocolate, cookies and cream and MANY more. Mamma’s favourite is the Coffee - the perfect combination of sweet and bold coffee.
This is really worth a visit if you’re a connoisseur of delectable gelato!
the nitty gritty
3/38 Bluff Rd, Black Rock, 3193
OPEN
Thursday - Friday 2pm - 7pm
Saturday - Sunday
12pm - 7pm
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
Grab a cup to go and check out the majestic lion at Tjilatjirrin Reserve Playground
merrymen, hampton
Very rarely will you find this little gem of a cafe without a small crowd out front, happily waiting for their morning brew. A stones throw away from the beach, Merrymen is the perfect place to fuel up before heading for the sand.
Very rarely will you find this little gem of a cafe without a small crowd out front, happily waiting for their morning brew. A stones throw away from the beach, Merrymen is the perfect place to fuel up before heading for the sand.
Whether you choose to bask in the sunshine and sea air in their undercover outdoor dining area or soak in the warmth of their wood detailed interior, you will be in for a treat.
Take a beat and peruse the comprehensive and diverse menu while the little ones colour in the dedicated kids menu/activity page. This Merrymamma couldn’t go past the flavour bomb that was the Tomatoes on Rye with Bloody Mary vinaigrette (YUM!).
The goods don’t stop there though, with dishes like Miso Mushrooms, Scotch Fillet Steak Benedict and Okonomiyaki on the menu, it’s not hard to try something new every time you come back (and you will be back!). For the kids, there’s crumpets, avocado and cheese toasties or popcorn chicken (amongst other things) to keep them happy.
At the counter, little fingers will be occupied with toy cars while you settle the bill and decide whether or not to pick up a pastry from the cabinet for later (hot tip - the answer is always yes).
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Sunday
6:30am - 4pm
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
If the beach isn’t your thing, why not head down the road to Thomas Street South Reserve Playground for a play!
elwood sourdough, elwood
Next time you are in the seaside suburb of Elwood, simply follow the aroma of freshly baked bread and you’ll find the local favourite, Elwood Sourdough.
Next time you are in the seaside suburb of Elwood, simply follow the aroma of freshly baked bread and you’ll find the local favourite, Elwood Sourdough.
Nestled down a residential street next to the picturesque Elwood canal, is the little bakery operating out of owners’ Greg and Tracey’s beautiful home. A fixture in the community, Elwood Sourdough is a feast for not just the nose and mouth, but eyes too, with Tracey’s amazing paintings gracing the labels and walls of the bakery.
Open 6 days a week, Elwood Sourdough sell a range of loaves, bagels, sweet breads and treats that will make your mouth water just by looking at them.
Mamma’s little girl absolutely devoured the bakery’s famous and much loved Spotty - a glazed sweet bun teaming with the most aromatic dried fruits and spices.
Next time you’re in need of a loaf or two, why not take the fam for a trip to this special little gem... but be quick! They usually sell out before closing time.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Tuesday - Sunday
7:30am - 11:30am
Wanna know more? Click here
Mamma's special mention:
Grab some to go and head down to for a play at the awesome Point Ormond Reserve Playground
nyc bagels, rosebud
Here you can get rainbow AND choc chip bagels AND fill them with NUTELLA!
Mamma’s little ones cannot get enough of bagels, so finding a place that specialises in only bagels is a dream come true! ESPECIALLY when you can get rainbow AND choc chip flavours AND fill them with NUTELLA!
For those that prefer a more savoury flavour - you are also in luck with dozens of different styles to choose from; such as poppy seed, onion, cheese, rye and lots more - with fillings like chicken and avo, Rueben, gourmet brekky, tuna, cream cheese and lots more!
There’s seating inside and out - and it’s right next to the beach so you could grab some and picnic!
The bagels are divine. Authentic boiled New York Style and are very more-ish - so it’s lucky that you can take some home with you as well!
the nitty gritty
1245 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud, 3939
OPEN
Tuesday - Friday 7.30am - 2.30pm
Saturday/Sunday
8am - 2.30pm
closed Monday
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Grab some to go and head down to the awesome Rosebud Jetty Foreshore Playspace
goodie two shoes, officer
Goodie Two Shoes in Officer is the newsest dessert bar on the block, and here you are spoilt for choice in sugary goodness!
If you have a sweet tooth - Mamma knows the place for you to indulge! Goodie Two Shoes in Officer is the newsest dessert bar on the block, and here you are spoilt for choice of sugary goodness!
With a huge selection of creamy gelato, cheesecakes, donuts, brownies, cakes - and hot desserts with delicious churros accompanied by multiple flavours of dipping sauce, deluxe loaded waffles, and loukoumades, too!
There’s also plenty of drink options with milkshakes, smoothies and coffee! If you are in the mood for something a bit healthier you can get an Acai Bowl topped with fresh fruit.
Mamma LOVES the brownies (gluten free!) and the Churros are crunchy and delicious. The little ones adore the gelato, even if it does take them nearly all afternoon to decide on their treat! But with such a huge assortment of delicious items - who can blame them!
Mamma's special mention:
Grab some goodies to go and head the awesome Dragon Park Playground that’s not far away
Products Mamma sampled were kindly gifted.
levain doughnuts, mentone
This is where the magic happens! Dozens of doughnuts get pumped full of jam, loaded with Nutella, cream and custard; covered in M&Ms, Oreo’s and peanut butter, every hour here!
If you are a doughnut lover, you are probably already familiar with Levain Doughnuts, as they supply their decadent range to loads of cafes in Melbourne, but you may not be aware that they have their very own shop in Mentone!
This is where the magic happens! Dozens of doughnuts get pumped full of jam, loaded with Nutella, cream and custard; covered in M&Ms, Oreo’s and peanut butter, every hour here!
Mamma’s crew cannot get enough of these goodies and can highly recommend them all - especially the cinnamon scroll, it’s AMAZING. But so are all of them! You can also get coffee, milkshakes and even loaded ice cream scoops here as well!
Treat your tastebuds, they will thank you! If you can’t get to the store you can order online for delivery as well.
The nitty gritty
OPEN
Sunday - Thursday 8am - 10.30pm
Friday - Saturday
8am - 11pm
Wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Grab some to go and have a picnic at the stunning Mentone Racecourse Reserve Playground
