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.

The Hidden Kitchen

At The Hidden Kitchen, they believe breakfast should be bold, honest, and served with heart. Every day from 8am to 2pm, their kitchen turns out piping hot cooked breakfasts alongside a mouth-watering selection of sandwiches, wraps, rolls, and fresh salads. Their award-winning homemade pies, pasties, sausage rolls, and house-made sweet treats have earned loyal fans—and a few gold medals too.

The Kitchen Tootgarook

For the past few years, whenever we’ve travelled the long sweep of Point Nepean Road — which is often — one little shopfront has always hummed out to us. A flicker of light, a kind of beacon in the sea. Blink and you’ll miss it — a dark corner store wedged between Rosebud, Capel Sound and Rye — but once you’ve noticed it, you can’t unsee it.

Tully’s Corner Produce Store

Originally the Tully’s site was an apple orchard however today the business is driven by three generations of the Brancatisano family who have been providers on the Peninsula since the late 1950’s. While respecting the history of the site, Tully’s appreciates that supporting & promoting local regional lines - most of which are sourced directly from growers – is integral to the business and the community it serves. The family are also passionate about delivering quality fare and a family friendly experience built on service.

Merricks General Store

Back in the days before impersonal supermarkets and oversized shopping centres, the humble general store was a community hub, a place that served an important social, as well as supply, service. In 1924, Merricks General Wine Store opened to serve a variety of needs of the local community. Built in a prime location on Hastings-Flinders Road, between Balnarring and Shoreham, it was a central point where locals could stock up on household items as well post mail, make phone calls at the phone booth, do banking and fill the petrol tank – a one-stop shop with friendly, familiar faces.

Indian Villa, Dromana

From the bustling streets of Punjab to the breezy shores of the Mornington Peninsula, Indian Villa is more than a restaurant. It’s a story of two friends, Harry and Amid, who brought with them not only their culinary skill but also the spirit of hospitality deeply woven into Indian culture. With two restaurants — one in Dromana and one in Rye — they’ve created places where heritage, flavour, and community come together in every shared meal.

Indian Villa, Rye

From the bustling streets of Punjab to the breezy shores of the Mornington Peninsula, Indian Villa is more than a restaurant. It’s a story of two friends, Harry and Amid, who brought with them not only their culinary skill but also the spirit of hospitality deeply woven into Indian culture. With two restaurants — one in Dromana and one in Rye — they’ve created places where heritage, flavour, and community come together in every shared meal.

InterContinental Sorrento

In the picturesque seaside town of Sorrento, the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula stands as a living testament to vision, innovation, and enduring charm. Since its inception in 1875, this iconic hotel has been a symbol of hospitality and sophistication.

Heronswood House and Gardens

Nestled in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula, The Diggers at Heronswood stands as a beacon of Australian gardening folklore and a testament to the enduring passion for preserving our natural heritage. This enchanting haven, with its lush gardens and historic architecture, offers a sanctuary where the beauty of nature and the wisdom of sustainable gardening come together.