Diversity Reigns At The Top Of The Peninsula

Prodigal Coffee Roasters and Cafe

Prodigal Coffee Roasters takes its coffee seriously – and it’s seriously good. The Mornington Peninsula is home to both its Somerville roastery and roastery-style café in Tyabb. Both nearly didn’t happen.  In fact, it was when the multi-award-winning roaster and barista Caleb hit rock bottom that the name surfaced: The Prodigal Son, who throws everything away to live a reckless life.  “There’s nothing like hitting my lowest point then returning home, humbled and full of gratitude, to create a business full of passion,” Caleb said. 

Caleb’s been a coffee-lover since his first job led to 19 years’ experience with the likes of Five Senses, Ceremony Coffee Roasters and Commonfolk Coffee Company. “Coffee and roasting keep me grounded, driven and busy, and I bloody love it.” 

The edgy Tyabb location takes coffee culture to a new level, with loyal followers dropping in for a cup of glory or to collect their favourite beans.  For those curious to understand coffee further, the knowledgeable baristas make it both educational and delicious.  “Coffee should always be fresh, tasty and approachable,” Caleb said. “Every stage is key, from farm to cup. Our piece of the puzzle: to roast super-tasty coffee.  Simple.” 

The most popular brew is Steadfast, a sweet, tasty blend that is perfect as an espresso or with milk. In addition to coffee, the Toasties & Such menu includes such delights as The American Dream and The Prodigal Bun.  A cabinet full of fresh baked goods is ready to tempt you while your coffee is being made. 

Prodigal Coffee Roasters’ delicious coffee is also enjoyed at many cafes and restaurants in Melbourne and beyond.

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 5.30am-2.30pm, Saturday-Sunday 7am-2pm

P: 0452 263 912  www.prodigalcoffeeroasters.com.au

Prodigal Coffee Roasters Cafe    1549 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Tyabb     FB & Insta: prodigalcoffeeroasterstyabb

Prodigal Coffee Roasters 18/5 Speedwell St, Somerville   FB & Insta: prodigalcoffeeroasters

Revolution Coffee Roasters

While the Mornington Peninsula is no stranger to inviting coffee shops, there's a fresh player in Somerville changing the game. With top-notch coffee beans roasted on site, expert brewing and a carefully curated menu, Revolution Coffee Roasters is serving up some seriously good vibes.

Walking into the airy, light-filled interior of Revs, as it’s affectionately known, is like stumbling into the pages of a design magazine, with colourful murals from Peninsula artists painted on the walls, plenty of timber and greenery, chic furnishings, and even a retro ’90s Street Fighter II arcade game. It’s also dog, pram and child-friendly, with plenty of space for everyone.

Revs opened its sprawling Somerville roastery in an industrial sector of the neighbourhood in 2018, with the café unveiled in mid-2023. ‘Life’s too short for boring coffee’ is its tagline, and true to its word, every cup at Revs is carefully prepared by trained baristas to satisfy your coffee cravings.

Owners Paul and Tonette O’Brien invested years researching and perfecting their roasting technique, and they maintain strong partnerships with coffee suppliers who adhere to ethical, transparent business practices. Best known for their sweet, dark roasts that are big and bold, you can find their coffee throughout Australia, or take some home for yourself, with freshly roasted beans for sale at the cafe and online.

Expect to find other drinks on the menu, including hot chocolate, juices and smoothies, but stick to a cup of espresso or drip to fully appreciate Revs’ thoughtful sourcing. Pair an award-winning pastry or baked good delivered fresh from Chocolat in Mornington to perfectly complement the exceptional beverages.

For a unique coffee experience that looks as good on Instagram as it is to drink, Revs should be permanently on your radar.

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 6.30am-2pm

Revolution Coffee Roasters  5/5 Speedwell St, Somerville    P: 1800 844 955
www.revolutionroasters.com.au    FB & Insta: revolution.roasters

Squires Loft Mornington

Dine like a Chairman at Squires Loft

If you're looking for a fine-dining steak restaurant, we have the perfect place for you. Squires Loft Mornington was born from Siller and Deborah Bello's desire to enjoy a premium dining experience with a relaxed vibe, mixology-focused bar and an impressive wine list in the heart of Mornington. There is no other restaurant like it. As you walk through the door, you know you're somewhere special. 

Every detail has been considered: the elegant soft furnishings, the floor-to-ceiling glass wine display in the centre of the restaurant, the leather-bound menus and the stunning copper beer taps on the bar. Siller and Deborah wanted to deliver a wow factor and an experience unlike any other on the Peninsula.

