Melbourne is the city I grew up and I always have friends and blog-readers ask me for my inner city Melbourne restaurant recommendations – especially when dining out with kids. Those who ask are keen for my favourite casual kid-friendly restaurants as they like my suggestions in Japan and want some additional handholding while on holidays in Melbourne.
Please note that I only speak of venues we have enjoyed AND especially venues we have tried personally.
This is a list that I am constantly adding to (either as I try out new places or just as I get time to add my personal write up and my photos.)
PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Needing an esim while in Melbourne? Use my Holafly link here and use the code TOKYOCHAPTER for a 5% discount.
Side note: Melbourne is a city full of events and shows. Before arriving in Melbourne, I recommend looking on What’s On Melbourne or Timeout Melbourne. I especially think it’s worth seeing what is on at the National Gallery of Victoria (they have many kid-friendly events- often free) as well as seeing which musicals are in town (this includes shows at the National Theatre in St Kilda and at Chapel Off Chapel.) During summer months, I recommend seeing a movie in the Botanical Gardens at the Moonlight Cinema.
It’s also worth looking at Australian Open tickets for January or Big Bash tickets for December. Summer is also a good time to check out what is happening as a part of the Midsumma Festival.
*TIPS FOR VISITING THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN WITH KIDS
I recommend arriving at least 1.5 hours ahead of your match times (if you have seats in the arenas.) This will minimize any wait times to get in and will allow for toilet breaks and my kids love to check out the pop-up stores (in 2026 my daughter LOVED the Mecca barbie house.) Arrive earlier or stay later to take advantage of family friendly activities such as water slides and mini-tennis games.
You CAN bring in your own empty water bottles and you can fill up for free at the water stations (water is expensive to purchase.). Make sure you also bring sunscreen and everyone wears hats and comfy footwear (sunglasses are a good idea in case your seats are facing right into the sun.) I also recommend bringing a handheld fan for each person. Did you know that you can also bring food and non-alcoholic drinks from home to the Australian Open? Cutlery too. Just make sure that your bag is small enough to fit under your arena seat.
Best to arrive by public transport (parking is expensive anyway.)
Also, make sure you talk to kids about tennis etiquette (when to be quiet etc) ahead of time. Personally, I wouldn’t do the actual arenas with kids younger than 8 years old. But that’s just my personal comfort level for making sure I don’t ruin the experience for anyone else.
See here for my full list of our favourite things to do in Melbourne as a family here.
In this blog post, I cover our favourite kid-friendly restaurants in Melbourne’s CBD but also in some of the inner and nearby suburbs. I add to this often.
I am asked most often where to have dinner with kids before seeing a show in Melbourne. We are big musical theatre people – so here are our family favourites.
Where to eat and what to see before a show at the National Theatre in St Kilda with kids? (See here for my suggestions.)
Where to eat before a show at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne with kids? (See here for my suggestions.)
Where to eat and play before a show at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne with kids? (See here for all of my suggestions.)
Where to eat and play before a show at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne with kids? (see here for all of my suggestions.)
Here are my favourite restaurants to eat out with kids in Melbourne’s CBD (Central Business District)
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS IN THE MELBOURNE CBD DISTRICT
Explore Melbourne Laneways
Most tour guide style books will recommend Hosier Lane (the one with all the art work) – but I think it’s not so exciting for kids. So I recommend doing Hosier Lane, taking a picture, but then taking a walk to (and through) the Block Arcade (if you’re feeling fancy book a high tea at the “Tea Rooms 1892, ” formerly called the Hopetoun Tea Room, here) and then going for breakfast, brunch or lunch on Degraves St and connecting smaller laneway Degraves Place.
From there, you can also either:
– walk through Fed Square, take some pics of Flinders St Station and over Princes Bridge to the other side of the river and easily visit the NGV (see details below) and take a walk through the Alexandra Gardens, Queen Victoria Gardens, the Floral Clock (13 mins walk from Degraves St) and along further to the Shrine of Remembrance (23 mins walk from Degraves St).
-OR you can walk under Flinders Street Station from Degraves St and pop out on the other side of the river and be a bit closer to Afloat , the Crown Melbourne (14 mins walk from Degraves St) and the restaurants along the Southbank.
Another laneway with a different vibe in Melbourne is Hardware Lane. Some of the restaurants here are good and others are a bit touch and go. If here in the morning, I recommend parents heading to Maker (open from 7am on weekdays and 8am on weekends) for coffee (be really “Melbourne” and order “a Magic“) and kids can try a famous treat ” a lamington” (a sponge cake covered in chocolate and coconut – and this cafe does a special caramel raspberry cream filling version.)
