Enjoy Frankston where the vibe is cool, conversational and friendly

Greater Frankston has been the hub for creatives, purveyors of fine food and movers and groovers since Joan Lindsay wrote Picnic at Hanging Rock at Mulberry Hill. With artists such as Harry McClelland, who held court with his artistic band of bohemians at what is now known as McClelland Park, this is the place where dreams and schemes gather.

Jump forward to today and this ever-changing city by the bay is home to award-winning restaurants that deliver international flavours and urban-edge café creators who provide contemporary and adventurous dining alternatives for foodie fanatics. The streets are dotted with delicious coffee and dining choices and art, while summer comes alive with waterfront activities, performing artists and Frankston residents living the good life to the gentle hum of the gateway to the Peninsula. 

Culture and community are at the core of Frankston and surrounds. Whether it’s the hip crew getting together at one of the many bars, breweries and cafes along Kananook Creek and further inland, or the stellar arts precinct that provides world-class music, art exhibitions and performance alternatives, this is a region that’s ready to generate and activate. Big business has come to town and so have choice, selection and reinvention. From Korean to European to modern Asian or Australian cuisines and the delivery of premium spirits and freshly brewed beer, get set to be wowed by a ramped-up version of a city with a view to Melbourne’s skyline hovering on the horizon.

Cool, conversational and friendly – that’s Frankston.

Click below to check out Frankston’s best.

Ceylon Girl’s Café & Bar Flourish Cafe  Frankston Arts Centre Frankston Brewhouse Hotel Lona Iron River Bar and Grill ItsaBurger Little Beauty Market Little River Coffeehouse Mr Frankie Nature Café Bar One Pear Tree Ordain Bistro & Bar Round About Café That Spirited Lot Distillers The Hop Shop The Laughing Lark Café Treand at Baxter Valley Estate Tres Mexican

Ceylon Girl’s Café & Bar

Get ready to explore the flavours of Sri Lanka at Ceylon Girl's Cafe & Bar. Tucked away in the Skye Rd commercial area, this charming eatery will capture your attention with its vibrant art-adorned exterior and colourful interior mural.

Angela Lord, owner and the culinary genius in the kitchen, is the Ceylon girl after whom the business is named. A passionate foodie from a young age, her mouthwatering savoury dishes and exceptional coffee, cocktails and extensive wine list have earned the café its must-visit reputation. Sri Lankan expats travel from across Melbourne and interstate for Angela’s food, renowned for its authenticity. There’s also home delivery up to 15km, and her catering services for events big or small are in high demand.

The menu at Ceylon Girl's is a journey through Sri Lankan and Burgher culinary traditions. Angela has recently been joined in the café by her sister, Mary Anne, and brother-in-law, Susantha, a talented pastry chef specialising in street food and who helps prepare classic dishes such as crispy hoppers, string hoppers, fish and beef buns, and village meals.

Other popular items are curry puffs, pan rolls, kottu, biryani, and lamprais. Every dish is made from scratch using top-notch ingredients, including Angela's homemade blends of the freshest and finest Sri Lankan spices. A standout is the weekly Wednesday night all-you-can-eat buffet, including dessert.

Open five days a week, the café has seating for 50 indoors and 16 outside and offers a welcoming atmosphere, complete with monthly live music from local musicians.

Angela, the heart and soul behind Ceylon Girl's, greets customers with her trademark radiant smile. Her love for the cuisine infuses every dish, ensuring diners relish the flavours and leave with a smile that mirrors her own.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9.30am-8.30pm

Ceylon Girl’s Café & Bar       16 Skye Rd, Frankston       P: 0412 383 252  www.ceylongirlscafe.com.au        Insta: ceylongirls_cafebar

Flourish Café

For more than 15 years, Maree and Bernie Hutchins have been serving up great food and entertainment at Flourish Café on Olivers Hill. This licensed Frankston South café is known for its warm hospitality and family atmosphere. Drop in and discover the friendly service at Flourish. 

Are you a morning person? Flourish Café is ready and waiting to help kick-start your day with brekky eggs, brekky bowls, delicious crepes and pancakes. Would you like coffee or juice with that?

At lunch, guests can settle in or grab and go. The mouthwatering menu of hot and cold options includes lasagne, quiches and frittatas, all served with salad. Rolls and sandwiches made using fresh ingredients are favourite takeaway items. 

