The Mornington Peninsula has long been a favourite destination for coastal holidays and cosy Winter escapes. In warmer months, swimming and surf beaches await, while seaside restaurants and cafes provide an array of places to eat and drink.
Continuing on our delicious drive around Australia of 2023 Readers’ Choice award-winning restaurants, we have five Mornington locations that will satisfy any hunger growl:
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Bistro:
Drop by landmark Mornington Peninsula pub the Rosebud Hotel on Point Nepean Road in Rosebud for classic fare with a contemporary edge. Opening in 1939 and the first hotel in the town’s history, the Rosebud bistro boasts an open fireplace, fabulous beer garden view, and an expansive menu.
Stroll up from the sands of the beach and chill out with an icy brew., along with pub classics like housemade pork sausages, mash, peas, mustard and onion relish; or twirl a fork around spaghetti with prawns, tomatoes, spinach and shellfish sauce.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Café:
Mornington locals and visitors head to hidden gem 2 Left Sisters tucked away on Watt Road in the peninsula’s industrial area. Named for two sisters who own the café, this drive-through and dine-in eatery is the place to head when the weather turns chilly; sit by the fire inside and join the lively buzz of conversation, or choose to use the drive and stay warm and dry while picking up lunch.
Be tempted by breaky plates like smashed avo on soy and quinoa with pesto, whipped feta, pomegranate seeds, dukkah and a poached egg, or a burrito with scrambled egg, chorizo, black beans, corn, cheddar and chipotle mayo.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – European:
When visiting the Mornington Peninsula be sure to take a scenic drive to the coastal suburb of Sorrento to find quaint local eatery, Bistro Elba residing along Ocean Beach Road. Enter to discover a tranquil interior of artfully weathered walls reminiscent of an old Spanish villa, honey-coloured wood furnishings and hanging ferns, creating a relaxed vibe inviting visitors to stay for hours.
Delve into seafood by the seaside with specials like Southern rock lobster thermidor and hiramasa kingfish marinated in caramelised orange dressing, with saffron, confit garlic and roast almond.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Vietnamese:
Find unphogettable dishes on the menu at Feu Bar on Main Street in Mornington. This Vietnamese Peninsula culinary destination presents a trendy vibe of neon signage, thatched roof, shabby chic timber and cane pendents to set the scene for inspired dining from an authentic menu.
Snack on tapas plates like steamed pork dumplings and soy sauce, before signature mains such as slow-cooked beef ribs, Vietnamese slaw, lemon, Asian BBQ sauce and steamed broken rice.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Breakfast:
Find a Bittern hidden gem at locally-loved R&K Café on Frankston-Flinders Road. This Mornington Peninsula eatery embraces a leafy vibe with a full-length wall mural of a forest, blond wood floors and Edison bulb lighting; creating an oasis of calm to enjoy dining from dawn to dusk, along with cheeky cocktails and wine.
Breakfast guests can delve into weekly specials like smoked salmon, avocado, poached eggs, pomegranate and spicy mayo on a croissant, or dine later on a 12-hour pulled pork burger, corn, queso, guacamole, lettuce, aioli and chips on the side.