And if you’re on Hardware Lane from midday onwards, go to Piccolina Gelateria for the most incredible gelato. Card only transactions here.
Vapiano Flinders Lane
This is a lovely kid-friendly restaurant that has enough space to not feel the pressure to speak quietly all the time but also doesn’t feel too much like a “family restaurant” either. The restaurant is big and there is even an outdoor terrace section that overlooks Flinders Lane. We call Vapiano (in Flinders Lane and Bourket St) our “Aussie version of Pizza Express” as the vibes are similar to Pizza Express in the UK.)
I also really like the brand new Vapiano on Bourke St (just on the Bourke St Mall opposite Myer and above Sportsgirl and Priceline. It’s so spacious in there and they do fab pizza making workshops for kids on school holidays.
Afloat
Open September to June each year. I would avoid this place with kids on a Fri or Sat night after 6pm as it becomes a bit of a date/ meet up kind of vibe at those times – but it is also totally fine all other times with kids. You are sitting on the Yarra River and it’s the perfect place to watch the world go by. See the full Afloat menu here.Make a reservation online for Afloat here.
Sake, Melbourne
Sake is just under the Arts Centre on the Yarra River side. We have been going here for years. Prices are quite “special occassion ready” but we always find the food to be good – and it’s a good spot to have a drink before seeing a show at the Arts Centre. They welcome kids too. We have always just walked in without a booking (but best to book if you have a time you must eat and if you have a big group.)
They have high chairs and can give smaller portion sizes for kids – but there isn’t a kids’ menu.
Go Boat Rental
I also recommend packing a picnic and renting a putt-putt Goboat to drive along the Yarra as a family.
You pick up your GoBoat from Banana Alley (along the river behind the far end of Flinders Street Station and not too far from Afloat.) It’s possible to rent a boat for 1 or 2 hours.
Criniti’s
If you are wanting to eat along the Southbank, Criniti’s is kid-friendly and is on the water (but also away from the water enough that kids can play in front of the restaurant while you wait for food without being too close to the water’s edge.) Most adult meals are around the $20-25 dollar mark. This restaurant is bustling and busy so – it doesn’t matter if kids are a big wriggly or loud.
Higher Ground
I would really only come here with kids for breakfast or brunch as it can get a bit too “corporate lunch” for me to be able to relax with kids in tow. This restaurant cafe is SO beautiful. Make a reservation for Higher Ground here as it is very very popular – especially on weekdays.
Breakfast is a bit fancy here and can get a bit pricey but it’s nice for a catch up with another family (especially for babies in high chairs or kids who are old enough to sit still.)
Spaghetti Tree
A Melbourne institution. Definitely need a booking to dine here – gosh its so iconic. They have a kids menu but my kids also love eating adult portions here.
Chin Chin
You will definitely need a reservation here and it is the perfect spot for a special night or day as a family – especially if you are foodies. Make a reservation for Chin Chin online here.
The Duke of Wellington
An aussie pub with good food and often sports on the big screen. They have vegetarian and gluten free meal options. See the full menu at The Duke of Wellington here. Book a table online here. All of the options on the kids’ menu are $17 and options include burgers, fish’n’chips, crumbed chicken, gnocchi, grilled chicken with mash.
Movida Bar de Tapas
This tapas bar is really welcoming for families. It’s well known for good food so you will need to budget more than you would for a pub meal. They have vegan and gluten free options. It’s on the famous Hosier Lane – the one with all the graffiti – which is cool by the way but shorter than what you think so just worth a quick walk and a photo. You can then walk to Piccolina Gelateria for dessert.
Metropolitan Hotel
If you’re looking for a lovely typical pot and parma style pub that is also nice for families right in the city centre – I like the Metropolitan Hotel on William St. The second floor is like a cocktail lounge and the rooftop is also open on sunny days. It’s just around the corner from all of the popular Korean restaurants on Chisholm Place. The Metropolitan Hotel welcomes kids but they don’t have high chairs or kids meals. See the full menu for the Metropolitan hotel here.
Cha Ching
This is a new-ish restaurant down the business end of town. But I’m a sucker for Asian fusion and liked the food here a lot. Read about Cha Ching on Trip Advisor here. It’s on the street level so it’s really easy with a stroller – I recommend making a reservation for traditional lunch time hours on a weekday – because it’s popular with the corporates in the area. The website makes this restaurant look super fancy but, in reality, I would save it more for a lush lunch out more than a fancy “it’s my birthday!” type of dinner.