Known as the Steak Specialists, their extensive menu includes the finest Australian-bred cuts of beef from Victoria's Gippsland district and northern NSW. The Squires Loft philosophy is simple: a perfectly cooked steak every time. The grill is managed by two expert steak chefs who don't disappoint. Whether you're a medium-well done steak-lover or prefer a walk on the blue side, these guys know how to impress.

Beyond the plate, the Squires commitment to service is second to none to ensure an elevated experience. Siller and Deborah understand that a relaxed vibe makes for a great night and their fine-dining service makes a restaurant experience exceptional. Even the music is a considered curation of jazz and blues to keep the mood and atmosphere humming.

As food connoisseurs, the pair introduced a super-premium specialty steak and burger option called the Chairman Selection. The steak flavour profiles include a 150-day grain-fed Black Onyx pure Black Angus ribeye with a marble score of 3+, offering a mouthwatering taste and tenderness to take your tastebuds to another level. The 500-day grain-fed Black Onyx pure Black Angus scotch fillet, with a marble score of 7+, is cooked medium, leaving it tender and rich in flavour. 

Eye fillet connoisseurs can't go past the infinite Wagyu eye fillet that's more than 500 days grain-fed, with a marble score of 5+. This cut is incredibly tender and has a lovely mouthfeel and an unforgettable flavour. Combined with the perfect char, it's a steak experience that will stay with you for ever. The Chairman Selection cattle are fed a secret grain blend that adds a unique flavour profile. Dressed with a perfectly balanced sauce, it's a meal to remember.

The Chairman burgers are accompanied by a Peruvian chimichurri specially made and handed down over four generations and are only available at the Mornington restaurant. 

Squires Loft is also famous for its 15-hour slow-cooked pork and beef ribs marinated in its signature South African Squires Loft baste. 

All Squires Loft cuts have a specific flavour profile, and once anointed with the signature baste and paired with one of their unique sauces,  they deliver a steak like you've never experienced before.  

Even the chips, calamari or fried onions are special at Squires Loft Mornington; they're cooked in cottonseed oil for a cleaner flavour which is filtered every night for a fresh, clean taste.

Siller and Deborah have sourced more than 80 per cent of their wines from the Mornington Peninsula. They've also introduced a chairman list of sommelier-curated wines to accompany the Chairman Selection of dishes. The expertise of these pairings is clear from the first sip. In particular, they're proud to support South Australia’s Munda Wines, the first Indigenous winemaker in Australia, whose vibrant wines are of excellent quality.

They also took their cocktail menu seriously. From an original selection of more than 70, they chose the best-tasting 18 cocktails then worked with a mixologist to ensure all the chosen cocktails had the perfect  blend  to please all tastebuds. And you won't find syrup behind the bar; every ingredient is fresh, and all the spirits are top shelf.

It’s no wonder locals and travellers flock here, given the inviting atmosphere, fabulous staff and service with an  impressive menu. 

Opening hours: lunch Saturday and Sunday noon-3.30pm; dinner Tuesday to Thursday 5.30-10pm; Friday-Saturday 5.30-11pm; Sunday 5.30-10pm

Squires Loft   104 Main St, Mornington  P: 5976 8482  
www.squiresloftmornington.com.au   FB: squiresloftmorningtonpeninsula        Insta: squiresloftmornington

Tully’s Corner

Tully's Corner is a bustling hub that has become a cornerstone of the Mornington community. From humble beginnings as a fresh fruit and vegetable farmgate, it has evolved into a multifaceted destination, encompassing a deli, grocery, butchery, flower shop, juice bar, café, in-house kitchen and stockfeed store. This family-run business, situated on a converted 16ha farm, has a charming and authentic country feel that will make you want to slow down and enjoy all it has to offer.

The bright colours and alluring fragrance of fresh flowers welcome you as you enter. The vibrant selection of blooms includes natives, well-loved classics and a few surprises, from proteas to peonies, tulips to dogwood blossoms. Catering to every taste and occasion, these beautiful flowers will add a touch of natural elegance to any setting, 

The mainstay of Tully's is its extensive fresh fruit and vegetable section, with an impressive variety of seasonal produce sourced primarily straight from Peninsula farms. Where seasonal conditions mean a favourite might not be available locally, produce will be sourced from a little further afield, ensuring you always have the very best quality fresh items. The shelves brim with an abundance of hand-picked produce, reflecting Tully's commitment to showcasing the best of the region's harvest.

Tully's also stocks a great range of grocery goods, including local honey, jams, biscuits, mueslis, pasta, sauces and spices. From freshly baked breads to rare European delicacies, Tully's offers a unique shopping experience that celebrates both familiarity and discovery.

