We found the best cafe in McLaren Vale! If you’re looking for a café that feels as welcoming to little ones as it is to grownups, Manna McLaren Vale is an absolute gem, found right on the main street of McLaren Vale. It’s super easy to access, and even easier to love, whether you’re strolling through town or driving for a day trip in the region. This is the only cafe you’ll need.
We visited for breakfast, what a way to start the day and fuel us up for exploring wineries, playgrounds and even a local hedge maze! Standouts that we gave a solid 10/10 were the kids plate, kids pancakes, Manna corn fritters, the big Fleurieu breakfast (proudly punched in by our hungry eight year old) and the most delicious orange and raspberry pancakes you could ever think up! The drinks menu is also worth a mention, with every thing from coffee’s to smoothies, juices and the most beautiful matcha too.
There’s both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can soak up the sunshine or stay cozy inside depending on the weather. The coffee here absolutely hits the spot (we’re still dreaming about their trio of coffee flight), and the food menu is as carefully curated as it is delicious. The kids’ menu is a thoughtful stand out and it’s so fun, not just an afterthought. The kids options really appeal to little taste buds, and parents, you will approve! Take a better look at the food on their visual website menu. It certainly sealed the deal for us.
Inside, you’ll find a small lounge and play corner for toddlers, perfect for keeping the little café-goers happy while parents and friends can enjoy a chat and get their caffeine in, or actually eat with both hands and no child on their lap.
Now, if you live near by or you’re in town on a Monday, make sure to stop by for Story Time! Manna McLaren Vale runs Story Time every Monday at 11 am in their “Manna Studio” space. It’s a free 30-minute session, with stories and songs aimed at preschoolers (0–5 yrs). Families are welcome to come and go as they need and its just a relaxed, heartwarming way to start the week.
Beyond being a family-friendly café, Manna also has a beautiful private function space at the back of the property and it’s perfect for birthday parties, celebrations, meetings or community events. The Manna Studio can even be set up with soft play for kids’ parties, making it one of the most versatile venues in the Vale.
All in all, Manna McLaren Vale has nailed the balance between style, coffee, and quality food for all ages. It’s family comfort and it’s truly a spot where everyone (big or small) leaves happy. Parties of 5+ are encouraged to book.
Manna MV Location: 211 Main Road McLaren Vale SA 5171 Opening Times: 7 days a week 7am to 3pm | Public Holidays 8am – 2pm Phone: 0409 393 818 Find them on Facebook or Instagram
Ahh McLaren Vale - you are breathtaking! Surrounded by rolling hills dotted with vineyards (lots and lots of vineyards) it’s no wonder wine tasting tops the list on most McLaren Vale itineraries. But with kids in tow, is it possible? It’s not just possible, pick the right one (like Woodstock here, top of our list) and it can be so much fun for everyone in the family. Woodstock is a beautiful family owned estate in McLaren Vale and it ticks more boxes than most wineries to be honest. It's the first winery we think of in McLaren Vale - probably because we have been coming here since we were kids ourselves. The wines are great, yes, but this place goes beyond the normal cellar door to include some child-friendly surprises as well, and recently there have been some beautiful upgrades. The cellar door has moved into a much larger space (previously The Coterie) and now provides ample room to sit in comfortable lounges or in small groups at high tables for seated guided tastings. The outlook to the garden in every direction is exquisite. This does mean the food offering has significantly changed at Woodstock. In The Stocks Tasting Room,…
A great spot to start your day/weekend/stay in McLaren Vale the Visitor Centre has all the information you need on where to visit, eat and of course sample some wine. It also has a fabulous playground in a beautiful big open grassy space overlooking the vineyards. There's a cafe onsite where you can grab a something to eat, a coffee or a wine and watch the kids play Find it at 796 Main Rd, McLaren Vale [wpgmza id="138" cat="1" marker="577" zoom="16"]
Looking for family-friendly accommodation in McLaren Vale? Less than an hour from Adelaide, Vale 194 is a gated complex of five luxury holiday homes that tick all the boxes - stylish, spacious, and perfect for families or groups. Tucked just behind McLaren Vale’s Main Street, these beautifully designed villas feel private and peaceful, but you're still right in the heart of it all. Cafés, wineries, playgrounds and walking trails are just a short stroll away. Each villa has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, so there’s plenty of space for a girls weekend away, a family stay or maybe even extend the invite to the grandparents to join (because babysitters are pretty handy when staying in a wine region, just saying). The design is modern but welcoming, with polished concrete downstairs and warm timber floors upstairs. Yep, stairs, so if you have toddlers this one probably isn't super geared up for the really little kids if we are honest. Our three kids, aged 6, 7 and 10 years spread out and made themselves right at home within five minutes of arriving. We have to mention the beds because, honestly they were some of the most comfortable we’ve ever slept in. The…
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