The best family-friendly restaurants and eateries across Melbourne's eastern suburbs

All parents know the feeling — you can’t be bothered cooking anything or the shelves are empty.

But you have a toddler or several kids who you know won’t sit still waiting for their meal to arrive. Where has high chairs? Where has a decent playground?

Never fear — here is our guide to some of the best restaurants, cafes and eateries across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs catering to customers of all ages.

Have we missed your family’s favourite spot? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list.

Sketti

Do you love Italian restaurants that have authentic Italian names for all of their dishes and a homely feel? Then the newly-opened Sketti in Westfield Knox Ozone is a perfect treat for you and your family.

The kids menu doubles as colouring exercise for the young ones while the meals are on their way.

The staff are always helpful in keeping children entertained and happy. My daughter loved it here — pictured above, enjoying some drawing with me.

The Local Umbrella

Run by the Side by Side Collective, an organisation which aims to help neurodivergent people realise their strengths and rediscover their confidence, The Local Umbrella is a perfect spot for kids with sensory needs.

With a special zone and plenty of hideaway nooks, including a teepee and plenty of colour, there is always something new to discover for visitors young and old. Or allow them to embrace their creative and messy side with special art activities available.

The Local Umbrella is located on 70 Main Street in Croydon.

CriBB Cafe

We had a reader reach out to recommend we highlight the work of CriBB Cafe, which is run by Bridge Builders, a not-for-profit organisation supporting young people in being better parts of their local community.

While I want to highlight the cafe and the broader work of Bridge Builders soon, I just wanted to shout it out here as a calm and cozy place to check out with youngsters, with the rear area full of games or places to lounge with a sweet drink.

It also has an amazing mural located on the side of the building!

CriBB Cafe is located at 222 Main Street in Lilydale.

Mr Grumpy’s Cafe

Mr Grumpy’s Cafe in Mulgrave is focused on providing fun in full servings, from its big dishes to its colourful murals covering all the way up its large courtyard.

Add in colouring equipment, books and toys and your kids will have entertainment, food and drink for hours on end.

Mr Grumpy’s Cafe is located at 899 Springvale Road in Mulgrave.

Eno Cafe

As a bookworm myself, I just had to shout out this cozy nook in Box Hill, which has heaps of books for people of all ages to sink into with a cuppa or a babyccino in hand in a beanbag.

Eno Cafe is located at 895A Canterbury Road in Box Hill.

Bing Chillin

I had to end the list with a sweet treat. With locations in Doncaster, Glen Waverley and Clayton, Bing Chillin specialises in bingsu — a shaved ice dessert with sweet toppings.

This could be especially helpful for a baby or toddler going through some teething pain as this is both a super cold and super sweet.