When you hear “Mornington Peninsula,” sandy beaches, luxurious geothermal hot springs, and cool-climate wines are among the first that come to mind. But beyond the coastal views and vineyard-lined hills, the Peninsula has quietly become one of Victoria’s most exciting food destinations.

Just a little over an hour from Australia’s culinary capital, Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula showcases its own standout culinary identity: one built on farm-to-table dining, cool-climate wines, and fresh, local produce. And in this guide, we’ve rounded up the best Mornington Peninsula restaurants that represent the very best the region has to offer.

Best Restaurants on the Mornington Peninsula with a View

1

ONDA Restaurant

ONDA Restaurant is a coastal Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located at the Searoad Ferries Sorrento terminal. ONDA focuses on local, seasonal produce with a menu centred around seafood, wood-fired pizzas, and refreshing spritz-worthy bites, bringing a relaxed coastal vibe to the Mornington Peninsula.

 

What You Should Try: 

  • Sorrento Pizza: Tomato, Fior di latte cheese, fresh basil
  • Queenscliff Pizza: Tomato, eggplant, capsicum, onion, olives, zucchini, mozzarella
  • Onda Burger beef brisket, Napoli, mozzarella, lettuce with fries

What It’s Like Dining Here:

Housed within the newly opened glass-walled Sorrento terminal built on pylons above Port Phillip Bay, ONDA offers a truly unique dining experience where guests can dine quite literally above the sea, with uninterrupted views of the water below. With seating for around 150 guests across indoor and outdoor spaces, the restaurant caters to everything from laid-back lunches to sunset drinks, making it a standout waterfront venue for both locals and visitors arriving via ferry.

Address: Sorrento Pier, B110, Sorrento VIC 3943, Australia

2

Montalto

Set across rolling vineyards in Red Hill South, Montalto overlooks a sculpture park, where large-scale contemporary artworks adorn the gardens. After indulging in a curated multi-course menu made of estate-grown produce, guests can take a stroll through the landscaped grounds and explore the 1-kilometre sculpture trail. Take a bottle of a refreshing wine with you during the stroll, and you have yourself a truly immersive Mornington Peninsula afternoon.

 

 

What You Should Try:

  • Curated 3- or 4-course menus that change seasonally
  • For groups of 6-12, the Chef’s Table Experience offers a multi-course menu featuring oysters, Wagyu and Yellow Fin Tuna, and a seasonal dessert.

What It’s Like Dining Here:

The main restaurant at Montalto offers a refined, multi-course shared dining experience with sweeping views over vineyards and the sculpture trail, while The Piazza provides a relaxed alfresco atmosphere overlooking the gardens and vines. The space is ideal for medium to large groups, whether it’s a long lunch or a casual weekend catch-up, with flexible gathering areas.

Price Range: Set menu starts at $130 pp, with the Chef’s Table Experience starting at $195 pp. Children are welcome to dine for $49 per person.

Address: 33 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South VIC 3937, Australia

3

The Rocks Mornington

The Rocks Mornington is a seaside restaurant and bar perched right on Mornington’s marina. Dining here means satisfying the senses with spectacular waterfront views and a menu focused on fresh, locally sourced seafood. As you’re surrounded by broad vistas of Port Phillip Bay and the harbour, you can watch yachts glide past while enjoying a cocktail or a plate of perfectly cooked oysters straight from the bay.

 

 

What You Should Try:

  • Rocks classic fish ‘n’ chips, with red gurnard fillets, beer batter, tartare
  • Mornington mussels, with tomato, garlic, chilli, herbs, and focaccia
  • Butterflied mooloolaba prawns, with myrtle butter, lemon jam, and chives
  • Lobster roll, with citrus-poached lobster, tobiko fish roe, mayonnaise
  • Soft shell crab slider, with tempura, pickled cabbage, yuzu kosho mayonnaise

Please note that The Rocks’ menu changes weekly, so some items may not be available.

What It’s Like Dining Here:

With multiple seating options overlooking Port Phillip Bay, it’s easy to see why The Rocks is often mentioned among the best restaurants on the Mornington Peninsula with a view. At the open-air waterfront deck, you can feel the gentle wind off the bay. And inside, the dining room features large windows that fill the space with natural light, while the cocktail bar offers a more social space for pre-dinner drinks or casual bites. 

Price Range: A Taste of the Rocks starts at $85 pp and The Seafood Experience at $119 pp. The menu changes weekly based on availability, so prices may be subject to change.

