Where to eat, exercise, and treat your family

Head southeast on the Frankston line train, and you’ll soon find yourself in two of Melbourne’s favourite, most family-friendly suburbs: Bentleigh and Bentleigh East.

Home to fun-filled fitness, delicious delicacies, and a treasure trove of hidden gems, it’s an area you’ll never want –or have – to leave.

Here are some of Bentleigh’s and Bentleigh East’s eateries, gyms and activities: all tried, tested and adored by the Gary Peer team.

Fill your belly

There are many bursts of brilliance in Bentleigh – and its food scene is definitely one of them.

From hidden-away cafés to globally adored delicacies, there’s plenty of places to grab yourself a tasty treat.

Brewbaker Coffee

Smiles, laughs, long conversations – and delicious coffee. At Brewbaker, you’ll find it all!

But first, grab yourself a hot drink – and a cruffin. (Wait… what?) It’s Brewbaker’s signature hybrid between a croissant and a muffin.

Brewbaker also boasts a pantry to rival your grandma’s. Think shelves lined with condiments – including yuzu hot sauce and delicious house-made burger sauces – plus mealbased sauces and snacks galore.

And if you can’t be bothered to cook, grab one of their freshly made takeaway lasagnes or gnocchi. (Insanely good. You can thank us later!)

Humble Creatures

Tucked amidst the backstreets of Bentleigh East is Humble Creatures. So humble, in fact, its Instagram bio simply states, ‘Coffee & Food’. As if it were nothing to brag about.

The countless five-star reviews, however, tell a different story.

Whether it’s brekkie, brunch, or lunch, regulars boast about the classic dishes – and the decadent, unique twists they’re famous for. (The super friendly staff and delicious coffee get plenty of shout-outs, too!)

The mushroom medley excels, while the chilli scrambled eggs put a little heat on your tastebuds – and a massive smile on your face.

Or if you’re looking for something a little meatier to sink your teeth into, grab yourself an O.G burger. It tastes like a Big Mac – but healthy. (Um, yes please!)

Free Range on Centre Charcoal Chicken

Crowned Melbourne’s best charcoal chicken by Time Out, Centre Charcoal Chicken is sure to have you crowing for more.

Its succulent free-range Lilydale chicken is marinated in house-made chicken salt. Then rotated for 80 luxurious minutes over steaming hot coals – smoking it to perfection. And then there’s the equally impressive sides. Chips that are crunchy on the outside and soft in the centre. Gravy that oozes flavour. And roast vegetables to round out the ultimate meal.

Not feeling like chicken? The lamb gyros wraps are divine –and cooked with the same love and care as the Melbournerenowned poultry!

Tahini Neri

The tahini gods were smiling the day Tahini Neri owner Neri was born across the globe in Israel. When he was young, Neri’s grandmother taught him her traditional tahini and hummus recipes. (Crowning him her ‘unofficial taste-tester’!)

Today, he brings his palette – and her classic recipes – to the heart of Bentleigh East. And has developed a cult following in the process.

Tahini Neri’s kitchen creates mouth-watering batches of gluten-, dairy- and sugar-free dips. All are vegan-friendly –and kosher! – and available in 250 selected stores across three countries.

On Fridays, Tahini Neri opens its doors to the public. From 9am to 3pm you can head on into the newly opened Neri Hummus Bar for a freshly made falafel bowl, or to bag yourself some bagels and freshly baked challah.

Whatever you choose, you’ll be sure to experience food that truly does taste like tradition.

Boosa

We Melburnians love a café catchup. And you’ll be set to impress even the most high-brow of coffee critics when you meet over a macchiato at Boosa.

This Middle Eastern coffee house is a showstopper. With its crisp-white, floor-to-ceiling tiled walls – all softened by warm wooden tables and endless indoor greenery – you’ll be ordering rounds for hours on end.

Its lattes and cappuccinos are some of Melbourne’s best, but it also excels at a dirty chai – and the ‘shakes’ are second to none. Try the unique Tel Aviv blend of strawberry, banana and orange juice. Or indulge your sweet tooth with an iced Nutella.

And then there’s the heart-warming cuisine. Grab yourself a classic Shakshooka, or our personal favourite – the decadent Cilbir (Turkish eggs). Arriving with your choice of halloumi or chorizo, they’re an egg-cellent choice.

Can’t get down for a bite? Boosa also caters for any occasion.

Move your body

Life is about balance. So, with all this delicious food on your doorstep, it pays to know where you and the family can burn off those extra calories. (Or for the littlies – that exorbitant energy!)

Moving Through Motherhood

It’s no secret – mums give a lot. So taking some muchneeded ‘me time’ is a must.

Moving Through Motherhood is a mums-only fitness studio – for pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. Sessions are circuit-based: incorporating strength, resistance and cardio. What better way to have fun, connect with a community of other mums, blow out any frustrations and stay healthy? And with classes capped at 12, you’ll always get the attention you deserve.

But if you can’t find some kid-free time, don’t fret – your cherubs are welcome, too. There’s a designated pram area, a large play pen, and a chill zone with a TV to distract the older kids.

Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC)

Looking for a hang-out that will appease the whole family? GESAC’s got you covered.

With sports, swimming, slides, and shopping, the local council has really have gone all out on this one.

So bring the kids down for some swim lessons or water play. With tipping buckets, inflatable obstacle courses, and ceiling-high waterslides, they’ll be entertained for hours.

With the kids occupied, grab yourself an all-day pass or yearly membership. Allowing you to enjoy the gym facilities and classes – or simply soak up the spa, steam room or sauna!

Starfish Swim School

Located just off Centre Road on Clapperton Street, you’ll find Starfish Swim School.

With infant aquatics, eight learn-to-swim levels and a comprehensive pre-squad program, Starfish is suitable for youngsters of all ages. And offers them the chance to learn swimming skills – then practise and hone them – in a safe, supportive environment.

For the adults, there’s free Wi-Fi, a TV and a coffee machine on-site. While Starfish’s indoor and outdoor play areas will keep younger children entertained as their siblings swim!

Triple Five Fitness

Are you a lady who loves to lift – but isn’t so fond of fighting gym bros for a turn on the machines? 555 is for you.

The only female-only gym within a 5km radius, all programs and classes run by 555 are designed solely with the female body in mind.

Bust your way through a circuit class or sweat out last night’s vino in the upstairs cycle room. And if you want to go all out, sign up with a personal trainer for a tailored nutrition plan.

No matter what you choose, you’ll be burning muscles –and calories – in no time.

And the best part? You can try before you buy, with a special offer of $20 for 20 days.