Plantation

Basic Info:

Name: Plantation
Address: Level 2, Shop 253 Melbourne Central Dining Hall, Corner La Trobe & Swanston St's

Phone: 0450 748 860
Website: Not yet, but check out www.sensorylab.com.au
Opening Hours:
Monday to Wednesday - 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Thursday - 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

Friday - 8:00 am - 9:00 pm

Saturday & Sunday - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Little Eats ‘soundbite review’:

Thought you couldn't get good coffee in a food-court?? Wrong!! Specialty coffee poured, dripped & brewed for the masses.

Highchair: Yes
Change table: Yes, in the nearby Parents Retreat
Pram access: Yes
Separate kids menu: No
Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes
Friendly staff: Yes
Play area for kids: No
Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): No
Vibe/atmosphere: Not your average food-court experience – hip and happening without attitude
Prices: Standard

Little Eats detailed review:

I used to work in the city and I used to love trying out all the latest fabulous cafes... but that changed when my trips to town involved prams and toddlers – most of those places that were too cool for proper signage were also completely and utterly pram and kid un-friendly! And so good coffee’s in the city with kids has, till now, been limited to just a few venues, none which were ideal.

But yay, finally a venue that has easy access, good amenities including highchairs and baby change facilities, lots of space, a great vibe and fantastic coffee. Being part of the new Dining Hall (a fancy-pants term for food-court) in Melbourne Central means that most clientele are not there conducting business meetings – so if the kids run about or make a bit of noise no one even glances sideways. We sat right at the very back – looking out the windows at the street below and city skyline.

The food on offer is simple salads, sandwiches, baguettes, cakes, cookies, slices and pastries – but you’re in a food court so you are surrounded by many other options! And the food on offer at Plantation does look yum – we were there for a pit stop coffee but Charlie did have a cookie with his babycino, and it was gobbled up in no time.

Being the offspring of St Ali and Sensory Lab these guys take their coffee very seriously! There is a chalkboard with daily specials listed and the friendly staff are more than happy to talk you through what’s on offer (although there was no queue when we were there, so maybe if it was peak hour you might get less information).

The perfect pit stop for a city excursion.

Our guest reviewer, Kate Nelson, writes meetoo.com.au, a website where you can find individually reviewed activities, classes, events, playgrounds and school holiday programs for children and families.