Address: 1 Schnapper Point Dr, Mornington VIC 3931, Australia

Mornington Peninsula Restaurants for Fine Dining

4

Doot Doot Doot

Doot Doot Doot is the signature fine-dining restaurant at Jackalope Hotel, one of the best accommodation options on the Mornington Peninsula. Known for its inventive modern Australian cuisine with seasonal and Asian-inspired touches, Doot Doot Doot has cemented its own reputation as one of the best restaurants on the Mornington Peninsula. Their menu offers a curated multi-course dining experience that showcases seasonal ingredients and signature flavours.

 

 

What You Should Try:

  • A5 Japanese wagyu MB12 cooked on salt, wasabi, and soy sauce
  • Skull Island tiger prawn, pickled daikon, miso emulsion, puffed rice furikake

What It’s Like Dining Here:

Doot Doot Doot’s dining room complements Jackalope Hotel's bold and striking aesthetic. The dramatic ceiling installation creates a moody, artful atmosphere perfect for intimate dinner nights, slow lunches, or special occasions. Its spacious interior is best suited to small to medium groups.

Price Range:  Starts at $100 pp (for two-course menu) and $130 (for three-course menu), excluding paired wines. The menu seasonally changes, so prices may be subject to change.

Address: Jackalope Hotel, 166 Balnarring Rd, Merricks North VIC 3926, Australia

5

Veraison

Veraison is a modern Australian restaurant in Tootgarook that impresses its visitors with refined seasonal dishes and a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. The restaurant uses fresh seasonal produce supplied from local peninsula suppliers, with its vegetable ingredients sourced from organic market gardens from the southern Peninsula.

 

 

What You Should Try:

  • Pan-fried Hokkaido Scallops & Calamari 
  • Classic Vanilla Crème Brulee
  • Crispy Pork Belly
  • Japanese-inspired Linguine Pasta
  • Pan-fried Fresh Water Barramundi Fillet

What It’s Like Dining Here:

Veraison’s stylish interior décor complements the restaurant’s fine-dining feel. Most seating is indoors, with a cosy layout that feels homely yet refined. In contrast to other expansive fine-dining restaurants, the space here feels intimate and personal, ideal for small groups, date nights, and special celebrations rather than large, bustling gatherings.

Price Range: Starts at $60 per person. Check their à la carte menu for individual prices.

Address: 1889 Point Nepean Rd, Tootgarook VIC 3941, Australia

Take the Scenic Route with Searoad Ferries:

Skip the long drive and enjoy a leisurely 40-minute ferry ride from Queenscliff to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula. With comfortable lounge areas, viewing decks, onboard cafés and bars, a children’s playground, and the chance to spot dolphins along the way, Searoad Ferries turns travel into part of the adventure.

Book Your Ferry Trip

Mornington Peninsula Restaurants for Casual Dining

6

The Milbri

The Milbri brings together the bold, vibrant flavours of Latin America and South East Asia in a lively “hawker-style” format designed for sharing (or indulging solo). It’s a standout dining and bar destination for locals, and a must-visit for guests looking for things to do in Rosebud. With its well-stocked bar, innovative cocktails, and local and imported wines, The Milbri makes for a perfect spot for casual get-togethers.

 

 

What You Should Try:

  • Burrito (crispy chicken, chipotle pulled pork, chipotle baked bean, grilled wagyu beef, or burrito bowl)
  • Churros
  • Meat platter, including pork, beef, fried chicken, condiments, salsas, pickles, a tortilla stack, and fries
  • Pork belly baos

What It’s Like Dining Here:

The Milbri offers both indoor dining and outdoor seating, creating a relaxed but energetic atmosphere that transitions effortlessly from casual daytime dining to vibrant evening drinks. As one of the standout casual restaurants on the Mornington Peninsula, the space is best suited for small to medium groups, with a seat in the bar area on a high top being the most sought-after spot for soaking up the buzz.

Price Range: Chef’s Tasting Menu starts at $79 per person. Check their à la carte menu for individual prices.

Address: 1183 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud VIC 3939, Australia

7

Loquat x Voodoo Lounge

Inspired by The Rolling Stones’ Voodoo Lounge era, Loquat x Voodoo Lounge is where modern Australian cuisine and rock-and-roll vibes meet. Here, you can browse a collection of band memorabilia, from concert and setlist lithographs to guitars, bobbleheads, and records. But what earned its reputation as one of the best restaurants in Sorrento, Victoria is its creative dishes made of local, seasonal produce and herbs sourced from its own micro-herb garden.  