Melbourne Central Lion Hotel
I find the Melbourne Central food courts to be way too chaotic with kids (and hard when everyone wants to eat something different.) It’s not a super fancy recommendation and I wouldn’t make a trip to the city for it but if you’re at Melbourne Central already – it’s a good option. I prefer to eat at the English style pub on the upper floor over the messy and busy food courts (take the escalators up from the shot tower to find it – it’s up near the bowling and movies.) The food is pub food – but hearty portions and very kid friendly. I’ve never found this restaurant to be too crowded and have only ever just walked in. It’s near the bowling alley and the cinema. You can see the Melbourne Central Lion Hotel menu here. We like to eat here before or after an even at the State Library of Victoria (its super close) or after a movie at Melbourne Central or after we’ve been to meet Santa at Myer in the city centre.
The Pancake Parlour
There is also a Pancake Parlour up here on this level of Melbourne Central.
The Pancake Parlour has a kids menu as well as a full vegan menu and a gluten free menu.
When doing Melbourne Central with kids…
My two love the Lego Store and seeing the big clock (under the shot tower) as it has the Aussie animals appear on the hour every hour (take the escalator up afterwards to see the koalas on the back.)
I also quite like the cinema at Melbourne Central (up near the bowling alley.) They have the regular cinemas (lots of kids’ movies have their advanced screening sessions here) and also Premium Recliner Cinemas where you can order food and drinks to be delivered to your seats. See here for the movie times at ticket prices at Melbourne Central Hoyts Cinemas. As with most cinemas in Australia, the cinema temperature always seems to be FREEZING! Please be sure to bring a warmer layer to put on half way through.
After Melbourne Central…
Go across the road to the State Library. It’s so beautiful and they also have storytimes etc for kids.
The Old Melbourne Gaol is also 7 mins walk from Melbourne Central. I’ve written about it in detail here.
Emporium Food Court
I find the Emporium Food Court to be slightly less intense and more spacious than the Melbourne Central food court. Especially first thing in the morning and after 3pm. It’s def not a MUST to eat here but definitely better than the Melbourne Central food court.
OUTSIDE OF THE CITY CENTRE
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS IN THE LYGON ST, CARLTON AREA?
My current favourite is Johnny, Vince and Sam’s Ristorante. This restaurant is 10 mins walk from the Melbourne Museum or 14 mins walk from the Royal Exhibition Building. From Melbourne Central you can also take a tram to Melbourne University/Swanston St stop and walk for 6 mins.
This restaurant has a small kids menu with a butter pasta or a spaghetti with tomato sauce (although my kids are more than happy with the adult menu.). They have so many vegetarian and gluten free options here.
And just 3 mins walk from Johnny, Vince and Sam’s Ristorante is a Yochi for frozen yoghurt with all the toppings.
The Carlton Eatery Universal are so kid-friendly and the portions are massive! Lygon St is famous for being a street lined with well established Italian restaurants. Universal has been here since 1969. They have place to store strollers while you dine and they have colouring pages for kids.
They are also happy to give out takeaway containers for leftovers.
The chicken schnitzel and parma are massive. The garlic bread here is SOOOO good.
To get here, you can walk from Melbourne Central in about 15 mins or take a tram from the Melbourne Central & Lonsdale Tram stop. There is lots of meter parking nearby too.
This restaurant is just 7 mins walk from the Old Melbourne Gaol – which I have written about in detail here.
Shimbashi Soba & Sake Bar is also in Cartlon and the food here is so good. The vibes are “cozy cafe” which means there are lots of families here but also people on comfy date nights. If going for dinner – go early – as the restaurant closes at 8:30pm. The menu is gluten free, dairy free and nut free.
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS IN SOUTH MELBOURNE?
St Ali is my favourite breakfast spot in Melbourne by far. “My Mexican Cousin” corn fritters is what I order every time. To me, this spot is just SOOOO Melbourne. Grungy, arty, neighbourhood vibes but with incredible food. The perfect mix of casual but high end quality.
South Melbourne Market
And if you’re in South Melbourne on Wednesdays, Fridays or weekends – it is DEFINITELY worth visiting South Melbourne Market (I like it more than Queen Vic Market – at least during the day time – the summer and winter night markets at Queen Vic are pretty epic). See here for the latest on opening hours at South Melbourne Market. The South Melbourne tram stop is just 1-2 mins away from the market.
With kids, hit the food hall first and then have a bit of a wander.
There are public toilets just next to the Food Hall and they are also equipped with a baby change table.
South Melbourne Market is such an amazing place to buy souvenirs but also to get some amazing fresh produce to eat with friends – cheese, meats, sundried tomatoes, fruit and veg, pastry items and cakes as well as fresh bread (for bread – the Woodfrog Bakery just across from the market is also amazing.) Also just across the road from the market is “Chef’s Hat” -definitely visit here if you like beautiful cookwares and glasses etc.