For an afternoon pick-me-up, accompany your caffeine hit with a sweet treat. You can’t go past the yummy cakes made in house.

Then there’s the evenings. From November, nights at Flourish are focused on fun, with special themed dinners and events throughout summer. Check the website for dates. Live music, Friday happy hour and pasta and parma nights have secured the popularity of Flourish as the go-to venue for entertainment. 

Celebrating a milestone? Flourish has high teas on selected Sundays and is available for functions on request.

A long-time favourite, Flourish Café continues delighting customers all day, every day.

Opening hours: daily 8am-3pm; check website for events

Flourish Cafe    44 Norman Ave, Frankston South    P: 9787 8489; 0425 753 152 www.flourishcafe.com.au    FB: Flourish Cafe       Insta: flourish_cafe

Frankston Brewhouse

Nestled in Frankston's industrial zone not far from the CBD, discover the relaxed charm of Frankston Brewhouse, a craft brewing operation and taphouse going strong since early 2021.

Step inside to polished concrete floors, wooden tables and an inviting atmosphere. The venue seamlessly blends modern aesthetics, great brews and quality food, making it perfect for a date night, hanging with friends, or casual family dinners.

The brainchild of four lifelong friends, this three-vessel brewhouse is on a mission to provide "socially approachable” beers for anyone to enjoy. The journey began with its inaugural creation, the Harold Hop IPA, and the line-up now includes Ambassador Pale Ale, Funkytown Sour, Sunnyside Session Ale, Arthurs Wheat, Long Island Lager, Pope’s Eye Porter, and New Street NEIPA, with the names a homage to the Mornington Peninsula.

While the beers and other drink offerings take centre stage, the seasonal menu is full of culinary delights designed for sharing. Options include smoky barbecue chicken with jalapeño cornbread, beef sliders with house slaw, a sumptuous vego platter, and native lemon pepper calamari. You’ll also want to leave room for dessert.

Free special events and diverse themed evenings make each visit unique. Satisfy your cravings with $1 wings on Thursdays, elevate your Fridays with drinks specials, join Music Bingo on Saturday nights, and unwind on Sunday afternoons with live musical performances. There's always something to anticipate with comedy nights, paint and sip afternoons, drag shows, brew tours, and the option for private functions or using the mobile taproom trailer for events.

The ever-friendly staff foster a sense of camaraderie that's difficult to leave behind. Whether you're revisiting an old favourite or discovering it for the first time, Frankston Brewhouse promises an experience that's distinctly appealing.

Opening hours: Thursday 4-10pm; Friday 3-11pm; Saturday noon-11pm; Sunday noon-6pm

Frankston Brewhouse       10 New St, Frankston     P: 9001 0010     www.frankstonbrewhouse.com.au                              FB & Insta: frankstonbrewhouse  

Hotel Lona

Hotel Lona is housed in one of Frankston's oldest buildings, the original facade and interior having been brought back to life during its transformation into a 400-capacity, two-level venue with a restaurant, public bar and rooftop bar with live music seven days a week. 

Start your night in the full-service dining room next to the public bar. It’s perfect for a weeknight family dinner, weekend catch-up with friends or that special occasion or date night.

The restaurant menu features fabulous seasonal Peninsula ingredients. A standout favourite is the Barca barramundi: crispy skinned barramundi served on a pea, prawn and prosciutto risotto with parmesan and zesty lemon. Head chef John Cooper will roll some exclusive weekly specials not offered in other hotel areas.

If it's a casual bite, a drink or two and some live music you're after, drop into the public bar or rooftop for a crowd-pleasing pub-style menu amid modern neon artwork. There’s scotch fillet, porterhouse steak, free-range chicken, and eggplant parmigiana topped with a deliciously rich housemade sauce. 

Indulge in the popular bottomless 'drunch' – that's drinks and lunch – or the chef's special tasting menu as you while away the hours enjoying the contemporary, relaxed atmosphere. Vegan options include twice-cooked popcorn cauliflower, mushroom quesadilla, and Lona's vegan wood-fired pizza of the day.

