Alatonero, McCrae

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.

Grand Tour One

Our Grand Tour One is a meandering journey through the Mornington Peninsula that takes you through the hinterland to the rugged south west with a main break at the Peninsula Hot Springs where you will leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to soak up some iconic roads and fresh experiences as you journey homeward.

Finesse Catering Group, Frankston

Brad and Roong Holtz of Finesse Catering Group are a formidable team. Passionate, creative and classically trained, their worlds collided when Brad attended one of Roong’s cooking classes in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, where Roong taught tourists and professional chefs the art of traditional Thai cooking. At the time Brad was working as a chef on small private yachts in Alaska and Mexico but they found a way to be together, moving to the Mornington Peninsula in 2007.

The Classic Drive-by

From amazing views to farm-gates, general stores, cellar doors and exhilarating country roads – these things are synonymous with the Peninsula. This tour gives you a chance to enjoy the ride, taste some things along the way, and stretch your legs all within a few hours.

Escape to the Country

What really makes the Mornington Peninsula so unique? Beautiful vistas, rugged coastlines, exhilarating walks, chefs who champion local and sustainable produce, wine, beer, cheese and scenic drives equal to any of the best in the world and within an hours drive from Melbourne.

Jackalope, Merricks North

Set on the site of Willow Creek Vineyard, Jackalope is a contemporary, cutting edge hotel that is already an award winner (Gourmet Traveller recently named Jackalope as Hotel of the Year, New Hotel of the Year and Regional Hotel of the Year). Not a bad achievement considering the property only opened its doors in April this year.

Vulcano Gelato, Rye

At Love the Pen, we have a confessed weakness for good gelato, a preference that easily trumps ice cream. The silky-smooth texture, the intensity of flavours, and the lower fat content make gelato a superior indulgence. Unlike its ice cream counterpart, gelato is churned at a slower rate, incorporating less air and resulting in a denser, more flavourful experience. It's served at a slightly warmer temperature, allowing the true essence of the ingredients to shine through. And let's not forget, it's an Italian masterpiece that has captured hearts globally.