date night in the east

Date nights are a rare but are a super special now that the family is growing and logistics are a little more complex. But it is just as important to have that time away from those little ones - even if date night is with your girl gang. Mamma has thrown together some of her recommendations of spots to try in the east - with some that the kids can tag along too!

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panton hill hotel, panton hill

Matched with cold beer on tap, a kitchen busting out hot pub-grub and enough room for all of our mates, the Panton Hill Hotel is a perfect country style pub.

punt road wines, coldstream

Mamma often gets asked - where is a great winery in the Yarra Valley that I can take the kids. Right here - Punt Road Wines! This beautiful cellar door is totally family friendly and an incredible spot to sample amazing cool-climate wines.

noojee hotel, noojee

The Nooj Pub is famous. In a tiny town, mid way from Yarra Junction to Mt Baw Baw, this place is the heart of it all and been here for nearly 100 years. All weekend the kitchen churns out hearty aussie pub meals served with a huge chunk of country hospitality.

imm oon thai, lilydale

Nothing can compare to a great Thai meal. Imm Son Thai in Lilydale has to be one of the east’s BEST. This local restaurant is only open for dinner and it is always a popular spot for diners and takeaway orders.

dainton taphouse, croydon

The Public Brewery is NOW Dainton Taphouse. The craft brewery is originally from Carrum Downs but has now spread its wings to the Eastside and brewing up a storm in the burbs of Croydon.

coldstream brewery, coldstream

The golden shivering man is keen for some company! The local eastie brewery loves a great brew and a pizza or two at the entrance to the Yarra Valley.

the pig and whistle, olinda

The Pig and Whistle has been a family favourite for years and even now with littles one in tow - it still hits all the right spots!

matilda bay, healesville

Matilda Bay has opened this beautiful, reimagined space and the vibe is so relaxed and welcoming, your whole family will feel at home. Try the beers, enjoy the food and relax with the entire family.

quarters @ hubert estate, coldstream

Mamma KNOWS you love a family friendly winery and a day out in the gorgeous Yarra Valley!

coombe yarra valley, coldstream

Ok easties - time to find your fancy pants, we’re going out for lunch!

four pillars gin distillery, healesville

It is award winning and proud local of the Yarra Valley. Four Pillars is the bees knees. They are known world wide for their top notch gin and they make here, right here in Healesville.

mitcham social, mitcham

Owners Michael and Kelly have transformed this incredible space into a brilliant family friendly restaurant and bar that is welcoming to everyone.

golden hills brewery, diamond creek

Golden Hills Brewery is a brilliant spot to take the kids for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The huge space is welcoming to families and beer lovers alike.

payne's rise, seville

Kid friendly and stacked with heritage is what you will find as you head up the hill to Payne’s Rise.

yarrawood estate, yarra glen

The views at the Estate are breathtaking!

payten and jones, healesville

Payten and Jones could just have coolest place in Healesville.

stomping ground brewery & beer hall, collingwood

Beer, beer and more moreish BEER! This vast warehouse has been converted into a pretty cool beer hall and dining space and Mamma loves it!

the bavarian, ozone @ westfield knox, wantirna south

This huge beer hall is a great place to take the family and enjoy a quality meal. You can create your own Octoberfest experience all year round by pulling up a bench, ordering a stein and tucking into your classic German grub.

blueberry farm winery, badger creek

Blueberry lovers unite! Did you know there is a whole farm dedicated to this delightful fruit?

napoleone orchard bar, coldstream

Move over breweries … it is cider’s time to SHINE!

the independent, gembrook

The Independent are hitting the ROAD! During iso, the team are bringing the goods to us with a delicious and rotational, heat and eat menu AND delivery.

the budgie bar @ the budgie smuggler, ringwood

Signature cocktails delivered to your door.

heartswood, yarra glen

If like Mamma, your date nights are few and far between, then you want to make these occasions pretty special and even a little bit fancy. Enter - Heartswood.

fonzie's diner, kilsyth

Hot diggity dog! This could be the coolest digs to hit the east. Fonzie’s Diner is all about those classic 50s Americana vibes.

the station house, gembrook

What is not to love about The Station House. This is your classic pizzeria with all the trimmings. From the black and white lino floors to the old school milkshakes, to the pizza box stack that reaches the ceilings to the amazing pizza menu, this family pizza restaurant is perfect.

miss pickle, ozone @ westfield knox, wantirna south

That incredible lamb cooked over the flame, the fresh and crispy salads, the dips and breads and cheeses! Holy moly - Mamma’s mouth is watering just thinking of it. Luckily for us, Miss Pickle offers all of these things and MORE.

meletos, coldstream

The Yarra Valley has a very strong place in Mamma’s heart. The rolling hills, the beautiful views and the stunning vineyards. All of the above can be found here, at the magical Meletos.

the ten saints, croydon

You have to head down to Croydon Main Street and check out The Ten Saints for yourself. It is a cocktail bar and beer garden with a love of all things rum.