Chill out on the sun-drenched rooftop with its stylish cocktail bar, stunning mural and vibrant greenery, with live music seven days a week from some of Melbourne's best acoustic talent and hottest DJs. After hours, this space is transformed into a lively bar that morphs into a nightclub after the sunset over the bay with a DJ and dancing into the early hours.

Celebrate your special occasion in style in the fabulously exclusive private dining room on the second floor that accommodates up to 20 people. Known for its happening atmosphere year-round, Hotel Lona is a fail-safe option for a great time.

Watch the website for weekly special events, including live music from some of Melbourne's best performers and DJs.

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday noon-1.30am; Friday and Saturday noon-3am.

Hotel Lona      473 Nepean Highway, Frankston         P: 9123 0286   
www.hotellona.com.au       FB: hotellona                 Insta: lonahotel

Iron River Bar and Grill

Iron River Bar and Grill offers a delightful blend of American flare and Australian charm. For four fantastic years, this family-owned gem has been serving up hearty portions of American-style dishes, making it a favourite known for its delicious food, welcoming atmosphere and friendly customer service.

At Iron River, the team takes pride in crafting everything in house, ensuring that each meal has that really fresh, authentic taste. Whether you're a fan of American classics or prefer a classic award-winning parma, Iron River is your destination for an unforgettable dining experience.

Specialising in large, juicy portions of steak, pork and chicken, Iron River is the go-to spot for those with hearty appetites. Its homestyle cooking techniques bring out the famous flavours of America, using slow-cooked methods so the meat practically melts in your mouth.  Iron River takes your steaks to another level. The menu features an array of tempting cuts, including succulent Wagyu, flavourful eye fillet, juicy rump and substantial 500g ribeye. Each steak is prepared with precision, ensuring it's cooked to perfection and served with a side of that famous American hospitality. All steaks come with chips, salad or seasonal vegetables, using a selection of Great Southern Pinnacle and Westholme beef, marble score 2+ minimum, from grass-fed Australian cattle that can be chargrilled to your liking. Add a sauce from the extensive range to really enhance that American-style flavour. Choose from cowboy butter, Tennessee sauce, Texas sauce, ranch dressing, Buffalo sauce and many more.

The menu also includes a wide choice of wings, burgers and ribs. Add to your meaty options with entrees and side dishes such as calamari rings, county corn bread, mac and cheese fritters and a range of salads. Check out the socials for daily specials.

Head chef Ashi, with years of culinary expertise, is the mastermind behind Iron River's menu. With an unwavering passion for food and a commitment to excellence, Ashi continually refines the menu to bring fresh, exciting flavours to your table.

Step inside Iron River and you'll find an atmosphere that's as warm and inviting as the flavours it serves. The dark and moody interior is perfect for an intimate dinner, a casual catch-up with friends or celebrating a special occasion with a large group. Stop in for Happy Hour on Mondays to Fridays from 4-6pm and enjoy $10 selected cocktails and $5 house wine and pots. Add wings to your order for just $1.

In a move that's sure to thrill food enthusiasts, Iron River is expanding. Venturing into franchising, the Iron River team will be bringing their irresistible flavours to new locations, so keep your eyes peeled for an Iron River Bar and Grill coming to a neighbourhood near you soon.

With a commitment to serving the finest American-style dishes, a talented chef who continuously reimagines the menu, and an inviting atmosphere, Iron River is a dining destination that promises excellence at every turn. So whether you're a local or just passing through, visit Iron River Bar and Grill for an authentic American dining experience that's second to none.

Opening hours: Monday 4-10pm; Tuesday 4-9.30pm; Wednesday-Thursday 4-9pm; Friday-Saturday 4-9.30pm; Sunday 4-9pm

Iron River Bar and Grill    435-437 Nepean Highway, Frankston    P: 8765 2498     www.ironriver.com.au            FB: ironriver.barandgrill              Insta: ironriverbarandgrill

ItsaBurger

ItsaBurger is home to American-style burgers with locally sourced ingredients in every mouthwatering bite. Located just across from Rosebud's scenic beachfront, this cherished spot is the dream of owner and burger aficionado Grady Patching. With an extensive hospitality background and after many trips to the US, Grady knows a thing or two about what makes a good burger.

Dining here is all about authentic, quality ingredients. The burgers are lovingly crafted from a blend of Wagyu beef, brisket and just a pinch of salt. The thoughtfully curated menu delivers a decadent burger experience, with everything except the bun prepared on site.