 

 

What You Should Try:

  • Wine, cider, beer, cocktails, champagne, chardonnay, and more
  • Barramundi
  • Souffle
  • Smoked pork belly
  • Duck (confit leg)

What It’s Like Dining Here:

The vibe at Loquat x Voodoo Lounge is intimate and eclectic. With an extensive cocktail list and well-curated wine selection, it’s ideal for leisurely lunches that extend into the afternoon or intimate dinner dates. The relatively small space makes it best suited to small groups, couples, and special catch-ups rather than large gatherings.

Price Range: Two-course menu starts at $69.5 and three-course menu at $89.5

Address: 3183 Point Nepean Rd, Sorrento VIC 3943, Australia

Best Mornington Peninsula Restaurants for Lunch

8

Yabby Lake Vineyard

Yabby Lake Vineyard is a cellar door and restaurant set among sweeping vineyards on the Mornington Peninsula. It offers contemporary Australian dining paired with some of the region’s most acclaimed pinot noir and chardonnay. Celebrated as one of the best winery restaurants on the Mornington Peninsula, the experience here is defined by estate-grown produce, meticulous winemaking, and a menu that showcases the purity and elegance of cool-climate varietals.
 

 

 

What You Should Try:

  • Pinot noir
  • Steak frites, Victorian grassfed eye fillet, Café de Paris butter
  • Half shell baked scallops, seaweed and horseradish butter, Yarra Valley salmon roe

What It’s Like Dining Here:

Yabby Lake Vineyard offers both indoor seating and an outdoor deck that overlooks the vineyard, perfect for savouring a glass of pinot noir or chardonnay during long lunches and leisurely afternoons. The atmosphere suits small to medium groups, couples, and wine lovers looking for a peaceful meal or drink. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas, though they aren’t permitted inside the dining room. Lunch reservations are essential to secure a table.

Price Range: Two-course menu starts at $80 and three-course menu at $95

Address: 86-112 Tuerong Rd, Tuerong VIC 3915, Australia

9

Spitfire Restaurant & Grill

Spitfire Restaurant & Grill has carved out a reputation as one of the must-visit restaurants on the Mornington Peninsula, especially for burger enthusiasts. The restaurant is the home to some of the biggest burgers on the Peninsula, which earned it several awards for flavour and creativity, combining fresh, quality ingredients with generous portions. But they don’t just serve burgers; they also offer a variety of dishes to suit different tastes.

 

 

What You Should Try:

  • Buffalo wings (choice of mild, spicy, or “kamikaze hot”
  • Onion rings
  • Sweet potato wedges
  • Red Baron (house-made beef patty, grilled bacon, fresh Thai chilli, caramelised onion, double cheese, tomato, cucumber, lettuce, tomato sauce on a toasted Turkish bun)

What It’s Like Dining Here:

Spitfire Restaurant & Grill doubles as a war memorial, featuring an array of unique historical items, vintage aviation memorabilia, and model planes. Guests can choose indoor seating or outdoor tables, making it ideal for small groups, families, and friends, especially during lunch and early dinner hours when the venue is most lively.

Price Range: Gourmet burgers start at $19. Check the à la carte menu for individual prices.

Address: 1181 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud VIC 3939, Australia

Best Mornington Peninsula Restaurants for Dinner

10

Mr Vincenzo's

Mr Vincenzo's is an Italian-inspired restaurant and wine bar on The Esplanade in Mornington, known for its creative share plates, house-made pastas, and vibrant atmosphere with views of Mornington Park and the bay. Its menu changes with the best produce of the season, and its extensive wine and beverage list is carefully curated to complement each dish.

 

 

What You Should Try:

  • Pasta
  • Lamb ribs, sweet & sour glaze, macadamia and mint
  • Large and small plates

What It’s Like Dining Here:

The retro aesthetic of Mr Vincenzo’s makes you feel as though you have stepped into a vintage postcard, but with a funky, modern edge. Its wine-bottle-green floors, cork accents, and sunny waffle-yellow walls create an inviting atmosphere that is even more elevated at dinnertime. The space is primarily indoor seating, ideal for small to medium groups or couples

Price Range: Lunch menu starts at $50 pp. The set menu starts at $85 pp (for tables of 2 or more), and the Monday menu is at $75 pp.

