Hidden Brew in Newport is a tucked-away pocket rocket for great coffee, pastries and a sunny courtyard. A local gem worth seeking out.

If you’re wanting something a little different for your next family lunch adventure, Lost Watering Hole in Lancefield is one to check out. Set right in the heart of town, this spacious brewery has an easy country charm that invites you to slow down, settle in and stay awhile. With little kids packs and an amazing menu for little ones, they'll be occupied for a while so you can enjoy your brews!

You know Mamma has a soft spot for a classic country pub — and Pig and Whistle in Trentham is exactly that and more. Inside, it’s beautifully set up for families, with a pool table, thoughtful little play area with toys and colouring. Outside you'll find spacious beer garden is perfect for long, lazy lunches, complete with open fire pits, and a playground with swings and monkey bars. Perfection!

If you’re chasing that proper old-school Italian deli feeling — the kind where the shelves are stacked high, the coffee is rich, and lunch smells impossible to resist — Nonna’s Pantry in Sunbury is one of those spots that instantly feels like you’ve stepped into a little corner of Italy right in the heart of Sunbury. There’s no fuss here — just beautiful food done properly!

The beef patties are hand-pressed (smashed if you will), but also juicy and tender, and are the highlight of the classic cheeseburger, the Good Good burger, and Mamma’s favourite… the truffle burger. You can even opt to add extra patties or toppings to your liking.

There’s something fun about brunch when the kids can dine like royalty! If this sounds up your alley folks, you must check out King of the Castle Cafe in Geelong. Mamma’s minis gravitate towards the oversized regal king chairs when they visit— chess board games at the table give kids something fun to do while waiting for their meals too. Add in fantastic food and coffee and it is the perfect spot!

Walking into Pizza Hut in Ballarat feels like stepping straight back into Mamma’s childhood. The red booths, the buzzing dining room and that unmistakable smell of hot pizza instantly bring back all the feels for this Mamma! The real magic here is the all-you-can-eat buffet - classic pizzas, bowls of pasta, crispy hot chips, garlic bread and those iconic curly fries - and the dessert bar too!

Silo No 9 is a new West Melbourne café that sits within a beautifully restored brick building beneath Melbourne’s first high-rise concrete grain silo. Honestly, it’s as inviting as it is unexpected! Their weekday menu is flavour-focused and built around house-made staples. Think egg and bacon rolls, focaccias, chunky angus slow cooked beef pies and Detroit style sliced pizza - yum!

Ilza Seddon has opened in Melbourne’s West serving modern Japanese favourites including Chicken Aburi, don bowls, karaage, katsu sando and Japanese drinks the kids will love. Fresh, bright and perfect for family dining.

Mamma is always excited when a new lunch spot pops up in Footscray, and we guarantee that Crumbz Deli is one you’ll want on your radar straight away. The focaccias at Crumbz Deli are genuinely some of the best Mamma has tried in the area - think mixed deli, mortedella and cotoletta. The baguettes are just as impressive - with meatballs, philly cheese steak, and more! Well worth the visit!

Elephant has landed in Moonee Ponds folks, and Mamma guarantees that it’s going to be your new local favourite. What makes the Moonee Ponds location extra special is its indoor AND outdoor play spaces — the little ones can dive straight into creative play with chalkboards, toys, a play kitchen and more! The menu is packed with Elephant favourites we’ve come to love, and some newbies too! Amazing!

Owners Daniele and Cora of Santo Pizzeria are true believers in what they do, and you can feel it the moment you walk in. This is pizza and bread made with genuine respect for people, quality ingredients and the authentic traditions of Naples. Yum.

Delicious food and drinks, outdoor fun, kid-friendly weekend activities and a playground… yes please! Mamma loves a trip down to Great Ocean Road Brewing’s Torquay Taphouse — it’s a winner for families and a perfect choice for your next lunch or dinner out. The outdoor beer garden and brand-new playground area are amazing, as is Sunday Funday for the kids. The food and drinks are on point too!

What is Quiddity Place? Nestled in amongst vineyards, olive groves and only a short distance from Swan Bay on the Bellarine Peninsula is Quiddity Place - which houses The Hidden Frog Restaurant, Tin Liz Gallery, and the Oakdene Wines and Lighthouse Oil Cellar Door.

For bakery lovers, like Mamma, Ket Baker in Wallington is one you MUST have in your repertoire. This artisan bakery is really something special.