The fries are a crunchy delight and available with a variety of tempting toppings. For those seeking alternatives to beef, chicken burgers come with an array of saucy options, from smoky barbecue mayo to zesty southern hot sauce. Other options include vegan and vegetarian alternatives, hot dogs and a kids' selection.

While Rosebud remains the sentimental favourite, the Frankston branch at Karingal Hub broadens ItsaBurger’s presence across the Peninsula, giving Frankston residents a taste of the bay's finest burgers.

With the motto ‘Itsa Local Thing’ at its core, Grady’s vision of infusing American burger goodness with Peninsula freshness has become a delectable reality. ItsaBurger provides a licensed, welcoming space where patrons can relish great handheld burgers in a laid-back atmosphere. Whether you opt for delivery, pick-up or dine-in, savour locally infused American classics and discover why ItsaBurger is celebrated as the best burger by the bay. 

Rosebud opening hours: Monday-Thursday noon-8.30pm; Friday-Saturday noon-9pm; Sunday noon-8.30pm 

Delivery hours: Monday-Thursday 5-8.30pm; Friday-Saturday noon-9pm; Sunday noon-8.30pm 

Karingal Hub opening hours: Monday-Sunday 11am-9pm 

ItsaBurger     897 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud      P: 5982 1675     
Karingal Hub, 330 Cranbourne Rd, Frankston       P: 9776 6926          
www.itsaburger.com.au                   FB: ItsaburgerRosebud             Insta: itsaburgerau

Little River Coffeehouse

Tucked beneath Quest on the Bay in Frankston, Little River Coffeehouse is the charming little sibling of Iron River Bar & Grill. Owned by Dwayne Heagney and Rachel Bennett, hospitality veterans who also oversee Iron River, Little River offers a laid-back atmosphere, gourmet meals and great coffee.

With its green velvet chairs and booths, Little River exudes comfort and warmth, making it ideal for casual catch-ups, corporate gatherings or relaxed family outings. This haven prides itself on catering to a diverse range of tastes, including vegans and vegetarians, and is launching an exciting new menu this summer.

Open daily, Little River serves all-day breakfast and lunch, accompanied by a selection of wines and beers. The menu focuses on simple, well-executed dishes, such as classic eggs benedict and hearty vegetarian offerings. For those with a sweet tooth, Little River presents a tempting array of treats, including its renowned Nutella brownies, perfectly complemented by coffee made with roasted beans from Revolution Coffee Roasters.

Whether you choose to sit indoors or soak up the bustling atmosphere outside, Little River's friendly team ensures a vibrant dining experience. The cafe also excels in catering for off-site events and welcomes corporate bookings and celebrations.

In a fast-paced world, Little River Coffeehouse provides a sanctuary in which to unwind and relish its gourmet delights. Whether you seek a leisurely brunch or a cosy coffee catch-up, Little River extends a warm welcome with open arms and a steaming cup of coffee. 

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7am-3pm; Saturday-Sunday 8am-2.30pm

Little River Coffeehouse       435-437 Nepean Highway, Frankston      P: 0432 171 319       www.littlerivercoffee.com.au    Insta: littlerivercoffeehouse

Mr Frankie

In the leafy streets of Frankston South, a strong café culture has emerged, and locals are loving it. Mr Frankie on Norman Ave has built a solid reputation as the preferred destination for exceptional coffee and all-day brunch, with a vibe matching that of any funky inner-city café. With a focus on providing consistently high-quality coffee and food, this venue has already established a band of loyal customers, but there’s always a friendly welcome for anyone new entering its doors.

You can gauge how serious a café is about its coffee by its coffee machine. In the case of Mr Frankie, it’s high-end and front and centre, operated by talented baristas who pride themselves on delivering the perfect blend. Professionals appreciate working with professional tools and products, and Mr Frankie’s baristas enjoy the assurance of using top-of-the-range coffee from Industry Beans, a Melbourne brand finding increasing popularity on the Peninsula. To discerning customers, Mr Frankie’s coffee has a distinctly superior taste that keeps them coming back.

