Mamma is always on the lookout for that perfect dining spot where she can enjoy a meal while the kids are thoroughly entertained. Look no further than these family-friendly cafes and restaurants! From toddler corners stocked with toys to coloring materials and even a game of pool, there's something to keep every little one happy and occupied. And if they prefer the great outdoors, let them run wild in the playground while you savor your meal in peace. With spacious layouts and a range of activities, these eateries ensure that every family member leaves with a full belly and a smile. Don't miss out on creating cherished memories over delicious food and endless fun!

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gaffney's bakery, heathcote

Gaffney’s bakery is the perfect spot to stop and have a feed in Heathcote. It has a huge range of bakery classics, such as pies, pastries, fresh sandwiches, cakes, slices, biscuits and more! And even has a play space for the kids!

switch and sip play cafe, templestowe

Mamma’s…..we have a good one! Play cafes are some of the best places in the world according to this Mamma. Switch and Sip has an enclosed play area including a cubby house with lots of imaginary play items- kitchen, cooking, even a coffee machine!

shillinglaw cafe, eltham

Shillinglaw Café is the kind of spot that feels like a home away from home, where the vibe is cozy and welcoming. It’s tucked away in a serene corner, but this charming café is a special spot when the sun is shining! It has a HUGE outdoor area at the back, shaded by a stunning tree.

slices, keilor

Restaurants with kids play areas are really such treasures. Slices in Keilor is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner AND has not one, but TWO play areas for the kids - how convenient can you get?!

the court coffee bar, sunbury

Sunbury’s new local, The Court Coffee Bar, is such a great space for your little ones… Mamma can’t wait to come back!

the ball court hotel, sunbury

Wowee Mammas, the Ball Court Hotel in Sunbury is back after a HUGE renovation and we are OBSESSED!

caffe vista @ marnong estate, mickleham

Caffe Vista is the perfect spot for good food, great views and time with family and friends.

panton hill hotel, panton hill

Matched with cold beer on tap, a kitchen busting out hot pub-grub and enough room for all of our mates, the Panton Hill Hotel is a perfect country style pub.

flinch coffee & play, northcote

Flinch Coffee & Play is the PERFECT spot where you can enjoy a scrumptious meal while having a blast with the family.

compass pizza, brunswick east

There's an Italian restaurant in Brunswick East called Compass, which was previously known as La Bussola. This family friendly place serves up delicious pizzas, pastas and parmas every day of the week.

big elma, coburg

Here’s a sweet new cafe stop on the way to the Merri Creek trail. Big Elma is as pretty as a picture and it has a kid friendly courtyard, perfect for spring coffee or lunch dates!

mables jones, greensborough

If there’s a cafe in Greensborough that ticks all of Mamma’s boxes, it’s Mable Jones.

baketico by wonder pies, heidelberg heights

Baketico by Wonder Pies is receiving acclaim for its delectable pastries, captivating customers even before they enter the shop.

ezi streat, north melbourne

A relaxed food hall with a range of eateries, arcade games, beer garden and indoor tables. Think of wandering down a little Japanese laneway - soba noodle bar on the right, lanterns hanging outside a private dining space to the left, comic book graphics on the walls and retro arcade games in the corner. It’s fun for kids and adults alike!

the vale bar & eatery, ascot vale

With the Union Square popup park, the footpath of The Vale is a great place for family friendly dining - adults can enjoy some cocktails and everyone can enjoy seriously fine food.

star hotel, yackandandah

Mamma has got stars in her eyes for this place! The Star Hotel is THE place to be in the sweetest of all towns - Yackandandah. The American style BBQ menu is delicious and full of flavour. A must when visiting Victoria's High Country and Beechworth area.

stanley pub and general store, stanley

If you want to learn about any small Australian town - head to the local watering hole. In Stanley, the entire heart of this tiny village is the Stanley Pub. This establishment which was first opened in 1854, has had a resurgence in recent years under the guidance of new ownership and it has made its mark with the locals as well the visitors to Victoria’s High Country.

the pioneer cafe, rosanna

This is a family friendly, cosy cafe. The menu has a South American influence and includes some Latin favourites like guacamole, tamales, empanadas and pupusas. There are also Latin spins on regular cafe fare like a chicken burger. A kids menu has some fine options for little tummies, too.

park st, carlton north

Park St really is the holy grail of family dining! It has everything you could need for a perfect family meal experience, a wonderful cafe overlooking a gated playground!

brother hen, moonee ponds

Two chefs, some chooks and some damn good food - that’s their tag line and there you have it, Brother Hen. Mamma first came here 5 years ago and recently came back for a revisit. It’s still the great family friendly cafe we love!

teller, brunswick east

A sunny afternoon is well spent at this Brunswick local

tallboy and moose brewpub, preston

This great local brewpub in Preston is super spacious and family friendly. It’s exactly the place you’ll want to spend a sunny afternoon with family and friends.

local folk, kensington

Local Folk is so pretty, there are tables nestled under a gorgeous shady tree outdoors this is a great option to sit - or if you want to keep the kids contained you can pull up a chair inside. Mamma says there is even a cute mezzanine with a chalk board, mini table and chairs with pencils for the kids too.

sesame n soul lebanese bakery, brunswick east

If you love Lebanese bakery food as much as Mamma and her crew do, you are in for a treat!

missing gorilla, eltham

This Wine Bar, Cafe & Beer Garden in Eltham is HUGE and it has one of the best KIDS PLAY AREAS Mamma has ever seen! Now open for breakfast on the weekends too!

forget me not eatery, greenvale

Oh what a lovely spot for a stroll through a gorgeous nursery before a delicious brunch or lunch while the kids play happily!

nagambie brewery & distillery

We really love a spacious, family friendly brewery and you’ll be hard pressed finding one with a view as tranquil as this.

tyler's milkbar, preston

Have you ever tried a love bun? Make Tyler’s Milkbar your next adventure!

rotary tram cafe, diamond creek

So we love a coffee-slash-cookie date. We love heading to the park. We love all kinds of fun transport. Mamma is proud to present you with ALL THREE!

golden hills brewery, diamond creek

We can’t let a family friendly brewery go by without stopping in for a visit. Golden Hills Brewery is a brilliant spot to take the kids for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

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top picks

mamma's favourite places to eat where the kids are entertained

mamma knows north