KOSKELA/ KITCHEN BY MIKE

Who doesn't love shopping and eating?! ...and to indulge in two of life's greatest pleasures under one spectacularly huge, impeccably styled warehouse can only be described as design and foodie heaven. Perfectly located  for our trans-burban (loooong) mama lunch dates, Kitchen by Mike has become one of our favourite go-to destinations. Housed in a beautiful open plan design factory, the space is edgy enough to reclaim some pre-mama cred, but welcoming and spacious enough to park the pram and tame the occasional tanty.

Food-wise, Michael McEnearney (ex-Rockpool) has taken the humble buffet to new heights. Friendly staff pile up your plate with the freshest, tastiest home-style morsels from an ever changing, sustainable menu.

Delicious food aside, they've also hit a home-run when it comes to entertaining the tots. No crusty one-eyed teddy and unstackable lego here,  instead you'll find a basket filled with gorgeous Koskela toys- which of course are still covered in communal toy box germs- but somehow the aesthetically pleasing variety dosen't seem so bad.

Mini-artists and/or wild kids that need a 'creative outlet' are also catered for with a variety of school holiday workshops including our fave, "Design Your Own Skateboard."

The best part of this lunch date is working off that delicious jaffa cake perusing Koskela’s carefully curated designer furniture. From garden goodies to floor rugs, eco toys to wall art- the children's décor is particularly divine.

Let’s hope that glass of organic-vino hasn’t relaxed your purse strings too much… On second thought, it’s probably safer to browse pre-lunch.

Mama Musts: Highchairs, change tables, pram storage, easy access ramp, kid toy corner and plenty of room inside and out.

Open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch

85 Dunning Avenue Rosebery

www.koskela.com.au