Basic Info:
Opening Hours:
Monday to Wednesday - 11am - 4pm
Monday to Wednesday - 11am - 4pm
Thursday - 9am - 6pm
Friday - 12 - 7pm
Saturday & Sunday - 9am - 10pm
Little Eats ‘soundbite review’:
Feel like part of the family as soon as you step inside! The staff treat you like a long lost friend and the relaxed comfort of both the front section of the restaurant and the child-focused backyard will ease your tensions. Children will love the play area, built around a large cubby house full of toys.
Highchair: Yes
Change table: Yes
Pram access: Yes
Separate kids menu: Yes
Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes
Friendly staff: Yes
Play area for kids: Yes - back courtyard with cubby house and toys
Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): Yes
Vibe/atmosphere: Incredibly relaxed, warm, comfortable
Prices: Standard
Little Eats detailed review:
The first thing that struck me when I walked into Veri Koko was the lack of customers. It made me brace for a lacklustre experience as I’m used to saying “look how busy that place is! They must be doing something right!”.
But there was no need to stress, it was a fantastic experience!
Veri Koko does everything right. From the moment we walked in and were greeted with warm smiles (I even thought I was going to be hugged by the owner). The people that work there seem to genuinely want you and your children to eat and enjoy yourselves. It’s a good approach, and despite my children giving me one of those hellish car rides that makes it sound like you’ve got two screeching smoke alarms in the back seat, I found myself feeling very much at ease. I consider my two rugrats to be surprisingly good judges of character, and to see them warm up to the waitress that we first spoke to was a good sign.
The pram rolled through effortlessly without banging into chair legs or tables – it’s refreshing to see a café that is so thoughtfully laid out. As we were shown through to the courtyard it was like stepping into the land of Narnia. We certainly weren’t expecting anything quite so large and wonderful! The large wooden cubby is the centrepiece of the play area and children quickly take a shine to it. There has been a tremendous attention to detail as there isn’t a sharp table edge or tip-prone chair in sight (although my son managed to find a way to face plant whilst attempting to leapfrog a chair). The two storey graffiti piece adds some colour to an urban backdrop and the seclusion of the courtyard shields from the noise and chaos of Sydney Road.
There is no compromise when it comes to the adult food. The Greek theme runs deeply throughout the menu. I feasted on the Pappouli’s Omelette and some very pleasing coffee. The children loved the fruit toast and babycinos (the choc syrup and marshmallows on top offering something a little different) and the glass cabinet full of treats was hard to resist.
It was great to see four breakfast options for kids and another three lunch options – and a good mix of savoury and sweet. The staff happily copes with any requested adjustments to the dishes to cater for picky and health-conscious parents like myself.
Needless to say I’ll be back at Veri Koko very soon, although this time I’ll bring a few friends and their children. It’s worth considering it as a party destination for the young ones as the courtyard is so spacious!
This guest review was written by Mat, foodie father of two, writer, graphic designer, marketer and avid Melbournian. One day he hopes to teach his kids more than they're teaching him!
