Mount Eliza Mornington Mount Martha Moorooduc

mount eliza MORNINGTON

PHOTO: STEVE BROWN

Along the coast of Port Phillip, where the angling boats banter and the yachts hoist their sails, is the place where families gather and visitors connect. Streets meander with their leafy guardians swaying and eclectic villages buzz with the sound of shoppers, diners, music and laughter. This is the space where shopping, dining and endless entertainment collide to provide a very special life. Outside the streets are alive with the sounds of diners and music as these villages embrace outdoor dining opportunities. Coffee culture rules, with global food and live music venues just around the corner and the Mornington Peninsula wineries only moments away. Gather your friends to find farm-fresh organic produce and award-winning fine food merchants, wine bars and distilleries, or venture into one of the coastal pubs with seafaring folk to enjoy a Peninsula-made brew.

Diversity reigns from the undulating thoroughfares of Mount Eliza and Mount Martha to the windswept salty streets of Mornington and the rural plains of Moorooduc. Industrial estates overflow with art, food and coffee-crafting innovators who are driving the metamorphosis of a region that is determined to expand and stand on its own two very creative coastal feet. Premium Italian, Mexican and waterfront seafood dining delivers while the wide selection of wineries offer up long, lazy tastings and grazings.

So close to Melbourne and yet far enough away, come stay with people who understand hospitality. From cellar door to luxury getaway, there’s more to explore than ever before on the Mornington Peninsula. Whether this is your home or you are visiting, we know you will enjoy.

mount martha MOOROODUC

400 Gradi 50-51 Assaggini 57 Chief’s Son Distillery 59 Chocolat of Mornington 61 Dava Thai 34 Dromana Estate 48-49 Finesse Catering Group 56 Flock Café 63 La Sorella 62 Main Street Market 170 Manhattan in Mornington 69 Mount Eliza Farmers’ Market 171 Peninsula Beverage Co. 68 Peninsula Chauffeurs 173

PHOTO: STEVE BROWN

Pure Peninsula Honey 64 Rebel Donuts 55 Soeur Crêperie 67 Somerville Egg Farm 58 Squires Loft Mornington 46-47 Ten Sixty One 65 The Cocktail Studio 66 The Corner Pantry 52 The Good Food Bakery 60 Tully’s Corner Produce Store 42-45 Two to Tango 53 Via Battisti 54 Zambrero Mornington 68

Tully’s Corner Produce Store

Since opening 18 years ago, Tully’s Corner Produce Store has transformed from a humble shed where apples and pears were sold to an unrivalled foodies’ destination on the Mornington Peninsula. You’ll be hard-pressed to name a food item that isn’t stocked at this impressive food emporium. Sure, you can stop by and grab something delicious on the fly, but to truly enjoy all that’s on offer here, go when your time is plentiful and prepare to be inspired.

Tully’s evolution is quite remarkable: from a simple fresh produce-based business to an outstanding offering of seriously fresh fruit and vegetables, gourmet butchery, delicatessen, grocery section, florist’s, café, and juice bar. Whether you need some pantry basics to get you through the week or you’re planning a decadent dinner party menu with specialist ingredients, Tully’s is the place to shop. Set on 16ha, there’s ample parking, making it easy to stop in for a quick cold-pressed juice or health-giving superfood smoothie from Tonics@Tully’s, the juice and cold-press coffee bar at the entrance to the main store. Dream up your own juice or smoothie flavour combo or order from the tried and tested menu recommendations. Tonics@Tully’s offers convenience and nutrition with its ready-to-go superfood bowls, fruit salad cups, and wraps filled with rainbows of salad. The ingredients are supplied by Tully’s so you can count on them being super-fresh, seasonal and often local. Tonics’ range of raw, vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free treats from local artisan suppliers mean treats for everyone whatever their dietary requirement. If you’re here to shop for more than a healthy snack, venture into the main store. On your way in, the stunning display of seasonal blooms at Tully’s Flowers will grab your attention. Keeping with the local supplier preference that is the foundation of this business, Tully’s works with flower growers from Red Hill, Main Ridge and Pearcedale, buying direct from the grower. There’s a full-time florist on hand to help you decide – which isn’t easy. The rustic shed is packed daily with vibrant bunches and carefully put-together arrangements, including magnificent locally grown natives. Tully’s Flowers has you sorted with beautiful flowers for home, gifts, or even weddings and events. Inside Tully’s the first thing you’ll notice is the care and attention put into the store presentation. It really is a visual feast. Looks only ever tell one part of the story, though, and there’s good reason why locals and tourists return to Tully’s again and again. Tully’s have spent years building relationships with farmers and suppliers to ensure that their customers are treated to the best of the best every time they visit. Each area at Tully’s has its own manager and team who have excellent product knowledge and take pride in the work they do. They’re easy to find and are always available to help.