For those who appreciate great flavours, there’s still more to explore. Mr Frankie offers an all-day brunch menu filled with an extensive selection of delicious dishes catering to dietary preferences and requirements. Classic or innovative, sweet or savoury, kid-friendly, everyone is sure to find a favourite.

It’s a city-style café without the noise and fumes of busy traffic, so raise a toast to the good life while savouring a glass of Peninsula wine at one of the many outdoor street front tables. Cocktails are the ideal accompaniment to Mr Frankie by night, with Friday tapas nights throughout summer from early November. 

Cosy and inviting during cooler weather, festive in the warm season, Mr Frankie is the place to be all year round. 

Opening hours: Mr Frankie by day: Tuesday-Saturday 7.30am-3pm; Sunday 8am-3pm; Monday closed. Mr Frankie by night: Friday 5-9pm from November 10 until end of March; check social media for live music updates

Mr Frankie    48 Norman Ave, Frankston South    P: 8752 3149        
www.mrfrankie.com.au            FB: Mr Frankie           Insta: mr.frankiecafe;  mr.frankiebynight

Nature Café Bar

Frankston's beloved vegan café, Nature Café Bar, has embarked on an exciting transformation, evolving into a captivating evening venue while maintaining its seven-day-a-week breakfast and lunch service. From Thursday to Saturday, the café morphs into the Jungle Bar by Nature Café Bar, staying open until midnight and offering an enticing selection of exotic cocktails, wines, and on-tap beers.

By evening, Nature Café Bar is a vibrant destination filled with music, funky décor, and a creative drinks menu featuring cocktails with unique ingredients, specially created on site by its skilled mixologists. It’s the perfect place to explore adventurous flavour combinations and try something you have never tasted before. The outdoor courtyard provides a cosy private space adorned with colourful murals and fairy lights, while ample seating on couches indoors allows for relaxation and conversation.

By day, Nature Café Bar continues its commitment to plant-based cuisine, offering modern interpretations of traditional meat dishes using such ingredients as mock meats, vegan eggs, tofu and legumes. It all tastes as amazing as it looks. The café welcomes guests of all ages, providing a family-friendly environment to enjoy healthy, satisfying, meat-free fare.

Nature Café Bar also indulges sweet cravings with a range of plant-based desserts, including smoothies, cakes and smoothie bowls made from fresh fruits and superfoods.

Whether you seek a wholesome breakfast or lunch, a quick meal to go, or a laid-back evening spot for captivating cocktails, Nature Café Bar caters to a diverse range of tastes, promising a delightful culinary experience for all.

Opening hours: Monday-Wednesday 8am-3pm; Thursday-Friday 8am-midnight; Saturday 9am-midnight; Sunday 9am-3pm. Thursday-Sunday Jungle Bar open until midnight.

Nature Café Bar      1-3 Thompson St, Frankston     P: 9781 5183   
www.naturecafebar.com.au    FB: naturevegetariancafebar           Insta: naturecafebar

One Pear Tree

Just a short walk from central Frankston, you'll find the delightful One Pear Tree café. Housed in a beautifully renovated weatherboard on Nepean Highway and featuring classic black and white décor and rooms filled with natural light, it’s a warm and inviting space.

Whether you're in the mood for breakfast or lunch, One Pear Tree has you covered with an all-day menu. The baristas prepare an excellent cup of coffee and the seasonal menu features a variety of freshly prepared dishes you can enjoy in house or takeaway. 

Choose from such favourites as schnitzel and chips, pork crackle bao, calamari salad, pea and halloumi fritters, and buttermilk pancakes, and such staples as bacon and egg rolls or smashed avocado with poached eggs. Wash it down with a selection of wines, beers, ciders and spirits, especially pleasant on a sunny day in the courtyard. Don't forget to sample the selection of homemade sweet treats; the classic carrot cake enjoys a cult-like status.

The café offers a range of dining areas both indoors – including a separate room with an inviting open fireplace – and out, as well as a courtyard coffee window to keep takeaway trade running smoothly.

Taking advantage of an ideal location with rear parking and easy access to the beach and Kananook Creek walking track, it’s the perfect pit stop after a leisurely stroll. It's also a haven for dog-lovers who are welcome in the beautiful outdoor dining area, complete with treats to pamper your pooch. While you're there, explore the café’s giftware section and its tantalising array of original art, homewares, jewellery, plants and gifts.

