NOW EXPERIENCING:A foodie's guide to the Mornington Peninsula
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A foodie's guide to the Mornington Peninsula

Read time 4 Mins

Posted 24 Oct 2022

By
Patrick Boxall

From the finest of fine-dining to warm apple pies, these are 5 of our favourite Mornington spots.

There's no doubt that the Mornington Peninsula has become one of Australia's premier wine regions over the past 30 years, and the dining scene has come a long way with it. It doesn't matter whether you're after some of the finest dining in all of Victoria, or a simple pastry or shared plate enjoyed with a view of the vines; in Mornington, you'll find it all. From Dromana to Flinders and Main Ridge to Red Hill, there are all kinds of hidden – and not-so-hidden – gems to be discovered, and these just happen to be five of our favourites.
1. Doot Doot Doot & Rare Hare at JackalopeThere's a good reason Jackalope sits at the top of this list, so if you haven't yet had an opportunity to visit, pop it in your itinerary and label it unmissable. The sprawling estate is home to a hotel, a winery and two restaurants: Doot Doot Doot and Rare Hare. The former is a celebrated fine-dining establishment with a five-course set menu, impressive wine cellar and jaw-dropping interior design, while the latter serves up more informal – but equally delicious – shared plates in a cosy space complete with a double-sided fireplace. So, whether you're after a long, luxurious lunch or a couple of oysters to go with your Rare Hare Sparkling, Jackalope has you more than covered for the afternoon.
2. Tedesca OsteriaThe atmosphere, and food, at Tedesca Osteria is as wholesome as it gets. We're talking wood-fired dishes that put local produce front and centre, served up in a rustic weatherboard house boasting unbeatable views over the Peninsula landscape. It's a snug space seating less than 40 diners for a five-course set menu, with seafood, handmade pasta and natural wines all playing starring roles. And when you're finished eating? Enjoy a bottomless glass of Vietnamese coffee, or stroll through the in-house art gallery as you digest lunch.
3. Johnny Ripe at The Epicurean Red HillReady to taste the Peninsula's best apple pie? Johnny Ripe is run by Michelle and Adam, who moved to the Mornington Peninsula and purchased a property with a small apple orchard. They began using the apples to make apple pies with a perfect, crispy crust and juicy filling, which have proven to be far more popular than they could have ever imagined. Now savoury fillings, as well as vanilla slice and other baked treats, have become a much-loved fixture, meaning there's a pie or pastry for every taste. And though Johnny Ripe doesn't have a dedicated shop, they spread the pastry love through their friends at Epicurean Red Hill, so be sure to drop by and try one for yourself.
4. D.O.C. MorningtonD.O.C. is a Melbourne institution responsible for making some of the best pizzas in the city. They've now expanded from the Italian heartland of Carlton to open outposts in both Sydney and on the Mornington Peninsula, and you can be sure that none of the original quality has been lost along the way. Fluffy, wood-fired bases are lathered in authentic tomato sauce and the toppings are always, always cooked to perfection. They also have one of the best vegan cheeses you'll ever encounter, as well as gluten-free bases, so it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser no matter your group's dietary requirements. Mornington's busy bars are just a stone's throw away too, perfect for anyone planning to spend the evening.
5. Paringa EstateParinga Estate has a long history – and fantastic reputation – in the Mornington region, with the McCall family running the show since purchasing the property in 1984. The restaurant was first conceived as a way to highlight the Paringa's top-notch wines, but has evolved into one of the region's premier dining destinations and picked up some serious awards along the way. Head chef Joel Alderson – who has spent time in some of Victoria's best kitchens – oversees a four-course menu celebrating locally sourced and seasonal produce, so expect to see plenty of fresh vegetables and seafood on the table. There's now a Garden Dining option available too, for those who are after oysters or a shared platter with their wine, rather than a full sit-down meal, meaning there's no excuse not to visit Paringa while you're in the area.
Hungry yet? Dig into more of the region's favourite spots by exploring our Mornington Peninsula Vine Guide. We've got you covered for wines, cellar doors, food pairings and more.
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Authour image
Patrick BoxallPatrick Boxall is a wine-loving writer based in Melbourne. His first word was 'No', and he has spent the remainder of his life attempting to remedy this poor attitude.
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Vine GuideWineVine GuideTravelFood pairingsAustralian regionMornington PeninsulaWinery
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