In the fresh produce section there’s seemingly every fruit and vegetable you can imagine, and even some exotic fruits that you’ve perhaps never heard of. Tully’s expert fruiterers hand-select the produce from local growers and markets. By shopping at Tully’s you’re supporting local growers and local families. Over in the European-inspired continental delicatessen, the friendly team can talk you through the extensive cheese selection, including locally made cheeses; there’s all manner of charcuterie, and a tempting selection of exquisite handmade pastries and cakes. And of course there’s excellent bread to go with all that cheese and salami. Across the way, head butcher Glenn and his team turn out the Peninsula’s finest homemade sausages and hamburgers and source premium-quality grass-fed beef and lamb, chicken and pork. These experienced butchers practise nose-to-tail

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Tully’s Corner Produce Store

butchering, meaning nothing is wasted and a wide variety of cuts are always on offer. In the dry goods grocery section you’ll find everything from awardwinning olive oil to vinegars and mustards to locally made muesli and granola. Again, the emphasis is on supporting local producers, so you’ll find lots of delights made on the Mornington Peninsula.

Behind the scenes in Tully’s commercial kitchen, a hard-working team prepare delicious seasonal salads packed and ready to go for lunch or dinner. They’re also in charge of creating fruit platters, savoury entertainment platters, and prize-worthy garlic bread ready to heat and eat.

All that shopping is hungry work, and Apple Espresso Café is the place to refuel. The Italian-inspired menu is food for the soul and caters for gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian diners too. The Fair Trade organic coffee is excellent as you’d expect, and you can order at the coffee window and sit on the grass or head inside for breakfast or lunch. Shopping for food at Tully’s elevates the experience to one of sheer pleasure. Grab your reusable shopping bags and go! Open seven days: Tully’s Corner Produce Store 7am-6pm; Tully’s Flowers 7am-6pm (florist available 9am-5pm); Tonics@Tully’s 7.30am-5pm; Apple Espresso Café 7.30am-5pm. Check website for further details

Tully’s Corner Produce Store 630 Moorooduc Highway (cnr Wooralla Drive), Mornington P: 5978 8715 I www.tullys.com.au tullyscorner

Squires Loft Mornington

When it comes to providing a venue on the Mornington Peninsula where customers feel special just by being there, Squires Loft Mornington owners Siller and Deborah Bello really are ‘Raising the Steaks’. From the moment you walk through the doors of this premium steakhouse, you’re whisked away from the bustle of Main St’s casual cafes and into a stylish oasis for a fine dining experience like no other.

As Siller explains: "We wanted to create a place where people can come in, relax and just for a moment find themselves in a place like no other. Everything from our aesthetics to our customer service has been meticulously designed based on our experiences in dining in great restaurants across the world.”

Known as ‘The Steak Specialists’, their extensive menu includes the finest Australian meats – both pasture and grain-fed – and a Chairman’s Menu for steak enthusiasts to indulge in. The Chairman’s Menu features a super-premium selection of meats and burgers that will take your tastebuds to the next level.

Their delicious entrées include beef, pork, seafood, chicken and vegetarian options, followed by an enormous range of steaks (Black Angus eye fillet, porterhouse, ribeye, rump and T-bone, to name a few), all flavoured with the famous Squires Loft baste, char-grilled and served with chips or a baked potato and paired with one of their premium sauces. Burger lovers will be kept happy with plenty to choose from, as will children, whose menu includes a soft drink and-ice cream with their meal. Taking their food seriously, the Squires Loft Mornington kitchen is led by two specialist full-time chefs who are experts in the art of cooking the perfect steak, and a passionate and dedicated front-of-house team including a maître d’ to ensure every customer leaves as a happy and satisfied guest.

Boasting a large selection, the Squires Loft wine list pays homage to Mornington Peninsula grapes as well as globally sourced varieties from the US, Argentina, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the Middle East. All wines are available by the glass or bottle, and the curated cocktail list is crafted by skilled bar staff using premium ingredients to ensure each cocktail is exceptional.

After undergoing a total renovation, Squires Loft Mornington is now unapologetically refined and opulent. The fit-out lends the restaurant a welcoming warmth and includes gorgeous tables made from handpicked lengths of Victorian ash, plush leather chairs and booths, and ambient custom lighting.

Taking its colour palette and compositional cues from the earth, the interior design seamlessly blends elegant earthy tones with copper, leather, terracotta, and cement. Even the restrooms exude an air of quality and sophistication, with state-of-the-art touchless taps, soap dispensers and hand dryers.

Great for every occasion – from a romantic dinner to a special family get-together or a private event in the designated upstairs function space – Squires Loft Mornington is a distinguished restaurant serving memorable meals, with customer-centric service that will keep you coming back time and again.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 5.30-10pm; Thursday 5.30-11pm; Friday, Saturday and Sunday noon-3.30pm and 5.30-11pm; Monday closed

Dromana Estate

Dromana Estate

You’ll be charmed by the best of both worlds at Dromana Estate: history and tradition, coupled with forward thinking and commitment to sustainability. Take in the history in the heritagelisted Tuerong homestead, built in the 1900s, and the vast estate gardens. Inside the inviting historical home you’ll find the estate restaurant; you can relax here and enjoy a casual dining experience overlooking the enchanting gardens. The menu design encourages sharing, and whatever the season the focus is on locally sourced produce with recommended wines paired with each dish.

