[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Looking for a family-friendly place to eat in Melbourne’s CBD can be a hard ask. Luckily if you head south of the river you’ll find The General Assembly, a spacious bistro/pub by the Yarra river.
It’s within walking distance to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Polly Woodside and South Wharf DFO.
We are invited to visit The General Assembly for lunch and are impressed by the range of food on offer and family-friendly ambience.
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Inside you’ll find high ceilings, wooden tables, lots of space to roam and a huge wrap-around bar.
Families can choose to sit inside (I spy a few prams parked) or outside by the bike path – a better vantage point for city skyline views. They are high chairs available and the disabled toilet has a fold out change table.
Despite being a pub during the daytime it’s a relatively quiet place and not a raucous party venue. They play free live acoustic music on the weekends.
The food menu has three kids options all $7.50 each – cheese croquettes, fish and chips and chicken nuggets with chips. The standard menu is more interesting and since it’s split up into small plates and platters it’s perfect for sharing as a family.
From the menu our favourites are the crunchy popcorn chicken with smoked chilli aioli ($15), falafel crusted fried calamari ($14) and the crispy skin salmon cooked perfectly pink ($26).
Both dessert options are pretty spectacular too but you should share the calories around as they’re generously proportioned. The slab of triple chocolate brownie is decadent and rich ($14) while the roasted pear, rhubarb, ginger nut and almond crumb is a modern deconstructed take on a home-style fruit crumble ($13).
Note the portions of even the ‘small’ plates are huge and for four people we completely over-order! Better to start a bit smaller and work your way up if you’re still hungry.
On the drinks front you’ll find a large range of beers, ciders, wines and cocktails. It’s not a gastropub for nothing – drinks take up half the menu!
The General Assembly is a crowd pleaser if you’re eating out with the family, with a varied menu and different portions that will suit every palate, lots of drinks options and beautiful views. Bring your town toys/colouring-in if you’re intending to settle in for the afternoon or evening.
For another family-friendly eatery in South Wharf try The Boatbuilders Yard
Click here for the best family friendly cafes and restaurants Melbourne CBD
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”thon-hot-tips-panel”]HOT Tips:
- Pram access;
- High chairs;
- Kids menu;
- Standard menu suitable for kids;
- Disabled toilet with change table;
- Nearest carpark is  DFO for $12 per hour of $6 per hour if you buy something from the shopping centre. A cheaper option is the Melbourne Convention Centre carpark which you can prebook via Wilson Parking‘s Book A Bay for cheaper rates
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