The Continental deli is full of European-style delicacies, from Italian deli meats and Polish sausages to marinated olives, local cheeses such as Boatshed and Main Ridge Dairy, and smoked hams from Andrews Choice in Melbourne. You will also find nitrate-free ham, vegan cheese, and dips and snacks catering to a wide range of dietary requirements.

The kitchen provides convenient solutions for those on the go, with freshly prepared dishes all crafted daily using the highest quality ingredients. From seasonal salads to indulgent fruit platters, these products are a welcome solution for those busy times when you don’t want to compromise on taste and nutrition.

The store's premium butchery section offers an impressive selection of preservative-free Australian meat including grass-fed beef, sausages made on site, poultry, and ethically sourced fresh seafood. Butcher Glenn and his team prepare the meat themselves so you can be sure you are always getting the finest cuts.

If all this shopping makes you thirsty, stop for a juice at Tonics Juice Bar. With refreshing cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and wholesome snacks such as protein balls and wraps, Tonics offers a range of vegan, gluten-free and sugar-free options, perfect for health-conscious patrons seeking a delicious and revitalising refreshment.

If you want to linger a little longer, have a break at The Apple Espresso Café. Guests can enjoy a variety of beverages and wholesome cooked food made fresh each day on site or sourced from local suppliers. In winter enjoy the toasty fire inside, or in the sunshine relax on the newly expanded grassed area outside.

In line with its commitment to sustainability, Tully's actively works to reduce food waste. Leftover bread finds new life as delectable stuffing for roast chicken cooked daily, while overripe fruits are ideal for flavourful smoothies. Remaining scraps that cannot be repurposed are used to feed the store's resident cows.

Tully's Corner is a vibrant embodiment of the rich culinary tapestry that the Mornington Peninsula has to offer. Through its unwavering support for local suppliers, unbeatable quality and exceptional service, Tully's remains a beloved cornerstone of the community, inviting all to savour the essence of local, authentic food.

Daily opening hours: Tully’s Corner Produce Store 7am-6pm; Tully’s Flowers 7am-6pm, florist available 9am-5pm; Tonics @ Tully’s 7.30am-5pm; Apple Espresso Café 7.30am-5pm; Tully’s Stockfeed & Rural Supplies 8am-6pm Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm Saturday and Sunday; Diaco’s Garden Nursery 9am-5pm

Tully’s Corner        630 Moorooduc Highway (cnr Wooralla Drive), Mornington   P: 5978 8715      
www.tullys.com.au              FB & Insta: tullyscorner

Via Battisti

On bustling Lochiel Ave in Mount Martha you’ll find the welcoming haven that is Via Battisti, a popular café whose owner, Dan Force, has a genuine passion for hospitality and people.

When you step into Via Battisti you're greeted with a friendly atmosphere Dan has carefully crafted. It's a place where excellent food and beverages are served amid lighthearted banter between staff and their valued customers. The Battisti Familia, as Dan calls her team, is the heart and soul of the establishment, with some staff working with her for nearly a decade.

Dan has been at the helm since 2013 and has overseen two renovations in order to bring her vision to life. With dark timber and soft lighting, it has an inviting European feel, reminiscent of a cosy wine bar.

One of the cafe's drawcards is its specialty coffee, sourced from Square One, an independent roaster in Cremorne. It also champions eco-friendly initiatives by promoting reusable Huskee cups to tackle single-use waste.

The food is made in house daily using Peninsula ingredients where possible, and includes a variety of delectable paninis and ciabattas, generous serves of lasagne, moreish brownies, delicious carrot cake, and seasonal offerings such as soups and salads.

Dan takes pride in serving non-fussy but exquisitely prepared breakfast items: think fluffy scrambled eggs, homemade baked beans, and avo smash. The breakfast burrito with housemade salsa is a standout, inspired by Dan's time in Los Angeles. Specialty pastries are sourced from Mornington bakery Chocolat, with vegan treats from Conscious Cravings to round out a menu to satisfy everyone. Beyond its culinary delights, Via Battisti is also fully licensed, offering an impressive selection of Peninsula wines, beers and cocktails.

At Via Battisti you can savour every bite, enjoy every sip and become part of the Battisti Familia.

Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 7am-4pm

Via Battisti        26 Lochiel Ave, Mount Martha      P: 5974 4999       
www.viabattisti.com      FB: via.battisti     Insta: viabattisti

Wildgrain

In the heart of the Mornington Peninsula lies Wildgrain, a surprising culinary treasure waiting to be discovered by the discerning epicurean. 