If you’re looking for an inclusive and friendly environment for an informative yet relaxed experience for the wine novice right through to the established connoisseur, Dromana Estate welcomes everyone, from couples looking for a romantic time to families, groups, and celebrations. Even your pooch is invited. The estate gardens were designed in the 1920s by one of Australia’s most influential landscape designers, Edna Walling. A feature of the carefully tended garden is a magnificent 100-year-old weeping elm that provides abundant shade for picnics on the lawn in summer. One of the Peninsula’s largest and oldest wineries established in 1982, it is proudly family-owned and is all about hospitality. There’s no pretence here; just a passion for creating top-quality wine and sharing it with others in beautiful surrounds.

Visit the cellar door where the friendly, knowledgeable team will take you through a tasting. This celebrated winery produces wines under three labels: Dromana Estate, Tuerong Park, and Mornington Estate. All wines are proudly made on the estate with estate-grown fruit, with only essential intervention and intrusion in the vineyard and minimal preservatives used in the winemaking process. The natural flavour of the wine shines through. Chief winemaker Peter Bauer grew up in one of Australia’s most notable wine regions, the Barossa Valley, where he was introduced to the world of wine. Peter joined the team at Dromana Estate in 2007, bringing more than two decades of experience. He has honed his skills and knowledge working in viticulture in the south of France and regions across Australia.

The winemaking philosophy here is to allow the wines to reflect, as well as they can, the time and place in which they were created. It seems to be working because the awards keep coming. Peter and his team took home Viognier of the Year at the 2020 Melbourne International Wine Show and a notable tally of gold, silver, and bronze medals in the 2020 USA wine rating. For those planning a special occasion, a wedding or corporate event, the estate’s newly refurbished century-old stables make for a memorable venue. And if you fancy yourself as a winemaker, Dromana Estate’s Heartbreak Grape Vineyard Course is a hands-on chance to live that dream without having to buy your own vineyard. You’ll learn everything from pruning to picking to fermentation right up to bottling. This extremely popular course fills fast so early bookings are recommended.

Renowned for hosting fabulous events, a highlight on the calendar this summer is the Soul Night Market where food trucks, growers, makers, and producers fill the picnic lawns. Bring a picnic blanket and soak up the community feel. Check the website and socials for event details. Opening hours: cellar door, Wednesday-Sunday 11am-5pm; restaurant, Friday-Sunday noon-4pm.

400 Gradi

Johnny Di Francesco is the creative visionary and mastermind behind the 400 Gradi empire. He patiently waited for the perfect site on the Mornington Peninsula to open his sixth 400 Gradi establishment.

Mornington is the lucky location. On a prominent corner on Main St you’ll find the full Gradi experience: 400 Gradi restaurant, Zero Gradi Gelateria and Dessert Bar, and Gradi’s Italian delicatessen concept Gradi Mercato. The grand opening happened in July 2021. “It’s the first time we have all three Gradi offerings in one location working together,” says Johnny. The restaurant is split over two levels. Upstairs there’s a bar and spacious balcony to take in the bay views. This space doubles as a stunning private events space. Downstairs alongside Zero Gradi and Gradi Mercato you’ll find a wine bar with a slick cocktail menu, and a snack bar serving casalinga ‘home-style’ antipasto such as salumi and cheese.

The interior exudes sophistication and style with terrazzo countertops and tables, plush upholstery, and an elegant palette of moody and earthy tones that have become the Gradi signature luxe aesthetic. Award-winning Neapolitan pizza put Gradi on the map. Since his first pizza-making job at age 12, Johnny has perfected the art of Neapolitan pizza, studying in Naples where his family are from. Johnny adheres to the guidelines of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, an organisation dedicated to promoting authentic Neapolitan pizza, and he was the first Australian inducted into the AVPN.

Celebrated chef Pierre Khojda heads up the kitchen and Giuseppe Fortunato is head pizzaiolo. The full menu of 400 Gradi favourites is offered here: fresh pasta made by hand, antipasti, traditional Italian secondo meat or seafood dishes and a selection of classic sides to complete your meal. Ever-changing daily specials make deciding what to order harder.

Friendly and informed staff are always on hand to provide genuine hospitality and ensure your Gradi experience is a pleasure from start to finish.

Once Johnny perfected pizza, he turned his attention to authentic hand-churned gelato and Zero Gradi was born. A rainbow of flavours is on display. Will it be one, two or three scoops? Every day is a holiday with gelato in your hand. In addition to gelato are wonderful desserts and cakes – including knockout cannoli – ready for your next celebration or just to sweeten up your day. As you’d expect in an Italian dessert bar, excellent coffee is available.

And when you’re feeling inspired to create an Italian dinner to remember at home, Gradi Mercato delicatessen is your place. You can shop smarter, not harder, and put together a whole dinner party using 400 Gradi’s ready-made pizzas and pasta meals. Pick up a selection of antipasti and you’re all set.

