If like Mamma, your date nights are few and far between, then you want to make these occasions pretty special and even a little bit fancy. Enter - Heartswood.

Located in the heart of Kew, this new cafe has been designed with families in mind.

Burgers, brew and bbq! The name pretty much says it all. Good Company is an popular eastie hangout - especially on the weekend. The locals come here for the combination of American inspired food and Mamma loves these burgers!

This wholefoods supermarket and cafe is certain to make you feel good. Quite possibly make you feel GREAT! Amongst the hustle and bustle of the Casey Lifestyle Centre in Narre Warren, you will find Good Food Emporium

A decade ago, who would have thought of a farm being developed and built on the rooftop of a suburban shopping centre! Let alone have two dining spaces!

Any opportunity to let the kids explore new flavours and tastes from around the world (without having to board a plane to do so) is what this Mamma is all about. Hochi Mini allows us to taste some of the famous flavours of Vietnam right here in Ferntree Gully.

We all know what can make the kids super excited? The chance to explore an old school lolly shop. A spot where the shelves are filled with old school (and not-so old school), turn-your-tongue-blue and almost-pull-your-teeth-out kind of treats.

Every little town needs a place to catch up with friends, share a meal with the family and grab a drink. Gembrook has a new one. Check out The Local.

Mamma gets good vibes as soon as she enters this space. It’s light, it’s clean and fresh. The coffee is amazing and the food is next level.

There is a new gelatery in town and your kids will be begging you to visit. Augustus Gelatery has landed in Upper Ferntree Gully and you have 32 flavours to work your way through.

Well here is a hidden treasure. A milkbar converted into a cafe with a backyard playground! You are going to LOVE Crest Cafe.

Every suburban set of shops need a cafe. One that serves up amazing coffee, has a delicious brunch menu and that welcomes the whole family with open arms. Well Mamma found one. Hyde n Seek in Ashwood is just that!

A family friendly burger places … and more!

How good is a cold, hand-crafted pale ale on a hot day? Or perhaps you’re more of a spritzer or locally-made gin person? Whatever your tipple - BoJack has you covered!

You can take Mamma out of her school but she can always find her way back to one! Primary @ Pioneers Park is an old school building turned into the next best thing - a CAFE!

Mamma is a full believer that coffee helps makes the world go round and that every little set of Aussie shops needs a cafe which helps bring that community together. Never Regular seem to have done just that.

The set up at The Little Window is so simple … it’s perfect. The venue is home to the local Gymbaroo class and the entire front section is a small cafe making spot-on coffee.

Now this place is something else. There is an eclectic mix of furniture and decor, in a half a dozen different dining spaces

This huge beer hall is a great place to take the family and enjoy a quality meal. You can create your own Octoberfest experience all year round by pulling up a bench, ordering a stein and tucking into your classic German grub.

If you are after cold drip coffee, The Lilydale General is the place to do. This hip cafe is hidden in the industrial estate in the back streets of Lilydale and the locals go nuts for it.
 

Food is fresh and delicious with Mexican inspired dishes throughout, including on the kids menu. Mamma had major food envy over the Croquettes Benedict but can also recommend the Avocado (a great twist on a classic) and the churros waffle.

Mamma loves a one stop shop and The Full Pantry is no exception. A wholefoods store attached to a cosy cafe is just what the doctor ordered.

It’s Milki as in milk bar. It is Miller as in John James Miller - the first Knox shire president. And together is it a BRAND NEW cafe addition to the Alchester shops in Boronia.

We think that we have found another awesome family experience full of entertainment and delicious food. Sushi Jiro has JUST opened their doors in the Knox Ozone and it is super cool.

Wanna guess what is top of the menu at Toast? You got it! TOAST. Toasted sandwiches, jaffles, milkshakes, hot pies, coffee and some special pastries are what this teeny tiny cafe is serving up 7 days a week.

You can’t go past a cafe with a courtyard out the back and a place for the kids to play. My Little Kitchen in Healesville hits the nail on the head by catering for families.

Hot diggity dog! This could be the coolest digs to hit the east. Fonzie’s Diner is all about those classic 50s Americana vibes.

There is something special about having a family dinner or lunch at the local brewery while exploring with the family. Coldstream Brewery is in the perfect spot, right at the Maroondah Highway entrance to the Yarra Valley.

What is not to love about The Station House. This is your classic pizzeria with all the trimmings. From the black and white lino floors to the old school milkshakes, to the pizza box stack that reaches the ceilings to the amazing pizza menu, this family pizza restaurant is perfect.

Mamma is most certainly a Mrs Grumpy before her morning coffee - until of course she grabs a morning brew from the one and only Mr Grumpy. This is an eclectic cafe with tonnes of personality, especially on the walls.

