Best Kid-friendly Cafes & Restaurants in Hobsons Bay
Fancy a family feed or catching up with friends with kids?
The neighbourhoods of Hobsons Bay are full of first-rate cafes and restaurants that serve delicious food and are great for families.
Here are some of the favourite spots selected by Amy Gardner and Joyce Watts, part of the team behind Melbourne’s biggest family travel site TOT: HOT OR NOT - and westie locals with kids!
In amongst the action of Altona’s bustling Pier Street is Rockabye Candy, a thriving brunch cafe full of colour.
The seasonal menu is always exciting with a variety of delicious, generous meals to choose from. On the drinks list, even the pickiest Melburnian will find their coffee of choice, as well as fresh juice, smoothies and alcoholic drinks for those wanting a tipple with lunch.
The selection for kids includes toasties, eggs and bacon, pancakes, a cheeseburger or calamari and chips. For little bottoms, there are highchairs and a disabled toilet with a change table inside. Colouring-in activities will no doubt keep the kids entertained.
In the summer months, the adjoining gelateria Eye Candy (love the pun!) opens up with a colourful array of icy treats.
After your meal, explore more of what Altona has to offer, with Logan Reserve playground, Altona Beach, Louis Joel Art Gallery and Altona Library all a short walk away.
Rockabye Candy, 34 Pier Street, Altona, 9398 8231
Photo credit: Joyce Watts
A cosy local haunt, Little Rosebery Cafe in Altona Meadows has great food and a warm, friendly vibe.
The outdoor seating is pleasant on a sunny day and the perfect place to park a pram or a high chair while people-watching.
Enticing brunch options include a Korean breaky bun, affogato hotcakes and fried chicken caesar burger, with some great meals on the kid's menu too.
For something on the go, you can choose from freshly baked goodies including delicious doughnuts from local Yarraville bakers, Cobb Lane.
Little Rosebery Cafe, 42 Rosebery Street, Altona Meadows, 9931 1834
Vamoska Cafe’s name comes from the Spanish word ‘Vamos' which aptly means, ‘Let’s go!’
The Altona North breakfast and lunch spot is the place for a Spanish-inspired brunch, while the shakshuka baked eggs, pea and sage bruschetta and bao wonder are some menu highlights.
A kids menu and highchairs are available, plus a small kids corner with books and activities to entertain the little ones.
Located across the road from Readings Cinema, this cafe spot can be packaged into the perfect family day out!
Vamoska Cafe, 22 Hunter Rd, Altona North, 9193 3374
A charming coffee bar loved by locals, Chapter One in Brooklyn is a great stop for some refreshments.
The menu is simple but done well with a few hot food items, a range of toasties, pastries and coffee. There’s both indoor and outdoor seating - the latter is particularly great for larger group gatherings with prams.
It’s worth packing the bikes or scooters too as there’s a fun playground nearby at Brooklyn Reserve, as well as the Kororoit Creek trail and sculpture walk not much further on.
Chapter One, 8 Eames Avenue, Brooklyn
The talented chefs at all-day eatery Cheeky Chewies Cafe in Laverton have developed a unique and flavoursome Asian-Western fusion menu.
From noodles or rice, to burgers or waffles - there’s something for every craving for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The kid's menu has a good variety of options and the drinks list includes an exciting range of freshly made bubble teas.
Colouring activities and highchairs are available, plus there is a small soft play area perfect for preschool-aged children.
Cheeky Chewies Cafe, 18a Aviation Rd, Laverton, 0402 991 246
Leroys is a family favourite located in the heart of Newport.
The menu features a range of tempting brunch meals which are generous and delicious, with the kids amply catered to as well.
Unique to the area, Leroys has a liquor licence so you can enjoy wine, beer or a cocktail with your meal, or even two hours of bottomless mimosas!
There’s both indoor and outdoor seating with enough room for most prams. Family-friendly facilities include numerous highchairs and a change table in one of the toilets.
The highlight is the outdoor play area with a slide, sandpit and soft blocks offering great sightlines for supervising adults sitting in the surrounding booths and tables. There are also a few children’s books and colouring activities.
It’s just a short walk to Newport Library and Paine Reserve Playground, so be sure to factor in some time to visit these places while you’re out too.
Leroys, 5 Mason St, Newport, 9399 4187
Another on the list of family-friendly spots in Newport is The Backyard. As the name indicates, it has a huge backyard laid with astroturf full of various play equipment for small kids.
The menu is simple and the coffee is good. With small kids and babies your hands are likely to be full, so an easy-to-hold snack, such as a jaffle or a muffin, goes down pretty well.
Open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch, there’s a kids menu, highchairs, a baby change table and plenty of space for prams.
Backyard Cafe, 19 Mason St, Newport, 9973 4611
Motorino Pizzeria has been serving authentic pizza and pasta to families for more than a decade in South Kingsville.
They use fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, and it really makes a difference to the flavours.
Make sure you save room for dessert - there are FIVE incredible dessert pizzas that will have you and the kids drooling!
Highchairs are available and kids will love exploring their creativity while drawing on the paper tablecloth.
Motorino Pizzeria, 29A Vernon St, South Kingsville, 9399 2121
Duchess of Spotswood is a foodie favourite while also being a convenient option for families visiting Scienceworks.
The menu is impressive, with the standout being a delicious slab of crispy pork jowl named ‘The Duchess of Pork’.
Kids will have a difficult decision with organic crumpets, Nutella french toast and lemon and ricotta pancakes all options on the menu.
The shaded outdoor courtyard has a cubby and a range of play equipment for kids. There are high chairs and a change table too.
Duchess of Spotswood, 87 Hudsons Rd, Spotswood, 9391 6016
Photo credit: Joyce Watts
Tick Tok is a lovely cafe in Williamstown where you’re guaranteed great coffee, friendly service and a delicious variety of food, including the kid's menu featuring sweet potato fries, popcorn chicken and crepes.
The cafe has lots of space where you can sit down with a pram. There are indoor tables, a very cute courtyard out the back as well as outdoor tables on the street with views of the waterfront and the expansive green of Commonwealth Reserve.
After your breakfast or lunch, take a stroll along the foreshore to spot the boats and the seaplane at Gem Pier, or stop for a play at Commonwealth Reserve’s wooden playground.
Tick Tok, 181 Nelson Pl, Williamstown, 9397 5152
If your kids love sandwiches then Zan Zanz offers a fantastic range of gourmet paninis, freshly made to order. You could also grab a cheese and meat grazing platter or a big bowl of nachos.
To cater for their youngest clientele there’s an indoor kid's play area with a chalkboard and even a small jumping castle set up on Saturdays, with extra days over the school holidays (check their website to confirm the schedule).
Zan Zanz, 2/110 Maddox Rd, Williamstown North, 0404 926 926
Want more local family-friendly inspiration? Check out TOT: HOT OR NOT’s picks for the best waterfront restaurants and cafes in Hobsons Bay.