Hidden away from the main road amongst the gum trees, this oasis of deliciousness has THE most delicious pastries and breads. It’s 100% sourdough, and everything is slowly handcrafted with the utmost care and craftsmanship.

Mr Walker ticks the box for an epic cafe that’s great to enjoy both with or without the kiddos. With an impressive menu of fresh dishes, plus their signature breakfast burrito and unique coffee creations, you’ll be back to this spot over and over!

Brother Hen is a local favourite in the North West — chooks, charm, and truly delicious food. Yes, you read correctly - actual chickens happily clucking away in their coop, bringing pure joy to every little visitor. The breaky menu is full of heavy hitters: smashed avo and an amazing breaky board, as is the lunch with burgers and bao buns. For the little people, the kids’ menu is huge too!

Discover Oddspot in Newport for breakfast, coffee and casual daytime eats. On Thursday to Saturday nights, it transforms into Ilibro, a stylish wine bar with tapas-style share plates and cocktails, perfect for a relaxed evening with friends.

Flappy’s Fried Chicken has flown to the West— and folks, get ready, because if you love your fried chicken, this is worth a sticky beak!

Flappy’s has officially opened its doors at Mambourin Marketplace, bringing with it all the delicious flavours of Louisiana - including their signature Cajun spice blend!

If you’re looking for your next family dining destination in Geelong, Mamma says check out Franca’s — the new Italian restaurant that’s creating quite the buzz amongst the locals. Step inside and you’ll be instantly transported to the Mediterranean. The food? Absolutely divine. Burrata, woodfired pizzas, handmade pasta and more - and with a fab kids menu too - Franca's will be a fam fav in no time

The same beloved Elephant we know and love from Newport, Williamstown and Albion have done it again — and it’s every bit as fabulous as Mamma hoped. You know that signature pink glow, those fun neon signs, and that effortlessly cool vibe? Yep, it’s all there! The food is amazing - Mamma can confirm that their all-day breakfast selection and kid menu is seriously next level! Check it out folks!

Discover August Café, Seddon - a cosy corner spot for standout brunch, velvet-smooth coffee, iced matcha, pastries, Mimosas and Bloody Marys. Family-friendly.

Nestled in the heart of Melbourne’s West, Francois Eatery in Mambourin is the perfect blend of European inspired charm and modern family-friendly vibes. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere, a delightful fusion of traditional and contemporary twists, a colouring in kids' meal, and a playground in Mambourin Marketplace's shopping centre, Mamma says Francois Eatery is the perfect spot for you.

Discover Kokoras in Yarraville Village - a fresh take on the chicken shop. Think juicy flame-grilled chicken, Greek sides, tzatziki, flatbreads, salads and traditional Greek-style potatoes.

Discover Kumbira Café & Grill in Altona – a Filipino café by day and grill by night. Enjoy coffee, breakfast and authentic Filipino dishes like sisig, pork belly, beef brisket and more.
Fresh, bold flavours and family-style dining in Melbourne’s west.

Friends of Pho has arrived in Williamstown! Enjoy pho, bao buns, bánh mì and more – fresh Vietnamese street food that locals are already loving.

Mamma has found a little slice of Paris, right in the heart of Melbourne’s Northwest! Parisian Baker is a small French patisserie located on Keilor Road, Essendon. Although their cabinet is always full of house-made sweet and savoury French treats, Mamma comes here for the soft, gooey, delightful scrolls. Banoffee, white chocolate raspberry, s’mores, choc peanut butter, coffee, pistachio - YUM!

Cedar Bakery in Moonee Ponds is a cafe, Lebanese bakery and a middle eastern supermarket all rolled into one! Catering for vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters alike, Mamma loves to devour their traditional lamb and garlic Manousheh, pastries, zaatar, mezza and dips with all of spices... oh so yum! They also have a middle eastern inspired supermarket on site for some takeaway goodies!

If you’re around the Tullamarine area and need a good feed for you and the kids, Mamma definitely recommends Burgertory, where heavenly burgers meet sinful flavours! Freshly baked buns, juicy patties, and house made sauces come together to make your taste buds go wild! They've got fried or grilled chicken, beef, halloumi, and even vegan burgers on offer, as well as some fantastic kids meals too!

We all know Schulz Organic Dairy for their beautiful organic milk – but nothing prepares you for the incredible food here. Honestly, we’d recommend making the 2.5-hour trip just for this spot alone.