For really cute Melbourne souvenirs, I recommend checking out the Suki McMaster store at South Melbourne Market. I like the prints and the tea towels most, personally. Ohh and the reusable coffee cups and baby onesies.
And, although it’s not in the food hall – probably the most popular food option at South Melbourne Market are all of the pastry options sold at Agathe French Patisserie.
The fruit’n’veg shops on the outside of the market are also some of my favourite places to buy fresh produce.
I like how at Rod’s Fruit & Vegetables you can even buy pre-chopped fruit platters.
Cheri Patisserie
If you are after incredible French Patisserie with the most beautiful desserts – I recommend Cheri Patisserie. It is just 2 mins walk from South Melbourne Market. They also do lovely breakfast options and gnocchi, pizza and steak frites for lunch. See the full Cheri Patisserie menu here. For kids – definitely get the Cookies & Cream milkshake.
Juniper
This is a fab option for breakfast or lunch (warning: very very popular for brekkie on weekends and they don’t take reservations so you might want to get takeaway or get there early.) The matcha here is super popular.
I love how their sandwich menu changes daily – they use high quality ingredients and everything here is so good. If dining in, get the soup of the day. Just one min walk from South Melbourne Market.
If you are walking from South Melbourne Market to Port Melbourne ( you can also drive or take public transport) this little playground is also on the way – 6 mins from South Melbourne Market and 13 mins walk on to Port Melbourne Library . The park/playground is called Sol Green Reserve.
Sol Green Reserve, South Melbourne
This corner park has a medium sized adventure playground with lots of climbing structures as well as a flying fox (my kids’ fave!). There is also a basketball court here – it is quite busy from 4pm onwards though. There are no public toilets at this park though – so you’ll need to go to buy a drink and use the facilities at The Golden Fleece Pub if you don’t have any other options.
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS IN THE BALACLAVA & THE CHAPEL ST AREA?
My personal favourite Japanese restaurant in Melbourne is Bounty of the Sun. Make reservations as it is popular. It’s a big fancy so I’d only visit here with kids who can do without a kids menu and can sit quietly at the table.
*On of my favourite takeout spots is also in the Chapel St area. Scroll to the bottom of this post for details.
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS IN BRIGHTON, MELBOURNE?
Church St is our favourite for a slow walk as a family – not too many shopping streets left in Melbourne these days but this one is nice. On a Saturday morning – buy a sausage or hamburger from outside the Church Street Butcher!
I also love the card and gift shop Handworks.
I also adore eating breakfast with friends and family at Brighton Soul on Church St in Brighton. The food is always so good here.
Other Church St , Brighton suggestions:
Get a milkshake at Dendy Deli, a green juice at Bright’n’Fresh, visit the bookshop, get a macaron at Laurent. I really like the Melbourne souvenirs and keep sakes sold at the newsagency/party hut on Church St too.
I also really have a soft spot for the small Palace cinema here – I love supporting a quaint and charming movie theatre like this one.
Also on Church St is a Yochi. It’s a funny thing to mention as Yochi are all over Australia but I’m still going to pop it here as it is my kids’ favourite.
Botticelli Ristorante is another restaurant we love on Church St in Brighton. This is more of a special occasion type of spot. The food is always so delicious and the staff are so kind. See the full menu at Botticelli here.
Church Street also has a sushi train restaurant with a takeout counter at the front. The restaurant is called Kokoro (please make a reservation for dining in at dinner time as some weekdays are takeout only.) When dining in my kids LOVE ordering on the ipad at our table.
Another breakfast, lunch (and dinner some nights of the week) option on Church St, Brighton is The Pantry. There is also a takeout coffee window if you wanted to get one to go and take it to the Brighton Bathing Boxes – or maybe just across the road to the Kidstuff toy store.
The Pantry Brighton.
Church Street is also a short walk from the famous Brighton Bathing Boxes.
To avoid the crowded carparks on sunny days, I recommend parking on Ramsay Street, Brighton and then just walking down to the beach. It’s around a 3 min walk! Free parking !
6 mins from the boxes is a cute little cafe called The Little Ox Cafe. It is super popular on weekends so I recommend making a reservation here. See the full menu at Little Ox Cafe here. My favourite thing here is definitely the Zucchini & Corn Fritters with Halloumi.
This cafe has high chairs and kid-friendly menu options (waffles and ice-cream, kids’ scrambled eggs and bacon.) It is also 4 mins walk from Elsternwick Park and playground.
10 Greek Plates
This is an upmarket Greek restaurant – close to Gardenvale Station. The interior of the restaurant is stunning, the food is delicious and the staff are so friendly. I recommend this restaurant for kids who are good at sitting in their seats for the whole meal as it is a vibey dinner spot.
