regional dining destination of your dreams

Take a drive from the shores of Port Phillip through the undulating hills of the Mornington Peninsula’s hinterland to Western Port and you’ll find a world where attention to detail and deliverance means everything and then some. It’s an enchanting place where beauty and quality of produce reside to deliver exceptional dining experiences against the backdrop of rolling vistas.  It really is an extra-special destination. 

This is a region where the world stands still. Tree canopies overhead allow the sun to trickle through and dance on the meandering roads. Orchards bear the fruit of generations and new-found footings. Artisanal produce is grown in the rich soil of farms that are scattered throughout the alluring region.  You’ll find quality strawberries, apples, pears, avocados, stone fruit, olive groves, and even truffles. 

With a focus on brilliant high-end feasting from Point Leo to Shoreham, Main Ridge to Merricks, and Red Hill to Arthurs Seat, journey along the winding roads from eatery to winery to farm. This is Chef Hat territory, where tasting menus matter and each course promises to delight the tastebuds. Panoramic views from the summit of Arthurs Seat inspire a wander through the serene Seawinds Gardens nearby with sights to be admired.

Grape-growing is favoured in this rural hinterland and surrounding regions, with award-winning cool-climates wines to the fore. You’ll be staggered by the number of wineries, breweries, distilleries and cheese-makers. Laneways lead to cafes and restaurants, while charming strips of shops are full of gourmet produce, artisan treats and Peninsula-grown delights. This is the regional dining destination of your dreams. 

Stop your search, for you have arrived.

Explore below.

Cellar & Pantry Hill & Ridge Community Market Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill Main Ridge Dairy Montalto Mornington Peninsula Wine Paringa Estate Peninsula Beverage Co. Red Hill Red Gum BBQ Red Hill Agricultural Show Red Hill Estate Red Hill Truffles Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm T’Gallant Ten Minutes by Tractor

Cellar & Pantry

Cellar & Pantry proudly showcases more than 800 hand-picked Mornington Peninsula products expertly chosen by owners Joe and Dee. Since 2003, it’s been the go-to grocery shop, cafe and popular meeting place for the community to shop, grab a bite to eat and unwind. Known for some of the friendliest customer service in the region, everyone who visits feels quickly at home.

“It’s a place that brings people together, a community from the surrounding area of Red Hill and beyond,” Dee said. 

Residents and visitors gather to catch up over coffee and delicious fresh food creations at The Deck Cafe, also known as the Locals’ Deck. With a relaxed atmosphere, the cafe serves creations made with quality fresh produce from the Peninsula. Discover your new favourite drop with an extensive 100 varieties on offer from Peninsula wineries, breweries and distilleries, as well as some European picks. Customers often ask for Joe’s recommendations thanks to his winemaking studies and work at Chrismont Winery in the King Valley.

With an abundance of choices at this specialised grocery, you’re spoilt for choice with deli options, fresh produce, gourmet pantry items, baked goods and more of the Peninsula’s finest produce. Be mesmerised by the vibrant colours and fresh fragrances as you peruse the shelves.

The husband and wife team both come from families where the creation and enjoyment of food was always paramount. When this passion is combined with their love for travel, especially throughout Europe, they’re inspired to bring those authentic experiences and flavours back to the Peninsula.

“It’s about sharing our experiences with food with our customers,” Dee said. “Customers seek advice and recipes from the team, who gladly share their knowledge and passion for the produce.”

Opening hours: open daily

Cellar & Pantry

141 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill

P: 5989 2411

www.cellarandpantry.com.au 

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Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill

Lancemore Lindenderry in Red Hill is more than just a luxury boutique hotel; it's also a culinary destination you won’t want to miss. Providing a refined yet relaxed dining experience, this stunning property is celebrated for its scenic beauty and award-winning wines, but you don’t need to book a room to indulge in the exceptional food and drink here.

The Dining Room at Lindenderry provides a locally sourced, slow-food dining experience. Awarded a hat and Readers Choice Award by The Australian Good Food Guide in 2023 and 2024, it is fine dining without the fuss. With a set menu that reflects whatever is best in season, diners can explore a variety of seasonal dishes inspired by the region’s rich produce. The warm and inviting atmosphere means every visit to Lindenderry is always special.

In the kitchen, executive chef Tony Brazendale, with his extensive experience in Michelin Star kitchens in the UK, brings both creativity and precision to every dish. Start your meal with stand-out appetisers such as the Ora King salmon or the perfectly prepared stuffed quail. For mains, options such as the pan-fried John Dory and roaring forties lamb loin demonstrate the kitchen’s commitment to bold flavours and impeccable presentation. Vegetarians are also in for a treat, with the housemade smoked cheese ravioli an innovative delight.

