Handle hangry children by heading to these kid-approved spots. Featuring pram-friendly locations, wheelchair-accessible restaurants, places with high chairs and a hidden gem brewery.

Brunetti Classico

Enjoy a relaxed meal at Brunetti Classico, where wood-fired pizzas and sunshine await. Plus, kids under 12 eat free! When an adult orders a main, little ones can enjoy a free kids’ pizza or pasta. Save those dollars for a delightful dessert, whether it’s freshly piped chocolate croissants, cupcakes, cookies, or a scoop of gelato from their shop.

La Camera

Perfect for a family day out, La Camera is located near key attractions like the sports precinct and Eureka Skydeck, with stunning Yarra River views. The kids’ menu offers tasty Italian classics like spaghetti bolognese and cheesy arancini. Situated in Southgate, the venue is fully accessible with lifts for prams and wheelchairs, offering a variety of seating options and plenty of space between tables. Plus, an accessible toilet with a baby change facility is conveniently located just outside in the shopping center. Flinders Street Station and accessible tram stops on St Kilda Road are nearby for easy access.

Urban Alley Brewery

No need to venture out of the city for a top-notch brewery experience. Urban Alley combines pub and loft vibes with a strong eco-friendly focus. Your little ones will enjoy favorites like chicken nuggets, tomato pasta, and fish bites with chips from the kids’ menu. The venue is spacious and easily accessible for prams and wheelchairs, offering a range of seating options and an accessible toilet.

Hopscotch

Located along Southbank, Hopscotch offers an inviting indoor-outdoor space with easy pram access and a kids’ menu filled with fried chicken, cheeseburgers, chippies, salad, and a drink. There are high chairs available, and you can choose to sit on stools or bench seats on the outdoor terrace, enjoying the waterfront views. Alternatively, dine inside on high or low tables. Accessible and ambulant toilets are available inside, and there’s an accessible toilet in the nearby building. Accessible platform super stops are just a short walk away on Queens Bridge Street.

Operator Diner

Take the kids to Operator Diner for a fun American-style experience. Cozy booths are perfect for enjoying a stack of pancakes with maple syrup, or opt for French toast, breakfast rolls, or crispy hashbrowns. Refresh with iced tea, milkshakes, and more. The building next door at Wesley Place (130 Lonsdale Street) houses toilets, including accessible and ambulant facilities.

Melbourne’s Hotpot Craze Is Heating Up – And It Goes Way Beyond the Usual
Melbourne is fully embracing the hotpot trend, and it’s not just your standard Chinese fare. From traditional broths to unique twists, these warming dishes are perfect for winter. Here’s where to get your fix.

Wong’s Late Night Hot Pot

Step into the vibrant spirit of Chongqing at Wong’s Late Night Hot Pot, where red lanterns glow and the broth bubbles late into the night. Known for its authentic Sichuan-style experience, this spot is all about bold flavours and good times. Start with the signature spicy soup base and load up on your favourites – marinated beef, seafood, quail eggs, and more. It’s the ideal place for a midnight feast.

Korean Hotpot

In the world of Korean hotpot, two dishes reign supreme: budae jjigae (army stew) and jeongol. Budae jjigae is a spicy, hearty hotpot usually served bubbling away over a flame, packed with instant noodles, sausage, kimchi, and other savoury add-ins. For a fun, hands-on dining experience, check out MEATing on Bourke Street. Their all-you-can-eat hotpot specials range from $35 to $50 per person. Simply scan the wall to pick your favourite noodles and toppings, then get cooking!

Sichuan Hotpot

Sichuan-style hotpot is perhaps the best-known variety in Melbourne – and for good reason. This bold Chinese favourite is famous for its mala flavour – a fiery combo of numbing Sichuan peppercorns and chilli heat. Rich, buttery broths add depth, while dipping in sesame oil helps tone down the spice. For an authentic experience, head to local go-tos like Dainty Sichuan Hotpot or Panda Hotpot.

Mongolian Hotpot

Did you know that Chinese hotpot has roots in Mongolia? The Mongolian style stands out for its rich, meaty broths and its signature ingredient: thinly sliced lamb. At Happy Lamb on Exhibition Street, the star is a broth simmered for eight hours with bone marrow, creating a deep and comforting flavour. Choose from six broth varieties and a wide range of lamb cuts, along with house-made seafood balls and pastes for a truly hearty feast.

Fish-Based Hotpot

If you’ve worked your way through spicy Sichuan, Korean kimchi stews and beefy broths, it’s time to elevate the experience with Fishpot – a luxe hotpot destination. This sleek new spot specialises in a delicate fish broth, smooth and nourishing. Go all out with high-end ingredients like lobster, fresh sashimi and premium wagyu. Each table features smart hotpot stations with auto-lifting baskets – just tap a button when you’re ready to eat and enjoy the fuss-free feast.

Whether you’re in the mood for a speedy snack, a plate of dumplings, or an all-you-can-eat feast, these delicious budget-friendly eats will keep both your cravings and wallet happy.

Ta-ke Don

Need a quick bite between classes or before hopping on a train? Swing by Ta-ke Don, a new grab-and-go spot serving up hearty rice bowls for just $10. Choose from tasty options like chicken katsu or tempura prawns, and for those who like it hot, don’t skip the Thai chilli and basil sauce for an extra burst of flavour.

Bali Hai

Say goodbye to boring lunches and hello to delicious deals! Bali Hai, Melbourne’s fresh new Asian fusion hotspot, is serving up a $20 booze and bao special every Thursday and Friday. Swing by between 12pm and 2pm, sip on your choice of cocktail, and sink your teeth into juicy chicken or duck bao buns.

Kajiken

Japan’s cult-fave noodle joint Kajiken has landed in Melbourne, and it’s a must-visit for ramen lovers. Their signature aburasoba (that’s soupless ramen!) is just $17.80 and comes fully loaded with pork chashu, bamboo shoots, green onions and nori. Round out your meal with budget-friendly bites like $9 takoyaki or crispy pork gyoza.

Thai Social

Craving authentic Thai flavours on a budget? Thai Social’s got you covered. Tucked inside Emporium and decked out with vibrant hawker-style vibes, this spot dishes up all the classics like pad thai and pad see ew. But the real hero? Their weekday noodle soup special — get your choice of steaming noodle bowls, from dry egg noodles to tender braised beef soup, all for just $13.90.

Brim CC

Just a stone’s throw from Southern Cross Station, Brim CC is your go-to for a hearty, wallet-friendly Japanese lunch. Their donburi bowls start at $13.90, with options like curry tofu or veggie tempura. After something saucy? Go for the chicken don topped with their signature teriyaki glaze. You’ll also find value-packed bites like 20-piece veggie gyoza for $16.80 and steaming bowls of ramen starting at $15.80.

Kantin

At the city end of Lygon Street, Kantin brings the heat with a laid-back take on Indonesian favourites. Dive into crowd-pleasers like mie goreng or nasi goreng for $16.50. Or save a buck and opt for their sate ayam manis — tender skewers of sweet chicken satay served with a rich, nutty peanut sauce.

Cafe Tesorina

When in doubt, sandwich it out. Tucked away in the leafy streets of Parkville, Cafe Tesorina serves up fresh sangas daily. Grab a ciabatta stuffed with prosciutto, marinated feta, and rocket for a gourmet bite. On a budget? The $13 ‘big cheese’ toastie hits the spot with a molten mix of mozzarella and Swiss on warm sourdough.