Food & Family

Melbourne's favourite family café with an indoor play space and a dedicated kids' corner. Perfect for rainy days and long brunches.

An iconic Melbourne institution since 1974. Kids love the sweet and savoury pancake menu — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Famous for its window display of cakes and pastries. A St Kilda icon — grab a slice and head to the foreshore.

Wholesome, organic café fare in a relaxed setting. Excellent kids' menu with real food — no nuggets in sight.

Healthy burgers with a dedicated kids' menu. The 'Little Ripper' range is a firm favourite with the under-10 crowd.

Authentic Italian café and restaurant. Kids adore the gelato and pizza — parents love the coffee. A Carlton institution.

Stunning heritage building café with an all-day menu. The kids' banana bread is legendary and the courtyard is pram-friendly.

Melbourne's favourite burger joint. Simple, quality ingredients and a relaxed vibe that works perfectly for families with young kids.

World-renowned croissants in a stunning space. Weekend mornings are a Melbourne family ritual — arrive early as queues form quickly.

Café at the Heide Museum of Modern Art, surrounded by beautiful sculpture gardens. Perfect for a family art and lunch outing.

Award-winning pasta restaurant that welcomes families. The handmade pasta is exceptional and kids love the simple butter and parmesan option.

Spacious warehouse café with exceptional coffee and an all-day brunch menu. The large tables and relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for families.

Healthy burgers with a dedicated kids' menu. The mini burgers are a hit with little ones and the local community vibe is welcoming.

Iconic Melbourne laneway café. Best visited on weekday mornings with a pram — the narrow laneway is magical but busy on weekends.

Café inside Melbourne's beloved urban farm. Kids can see the animals while you enjoy brunch — the farm eggs on toast are a must.

Neighbourhood café with a warm, welcoming vibe. The kids' pancakes are enormous and the staff genuinely love little visitors.

One of Melbourne's most celebrated brunch spots. The French-inspired menu is exceptional — arrive early as queues form quickly, especially on weekends.

Iconic Melbourne Asian restaurant. The kids' menu is thoughtful and the bold flavours are a great introduction to Asian cuisine for adventurous young eaters.

George Calombaris's Greek street food restaurant. The kids love the souvlaki and the vibrant atmosphere. Great for a casual family dinner.

Andrew McConnell's Asian-inspired restaurant. The lobster roll is legendary. Welcoming to families at lunch — the open kitchen keeps curious kids entertained.

Classic Carlton café on Lygon Street. Excellent coffee and a generous all-day menu. The outdoor tables are perfect for families watching the world go by.

Melbourne's most famous Italian pastry shop. The display cabinet of cakes and pastries is a wonder for kids. The gelato is world-class.

Shane Delia's Middle Eastern restaurant. The share-style menu works brilliantly for families and the warm, welcoming atmosphere makes everyone feel at home.

Vietnamese street food in a vibrant Windsor setting. The pho and banh mi are excellent and the relaxed atmosphere welcomes families with young children.

Handmade pasta in an intimate setting. The kids' butter and parmesan pappardelle is a revelation. Book well in advance — this place fills up fast.

Andrew McConnell's flagship restaurant. The all-day menu is exceptional and the open kitchen is fascinating for curious kids. Welcoming to families at lunch.

Burgers served in vintage train carriages on a Collingwood rooftop. Kids absolutely love the novelty and the views of Melbourne are spectacular.

Spacious café with exceptional coffee and an all-day menu. The outdoor courtyard is pram-friendly and the kids' menu is well thought out.

Legendary vegetarian restaurant with a set menu of Moroccan-inspired dishes. Kids love the communal dining experience and the exotic flavours.

Neighbourhood café with a warm, welcoming vibe. The kids' menu is simple and delicious, and the staff genuinely love little visitors.

A Melbourne institution since 1986. The all-day breakfast is legendary and the retro atmosphere is charming. Great value for families.

Famous for pintxos (Spanish bar snacks) and a stunning rooftop bar. The ground floor is family-friendly and the pintxos are perfect for sharing with kids.

Stunning vegetarian restaurant in a converted warehouse. The creative plant-based menu is a great way to introduce kids to vegetables in a fun way.

Neighbourhood café with a focus on quality ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere. The kids' menu is simple and delicious.

Charming Brunswick café with excellent coffee and homemade cakes. The kids' hot chocolate is legendary and the outdoor area is pram-friendly.

Neighbourhood café with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The all-day brunch menu is excellent and the outdoor courtyard is perfect for families.

Artisan bakery with exceptional sourdough and pastries. The kids' jam doughnuts are a Melbourne institution. Queue early on weekends.

Melbourne's best gelato, full stop. The flavours change seasonally and every single one is exceptional. A must-visit with kids after a trip to the Melbourne Museum.

Local brewery with a family-friendly beer garden. The kids' menu is excellent and the outdoor play area keeps little ones entertained while parents relax.

Motorcycle-themed café with excellent coffee and a generous brunch menu. The outdoor courtyard is pram-friendly and the staff are welcoming to families.

Neighbourhood café with a focus on quality and a relaxed atmosphere. The kids' menu is simple and delicious, and the staff are genuinely welcoming.

Melbourne's iconic Spanish tapas bar. The share-style menu works brilliantly for families and the warm atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome.

Neil Perry's flagship steakhouse. A special-occasion restaurant for families — the kids' menu is excellent and the Art Deco setting is stunning.

American-style diner in a heritage building. The kids' menu is excellent and the milkshakes are legendary. Great for a casual family dinner.

French-inspired patisserie and café. The cakes and pastries are exceptional and the kids' hot chocolate is a treat. The outdoor area is pram-friendly.

Neighbourhood café with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The kids' menu is thoughtful and the outdoor courtyard is perfect for families on a sunny day.

One of Melbourne's most celebrated specialty coffee roasters. The brunch menu is exceptional and the outdoor area is pram-friendly.

Stunning café in a converted warehouse with a living wall. The brunch menu is exceptional and the kids' menu is well thought out. Very pram-friendly.

New York-inspired brunch spot with exceptional pancakes and eggs. The kids' menu is excellent and the relaxed atmosphere welcomes families.

Stunning heritage building café with an all-day menu. The kids' banana bread is legendary and the courtyard is pram-friendly.