For something fun to do with kids and teens, drive 10 mins from Brighton to Southland shopping mall and go to Zone Bowling & Timezone Game Arcade. They have great bowling and arcade packages in the school holidays.
There is also a big Village Cinema here.
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS IN THE DOCKLANDS?
Saying you like Docklands is not very a very trendy opinion in Melbourne. It’s a relatively new complex area with lots of new apartments. I really like it though – it’s right next to the city (on the backside of Marvel Stadium) and it’s so convenient. So much so that I recommend staying here with children if you are a Melbourne visitor. Docklands is safe, clean, a big shopping and movie complex (the Hoyts here is, in my opinion, the best in Melbourne – big comfy chairs and gigantic cinema rooms ) – always easy to get a park. The hotel’s are quite new and most of them have rooftop pools. It’s on short tram ride into the middle of town too.
The restaurants here are all really family friendly and have high chairs etc. There is also a fake green grassy area on the ground floor with picnic tables so if your kids aren’t great at sitting still during meals you can get take-away and dine there instead.
The Urban Alley BrewPub is also super family-friendly (they have highchairs too.)
It’s very basic B of me but I also really like the Coffee Club at Docklands.
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS IN ST KILDA ?
Radio Mexico is just a min or so walk from Luna Park and the beachfront. Best to book via their website and choose indoor or outdoor seating. Very vibey, lots of different options. Really good food. They have high chairs here. This is also just a few minutes walk from the National Theatre (we love checking out musicals here.)
Flour Child is a pizza and pasta place a few steps from Luna Park. I would avoid this place for brunch or lunch on weekends as they have lots of bottomless brunch events going on and it can get a bit messy. However, it is great for a family meal not far from the beach. The venue is really cute. The full Flour Child menu is here.
St Kilda Sea Baths complex is a great place to have lunch or dinner with kids.
My kids also love all of the statues around the complex. We especially like Republica
Please note that a walk along the St Kilda pier is very easy to do from most of my St Kilda (and some of my Middle Park) recommendations. It’s an easy, flat walk for kids and, during the day, there is an open fish’n’chip shop/cafe at the end and a Mr Whippy van (open into later in the evenings.) The pier is also stroller friendly. There is also a swimming spot at the end (a bit deep for little kids though) AND a penguin viewing deck for the evenings!!!
Although not the most “lovely” option, there is a public toilet at the end of the pier.
Walk on further for along the beach for a 30 min evening walk to Port Ormond from St Kilda. Port Ormond has a beautiful view of the bay and the Melbourne city skyline.
For a special meal out, we love Donovans. It is just across the road from Luna Park and the Palais. The food here is ALWAYS good.
The vibes inside are like a fancy country club – which is why it is mostly family dinners, dates and corporate gatherings. They do welcome kids here but kids do need to be able to stay in their seats for the meal. My husband and his side of the family order the chicken pie here every time. I also recommend ordering the Bombe Alaska for dessert. You will definitely need a reservation here. See the Donovans menu here to see if it matches your budget for lunch or dinner. There is not a kids menu here.
Further away from the national theatre and the pier in St Kilda: We LOVE this English gastro pub. It is called The Lion & Wombat. The food is so good – warning- their Sunday roast is SO popular that you need to book at least one month ahead. But for a normal meal out – you can just make a reservation easily on OpenTable. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. With kids, I recommend driving here or taking a cab – the area is a bit seedy so I, personally, don’t feel comfy walking around this restaurant area most times of the day – especially with kids. But the restaurant itself is SOOOO lovely that we keep going back and back. It sounds like a random recommendation but the mushrooms on toast here is AMAZING – as is the sticky date pudding. Wednesday night is steak night. This restaurant is kind of “nice dinner out” vibes so I don’t recommend coming here with kids unless they are able to sit still at the table for the whole meal.
They don’t have a kids menu but can do a half portion roast on Sundays for kids who are 12 or younger ($15.)
Lion & Wombat, St Kilda.
Further away from the national theatre and the pier in St Kilda: For a cafe with a playground, I recommend Cowderoys’s Dairy (lunch and breakfast only.) See the Cowderoy’s Dairy menu here – they have a kids menu and also babychinos. The playground isn’t part of the restaurant but is directly behind/connected to the outdoor seating section.
The West Beach Bathers Pavilion also is literally on the beach (well, the outdoor seating is.) This is a hot spot to sit in summer but on a mild day, kids can bring sand toys and everyone can sit under umbrellas.
Another recommendation that is 9 mins drive in St Kilda or 8 mins drive from Brighton is Elwood Bathers.