Address: 784 Esplanade, Mornington VIC 3931, Australia

11

Bistro Elba

If you’re looking for French-inspired restaurants on the Mornington Peninsula, Bistro Elba might just be the one you’re looking for. Located right in the heart of Sorrento, Bistro Elba serves classic Southern French cuisine with a local twist. Using seasonal produce from the region, the kitchen creates dishes that feel both authentic and fresh.

 



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bistro Elba (@bistroelba)

 

What You Should Try:

  • Huîtres: freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters with lemon & mignonette dressing
  • Tourte au poulet: chicken, tarragon & leek pot pie with Dijon mustard, verjus & butter puff pastry
  • Soufflé suissesse: twice-baked cheese soufflé with caramelised onion & Dijon mustard sauce
  • Moules Rockefeller: Harry’s Flinders mussels with Pernod, fennel and spinach

What It’s Like Dining Here:

As a small, intimate bistro, Bistro Elba has limited capacity for larger groups. It manages its dining experience with carefully structured time slots to ensure all guests enjoy attentive service and a relaxed atmosphere. Reservations for up to 4 guests are allotted 90 minutes; 5 to 7 guests can dine for 2 hours; and 8 or more guests are allotted 3 hours, with the option to request longer dining after 7:45 PM.

Price Range: Two-course menu starts at $65 pp. Check the à la carte menu for individual prices. 

Address: 100-102 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento VIC 3943, Australia

Best Winery Restaurants on the Mornington Peninsula

12

Pt. Leo Estate

Pt. Leo Estate is often featured among lists of the best wineries for lunch on the Mornington Peninsula, and it’s no surprise why. This sprawling estate offers three distinct dining experiences: a relaxed Wine Terrace for casual meals and drinks, the main Pt. Leo Restaurant, which serves contemporary Australian cuisine, and Laura, a Relais & Châteaux fine-dining place showcasing world-class produce. 

 

 


What You Should Try:

  • Two-course table d'hôte menu, four-course Signature menu, or eight-course Seasonal degustation menu exclusive at Laura.
  • Two- or three-course menu at Pt. Leo Estate, with à la carte and vegetarian options.
  • Beer and cider, cocktails, summer jugs, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages at the Wine Terrace.

What It’s Like Dining Here:

Dining at Pt. Leo Estate is as much about the experience as it is about the food. The main Pt. Leo Restaurant offers panoramic 180-degree views and access to the Sculpture Park. For a more relaxed vibe, the Wine Terrace has indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for long lunches and afternoon gatherings. Alongside the exceptional views, the estate’s Sculpture Park invites you to explore world-class outdoor artworks before or after your meal.

Price Range: Two-course menu starts at $99 pp and three-course menu at $130 pp. Check the à la carte menu for individual prices. 

Address: 3649 Frankston - Flinders Rd, Merricks VIC 3916, Australia

13

Ten Minutes by Tractor

A list of the best winery restaurants on the Mornington Peninsula isn’t complete without Ten Minutes by Tractor. Its cellar door and fine-dining restaurant have earned a reputation for elegant seasonal cuisine paired with exceptional cool-climate wines.

 




 

 

What You Should Try:

  • Essence, Substance, or Signature Menus with different complementary wine pairings that complement your chosen menu
  • Award-winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other cool-climate varietals

What It’s Like Dining Here:

Ten Minutes by Tractor delivers a fine-dining experience that is both personal and immersive. The sommelier team carefully guides guests through wine pairings that perfectly complement each course. The light-filled dining room, with large windows overlooking the vines, creates a serene yet sophisticated atmosphere, while private dining spaces provide intimacy for small to medium groups or special occasions.

Price Range: Essence menu starts at $145 pp, and Signature Menu at $290 pp

Address: 1333 Mornington-Flinders Rd, Main Ridge VIC 3928, Australia

Best Seafood Restaurants on the Mornington Peninsula

14

The Baths Sorrento

Named after the Sorrento sea baths, The Baths Sorrento truly encapsulates the best of waterfront dining on the Mornington Peninsula. Serving some of the freshest seafood you’ll find among the Mornington Peninsula restaurants, it pairs oceanfront views with a menu that celebrates seasonal, locally sourced produce.