Whether you’re dining in the restaurant, stopping for gelato and groceries, or hosting an event, 400 Gradi is all about bringing people together for life’s simple pleasures: good food, good wine, and generous hospitality Italian-style. What are you waiting for?

The Corner Pantry

Locals will tell you, “We’re so lucky to have a café like this in the neighbourhood”. The Corner Pantry owner Craig Vanstone and his friendly team have built a loyal following who come here because they’re welcomed like family, and they can count on delicious food and excellent Commonfolk coffee every time.

Perched on top of a hill in a quiet residential street, this little gem of a café is known for good vibes and brunches worth getting up for. Free-range eggs from nearby Somerville Egg Farm are the stars of the brekky and brunch menu, featuring in dishes such as the Big Breakfast, piled high with all your favourite brunch sides; and Holy Guacamoley, an upscale avocado smash with bacon, fetta, blistered cherry tomatoes, toasted seeds, and balsamic glaze. At lunchtime, choose from a selection of deluxe burgers or a soup or salad, depending on the season. Little people will be happy with their own menu, and if you have dietary requirements, don’t worry. Craig has you covered. Throughout the year the Pantry team come up with different themed dinner nights. It might American Diner Night, Curry Night, or a Mexican Fiesta. See social media for ever-changing themes. The emphasis here is on bringing the community together – families, friends, fur babies, everyone’s welcome. Craig is a big supporter of local sporting and community groups and is only too happy to talk about catering for your next event.

Opening hours: daily from 7am-2pm

Two to Tango

Miami Beach vibes in Somerville? That’s right. With its bright and airy fit-out, deep green foliage dotted around, blush pink colour scheme, marble benchtops, and neon flamingo signage, Two to Tango is not your typical Somerville café.

Open since late 2020, it’s been well received by locals and those passing through looking for quality fare and coffee made by experts. Owner Craig Vanstone is a hospitality veteran who is all about making everyone welcome and attending to the details that make a café memorable for all the right reasons. Pull up a blonde wood chair at the terrazzo tables and peruse the menu that caters for a range of tastes and appetites. Get started with a signature smoothie: fruity, fresh, and healthy. There are plenty of flavour-packed brekky options, from vegetarian to ones with the works; bacon, hash browns, avo and haloumi are just some of the sides. Fabulous burgers are a feature here, and there’ll always be super salad and vegetarian options on offer. Little ones will be happy with milkshakes and a menu of their own. The focus here is on freshness and flavour.

Fresh Mornington Peninsula produce is supplied by local grocer Palamara, and there’s custom blend coffee by Commonfolk. You can count on good tunes and good vibes every time. And if you’re planning an event, ask the team about catering. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 7am-2pm; closed Sunday

Via Battisti

Have you ever dreamed of buying your favourite beachside café? Well, that’s exactly what Dan Force did when Via Battisti came on the market back in 2013. Dan has made Via Battisti her own and with her friendly, talented team they’ve taken this buzzing cafe from strength to strength.

Expertly crafted Proud Mary coffee is a definite drawcard, and the excellent Mediterranean fare served here is a clear case of don’t mess with the classics, just do them well. Some items have been on the menu since day one, such as the authentic spanakopita handmade on site. Paninis and ciabattas are made fresh daily with locally sourced quality ingredients, elevating simple to sensational. There’s an abundance of sweet treats from primo pastries and doughnuts to cakes and slices to tempt you. And if you need some catering for work or play, the Via Battisti kitchen can handle that too.

During lockdown, Dan kicked off a pay-it-forward campaign that saw her café community dig deep and look after each other. It’s that kind of place. Here’s a fun fact: the name Via Battisti comes from a street name in the Italian city Trieste, which is known as a key shipping port for coffee beans and its convivial coffee culture.

From Italy to Mount Martha, the welcoming coffee culture is strong.

Via Battisti I 26 Lochiel Ave, Mount Martha P: 5974 4999 I www.viabattisti.com via.battisti

Rebel Donuts

What goes around comes around at Rebel Donuts. This ever-expanding sweet treat store, which prides itself on forming communityminded relationships with other Mornington Peninsula businesses, believes in bringing fluffy goodness to everyone who thinks outside the square. Continually expanding its range of eye-candy creations, Rebel Donuts travels where others fear to tread. Limited-edition doughnuts. Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm glazed doughnuts. Tongan vanilla glazed, cheesecake, cookies and cream filled, lollysprinkled, mint crumbled or gluten-free pure Ceylon cinnamon cinna-roo doughnuts, scrumptious vegan doughnuts . . . the luscious list of sugary surprises just goes on and on.