This is a “special event” restaurant for our family (because of the vibes or the prices.) My husband and I like coming here for lunch and the kids often ask to come here for the night of their birthdays. The kids menu at Elwood Bathers has a number of options (including spiders/ice-cream floats.). The kids menu is for kids who are 10 or younger but they don’t mind if your kids are just a few years older. The kids’ pasta portions are nice and generous. Personally, as it is a “nicer” restaurant, I wouldn’t bring kids here that can’t sit still at the table – although I still do bring a card game or colouring for my kids to keep them entertained while we wait for our meal.
For adult meals, the prices are around 40-50 dollars per main. Don’t hold back on the sides as they are often my favourite! I love how we can sit and look at the water here.
An adventure playground
13 mins drive from these St Kilda restaurants is one of our favourite adventure playgrounds.
Booran Reserve. There is a water splash area, flying fox, massive climbing tower, basketball court etc.
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS IN ELSTERNWICK ?
Shoten Sushi & Grocery
This is such a fab spot to grab made to order sushi and sashmi and ready made bentos. and it’s a store full of Japanese groceries. If I had my way, I’d go here every day. The staff here are all Japanese and are so so kind. The freezer section stocks ice-creams, mochi, gyoza, croquettes, gyoza “skins,” fillets of fish.
Keep in mind that they are closed on Mondays.
They are open until 6pm every day except for Monday.
There is a car park directly behind the store (access via Stanley street) then just walk through Chemist Warehouse and you’re right there!
From top left (clockwise):
Jumbo (ice-cream sandwich bar – I speak about it in detail here along with my other favourite Japanese convenience store snacks), Yoghurt Gummies, Nigiri & Hosomaki Bento Pack, Seaweed Salad Mix, Yakisoba Sauce.
Alfort Chocolate Coated Biscuits, Frozen Yaki-Onigiri, Yoghurt flavoured Gummy Candy, Sushi bento, Pocari Sweat.
Etto has stores in several spots around Melbourne but, so far, we have only ever been to the Elsternwick restaurant. This restaurant is just 9 mins drive from the playground above (Booran Reserve) and is directly across the road from the Classic Cinemas Elsternwick.
This restaurant is walk-ins only. It’s a small casual restaurant. The pasta is yummy and the pizzas are massive. The pasta is fresh and made on-site. It’s directly across the road from Elsternwick Station.
Guzman Y Gomez
There is a GYG just a few steps from Etto and from Elsternwick Station too.
See the full Guzman & Gomez menu here.
The kids menu includes: Little G Burrito, Kids Nachos ,Kids Quesadillas, Kids Fries and Carrot discs.
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS IN ALBERT PARK?
Brother Shota is this cozy and beautiful Japanese restaurant in Albert Park. It’s quite popular so you will definitely need a reservation. These guys welcome families. At risk of sounding like a complete food snob – as someone who has lived in Japan for more than 13 years I wouldn’t call this authentic Japanese but I would call it Japanese food with an Aussie twist.
1 min walk from Brother Shota or 4 mins walk from Plum Garland Playground (pics below) is Frozen Yoghurt and Acai bowl shop Crumb Get Some. They have way more toppings to choose from compared to Yochi. There is also a small fenced playground right next door (my kids loved this playground as babies but also as bigger kids now too!) It’s called Danks Street Play Space. I used to come here lots when I had a toddler and baby as the fence meant that I didn’t have to worry that my toddler was running onto the road while I was tending to the baby.
Misuzu’s is just a few mins walk into the main shopping street in Albert Park. The staff here are Japanese and they are very low key online (no social media or anything) but are still often fully booked on weekends. On a sunny day, it’s the best place to sit out in the sun for lunch too.
Just next to the restaurant is a takeout section where you can grab salad options (like Japanese potato sarada) and freshly made onigiri.
And we also love Dundas & Faussett for breakfast or lunch. This restaurant has outdoor and indoor seating. I love it here so so much – especially on a nice warm day. This restaurant has high chairs.
Just a few doors down from Dundas & Faussett is a stunning florist called The Green Room Flower Shop.
Go to St Vincents Gardens playground afterwards – it’s so lovely there. The gardens are quite big. To find the playground – go to the corner of Merton St and St Vincent Place South.
Albert Park Library is also just 2 mins walk away – they have a fabulous storytime for kids.
2 mins walk from this beautiful florist and Dundas & Fausett is, in my opinion, the best take-out sushi and bentos in Melbourne, Moonfishh. These guys do handrolls, pokebowls and salads (sashimi or fried tofu) and also Japanese bentos. They also do catering (big sushi platters etc.) See the Moonfishh website here. You can read all about Moonfishh, Albert Park on Tripadvisor here.