Complementing the food is a carefully curated wine list featuring Lindenderry’s own award-winning wines, Peninsula favourites and international selections. Whether you are pairing your meal with a glass of pinot noir or savouring a crisp sauvignon blanc, there is a wine on the menu to perfectly enhance every dish.

If you are after a more casual experience, the cellar door at Lindenderry comes alive every Saturday and Sunday, where you can sample the award-winning wines while enjoying live music. This relaxed, social setting is perfect for a laid-back afternoon of sipping wine and soaking up the stunning vineyard views.

Lindenderry also plays host to a variety of special dining events throughout the year for food and wine enthusiasts. A recent stand-out was the Clovis Taittinger champagne dinner, a seven-course degustation where each dish was expertly paired with a cuvée from the renowned House of Taittinger. Guests were treated to an unforgettable evening of fine food, bubbles, and an exclusive live-streamed interaction with Clovis Taittinger himself.

Whether you're a resident or a visitor exploring the Mornington Peninsula, Lindenderry offers a dining experience that is worth the trip alone. From a simple glass of wine at the cellar door to a luxurious multi-course dinner, you’ll find a variety of ways to enjoy this culinary destination. If you're in the mood for a fine-dining experience without the need to book a stay, Lindenderry’s doors are open. Whether it’s a special occasion, a casual meal or simply an afternoon of wine tasting, the exceptional hospitality and exquisite cuisine will leave a lasting impression.

Opening hours: The Dining Room Thursday-Saturday for Dinner; Friday-Saturday for Lunch; cellar door Saturday-Sunday 11am-3pm

Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill

142 Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill

P: 5989 2933

www.lancemore.com.au/lindenderry-red-hill

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Main Ridge Dairy

Nestled amid the lush, rolling hills of the Mornington Peninsula, Main Ridge Dairy is a gem that’s cherished by both locals and visitors. Serving farm-fresh goat cheeses, this dairy offers a farm-to-platter experience that’s utterly unmatched in the region.

Step into Billies, the European-inspired cheese cellar tasting room.  Picture this: gazing out over paddocks of frolicking dairy goats and the serene Australian bush while indulging in an irresistible menu of cheese platters, seasonal cheese-inspired dishes, and sweet treats. Whether you’re craving a cheesy croissant for breakfast or one of its legendary toasties, this all-day dining destination is a cheese lover’s paradise. Pair your dish with a selection of local wines, beers, non-alcoholic beverages or perhaps a barista coffee, tea, or decadent hot chocolate.

Prefer the outdoors?  Head out to The Dairy Deck, where you can pick up a curated cheese box and unwind on the grass with a picnic rug. Feed the playful goats along the surrounding fence line with treats you can purchase at Billies, and enjoy the peaceful scenery.

With each season, the cheesemakers introduce new flavours, recently earning prestigious recognition at the Royal Australian Food Awards with gold for their caprinella and capony, silver for their cashmere and bronze for their marinated chevre and cilia. These award-winning cheeses also grace the menus of top restaurants across the Peninsula and beyond.

Main Ridge Dairy is a proud community collaborator, working with plenty of like-minded local producers and supporting new businesses like Frog Hollow Kitchen Cooking School.

Can't stick around? No problem – you can take home these delicious cheeses and accompaniments from the corner providore at Billies, and they make great gifts. Group bookings are available, and the stunning space is just perfect for your next event.

Whether you're trying a tasting plate, dining in, or hosting an event, Main Ridge Dairy is an ideal and unique location for unforgettable moments.

Opening hours: Thursday-Sunday 9.30am-4pm (may vary by season; check website)

 

Main Ridge Dairy

289-295 Main Creek Rd, Main Ridge

P: 5989 6622

www.Mainridgedairy.com.au 

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A Mornington Peninsula dairy tale

Mornington Peninsula’s first and only goat’s milk dairy has been nestled high in the hills of Main Ridge since 2001. With its passion for cheese and a commitment to quality, Main Ridge Dairy has become a local gem, producing some of the finest goat’s cheeses in Australia.

The secret to its success starts from the ground up. Sonia Kent, who bought the business with her husband, Wayne, in 2021, puts it simply: "Great cheese begins with great milk, and great milk starts with great grass." Their 300-strong herd of Swiss-heritage Saanen and Toggenburg goats enjoy a life of luxury on the farm, grazing on lush paddocks that stretch as far as the eye can see. These happy goats, considered the true heroes of the business, are treated with care and respect, each one with its own name and a comfy straw bed on which to rest each night.