There will be no bones about it - every man, woman and his dog (or horse) will be checking out The Trail Cafe. Located alongside the Warburton Rail Trail in Mount Evelyn, the cafe is a perfect all rounder.

This little treasure is a clubhouse just made for little ones and make a killer baby chino - just check out that face! 

Mamma loves a place that has soul. Not and Not Yet has just that, and more. This eclectic cafe has the community as its backbone and a great cup of coffee in its heart! 

That incredible lamb cooked over the flame, the fresh and crispy salads, the dips and breads and cheeses! Holy moly - Mamma’s mouth is watering just thinking of it. Luckily for us, Miss Pickle offers all of these things and MORE.

Whenever you are in a new town - follow the locals. They know where to get the best food and coffee in the neighbourhood.

You don’t bet much brighter than Little Prince. This fusion style restaurant in Traralgon can be spotted a mile away, especially by the awesome street art along its side ally.

Parents, dream do really come true. There are cafes in the world where the kids have safe places to play, get out in the outdoors AND you can have a coffee all at the same time!

The Cuckoo is an institution in Melbourne, and has been around for SIXTY years! This Mamma’s Mamma even went before SHE was even a Mamma…that’s a long time!

The Nooj Pub is famous. In a tiny town, mid way from Yarra Junction to Mt Baw Baw, this place is the heart of it all and been here for over 90 years. All weekend the kitchen churns out hearty aussie pub meals served with a huge chunk of country hospitality.

Whether you are passing through or a local looking for a great feed, you need to know about Little Joe. Perched on the high side of the roadside, just before you hit the bridge out of the main drag, you will find this Warbo eatery.

The Stamford Park Homestead used to be the ‘country home’ of the Row family back in the 1880s and now, after years of tender loving care, it is back to its best and open for all of us to enjoy.

The Yarra Valley has a very strong place in Mamma’s heart. The rolling hills, the beautiful views and the stunning vineyards. All of the above can be found here, at the magical Meletos.

You have to head down to Croydon Main Street and check out The Ten Saints for yourself. It is a cocktail bar and beer garden with a love of all things rum.

If Mary tells you to eat cake … then how do you say no! The beautiful converted old home is a delightful cafe, specialising in high tea, is a delightful place for a lunch and NOW, Mary’s Cafe is also open for breakfast.

The cafe, right next to the library, that has everything a group of Mamma needs, including SPACE!

It’s the age old question. Which came first. The chicken or the egg? All we know is that COFFEE is what needs to come first!

Tucked around a corner and in a cute little spot opposite Mitcham train station you will find a cosy little cafe filled to the brim with books and family love!

All aboard the TOKYO METRO! Experience the joys of the sushi train with the whole family.

Mamma never thought that she would be sharing a Hello Kitty, a Pikachu OR a rainbow unicorn at dinner time! But surprise, surprise, here we are.

Attention all intergalactic space fans! There is a BRAND NEW cafe in town and I gotta warn you - It is outta this world!

Stop everything and book the babysitter. You MUST get down to the latest cocktail bar to hit Ringwood.

If Mamma loves anything loves a great brekkie and a treat, especially when the later is in the form of an Italian custard donut. So when a spot has crispy bacon, perfect babycinos and a delightful donut, mamma will tell everyone. 

Nestled behind busy Boronia road is Two Cats Espresso. A cosy little nook to enjoy coffee, friendly service and a ‘guilt free’ treat, or three. With an extensive coffee list, a ‘baby beverage menu’, colouring in, books and toys, everyone will be purring. 

You can not go through the Upper Yarra without stopping at the Valley’s favourite roadside bakery - Gladysdale Bakehouse. This is your local country-style bakery but on the next level.

They have been making pizza in Melbourne since before it was cool and they sure know their way around a pizza dough!

Do yourself a favour and hop on down to Lilydale one early arvo for an early dinner or over the weekend for a cheeky beer at the Yarra Ranges latest brewery.

Welcome to Kitty Burns. A super stylish cafe hidden alongside the Yarra in Abbotsford. You can’t see this one from Victoria Street but once you find it - it is a feast for the eyes AND an empty tummy!

This is Mamma’s kind of milk bar. Stunning coffee, delicious food, milkshakes of course AND a little wrapped treat for the kids or Mamma - no judgement!

Flame Trees Burger Bar is a winner in our books. A truly relaxed casual-dining restaurant with a courtyard out the back with GIANT connect four. You really cannot go wrong.

If your family loves a sweet treat served in a cone, or even a quick afternoon treat in the warmer months, this dessert bar is something else!

Owners Michael and Kelly have transformed this incredible space into a brilliant family friendly restaurant and bar that is welcoming to everyone.