Handmade on site and incredibly hard to resist, Rebel Donuts reckons rules are meant to be broken. Continually checking in with customers to find new and exciting dream doughnut flavours, Rebel Donuts’ rebellious nature means there’s always something exciting on the agenda. Whether it’s running ‘design a doughnut’ competitions with local schools where the kids create their own sweet circle of yumminess and follow the process from conception through to marketing, or getting involved in fundraising projects, Rebel Donuts rocks. Rebel Donuts is the creative heart for all things ‘holy’. Grab a cup of coffee to complement your magic meandering into doughnut heaven, and while you’re there enjoy a thicker-than-thick milkshake, fresh fruit-filled smoothie or a delicious ice-cream. Because why not? There’s never not a time to indulge yourself in a bit of sweetness, is there?

Rebel Donuts takes the art of doughnut making to the next level. Drop by, indulge and revel in the deliciousness. Rebel Donuts I 968a Nepean Hwy, Mornington I P. 5973 5909 16 Playne Street, Frankston I P. 5973 5909 www.rebeldonuts.com I rebeldonuts rebel_donuts

Finesse Catering Group

Whether you’re planning your dream wedding, a major corporate event or a showstopping soiree, you want your guests’ every need attended to and for the food to be exceptional. Finesse Catering Group, which services the Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne and surrounds, delivers on every detail.

Finesse is owned by husband and wife team Brad and Roong, two chefs who bring decades of international hospitality experience to what they do. Their focus is on crafting the most memorable menu to suit your special occasion.

From a shared table feast of on-trend dishes to a more traditional sit-down lunch or dinner with courses of modern Australian classics, Finesse loves fine-tuning the details to create exactly what you want. Expect canapes that look like little works of art, or perhaps an impressive buffet fits your brief. Finesse’s stunning plant-based menu sees vegans and vegetarians well catered for. Where possible, Brad and Roong are committed to sourcing local ingredients, making the most of the Peninsula’s wonderful produce.

This year saw Roong take a culinary tangent, releasing a range of her signature sauces under the label Lek Lek Ban. After years of being asked for her secret sauce recipes, Roong is happy to now share the distinct and exciting flavours of her homeland, Thailand.

Brad and Roong know hospitality inside out, and a booking with Finesse Catering Group means your wedding or event will be remembered for all the right reasons.

Assaggini

Mornington is lucky to have Assaggini. Tucked up a side street off the main drag, it’s like finding a little piece of Italy. You’ll be welcomed by Alex and his team, true hospitality professionals who are all heart and focused on making sure everyone has a good time. “We treat the restaurant like a dinner party,” says Alex. “We want to give our customers the best experience as if they’re in our own home.”

Expect personal, attentive service and thorough food and wine knowledge at this contemporary Italian trattoria. Owner and chef Mattia heads up the kitchen. Mattia’s apprenticeship began by his nonna’s side in Abruzzo. True to the cuisine of his homeland region, you’ll find carefully prepared seafood and red meat featuring equally on the menu. Handmade pasta, and sourdough made from a starter named Steve, are just two more delicious reasons to visit.

In good news for vegans and those with dietary requirements, Assaggini offers dedicated menus just for you. If you’re lucky, the vegan chocolate brownie will be on the menu with handmade raspberry sorbet. Cocktails here are a highlight, as is the extensive gin selection. Alex loves talking customers through their Italian wine selection, and there are good local drops too. Assaggini means ‘small tastes’ but there’s a lot to enjoy here. Opening hours: Wednesday 5pm-late, Thursday-Sunday noon-late; closed Monday and Tuesday.

Somerville Egg Farm

There’s nothing like a farmgate visit to make you feel like you’ve left the city behind. Put Somerville Egg Farm on your itinerary for beautiful farm-fresh eggs and a chance to see chickens roaming free in green pastures or scratching around in ploughed fields for bugs. You might even meet the farm’s resident maremma sheepdogs Princess Leia and Romy, guardians of the chickens. Goats, alpacas, and a family of emus are part of the menagerie.

The Napolitano family have been egg farmers here since 1979. They know their stuff. Home cooks, chefs and retailers are all valued customers. The chickens at Somerville Egg Farm are happy, healthy and well cared-for, so you can feel confident you’re buying premium-quality eggs. All eggs are hand-collected and packed daily for freshness. There’s a variety of sizes and price ranges to suit all needs and budgets, and duck and quail eggs are also available.

Eggs are one of the most versatile forms of protein. From a humble omelette to a grand celebration cake, they’re a vital ingredient. If you want topnotch eggs and an enjoyable farm experience, go meet your egg farmer at Somerville Egg Farm. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8am-4.30pm; Saturday 8am-12.30pm; closed Sundays and public holidays.

Chief’s Son Distillery

Steeped in history, tradition and passion, single malt whisky is a tipple that has been bringing people and generations together for more than 500 years. The Gaelic phrase ‘Uisqe beath’ is used to describe this powerful drink and literally means ‘water of life’. Husband and wife Stuart and Naomi McIntosh are proudly continuing the distilling tradition on the Mornington Peninsula at their Somerville smallbatch distillery, which remains the only single malt whisky distillery on the Peninsula.