Every day for a Main Ridge Dairy goat starts with the sunrise. After a nibble on some hay, it is time for the goats to head to the milking shed, where fresh pellets await them. Milking time is as much a routine as it is a treat, the goats racing to their spots, eager for their pellets while they are milked in small groups of 16. The hum of the milk machine is like music to their ears, signalling another day of fresh milk production.

Once the milking is complete, the goats head back to the paddocks for a day of grazing, playing and lounging. They frolic in small groups, climb logs and enjoy the sunshine. Visitors to the farm can even join in the fun, feeding the goats special grains that are available in small bags from Billies, the onsite cheese cellar.

Meanwhile, the freshly collected milk is taken straight to the cheesery, where the magic happens. Using only 100 per cent farm-fresh goat’s milk, the skilled cheesemakers at Main Ridge Dairy handcraft every single cheese. From soft, spreadable cheeses to semi-hard and aged varieties, each cheese is carefully hand-ladled and made with a gentle, artisan process with no automation here. This dedication to craftsmanship has earned them numerous accolades, including recognition with six awards at the recent Australian Food Awards.

Throughout the day, the goats enjoy more than just lounging in the paddocks. One of the highlights of their day is when fresh green grass is laid out on the feeding pad. Despite there being plenty for everyone, it is always a race to the pad, with each goat eager to be first to nibble on the delicious grass.

As the day winds down, it’s time for the second round of milking. Once again, the goats race to the shed, jostling for position, trying to outdo their morning session. Afterwards, they settle back into their cosy straw beds, nibble on some hay, and relax for the night. The cycle repeats itself the next morning when the sun rises, and a new day begins on the farm.

For Sonia and Wayne, the goats aren’t just livestock, they’re the heroes of the business. Sonia’s background in animal welfare shines through in the way the goats are treated, ensuring they live happy, healthy lives. It’s this care, combined with a passion for cheese, that makes Main Ridge Dairy a stand-out.

If you can’t stay to enjoy the farm's atmosphere, you can still take a piece of Main Ridge Dairy home with you. Its cheeses, accompaniments and even merchandise are available at Billies, making for perfect gifts or treats to enjoy at home. And with group bookings available, Main Ridge Dairy is an ideal destination for a day out or even a special event, offering both indoor and outdoor spaces with stunning views of the hills and the playful goats that call them home.

JACQUI BIALOCKI

Red Gum BBQ

High in the hinterland of the Mornington Peninsula, Red Gum BBQ in Red Hill serves up an authentic Southern-style barbecue experience built on ethical and sustainable practices. Housed in a rustic converted truck-mechanic warehouse, the restaurant is warm and welcoming.

The smoky aroma from the custom-made steel pits greets you as you enter, where ethically sourced meats are smoked for up to 12 hours using native Australian hardwoods, resulting in tender and flavourful pulled pork, brisket, chicken and ribs. Inside, there are long wooden tables to gather round, and a play area for the kids, making it an ideal venue for families and groups.

Experience the true taste of the South with authentic low and slow-smoked meats served with traditional side dishes, including creamy mac ’n’ cheese, zesty slaw, the ultimate brisket chilli cheese fries, or sweet cornbread with honey butter. As all true Southerners will tell you, “There’s always room for pie”, so try the Southern-style desserts including fudgy brownie, cheesecake or banana pudding.

Visitors can also take home the flavours of Red Gum BBQ with handcrafted, award-winning sauces and rubs like Grandma Mildred's Gold Sauce and Granddaddy Heyward's Classic Sauce, which have garnered accolades at the Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards.

Beyond the mouth-watering food, Red Gum BBQ is a leader in sustainability and community engagement. As a certified B-Corp, it promotes responsible tourism and supports local producers, including a bar committed to supporting fine local wines, craft beers, ciders and spirits. 

Red Gum BBQ combines tradition with innovation, offering a rare experience that celebrates the art of barbecue, Southern hospitality, and environmental responsibility. From the delicious brisket to a range of signature products, you'll enjoy unforgettable flavours rooted in family tradition and sustainability.

Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday 11am-9am; see website for seasonal changes to opening hours and details of takeaway, catering, functions and events.