Mr Beans is located on Main Street in Croydon and there is a tiny piece of paper on the front door that reads: Kids play room at the rear. What a treat. Right at the end of the cafe, through a couple of doors and you will find this extra room that is ideal for families and playdates.

When you hear whispers about a beautiful little cafe in the hills, you best pack the kids in the car and go for a visit. Mamma is so glad we did. the Eatery in Tecoma is just gorgeous.

Nice Buns is the very BEST of all things YOMG - Yo My Goodnes. This innovative Melbourne based biz love to push the envelope with food, dining and stack of fun.

Mamma could tell you that this place is the bees knees and that would be enough, because it truly is the brilliant. But… we will continue!

It’s happy days 7 days a week with the retro inspired diner now open in the Main Street of Croydon. Happy Days Donuts are ALL about sweets and their selection of milkshakes, ice cream and donuts are perfectamundo.

You can tell everyone that you heard it from Mamma. The chai-hot chocolate that Anne makes at Overhear Coffee and Food is the BEST!

Battle stations ladies and gentlemen. There is a new little cafe in town and they are making their mark in the back streets of Blackburn North. This cosy cafe is nestled in a small strip of shops and Mamma says, it is worth finding.

You scream, I scream we all CHEERS for ICE CREAM!

Kitchen is the perfect complement to the homewares outlet. With airy ceilings and gorgeous decor - including the ceramic light fixtures above the coffee counter - the restaurant is pretty darn perfect.

When Mamma arrives in this Auburn Road cafe, she is immediately made to feel welcome. On a lovely spring afternoon we choose to enjoy the courtyard with some locals and quickly make ourselves at home.

Locavore Studio sure have hit Main Street with a BANG! Since moving in to the new digs from just around the corner, the team at the studio have let EVERYONE know they are here and you simply can not miss the giant mural running along side the cafe.

Feel like traveling back in time a little. To the days when you saved all your pocket money to splurge on lollies at the milk bar? Or maybe when you were sent down to the shop for a can of fizzy drink? Well you can do this PLUS enjoy a beautiful meal at Milkboy on Fordham’s.

Proserpina Bakehouse in Sassafras simply took Mamma’s breath away as soon as we walked in the yellow doors. The sun drenched tables, the airy ceiling and the sounds of a buzzing kitchen, or was that the flour mill? Whatever the magic is, makes our heart sing.

Did someone whisper 'chocolate'? They must have because Mamma has sniffed out a new chocolate factory in Olinda! Only Mine is a chocolate shop, complete with cafe and glass windows into the factory zone.

Want to treat this kids with an experience they will never forget? What about lunch in an old school train that's five storeys up and has some of the tastiest burgers and desserts around? Easey!

Next time you head to Collingwood Children's Farm, save your back from carrying all the snacks and grab some tucker from The Farm Cafe. This beautiful cafe is half in and half out of the farm, servicing the visitors from the stairway or diners can access from the Main Yarra Trail bike path.

Mamma believes every little town needs a place like Spencers Store. A cosy, casual cafe with awesome food choices and everyone is welcome. Sit inside or soak up some soft rays in the courtyard while the kids sip babycinos and you get a much needed coffee.

Be prepared to be blown you away when you arrive at The Baker's Wife. The size, decor and the food options are amazing. Mamma challenges you NOT to leave without grabbing a doughnut on the way out.

Mamma is often asked "Where can we go that is kinda special and can have kids come too?" Our latest answer - The Independent in Gembrook. 
This Argentinian flavoured eatery is incredible.

I hereby declare that EVERY kindergarten needs a kid friendly cafe right next door! How lucky are these mums (and their kids) that Ora Specialty Coffee Cafe have converted their backyard and laneway into a family zone. The cubby house filled with toys, there is bench seating for outdoor dining and a little slide to entertain your cherubs while you decide on your meal. 

Shillinglaw cafe has quickly become a favourite family brunch spot in the north east. When there is no rain, sit and relax at an outdoor table while the little one can play in the sandpit under the big tree. Inside is a cosy setup with a warm open fire. 

It's incy wincy in size but not in heart or purpose! The dual purpose shop and cafe is Emerald's go-to for a quick takeaway, a bunch of flowers and a gift for a special lady or kiddo.

Has Mamma found the fanciest babycino in the east?

Put on your bow tie and meet Mamma at Mr Burton for a beetroot latte! 

The views at the Estate are breathtaking!

Bam Bam thank you Ma'am. This place is putting Avonsleigh on the map!  

Cafe + blueberry picking + kid welcome = perfect family fun! 

For those times you have a sleeping baby in the car OR you can't face bringing them out of the car just to put them straight back in ... DRIVE THRU COFFEE!

Coffee with a super side of social enterprise. Welcome to Blackburn's latest foodie haven. 

Husband and wife super duo Emma and Ben Bangay have created a paradisal oasis in the heart of Kew

Aunt Billies - where little neices and nephews are more than welcome. 