Step inside to discover a world of sophistication blended with a relaxed coastal feel. Lush garden vignettes define dining areas reminiscent of a Parisian bistro, adorned with antique mirrors, plush velvet seating, a welcoming fireplace, and an Art Deco-inspired central bar. The stunning garden terrace – fondly referred to as the green house – is perfect for a light-filled, open-air dining vibe.

Wildgrain is distinguished by its intimate, personalised touches. The real magic, though, unfolds in the kitchen, where head chef Leo Howard seamlessly combines innovation with sustainability, celebrating seasonal ingredients and ethical sourcing. The newest venture of the Wildgrain team is their own market garden, which supplies much of the fresh produce. This seed-to-plate approach is a testament to their commitment to sustainable dining and ensuring the highest quality ingredients. Wildgrain caters to those who appreciate a food’s provenance and who enjoy the sense of discovery from a menu that evolves with the seasons. 

Bespoke cocktails and an extensive wine list, featuring local, international, and boutique selections, complement the culinary offerings. A wide range of non-alcoholic options are also available.

Meticulous attention to detail and personalised service defines Wildgrain. Restaurant manager Clement Cousin, hailing from Paris, enhances the experience with his expertise, warmth and impeccable customer service.

Whether a local or a weekend visitor, Wildgrain invites you to a refined and relaxed dining experience where sustainability meets European-inspired sophistication.

Opening hours: Wednesday-Friday 11.30am-3pm/5.30-8.30pm, Saturday 11.30am-8.30pm, Sunday 11.30am-3pm, closed Monday-Tuesday

Wildgrain     1 Blamey Place, Mornington    P: 5902 8661   
www.wildgrain.com.au        FB: wildgrainmornington    Insta: wildgrainmornington

Yo My Goodness

After its impressive renovation in November 2022, Yo My Goodness has evolved into an indulgent haven offering an even wider array of frozen yoghurt and burger delights. Nestled on Main St, Mornington, this gem now accepts bookings for groups and families, making it ideal for celebrations. Casual drop-ins are still warmly welcomed.

The essence of Yo My Goodness lies in its frozen yogurt, handcrafted on site fresh every day. With an extensive range of self-serve toppings, you can create your own individual frozen masterpiece. Choose from three cup sizes or a waffle cone.

Exciting Hot Scoops are also available in enticing flavours such as Banana Bombs with Nutella and Decadent Chocolate Mudcake. From classic flavours to exciting innovations, Yo My Goodness has something for everyone.

But the delights don't stop there. With an assortment of housemade, hand-pressed burgers free from additives, Yo My Goodness offers options for all: beef, chicken, vegetarian, and vegan. Noteworthy choices include the signature Yo My with Cheese and the unique Bergerk southern fried chicken burger, all served in various bun options including gluten-free, beetroot, and the iconic YOMG purple bun.

For savvy foodies, the YOMGlimited features a rotating combo of burger, shake and fries, changing every two weeks on Thursdays at 5pm. Follow social media for details.

With seven outlets across Melbourne, Yo My Goodness is a delightful destination for all ages. Pre-order online is now available so you can beat the queues and enjoy your favourites even sooner.

Opening hours: daily from 11am

Yo My Goodness    54 Main St, Mornington       I      P: 5977 2588 
www.yomg.com.au/mornington      FB: yomgburgers      Insta: yomgburgers

Zambrero Mornington

Do you love healthy Mexican food full of taste and fresh ingredients? Then Zambrero is the place for you at two convenient locations in Mornington: 72 Yuilles Rd and 45 Main St.

Zambrero is all about offering customers choice. Build your own meal tailored to your liking by adding your choice of protein, salads, salsas and sauce. Slow-cooked sous vide meats, cauliflower and beans are available in burritos, nachos, tacos and quesadillas in a variety of sizes to suit every appetite. 

The servings are generous, the service is fast and friendly, and the options for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diners are varied. Dine in, pick up or order home delivery for a delicious meal the whole family will love. Catering is available by arrangement to make for a lively celebration.

While everything on the menu is satisfying, so is Zambrero’s community spirit – for every purchase of a regular or big burrito or bowl, it will donate a meal to someone in need.

A visit to Zambrero is a win for your body, mind, soul and tastebuds.

Opening hours: check website




Zambrero Mornington              www.zambrero.com.au 
1/72 Yuilles Rd Mornington       P: 0455 048 903
45 Main St, Mornington             P: 0484 540 304   
FB: zambreroMornington     Insta: zambrero