For a relaxed and friendly environment, delicious food and a bit of retail therapy, be sure to visit One Pear Tree.

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7am-3.30pm; Saturday and Sunday 8am-3.30pm

One Pear Tree     372 Nepean Highway, Frankston    P: 9781 0077      
www.onepeartree.com       FB:onepeartree                   Insta: onepeartree

Ordain Bistro & Bar

Nestled just 80m from the idyllic Seaford foreshore, Ordain Bistro & Bar is a culinary haven that captures the essence of seaside dining, the refreshing breeze off Port Phillip adding an extra layer of charm to your dining experience.

Owner and chef Dylan Murray, a Peninsula veteran with 15 years’ experience, worked tirelessly in the wake of the pandemic to bring his dream of a restaurant and wine bar to life.

As you step into this quaint nook, you'll notice its warm and inviting ambience. Ordain is dog-friendly, and its three resident pooches – Pepper, Chip and Grills – eagerly await the arrival of your furry companions. 

Ordain's wine selection is a testament to Dylan's passion for exceptional flavours. His impressive array of wines from around the world is complemented by an extensive collection of local and international whiskies, rum, sake, fortifieds and spirits. 

Ordain's culinary creations are spectacular. The highlight is the hibachi grill, which delivers such mouthwatering dishes as fresh Tasmanian scallops in whipped miso butter and seaweed, salted zucchini skewers, and rendered pork cheek with pine nuts and Szechuan spices. Daily offerings include freshly baked focaccia, succulent beef striploin, and an array of fresh seasonal seafood. Cap off your meal with an affogato and a pistachio and coffee tart. Pure indulgence.

On sun-soaked days, the outdoor dining area is the place to be. When the weather turns chilly, wind-blocking screens and toasty heaters create a cosy haven, allowing you to enjoy soul-warming bistro-style cuisine in comfort.

Celebrate your special event in style with full table service and a personalised menu of seasonal delights to suit your tastes, complemented by a delightful selection of drinks and cocktails.

For more information, email info@ordainbistro.com.au

Open for lunch and dinner.

Ordain Bistro & Bar      8 Station St, Seaford       P: 8712 3396      
www.ordainbistro.com.au      FB: ordainbistro               Insta: ordainbistro

Round About Café

This café is your ultimate breakfast or lunch spot when you want a homestyle feel, fantastic food and a relaxed vibe. Opposite a park and walking track, it's family, dog, and vegan-friendly. It doesn't get any better than that for a casual café in which to hang out with friends, family or your mothers group. Everyone is welcome and celebrated at the Round About Café.

The menu is pub-like and delicious. Steak-lovers, you need the steak sandwich in your life. Café owner Matt Mckeown says it's a favourite and pumps daily. It's an all-consuming grilled scotch fillet steak, caramelised onions, lettuce and tomato served on focaccia with chips and aioli.

Go old-school with the ultimate Big Breakfast and enjoy two eggs your way with bacon, sausage, herbed portabella mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, hash brown, spinach and house-spiced beans served on two pieces of toast of your choice. Both of these dishes are chin-wipingly good.

You can't go wrong dining at Round About Café any day of the week, but you must set aside a Friday night for the famous burgers, Peninsula craft beers and cocktails. Satisfy your meat-lover’s appetite with succulent, juicy beef and chicken burgers, but keep your eyes peeled for the many different Friday night specials that will satisfy your tastebuds. Top it all off with a deliciously refreshing cocktail or one of the many specialty craft beers.

Whatever you desire, your appetite will be satisfied at Round About Café. Catering is also available for functions; head to the website for details or drop by and let Round About Café cater your event in delicious style.

Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 7am-3pm; Friday 7am-late; Saturday-Sunday 8am-3pm

Round About Café        1/19 Shaxton Circle, Frankston        P. 9785 6091        https://roundaboutcafe.business.site                       FB & Insta: roundaboutcafefrankston

That Spirited Lot Distillers

It could be easy to miss That Spirited Lot Distillers, tucked away on an unassuming industrial block in Seaford, but this award-winning independent distillery is a vibrant place where quality spirits, innovation and sustainability are the order of the day.

In 2016, lifelong friends the Willigenburg brothers and the Barton sisters transformed their distilling dreams into reality. This led to the arrival on Christmas Eve 2018 of Doris, a 200-litre copper still named in memory of the boys’ late grandmother.