 

 

What You Should Try:

  • The Baths fish and chips, with lemon caper sauce and salad
  • Natural oysters, with apple, shallot, and muntries
  • Seafood linguine, with prawns, mussels, crab meat, calamari with chilli, garlic, and white wine

What It’s Like Dining Here:

The Baths features both indoor seating and an outdoor deck that takes full advantage of its panoramic views of the beach and bay, creating a laid‑back yet scenic atmosphere that pairs beautifully with coastal dining. The venue is ideal for small to medium groups and couples, offering a relaxed space for lunch or dinner with friends and family.

Price Range: Two-course menu starts at $75 and three-course menu at $89. Menu changes daily, so prices may be subject to change.

Address: 3278 Point Nepean Rd, Sorrento VIC 3943, Australia

15

David Prosser Seafoods

David Prosser Seafoods is a local favourite in Rye, known for serving fresh fish and chips and a wide selection of seafood. It is primarily a takeaway restaurant, perfect for grabbing a bite for a casual lunch by the beach or a seaside picnic. 

What You Should Try:

  • Home-made potato cakes
  • Calamari rings
  • Scallops
  • Fresh oysters
  • Prawns
  • Grilled Atlantic salmon 

What You Can Expect:

David Prosser Seafoods operates mainly as a takeaway fish and chips shop, where you’ll order at the counter and either eat on nearby benches or take your food to enjoy down by the beach. There’s no formal indoor dining area, so expect a casual, fast‑service vibe with seafood cooked to order and fresh from the market display. It can get busy during lunchtime and early dinner, so be prepared for a short wait, especially for family or group orders.

Price Range: Their fresh fish selection is market-priced, so menu item prices may vary based on seasonal availability and supply. Exact prices are usually displayed on site or at the counter.

Address: 2383 Point Nepean Rd, Rye VIC 3941, Australia

Kick Off Your Mornington Peninsula Food Adventure with Searoad Ferries

The variety of restaurants on the Mornington Peninsula ensures there’s something to satisfy every craving, from casual seafood takeaways to fine-dining experiences with vineyard views. And crossing over from the Bellarine Peninsula via Searoad Ferries is not only the most scenic route but also the most convenient way to start your culinary journey, offering stunning water views that set the tone for a weekend of indulgence.

Once you arrive on the Peninsula, you can explore the best restaurants in Sorrento or enjoy coffee at cosy cafés. And for those looking to combine food adventure with leisure, there are plenty of opportunities for fun-filled activities on the Mornington Peninsula. With so much to see, sip, and taste, there truly is no shortage of things to do on the Mornington Peninsula, making it the perfect destination for a food and wine adventure

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best areas on the Mornington Peninsula for dining?

Some of the most popular dining hubs on the Mornington Peninsula include Sorrento and Mornington for seaside restaurants, Red Hill and Main Ridge for winery restaurants and cellar doors, and Rosebud and Rye for casual seaside bites and cafés. Along the coast, waterfront venues capitalise on bay views, while hinterland towns host farm‑to‑table and vineyard‑focussed dining experiences.

2. What types of cuisine are common on the Mornington Peninsula?

The dining scene here is diverse. You’ll find modern Australian cuisine with seasonal, local ingredients, fresh seafood straight from Port Phillip Bay, farm‑to‑table menus at vineyards, European‑inspired bistro fare, and classic casual options like fish and chips and gourmet burgers. Cafés, winery restaurants, and fine‑dining tasting menus all reflect the Peninsula’s rich produce and cool‑climate wine culture.

3. What types of dining experiences can I expect on the Mornington Peninsula?

Expect a range of experiences from casual beachfront lunches and takeaway seafood to long winery lunches paired with local cool‑climate wines, elegant degustations in hatted restaurants, and cosy coastal dinners with bay views. Many venues also offer outdoor dining overlooking vineyards or water, seasonal menus featuring local produce, and special food‑and‑wine events throughout the year.

Travellers rate us 4.5 out of 5 on Trip Advisor
Simple and enjoyable process
Really enjoyed taking the ferry. Not very busy, easy to get on and off with car and nice ship. Comfortable lounge and even had a sandwich. Really like the driving it saved us. Put us in great shape for starting the Great Ocean Road.
Enjoy the drive..Take The Ferry
Why would you bother driving through all that city traffic when you can just hop aboard the ferry to get from one side of the bay to the other?
Excellent way to cross the bay
We took the car over the bay. What an easy trip. No need to book. Boat is in excellent condition and crew were great. High recommended.