Family Oriented Cafes in Diamond Creek

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'Family Friendly' and 'cafes' in Diamond Creek seem to be synonymous. There are many small cafes that are full of families and run by families. Apart from obviously being angels for being able to work alongside their rellies, I suppose they appreciate the sanctum of families and appeal to them in their approach. There are three family owned cafes in Diamond Creek that fit into this category. If you visit you will quickly notice the number of families with young children and the manner in which the owners welcome all comers.

The Vines
11 Chute St Diamond Creek, 94381249



This café and cellars is in an ideal location as you swing around the corner and go down the hill into the shopping strip of Diamond Creek. You'll no doubt see the outdoor seating that are on the left. The father and son run the massive cellars at the Vines boasting over 2500 wines. The mother and daughter run the café and full continental deli.

Every time I have been there I have noticed the broad smiles on their faces. I wish I knew what they were thinking. When I asked the waitress if she was part of the family she said 'Yes, no, not the owners, but part of the work family'. I thought that said a lot about the place. Another customer told me that her kids had practically grown up there and that the owners gave their children birthday presents! The surprised me thought they must have already invested in the joint. Another customer commented that the Vines café felt like home. I don't think she meant chaotic, messy and noisy.

The Vines café is often full. I don't know if the patrons have to rest there after sampling the wines or they are in preparation for this event. Unique to this establishment, wine tastings are conducted on Fridays and Saturdays every fortnight. A tasting panel of family members (maybe the reason for the smiles) select the best wines from the ones they enjoy the most. They feature Australian and imported wines.

The all day breakfast has all the favourites and many unique dishes featuring local jams. Something I almost always forget is that the meals are big enough for two.

Platters
Main Hurstbridge Road Diamond Creek, 94385940



Plonk it somewhere else and Platters could easily be taken for a trendy, open door, inner city café. Platters has an indoor eating area that flows into the outdoor seating area. The café is furnished with an eclectic collection of comfy lounge chairs, tables and chairs and bar stool seating.

Platters won the community voted 'Favourite Trader' award two years in a row. Actually it's a new award so I could say that they have always won this award! I noticed that they knew many customers by name and that they were very friendly. I thought it was interesting that some of the artwork had been donated by customers.

I think you'd be lucky to get a cheaper toasted sandwich anywhere (only $4). You can upgrade meals with chips or salad for $2 or both for $4. There is a large selection of food on the menu. These reasons makes Platters very attractive for the whole family.

Platters also offer seniors a discount (without the customer asking for it) and cater for the hungriest diners. So overall, big meals, friendly service and not hard on the back pocket.

Piccolo Meccanico
57 Chute Street Diamond Creek, 9438 5228



Mark, the owner of Piccolo Meccanico is a unique character who is apparently loved by all the locals. When we walked we were greeted with a wide genuine smile and 'Good morning'. I have been told from the number of people that he makes the best coffee and that the coffee art is amazing. He produced one of my daughters with her long-wavy hair and another of a panda. We were very suitably impressed.

There was a steady stream of customers who were mostly greeted by name and questions like 'The usual?' One customer later delivered our cake to our table because Mark was busy. Others sat outside in an adjacent outdoor area which caters for dogs.

I heard many customers complementing the coffee. I don't know how long it's been since I've heard that sort of overt gratitude. No doubt Mark's attention to his customers is very attractive to his clientele.

It is an unusually trusting gesture that Mark has people put their money on the bench and take their own change. It helps him improve the speed of the service and no doubt build a relationship with people. He turns a blind eye to those who misuse the system as he is busy serving his valued customers.

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