Since establishing Chief’s Son Distillery in 2013, the McIntoshs’ knowledge and passion for producing award-winning whisky has only strengthened. From sourcing premium artisan ingredients to handselecting barrels and closely nurturing every step of their manual process, the McIntoshs and their passionate team have a flair for what they do. Since launching in 2019, they have snapped up an incredible array of internationally recognised awards, including their 2020 and 2021 Australia’s Best Single Malt Single Cask NAS at the World Whiskies Awards in London, and Master, Gold and Silver awards at some of the most prestigious Asian whisky awards. A visit to Chief’s Son is about more than simply drinking fabulous whisky. It’s a whole experience, from the stories you’ll hear to seeing the distillery in action and the stunning tasting room overlooking the working distillery floor. Book a guided Distillers Tour of the distillery to taste whisky directly from the barrel and take away a 100ml sample. And look out for regularly released cask expressions such as whisky finished in Mornington Peninsula Brewery and Jetty Road beer barrels. Tasting room opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am-4pm; Saturday & Sunday 11am-4pm. Tours can be booked online.

The Good Food Bakery

Demand was so great for The Good Food Bakery’s delicious gluten-free sweet and savoury baked goods that in 2021 they outgrew their premises and expanded into the shop next door. “We just keep going from strength to strength,” says owner Tammy.

With accreditation from Coeliac Australia, this specialist bakery has become a trusted destination for those wanting to enjoy beautifully made cakes, biscuits, pies, tarts, sausage rolls and more that are 100 per cent gluten-free. Tammy’s partner Shane, who has 30 years’ experience as a pastry chef, heads up the kitchen working his gluten-free magic. A coeliac diagnosis or gluten intolerance doesn’t mean missing out here.

If you’re after a casual lunch, you can dine inside or outside on picnic tables, and if there’s an event or celebration you need gluten-free food for, The Good Food Bakery has you well covered. Whole cakes such as their best-selling vegan chocolate cake, sponge cake, baked cheesecake, raspberry white chocolate mud cake, or even croquembouche are fit for any celebration.

At lunchtime, choose from a huge variety of wraps, rolls, focaccias, bagels, spanakopita, lasagne and frittata. The range of delicious pies, pasties and sausage rolls include dairy-free, low FODMAP and vegan options. All meats are supplied by Brian's Gourmet Meats, which is also Coeliac Australia-accredited. Little Rebel coffee is another drawcard.

There’s also an extensive range of grocery items from respected gluten-free brands including Beerenberg, Schars, Well and Good, and Ardor. This really is Mornington’s one-stop gluten-free shop. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7am-5pm, Saturday 8am-4pm, Sunday 8am-3pm.

Chocolat of Mornington

Mornington is blessed to have its own little piece of France where shoppers can enjoy magnificent traditional French pastries, exquisite fruit-based mousse cakes, and excellent coffee right in the heart of Mornington.

Tucked up a side street off Main St, you’ll find Chocolat of Mornington, the destination for those who appreciate carefully crafted plain and almond croissants, doughnuts, escargots, florentines, and macarons in every colour of the rainbow.

If you prefer your temptations to be savoury, there are top-notch sausage rolls, pies, quiches, and baguettes filled with ham or chicken. A selection of these along with some sweet fare make the perfect catering solution too.

Every piece of deliciousness is made by hand on site by owner and head pâtissier Ross Saunders and his dedicated team who are committed to perfection. They use only the finest natural ingredients – butter, eggs, flour, and fresh fruit – in their creations, which are made fresh daily. The recipes Ross uses honour tradition and express the creativity and passion that has fuelled his work in this profession for more than two decades. Of his craft, Ross says: “Once you are inspired, you will find your way and be rewarded for your passion.”

Whether you’re craving a dose of pastry heaven for morning tea or have the task of finding an out-of-this-world celebration cake, Chocolat of Mornington is the place to go.

Open seven days.

La Sorella

If any restaurant can be described as a ‘one-stop shop’ then La Sorella in the heart of Mornington is it. Open seven days a week and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as freshly made gelato and cakes, their menus are a sight to behold. Rock up any time of the day or night and you’ll have an enormous range of dishes to choose from, with all dietary requirements catered for and meals just for kids.

Breakfasts include indulgent pancakes and waffles, brekky towers for two, fritters, vegetarian brekky, and eggs your way. Lunch and dinner options feature share plates, pastas, risottos, burgers, salads, souvlaki, ribs, steaks, seafood, vegetable stacks and parmas, to name a few. There’s a menu dedicated to dozens of different drinks, with hundreds of varieties – everything from coffee to freshly squeezed juices, ‘Monsta Shakes’, and a huge selection of cocktails, beers, wines, spirits and ciders. Run by father/daughter duo Sam and Josie, it’s become known as a place with a welcoming atmosphere, where customers can choose from one of their many tables inside or out, and the close-knit, friendly team of staff will take care of the rest.

What you can expect at La Sorella is a thoroughly satisfying experience, where the food looks incredible and tastes even better.

Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 8am-late

Flock Café

Tucked away from the bustle of Mornington’s Main St, Flock Café is the sort of place you stumble on by accident and wish it was in your neighborhood. Flock has become a locals’ hub, but whether you’re a regular or visiting for the first time, you’ll always feel welcome. Owners Meryn and Rick are long-time Peninsula residents. Meryn, a chef for more than 20 years, instils plenty of heart into her housemade fare and hospitality.

Flock’s brekky roll, filled with bacon, egg, swiss cheese, rocket and housemade tomato jam, is a popular start to the day, or everyone’s favourite – smashed avo – alongside a fresh brew of locally roasted Commonfolk coffee. Rick’s fabulous banana bread, still warm from the oven, sells within minutes, and Meryn’s yo-yos are a favourite.

The all-day menu includes a chicken schnitzel toasty, baguettes filled with cold cuts or roasted vegetables, and delicious daily specials. Housemade cakes, slices and cookies hit the sweet spot. The food is fresh, filling, and uncomplicated.

With plenty of parking just minutes from dog-friendly Fossil Beach and a playground around the corner, it's a great location. When the weather is warm, the concertina windows disappear, opening up the cafe and bringing the outside in. Flock proudly supports all emergency services, defence and veterans.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7am-2pm; Saturday and Sunday 8am-2pm; public holidays 8am-1pm. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, and Good Friday.

Pure Peninsula Honey

Pure Peninsula Honey’s apiarist and owner John Winkels grew up loving nature, and after more than 25 years of beekeeping John’s still happiest in the bush with bees. After starting out with two beehives on his Mornington Peninsula farm, John’s hobby grew into a full-time business producing more than 2o varieties of cold-extracted honey and numerous honey-related products.

In the bee-themed gift shop you’ll find beauty products made with honey or beeswax. There’s no waste from the production of Pure Peninsula Honey. From honey lip balm to hand cream, soap, honeycomb, honey cider for the grown-ups, and honey ice-cream for the young and young at heart, there’s something for every honey lover. John’s wife Felicity hosts farm talks during the school holidays that are free for all ages. If you’ve ever wondered how bees make honey and want to learn about the important role bees play in our natural world, make a booking for Felicity’s fun and informative presentation. Felicity says there’s a common misunderstanding that manuka honey comes only from New Zealand. “We have manuka shrubs here, and we sell pure manuka honey that is 100 per cent Australian.” Visit the farm or look out for Pure Peninsula Honey at local markets and retailers. Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm; Sundays 10am-5pm; closed Christmas Day

Ten Sixty One

Ten Sixty One craft apple cider is fresh, crisp and most importantly a Peninsula local. Made from real cold-pressed apples straight from the orchard on Stumpy Gully Rd in Moorooduc, it’s natural, free from added sugar and all the nasties you might find in some other brands. This cider is the perfect guilt-free can to crack on a summer day.

Ten Sixty One is made by Bianca Paganoni, a fourth-generation apple grower. Bianca is a born and raised Peninsula local and grew up on the family’s apple orchard, Atlanta Orchards. Atlanta is where the seed for Ten Sixty One was planted five years ago and where the roots are still established today. “Making cider closes off a full circle for the farm. We’re able to use apples that wouldn’t be accepted at the supermarket and turn them into cider, giving the fruit its next stage of life,” says Bianca. Learning to make cider was a bit of trial and error but quickly became a triumph. Ten Sixty One is currently in their fifth year selling their deliciously balanced coldpressed apple cider that falls somewhere between the classic sweet and dry. Growing up on a farm in a semirural community gave Bianca a deep appreciation of the environment, sustainability, and nature. Because of this she takes a conscious and thoughtful approach when producing her refreshing, 100 per cent natural apple cider. Ten Sixty One is proudly made with a minimal carbon footprint. Only Atlanta Orchards’ apples are used, the orchard is solar-powered, and all packaging is locally sourced and recyclable. Visit Atlanta Orchards’ farmgate for all your fresh apple and craft cider needs. See the website to order and for farmgate opening hours.

The Cocktail Studio

Established in 2020 on bustling Main St in Mornington, The Cocktail Studio is a meeting place of cuisine and creativity, combining a gluten-free café, cocktail bar, and art gallery/studio.

Showcasing Mornington Peninsula's artists, produce, wineries and specialty makers, customers are invited to sit back and relax in the light, bright and welcoming café. The all-day menu has been crafted for everyone to enjoy, with special care taken to provide totally gluten-free food. Fresh ingredients are sourced from local and specialty suppliers to make a tempting array of options. Taking your time dining in the cafe is encouraged while you admire the art, crafts, and gifts available for purchase – you’ll find paintings, jewellery, gifts and more on display. The cafe space also houses the studio where art classes are available, with guest artists sharing their craft and experiences. At the rear of the building is the luxurious and intimate cocktail bar. Trained, experienced bartenders and mixologists serve classic and signature cocktails, along with some of the Peninsula’s specialty brews and wines, plus non-alcoholic drinks. The bar offers a daily light GF menu including High Tea (pre-ordered). The Cocktail Studio is also available for private events and functions. Owner Leanne Stewart and her team's love of service will make customers’ experience a truly memorable one. Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 8am-11pm

Soeur Crêperie

When most Australians hear the word ‘crêpe’ we think of a sweet dessert, but French chef Cesar Henry is here to educate us and tempt our tastebuds with the opening of Soeur Crêperie. Crêpes originated in his hometown of Brittany in the 12th century, beginning as a savoury dish called galette. Created from buckwheat and water, they were traditionally eaten for lunch along with a bottle of cider.