The distillery is now a treasure trove of gins, vodkas and – with an eye to the future – a burgeoning whisky program. Its first creation, the Ninch Dry Gin, made its debut in May 2019, and its premium spirits can be found in bottle shops and bars around the nation.

The close-knit team invite enthusiasts to explore the art and science of distillation with guided tastings, enlightening conversations, and an extensive menu featuring G&Ts, creative cocktails, housemade sodas, specialty coffees and tasty jaffles. If you're seeking an extraordinary event, That Spirited Lot promises more than just a venue; it's an immersive experience.

Awards have been piling up thanks to the team’s uncompromising dedication to quality and a hands-on approach to ensure that every drop meets their high standards, from hand-peeling citrus to sealing bottles. But it's not all about tradition; they are not afraid to experiment and push the boundaries of flavour. Sustainability is woven into the very fabric of the production process, ensuring that every sip is not just enjoyable but eco-conscious as well.

At That Spirited Lot, you're never just a visitor; you're part of the story. Come for the spirits, stay for the stories and leave with a greater appreciation of the art of distillation done with pride.

Opening hours: Wednesday and Thursday by appointment; Friday noon-6pm;
Saturday and Sunday noon-5pm

That Spirited Lot Distillers      Unit 4/42 Hartnett Drive, Seaford      P: 0405 022 369   www.thatspiritedlot.com.au     FB & Insta: thatspiritedlot

The Hop Shop

You could be forgiven for thinking you were at a brewery in Byron Bay or an inner-city hipster hangout when you pull up a seat at
The Hop Shop in Frankston.

This place totally owns a cool, edgy vibe for locals and visitors to enjoy an afternoon session or a few evening drinks. The business partners took over the location three years ago and have surged ahead to make it their own. Owner-operator Ed Cox spent five years brewing craft beer before this project.  “It’s been great to watch the place develop its own sense of community and character,” he said.

The beer garden at the front comes into its own when the roof retracts and the area becomes an outside venue.  Stepping inside, you’ll be impressed by the long bar that offers 18 tap beers as you relax on lounges or grab a stool at the high tables.

At the bar you’ll also find an extensive selection of locally made wines, distilled spirits, ciders and more.  Margaritas, Aperol spritz and negronis are among the popular cocktails that can be ordered.

During the colder months, the fireplace inside gives a warm, cosy feeling. Out the back, an outside bar area buzzes and is a perfect size for group bookings.

Soulful tunes dominate the playlist, with occasional funk and disco added to the mix.  Food hasn’t been forgotten, with the bar menu, delicious eats from Bang Bang of Mordialloc, and the crew making Asian hawker food for you to buy.

The bottle shop sells a great range of beers, wines, spirits, ciders and more, and there’s some very on-brand merch that’s popular with the customers.

Opening hours: see website

The Hop Shop     26 Playne St, Frankston      P: 0405 137 969      

www.thehopshop.com.au                FB: thehopshop              Insta: thehopshopfrankston

The Laughing Lark Cafe

Searching for a local café offering home-cooked meals done well? Then look no further than The Laughing Lark Café, conveniently located just outside Frankston’s Bayside Centre. 

Whether it’s a casual breakfast, a well-brewed barista coffee to start your day, or a place to catch up over brunch or lunch with friends or work colleagues, the team at The Laughing Lark will serve you well.   

“We believe in great coffee,” said owner Lisa Pay.  “We believe in wholesome homemade food.  We believe in service that’s second
to none.” 

Simple doesn’t need to be ordinary.  Fresh, nourishing, home-cooked foods are presented across a variety of delicious and nutritious meals and snacks to enjoy in the light-filled café or to take home or back to the office.  

The Laughing Lark Café was established to offer good coffee and simple, delicious food in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. An extensive and inclusive menu caters to everybody, with a substantial selection for the littlies and a larger than normal choice of dishes and takeaway options for customers with special dietary requirements.  The seasonal menu is jam-packed with so much flavour, with most of the fresh ingredients sourced across the Mornington Peninsula.  As well as the warm service and delicious food, the attractive décor with bespoke artwork sets the mood for a pleasant experience.

