Food & Drink

One of the pleasures of food and drink is that they are often a shared experience – think about the times you’ve gotten together with friends and exchanged interesting ideas and opinions. In addition to having enjoyed a good meal, you left the table better informed with most senses more than likely fulfilled. Our Food and Drink section is all about the unique, best practice experiences on the Mornington Peninsula. In this section we like to inspire and inform readers with a mix of stories from around the Pen.

Alatonero

A long-term love affair with Santorini, and a passion for Greek food, has brought a new culinary vibe to the Mornington Peninsula. Across the road from the McCrae lighthouse (at what was The Pavilion), Alatonero is giving diners the opportunity to enjoy well known and much loved Greek delicacies. With an impressive resume in the food world, and with energy and drive to burn, Jacqui Poulier found the perfect location for her new venture, where she has brought to life her love of food, cooking, people and stories. The restaurant is light, bright, open and airy with a fresh sea breeze that drifts through the open plan dining area.

Chief’s Son Distillery

The journey began modestly in 2013 when Stuart and Naomi McIntosh initiated a pilot project. After three successful years, the distillery produced its first commercial single malt whisky, solidifying its place in the Mornington Peninsula's vibrant artisan community. The McIntosh name—Mhic an Tòisich in Gaelic—translates to ‘Son of the Chief,’ a title earned over nine centuries ago. It's a name that embodies loyalty, a generational love for whisky, and the Scottish roots that continue to influence their craft.

Barmah Park Vineyard

Barmah Park is a stone's throw from Mornington, just off the Moorooduc Hwy. Come here to warm up beside their log fire and unwind with the help of stunning rural vineyard views, fine food, wine and friendly service. What was a working cattle farm is now an acclaimed restaurant with a spacious dining room - graced with natural light and a rustic cellar door. There is something for everyone with their modern Australian menu that reflects seasonal moods. 

Cibo Deli

Inside this green-and-white store is a selection of mouth-watering products and foods along with Italian Wine, Beer, Spirits, and Liquor. Cibo Deli Mt Martha is like 'Little Italy', only it's in the heart of Mount Martha's thriving Lochiel Avenue Strip. This upmarket Italian-style deli and grocer has a supreme collection of premium imported Italian and locally sourced foods. Their mission is to provide you with the most delicious epicurean treats for cooking, eating and entertaining. 

Hawkes Farm

Hawkes Farm and farmgate store is not only famous for selling their own farm grown product in Boneo, but also a wide range of fruit, vegetables and other gourmet products. For many, it's a one-stop shop for their pantry needs. Best of all, their food truck is open on the weekends cooking their famous thrice cooked hot chips - hand-cut from their own potatoes grown on the farm. The veggie patch is the perfect place to sit and enjoy their delicious coffee & treats, and kids will love their 1970s Farmall tractor that takes pride of place.

Montalto

With fruit coming from six unique vineyards located across the Peninsula, Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove creates interesting and complex wines reflecting the fantastic diversity of the vineyards, according to winemaker Simon Black. There’s more than the multiple award winning wines and the restaurants 11 chef’s hats since 2002 that make a visit to Montalto such a rewarding place to visit.

Trofeo Estate

Trofeo Estate encompasses a vineyard, cellar door, winery, & a thriving cafe. At the core of the estate is a philosophy that embraces the practice of biodynamics, sustainability & old world winemaking techniques & this is expressed through fresh, home grown produce from the kitchen and café, delicious take home condiments and stunning array of wines from the cellar door.

Volpino

With a strong emphasis on fresh and local produce, Volpino offers an array of Mediterranean inspired seasonal dishes to compliment the classic wood fired pizzas that are a mainstay of this vibrant, beachside venue. The deck is super sized and a perfect place to soak up the winters sun, unwind and dine alfresco with friends, family or as a couple. Add a unique, hand selected wine list and you have the perfect ingredients for a memorable day or night out. To borrow a famous Australian phrase, it’s all about the vibe and it’s this attitude that inspires us to follow the boys from Volpino.