Cesar is bringing this authenticity to his Mornington restaurant, even importing buckwheat flour from Brittany. Light, easy to digest and naturally gluten-free, with just a small amount of butter used for cooking, his sweet and savoury crêpes will be a hit with the whole family. The menu features classic crêpes including lemon sugar, Nutella, maple syrup, and French jams. There are versions with ice-cream, Smarties, Oreos or Tim Tams. Get fancier with roasted apple and cinnamon, or lemon curd with passionfruit coulis. If flambé is your thing, have one with Grand Marnier.

The savoury range of galette has mouthwatering ingredients such as ham, goat’s cheese, smoked salmon, pancetta, and potato – the choices are extensive.

The restaurant is a family affair, with Cesar’s partner, Amy, designing the vibrant and inviting fit-out. When his two step-daughters begged for it to be named after them, he settled on the delightful ‘Soeur’, meaning ‘sister’ in French.

Take a stroll down Main St and satisfy your Parisian cravings with the most delicious crêpes on the Peninsula. Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday 9am–5pm; Monday and Tuesday closed

Peninsula Beverage Co.

More than one awe-struck customer has walked into the liquid wonderland that is the Peninsula Beverage Co. and pronounced: “It’s like a candy store for adults!”

With floor-to-ceiling shelves stocked with all manner of beverage options, this bottle shop and bar exceeds expectations.

Owners Georgia and Nick pride themselves on carrying a wide range of Mornington Peninsula products – they like to think of themselves as a cellar door for the region in a convenient location on Main St in Mornington. Stocking wines from smaller producers, craft beers, one-of-a-kind spirits, non-alcoholic drinks, small-batch products and seasonal items, plus the well-known favourites you’d expect, they are proud to support local makers. There are also specialty gifts and glassware, making it the perfect place to find a present.

Customers love the intimate atmosphere, where they can meet friends and enjoy a drink from the regularly changing list of by-the-glass options, along with snacks. Sit at the bar, stand around a wine barrel, relax in a window seat, or hang out in the eye-catching outdoor seating. Head in for some tasty supplies to keep you going all year round. Opening hours: Daily with seasonal changes; check website for details.

Peninsula Beverage Co. I 42 Main St, Mornington I P: 5977 0515 www.peninsulabeverageco.com.au PBCoMornington PBCoMornington

Zambrero Mornington

If you have a serious hankering for fresh Mexican food full of taste and colour, Zambrero Mornington is the place to be. Bring a rug and stretch out on the front lawn while enjoying a feast that tastes as good as it looks.

Zambrero Mornington is all about offering customers choice. Their claim to fame is the flavourful 18-hour slow-cooked meats used in burritos, nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and scattered atop delicious bowls of rice and beans. Build your own meal by adding your choice of protein, toppings and sauce. The servings are generous, the service is fast and friendly, and the options for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diners are varied. Dine in, pick up or order home delivery for delicious, healthy Mexican that the whole family will love. Catering is available by arrangement to make for a lively celebration.

While everything on the menu is a knockout, so is their community spirit – for every purchase of a regular burrito or bowl, they’ll donate a meal to someone in need. A visit to Zambrero is a win for your body, mind, soul and tastebuds!

Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday 11am-8.30pm; Friday and Saturday 11am-9pm

Manhattan in Mornington

Rose Mimmo is an old-school restaurateur: handson and full of heart for what she does. “We’re a family-run business, we treat our customers and staff as extended family and hope everyone feels the heart and soul of this place,” says Rose.

Since opening her restaurant Manhattan in Mornington nine years ago, it’s become a second home for those who know this is the place for traditional and modern Italian fare, and generous hospitality. Rose and her family have created a memorable space that would be right at home in Manhattan’s Little Italy, hence the name. The high ceiling features two eye-catching domes with Art Deco glass chandeliers, and there’s a mezzanine area where diners can take in the view of the whole restaurant.

There’s no compromise or shortcuts in the kitchen. Pasta is made by hand, sauces are simmered gently and only the best quality ingredients make the cut. Seafood dishes, slow-cooked meat, vegetarian, glutenfree dishes bursting with Mediterranean flavours, there’s something delicious for everyone and it’s all cooked with care. The banquet-style menu provides a good opportunity for sharing and to taste a range of dishes.

Carefully crafted cocktails are a feature and there’s a good selection of local and European wines and beer to enjoy with your meal. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, everyone’s welcome at Rose’s table. From midweek dinners to milestone celebrations, Manhattan in Mornington awaits. Opening hours: see website