Red Gum BBQ

87 Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill

P: 5989 3156

www.redgumbbq.com.au

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Red Hill Estate

Multi-award-winning wine producer Red Hill Estate has once again elevated its offering. Famous for its cool-climate wines, including the celebrated pinot noir, the estate has recently opened the doors to its new Tuscan-inspired farmhouse restaurant. This addition brings the perfect complement to its award-winning wines and cements its reputation as a highly esteemed destination for both locals and tourists.

Since its founding in 1989, Red Hill Estate has been synonymous with premium wines that showcase elegance, finesse, and classical style. With a commitment to producing exceptional cool-climate wines, Red Hill Estate has grown into one of Australia's most reputable wineries. Its flagship wines, primarily crafted from fruit sourced from the nearby vineyard, epitomise the best the Peninsula has to offer.

Overseen by owner Frank Fabrizio, the estate’s winemaking team is dedicated to refining wines that are as complex as they are approachable. Frank, whose family roots trace back to Italy, continues the legacy of the passion for winemaking instilled by the family’s nonno, Domenico Fabrizio, who Red Hill Estate continues to honour by naming its range of Italian varietals after him. This deep connection to both the art of winemaking and Italian heritage shines through in every bottle, making Red Hill Estate a proud standard-bearer for Australia’s cool-climate wine regions.

The recent opening of the estate’s restaurant marks the start of a bold new chapter. The Tuscan farmhouse design merges old-world charm with modern elegance, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and refined. The welcoming warmth of the restaurant space, with its timber beams, exposed stonework and inviting communal tables, immediately sets the tone for the dining experience. Diners are encouraged to relax, indulge and share, just as you would in the heart of Italy.

Helmed by head chef Luca, the menu features Italian-style cuisine crafted with local seasonal ingredients. Traditional dishes are given a contemporary twist, bringing out the best of both worlds. Signature dishes such as handmade pasta, slow-cooked meats and fresh seafood pair beautifully with the estate’s wines. Guests can also enjoy special wine pairings with their meals, expertly chosen to enhance the flavours of each dish.

The restaurant, open from Thursday to Monday, is already attracting praise for its vibrant, relaxed atmosphere and superb cuisine. Visitors can bask in the tranquil beauty of the Peninsula hinterland while enjoying panoramic views from the estate’s spacious outdoor terrace. Whether it's a casual lunch, a special occasion or a wine-tasting experience, Red Hill Estate’s new restaurant promises to deliver unforgettable memories.

In combining its already renowned wine portfolio with this exciting culinary addition, Red Hill Estate has solidified its place as a premier destination for wine-lovers and food enthusiasts alike. The Tuscan farmhouse restaurant, with its focus on shared experiences and authentic Italian fare, offers something truly special: a taste of Italy in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula.

Opening hours: Thursday-Monday 11am-5pm

Red Hill Estate

1208 Mornington-Flinders Rd, Main Ridge

P: 5989 2838

www.redhillestate.com.au

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Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm

Rocky Creek is a fourth-generation property operated by the Gallace family whose farm gate opened to the public in 1964 as Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm. It provided locals and visitors of all ages the chance to discover the excitement of picking fruit straight from the plant. In 2016 the Gallaces sold the farm, then in 2022 it returned to the family with a new name and a new lease on life but with the same flavourful strawberries.

Situated in the lush Main Ridge hinterland, bountiful fields of ruby-red strawberries are waiting for you to get lost in the popular activity. Pick your juicy strawberries to take home as you bask in the sun and immerse yourself in the experience of farm to table.

Expect to indulge in the tastiest strawberries you’ve ever eaten alongside milkshakes and freshly churned strawberry ice cream. You can’t go past the waffle dish: two Belgian waffles, scoops of strawberry ice cream, whipped cream and melted Belgian couverture chocolate. Spoil yourself with the famous Strawberry Temptation Sundae, with layers of strawberry ice cream, fresh and marinated strawberries, whipped cream, wafers and strawberry sauce piled high in an old-school sundae glass. Devonshire tea with freshly made scones, homemade jam and fresh local cream is another decadent choice. Peruse the local gourmet goods on offer, including jams, freeze-dried strawberries, chocolates and more.

With more than 20 years’ experience breeding new varieties of strawberries, the Gallaces have recently extended their pick-your-own offerings to blueberries, blackberries and raspberries when they’re in season during January and February. Seasonally, these tantalising new additions will appear on the café specials.

No bookings are required; simply bring your appetite and prepare to create memories in the strawberry fields.

Opening hours: daily 10am-5pm from November-April (u-pick season); 11am-4pm Friday-Sunday from May-October (off-season)

Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm

244 Shands Rd, Main Ridge

P. 5955 3500

www.rockycreek.com.au

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