Top 6 Places to Eat in Mornington Peninsula

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
21/08/2025
Photograph of Flinders Pier and ocean on the Mornington Peninsula, Australia.
Shane Reilly, Pexels

The Mornington Peninsula offers a vibrant culinary scene, characterized by its focus on fresh, local produce and cool-climate wines, catering to diverse tastes from casual family diners to discerning food enthusiasts.

1. Tedesca Osteria

Cuisine: Modern Australian, Italian, Farm-to-Table

Tedesca Osteria provides an intimate dining experience within a classic Australian farmstead. The chef crafts an ever-changing five-course set menu, with ingredients often sourced directly from the biodynamic farm and cooked over a wood-fired oven and grill. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, resembling a cozy living room. Reservations are essential and often book well in advance. While variations for dietary needs like vegetarian or gluten-free can be accommodated with prior notice, a vegan menu is not available. Children over 12 are welcome, without a dedicated children's menu.

Price: AUD $195 per person / USD $129 per person (set menu)

Getting There: Located at 1175 Mornington-Flinders Road, Red Hill. Driving is strongly recommended as public transport to this hinterland area is very limited.

2. Laura at Pt Leo Estate

Cuisine: Refined Modern Australian

Laura offers Pt Leo Estate's most refined dining experience, set against a backdrop of sweeping vineyard and sculpture park views extending to Western Port Bay. The multi-course menu celebrates the region's produce, highlighting the natural quality of ingredients. This two-chefs-hatted restaurant ensures an unhurried dining journey, focusing on culinary craftsmanship and an extensive wine list.

Price: AUD $195 per person / USD $129 per person (8-course menu)

Getting There: Situated at 3649 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Merricks North. Access is best by car, as public transport options to this winery region are limited.

3. Montalto

Cuisine: Modern Australian, Estate-to-Plate

Montalto provides a quintessential winery dining experience with a strong 'Estate to Plate' philosophy, utilizing seasonal produce from their own property. Visitors can choose between the more formal Restaurant, offering a multi-course set menu, or the casual alfresco Piazza, known for its pizzas and shared plates. Both venues boast stunning views over the vineyards and sculptures. The Piazza is popular for walk-ins and relaxed gatherings.

Price: Restaurant: AUD $95-$130 per person / USD $63-$86 per person (set menu). Piazza: AUD $15-$34 per dish / USD $10-$23 per dish (for pizzas)

Getting There: Located at 33 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South. Driving is recommended for convenient access, as public transport services to this specific area are not direct.

4. Red Gum BBQ

Cuisine: American-style BBQ

Red Gum BBQ offers an authentic American-style barbecue experience in a rustic, converted shed. Meats like beef brisket and pulled pork are slow-smoked for hours using native Australian hardwoods. The atmosphere is lively and communal, featuring long bench tables and a bar stocked with local wines and craft beers. It is a family-friendly venue, offering vegetarian options and a dedicated indoor play area for children.

Price: AUD $25-$50 per person / USD $16-$33 per person (estimated for a main and side)

Getting There: Found at 87 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill. Given its location in the hinterland, driving is the most practical way to reach the restaurant.

5. Donna Maria

Cuisine: Italian, Seafood

Donna Maria is a charming Italian restaurant in Flinders, known for its focus on fresh, local seafood and handmade pasta. The interior features a cosy and intimate setting with red leather banquettes and eclectic art, creating a perfect atmosphere for an intimate date night. The menu is seasonal, complemented by an extensive list of Italian-focused wines and cocktails.

Price: AUD $40-$70 per person / USD $26-$46 per person (estimated for a main dish plus a starter/dessert)

Getting There: Located in Flinders. While bus route 782 from Frankston Station serves Flinders, driving offers greater flexibility for exploring the area.

6. Jetty's Pizza

Cuisine: Italian, Pizza

Jetty's Pizza is a popular beachside Italian restaurant in Rosebud, known for its long-standing family recipe pizzas. It offers a wide range of traditional, deluxe, and gourmet pizzas, alongside pasta dishes and other mains. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, making it a suitable choice for families and informal meals. Takeaway and delivery options are also available.

Price: AUD $15-$30 per person / USD $10-$20 per person (estimated for a pizza or pasta dish)

Getting There: Situated on Point Nepean Road in Rosebud. The 788 bus route from Frankston Station serves Rosebud, making it accessible via public transport.

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