They have high chairs here and it’s common to see parents sitting outside with kids for morning tea or lunch. After lunch at Moonfishh, you can go to Albert Park Library to check out their children’s kids book section or visit St Vincents Gardens playground (have a sushi picnic here!!!!!) OR You could buy this and then drive down to the beach at the end of Victoria Ave or the Plum Garland Memorial Playground to eat it !
Albert Park Lake is a beautiful place to run or take a family walk on a sunny day. If you folllow the track all the way around, it is a 5km round trip. If you’re in a car you can also drive the Grand Prix track around the lake too.
Sandbar
And for a cafe literally on the beach (kids can make sandcastles next to the table or dip their feet in the water while you watch) I recommend Sandbar. This is probably my favourite place to have a brekkie outside on a lovely hot day in Melbourne – especially when we have visitors from overseas.
Read about Sandbar on Tripadvisor here.
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS IN PORT MELBOURNE?
The Cricketers in Port Melbourne is one of my favourite pubs in Melbourne. I recommend sitting out in the courtyard with kids. It’s also a great place to bring international guests and show them a vibey neighbourhood aussie pub.
Station Street Trading Company
Station Street Trading Company is a beautiful spot for breakfast or brunch. I love it here so so much. It feels very Melbourne here as it’s lovely and green and there is a tram stop “North Port” right across the lawn. I wouldn’t do this with little kids but kids who are 10 or older can also play in the green grass part across the little road from the cafe while waiting for their food and drinks to come. This cafe is 15 mins walk from South Melbourne Market or 11 mins from Bay St, Port Melbourne.
My daughter loves the caramel milkshake here and my husband is obsessed with their egg & bacon roll. I always call ahead for a reservation if there are more than 2 of us. Kids like how they can choose their sides on their pancakes too – although mine always choose vanilla ice-cream with berries on the side.
The Graham Hotel
We’ve loved this gastro pub for years now. See here for the full “The Graham” menu. There are plenty of gluten free and vegetarian options and they welcome families.
The Graham, Port Melbourne
Hunky Dory, Port Melbourne
Hunky Dory (Fish’n’Chips) also have a branch in Port Melbourne – right on Bay St. See the Hunky Dory menu here – the kids menu includes chicken nuggets, calamari rings or fish bites.
Ciao Cielo
This is a restaurant in an old courthouse and the outdoor terrace is also fabulous for families. They also import all of their gluten free flour to hand-make their pizzas and pasta. See the full Ciao Cielo menu here. They also have high chairs and a place to change baby.
Just off Bay St (just a minute walk from Coles) is a cute little playground at Edwards Park.
I have more Port Melbourne tips in this article of mine here but I also recommend a walk from the Main St (Bay St) to Princes Pier. We actually used to live in a highrise just next to this pier when my kids were babies. It’s a lovely walk from Bay St and soooo stroller friendly – all flat and you can also walk along the beach 90% of the way too. It takes approx 15 mins walk from the corner of Bay & Beach St. In the warm months you can catch a Mr Whippy ice-cream van along the way for a treat – you can also get Fish’n’Chips at D’Lish Fish (they also sell Frozen Yoghurt) along the way without changing paths once!
6 mins walk from Princes Pier is a lovely green park with a great playground (my kids love the flying fox here) called Beacon Cove Vista Playground. There are lots of little rocks to walk over and little bridges. This playground is perfect for little kids and bigger kids (up until 7 or 8 years old, I’d say.)
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS IN RICHMOND?
Top Paddock Cafe
This will always be my first choice in Richmond for breakfast or lunch as a family.
Make sure to lock in a reservation on weekends though as I’m not the only one who thinks so! They have high chairs for kids here. Get the avocado toast – it’s a work of art.
Spread Eagle Hotel in Richmond is FAMOUS for it’s potato cakes and I now know why !! Yum!! The staff here are so lovely. This hotel (that means pub in an aussie instance here) is 10 mins drive from the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground.) See the Spread Eagle Hotel menu here.
Hunky Dory, Richmond
Hunky Dory (Fish’n’Chips) also have a branch in Richmond – right on Swan St, pretty much opposite Coles. There is quite a bit of street parking here. You can also choose to sit inside or out on the tables on the street (so nice on a sunny day.) See the Hunky Dory menu here – the kids menu includes chicken nuggets, calamari rings or fish bites.
The Avenue bookshop just near Hunky Dory also has SUCH a beautiful children’s book section.
Fishbowl has a branch here too (just a min or so walk from The Avenue Bookshop AND Hunky Dory.
Etto Pasta also has a branch just next to Fishbowl too. They really welcome families.
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS IN FITZROY?
We LOVE this gastro pub in Fitzroy called Marquis of Lorne. Best to make a reservation via Open Table as it is very popular (and for good reason ! It’s so vibey and cosy and the food is soooo good!)
