No matter where you go on the Mornington Peninsula, you are bound to find somewhere that offers the most delicious dining experience. For all the foodies out there, our region has become the ultimate food and drink playground. Somewhere to kick back and relax in a casual setting and graze away the afternoon. Somewhere to indulge in exquisite fine dining with exceptional service to match. And somewhere to find the freshest produce and shop straight from the source. For 2023, we’ve highlighted some of the best foodie destinations to check out - with your friends, family, special someone or solo!
Relaxed Dining
Red Gum BBQ
Red Gum BBQ in Red Hill is the go-to destination for Aussie-smoked American-style BBQ brilliance. If the smoky aromas which fill the BBQ and Beer Hall don’t get the taste buds tingling, the full-on flavour menu will sure do the trick! This Red Hill restaurant is not one to be missed.
For more on Red Gum BBQ, click here.
Elements Eatery
Positioned next to Yawa Aquatic Centre, Elements Eatery has all the ingredients for healthy and environmentally conscious poolside dining. From one look at their colourful menu, you’ll be on your way to Rosebud in no time.
Explore more of Elements Eatery here.
Frankston Brewhouse
It’s not just the superb on-tap beers that have kept visitors returning to Frankston Brewhouse. The seasonal sharing menu here has delectable dishes aplenty, which have been designed to complement the lineup of brews. Whether finding a seat indoors or out in the sunshine, this is the perfect place to get the crew together for a post-work or weekend feast.
To help in planning your visit to Frankston Brewhouse, click here.
Hotel Sorrento
Cantonese cuisine takes centre stage at Hotel Sorrento’s Shihuishi, set within the original limestone building of the electric coastal setting. Dumplings, crispy pork belly and a curated cocktail list represent only some of the highlights. Expect deliciousness at every bite.
Click here for full insight into Shihuishi at Hotel Sorrento.
TAR BARREL Brewery & Distillery
Things are heating up at TAR BARREL Brewery & Distillery in Mornington! Their newly introduced BBQ menu has been an instant success with diners and is well worth a try alongside one of their refreshing beers on tap. Pizza, gin tasting paddles and local wines keep the flavour triumphs going.
Explore more of TAR BARREL Brewery & Distillery here.
Winery Restaurants
Rare Hare at Willow Creek Vineyard
A seat by the rolling vineyard hills doesn’t get any better than at Rare Hare at Willow Creek Vineyard in Merricks North. The seasonally changing restaurant menu is designed to share and includes inspired flavours in the form of salumi, starters, staples and sweets. Overdue friends catch up to organise? Your table at this hatted delight is here and waiting.
For all the extra information on Rare Hare at Willow Creek Vineyard, click here.
Stumpy Gully Vineyard & Restaurant
For an intimate winery experience, look no further than Stumpy Gully Vineyard & Restaurant in Moorooduc. The restaurant space here comfortably seats under 20 guests and is matched with a passionate curation of seasonal dishes. Both lunch and dinner are available to enjoy (on select days).
For more information on Stumpy Gully Vineyard & Restaurant, click here.
Laura
Having only just reopened in December, Laura in Merricks has reemerged as an exquisite fine dining experience on the Mornington Peninsula. Guests are invited to enjoy a seasonal or signature menu, as part of a journey through memorable region-inspired tastes. Window outlooks extend over the Sculpture Park and beyond to the wild waters of Bass Strait.
Book your table at Laura this year via the link here.
Montalto
The magic truly begins from the moment of entry at Montalto in Red Hill South. Visitors can choose to stay inside the restaurant or meander outside to the Piazza to enjoy a menu of thoughtful flavours. To put it simply; this is Mornington Peninsula winery dining at its best.
Make your way to Montalto via the link here.
Paringa Estate Winery and Restaurant
It may be apparent already, but for this year’s foodie hotlist, incredible dining vistas are a big win! For Paringa Estate in Red Hill South, their restaurant tables have awe-inspiring views over verdant vines. And their menu? It’s a celebration of everything local and seasonal.
See the window views for yourself at Paringa Estate Winery and Restaurant here.
Polperro Winery
The vineyard dining space at Polperro Winery in Red Hill sets the perfect scene for a glorious weekday or weekend lunch. With a menu once again influenced by the seasons, expect to indulge in flavours that provide a lasting sense of place and location. It’ll be hard to peel your eyes away from the window vineyard vistas too!
For more on Polperro Winery, click here.
Explore More Fine Dining
Cape Restaurant at RACV Cape Schanck Resort
The luxurious setting of Cape Restaurant sets a special tone to the fine dining offering. Find comfort in one of the teel booths, or get up close to the action in the kitchen with seating at the bar. European and regional influence combines to create an unforgettable menu and culinary experience.
Explore more of Cape Restaurant at RACV Cape Schanck Resort here.
Audrey’s
It wouldn’t be a 2023 foodie hotlist without mentioning one of the newest fine dining instalments on the Mornington Peninsula that is Audrey’s in Sorrento. Led by acclaimed chef and restaurateur Scott Pickett, this homage to Pickett’s grandmother blends old-world elegance with seaside charm. Expect wow factor from start to finish.
Witness the spectacle of Audrey’s for yourself here.
To read more about all the region’s restaurants that recently took home Age Good Food Guide hats, click here.
Farmgates & Artisan Produce
Torello Farm
Finding Torello Farm in Dromana is like finding a treasure chest full of goodies. Only this time, the goodies take the form of fresh produce and locally sourced foodie delights. Pack your basket to the brim with a kaleidoscope of colourful groceries, and get set on your way to a picnic, light lunch by the water or DIY feast at home.
To see what’s in season at Torello Farm, click here.
Hawkes Farm
Continuing the pursuit to shop from the source, Hawkes Farm in Boneo has a farmgate overflowing with delicious fruit, vegetables and more. Renowned for the kipfler potato the 40-acre property delivers much in the way of seasonal farm produce. And there are plenty of local products from nearby producers on show too!
Keep the explorations going at Hawkes Farm here.
Green Olive at Red Hill
You might have heard Green Olive at Red Hill in Main Ridge do amazing grazing platters. But what you may not know is that they also sell an extensive selection of gourmet products at their farm shop. Olive oils, chutneys, body products and more included! So how about lunch and a shop for the next time you visit?
Explore more of Green Olive at Red Hill here.
Cocoa Rouge + Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
To all the sweet tooth foodies, this one's for you! At Cocoa Rouge in Red Hill and Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery in Flinders, expect to discover an extensive range of artisan hand-made chocolates and ice cream to accompany. Pop by for a treat post-lunch, and stock up on gourmet creations that will sit proudly in the sweet section of your pantry.
Click here to learn more about the lineup of sweets on offer at Cocoa Rouge. Click here for more information on Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery.
Something Extra Memorable
Thyme at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa
The recently launched Alba Thermal Springs & Spa in Fingal offers a complete relaxation journey for those who visit. And when the moment to dine arrives, Thyme restaurant delivers a seasonal menu that is fresh, healthy and flavoursome. Steered by celebrated chef Karen Martini, this dining experience is nothing short of superb.
For further details on Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, click here.
Red Hill Community Market
Who’s up for one of the most iconic exploration adventures on the Mornington Peninsula? Since its inception in 1975, the Red Hill Community Market has continued to welcome visitors to a fusion of food, craft and design. When it comes to Mornington Peninsula markets, this one is most definitely a foodies delight!
Find out when the next Red Hill Community Market is to take place via the link here.
Explore more of the best foodie things to do on the Mornington Peninsula below:
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