The availability of free Wi-Fi and power at each table also makes The Laughing Lark the perfect place to do a little work out of the office for a change of environment or set up a work meeting over lunch or a cuppa in this light-filled space.

This locally owned and licensed café is already becoming a favourite among the locals. Drop in and you’ll see why.

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7am-3pm, weekends 8am-3pm; fully licensed from 11am daily

The Laughing Lark Cafe    1/16 Clyde Street Mall, Frankston     P: 0451 642 859  www.laughinglark.com.au         FB: The Laughing Lark Café            Insta: laughinglarkcafe

Treand at Baxter Valley Estate

At Baxter Valley Estate, Treand restaurant offers a perfect blend of gourmet dining and scenic tranquillity. 

Treand is all about exceptional cuisine. The menu celebrates seasonal produce from its own vegie patch and fruit trees as well as excellent produce from the neighbouring farms. It uses the fishmonger’s freshest catch and the local butcher’s best cuts to create a menu that is fresh, local, and always changing.

Enjoy the succulent steak paired with estate shiraz or savour the duck alongside the signature estate pinot noir. 

From winemaking to the cellar door and restaurant, guests are treated to a truly special visit. No matter your level of wine knowledge, the Treand team pride themselves on their friendly and approachable service. From the moment you arrive, you're made to feel right at home.

With just 1.4ha under vine, Treand offers a boutique experience and an impressive range of estate-made wines. From elegant pinot noir to robust cabernet merlot, there's something for every palate. The estate grapes are hand-picked and the wines are made on site, so every step of the process involves family and friends.

As the weather warms, enjoy the outdoor courtyard, or take a leisurely stroll around the dam, shaded by graceful willow trees.

Treand at Baxter Valley Estate is more than a restaurant; it's a gateway to delectable flavours and natural serenity, making it a must-visit for food and wine enthusiasts. It’s open Monday-Thursday for groups of 15-plus, and Friday-Sunday for a la carte lunch, and is also available for private events.

Opening hours: Friday to Sunday noon-4.30pm, Thursday noon-4pm December only; closed public holidays

Treand at Baxter Valley Estate    165 Baxter-Tooradin Rd, Baxter    P: 5977 9969     www.treand.com.au         FB: TREAND.BaxterValleyEstate        Insta: treandwines

Tres Mexican

It’s Mexican fiesta time all the time at Tres Mexican in Seaford. A treat for all your senses awaits as bursts of colours appear everywhere for the eye to follow on entry, quickly followed by mouthwatering smells of Mexican fare.  You just know you are in for a great experience.

Creative and colourful funky wall art and neon signs demand your attention, multi-coloured chairs surround the tables, sombreros sit on top of creatively painted wine barrels, party lighting adds to the atmosphere, lots of bright flowers are scattered throughout the dining area, and if you look carefully you are bound to see some baskets full of maracas.  

This family-run restaurant and bar uses market-fresh ingredients in all of the dishes. The brothers are the talented chef duo who make everything from scratch, including all the salsas, dips, and the much-loved guacamole, and their sister manages the restaurant.

The menu is jam-packed full of deliciousness, including the Tres Mexican signature entrees: bang bang corn, jalapeño poppers and loaded fries, to name a few, and favourite main dishes include baked enchiladas and Spanish paella and fajitas. 

You’ll find one of the largest vegan menus around plus lots of GF options across the full menu, from entrée to desserts. There’s a terrific kids’ menu too. 

Tres Mexican is licensed, serving wines, beers and a spectacular selection of cocktails including the most popular spicy lime margarita. Frozen options too are popular during summer.  Virgin margaritas and a large selection on non-alcoholic drinks are also available.

Guests can choose outdoor dining both front and back, or elect to sit inside the large and vibrant restaurant.

Bella, the restaurant robot, comes out to assist the team and is popular among the kids, especially for delivering birthday cake to the table.

Keep an eye out on Tres Mexican’s social media channels for up-and-coming music nights, a favourite among the locals. For those who live nearby, Uber Eats is also available.

Opening hours:  Tuesday-Friday 5-9pm; Saturday and Sunday noon-3pm, 5-9pm

Tres Mexican     132 Nepean Highway, Seaford     P: 9785 3010 
www.tresmexican.com.au       FB: tresmexicanau          Insta:  tresmexicanseaford