They have a kids’ menu that includes options like penne pasta with napoli sauce, fries, mac & cheese and chicken goujons.
I love the hot honey halloumi and the potato cakes sooo much. The jerusalem artichoke & mushroom pie is also heeaaaavenly.
No high chairs here last time I checked.
For a playground afterwards, Condell Reserve Playground is just 3 mins by car or 11 mins on foot. Fitzroy Gardens Playground is also 7 mins drive away.
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS IN THE MONT ALBERT / SURREY HILLS AREA?
Matilda Mont Albert is an adorable kid-friendly cafe. Lots of new parents frequent here and, on a sunny day, sit out on the lawn. This restaurant has ikea high chairs. Opposite the cafe is their takeaway shop called Petite by Matilda. There is also a beautiful book store just next door.
Mont Albert Reserve Playground is also 7 mins walk away.
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS IN THE YARRA VALLEY?
Zonzo Estate is a winery that is very kid-friendly and they do amazing woodfired pizzas.
Afterwards (or for beforehand) drive for 6 mins to McKenzie Playground Reserve (my kids love this playground!) or for another 20 mins to Healesville Sanctuary for your aussie wildlife fix.
What are my favourite takeout food options in Melbourne?
Ohh if I’m going to pick up or get takeaway delivered in Melbourne my first choice is always Noodle World (my order is always the Vegetable Sate with extra tofu.) These noodles in a box (10000 times better than any of the other noodles in a box brand competitors by the way) branches are in a few different locations – see the full Noodle World branch list here. It’s the number one thing I want to eat when I return from Japan or I have been outside of Melbourne for a long time. The stores are not glam or pretty. They are just YUMMY.
My daughter would kill me if I didn’t mention here favourite fast food option in Australia – Betty’s Burgers. They are made to order and are a lot more expensive than most fast food places but the quality is very good and the fresh produce is lovely and vibrant and crisp. Probably best to google “Betty’s Burgers near me” when in any Australian city in order to find your closest option.
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS IN FITZROY?
Fitzroy is such a vibey area. It is on the grittier side but this is a great place for vintage shopping, cool cafes and trendy happy couples and families. It’s not shiny and new – it’s full of personality.
Vegie Bar was a institution when I was at Uni and visited at least once a fortnight. It’s less busy than it used to be but it’s always yummy here and very family-friendly too. All dishes are vegan or vegetarian. You can choose for dairy options (like cheese and sour cream etc) or the vegan substitutes instead. This is one of those places that even meat-lovers are like “oh that food is actually really really good.”
I recommend ordering the Mostly Greens plate.
I recommend having lunch or dinner here and then taking a walk up and down Brunswick St for gelato or ice-cream. Read about Vegie Bar on Tripadvisor here. Vegie Bar is 12 mins drive from the Princess Theatre so can be a good pre-show dinner option.
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS IN NORTH MELBOURNE?
NORTH MELBOURNE
I love this shop Ace Antiques & Collectibles (they are about to open an additional store across the road soon too.) Just 1 min walk from here is the North Melbourne Library too . It’s small but charming and the kids reading section is so lovely. Spots to curl up with a book – even if you’re not borrowing. There are also nice clean toilets on the second floor.
Just across the road from North Melbourne Library is a beautiful Lebanese brunch spot called Al Makan – make a reservation as it’s popular.
I also LOVE Amiconi just 3 mins walk from the library- this place is VIBES!!!!! So friendly and charming. This restaurant has been a Melbourne treasure for more than 60 years.
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS IN CRANBOURNE?
I must admit that I have never lived in this area but my daughter recently took part in a community theatre production here – so I was bringing her to this area for rehearsals and performances 2-3 times a week for around 4 months – so I go to know this area pretty well.
Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace is a casual pub in a building that used to be a church (hence, the name.) It is super dooper kid-friendly and there is also a playground just 1 min walk away. See the full Amazing Grace menu – the kids menu is good too. They also have toys for kids to play with – high chairs too. I had the Nasi Goreng and it was delicious. Please note that they are closed on Mondays.
The playground just 1 min walk away from Amazing Grace is Ray Ferry Playground. There is a public bbq here. There is also a small skatepark here.
Groove Train
This is in the complex across the road within Cranbourne Park shopping centre. They have high chairs and kids eat free with any adult meal on Monday and Tuesday nights. This is a restaurant chain and they are in many outer suburb shopping complexes in Melbourne. They have lots of vegetarian options. See the full Groove Train menu here.
Since I’m talking about Australia here – let me share our Tim Tam Slice recipe here.
Tokyo Disneyland.
Oh and no-one asked but this, to me, is the perfect vegemite to butter (lurpak only!) ratio.
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