Date night is getting a little fancy with a new - and extremely delicious - bar and grill!

Kilysth is getting a whole lotta foodie goodness. 

This cute cafe in the quiet streets of Kew isn't huge but it's big on great food and friendly staff.

The space is huge and light, with a great fit out and cool atmosphere.  A fantastic spot to meet friends if you want to head inner city and get some yummo healthy food.

Located right near the rear of the Wattle Park golf course, The Foodrinkery is a treasure that needs to be shared

Bob IS my uncle! 

Mamma challenges you not to smile once you have eaten here! 

There is plenty of heart in making a space for little ones and their parents at this community run playcafe!

Little by little it is easier to leave the house when you have little ones by your side all day. Even easier when there is great coffee to be had and a chalkboard to make your mark! 

Innocent Bystander has some new digs and Mamma is digging it - BIG TIME. 

Follow Mamma down the rabbit hole for a delightful brunch with the ones you love! 

A local cafe with families and little ones looked after with a cubby house out the back! 

Meet me in wonderland!

Beer, beer and more moreish BEER! This vast warehouse has been converted into a pretty cool beer hall and dining space and Mamma loves it!

Give us a milkshake like Mamma used to make! Rowena corner store has been in business for 60 years and it is easy to see why! 

A place for the kids to play when dining in the city - it EXISTS! 

Smoothie bowls, super berries and yummy whole foods!

This is not your typical ice cream shop - this is a boutique.

A playroom as big as our lounge room in a cafe is a Mamma's dream spot for morning coffee. 

A cafe layout with kids in mind is ALWAYS a winner in Mamma's eyes!

Mamma felt like a kid in a candy store....actually Mamma was EXACTLY like a kid in a candy store at this sweet sweets store in Warrandyte.

Did you know that there is an orchard in suburban Melbourne that grows over 200 different types of apples AND has upgraded their backyard playground?

Ringwood's latest (and pretty darn spunky) cafe. It is run by a husband and wife power team, Nick and Jacqui, and they have worked hard to produce a cafe with all the important little touches.

Inchmeal is FULL of heart and lattes! 

Coffee, sunshine, enclosed courtyard and a box of chalk - Two Brothers hits the SPOT!

A Mamma fave for the crew is the red velvet pancakes and the parsnip and sweet potato cakes. Seriously stacked and seriously yum!

Could this be the best spot for a burger in Lilydale ... quite possibly. And probably why they call this place The Bom!

This family has transformed an old paint shop into a coffee making machine and is Mamma's latest HAPPY PLACE! 

You might bring the family here for the fish. You might bring the family here for the burgers. OR like Mamma, you might bring the family here for a SUPER FREAK SHAKE! 

An industrial style cafe with plenty of spunk and style. Mister and Miss is a funky modern cafe making itself at home in Mont Albert. 

Where do all the little chicky babes go with their Mamma for a special breakfast? Round Bird of course. 

Cupcake Central has landed at Eastland and you will not be able to walk past without trying one...or two......or alright, a whole pack!

A stunning location, beautiful wine and amazing food, Zonzo Estate is a wonderful place for the entire family. 

This is one of Mamma's all time favourites. One that I was tempted to keep my little secret ... but where is the fun in that?

Well hello! There is a new cafe in town and it is right down the lane.Once you have found it - the aroma of good coffee should give it away - you won't forget where it is. Welcome to Manna Lane!

The most delicious, creamy coffee with a HUGE tub of toys for a toddler to explore and SPACE on the floor to play - you are ticking all the right boxes Little Buddy Cafe!

 This fully operational micro brewery is tucked into the back streets of Croydon's town centre and is where you find all the cool kids after work for Friday night drinks.

The Pig and Whistle has been a family favourite for years and even now with a little one in tow - it still hits all the right spots!

The locals at Box Hill North know it is the place to be and Mamma is thrilled when she scores a table

The Conservatory Cafe is a local Croydon favourite - especially for the Mamma's looking for a space for the kiddies to run around. 

Mamma has a little secret – her great aunty Chris knows all the hot spots around, which is why we catch up with her at Mister Fox

Chocoholics must stop here! A chocolate factory with a cafe menu that is out of this world. Mamma's kind of heaven! 

 The Carriage cafe is exactly that - a cafe in a 100 year old carriage situated alongside the Warburton rail trail, paying great respect to the history of the area. 
 

Breathtaking is one way to describe the Burnham Beeches Bakery and Piggery Cafe. 

Kid friendly and stacked with heritage is what you will find as you head up the hill to Payne’s Rise. 

Is it possible to fall in love with a building from just the outside? Well, it must be because Mamma is loving this recent addition to Main Street Lilydale, Hutch & Co.