Frankston and surrounds

frankston

PHOTO: STEVE BROWN

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 now home to award-winning restaurants that deliver international flavours and urban-edge café creators who provide contemporary and adventurous dining alternatives to foodie fanatics. The streets are dotted with delicious coffee, art and dining choices, 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. And don’t forget the extensive outdoor dining options in Frankston and Seaford. This will be the year of dining out, so come and enjoy this city at the top of 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 and cafes sprouting up everywhere 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 cuisines plus the delivery of premium Peninsula wines 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.

The vibe is cool, conversational and friendly. That’s Frankston.

AND SURROUNDS

Arancini 4 All 32 Beach Café Seaford 34 Dainton Brewery & Taphouse 26 Dava Thai Towerhill 34 Flourish Café 35 Frankston Arts Centre 175 Geonbae Korean BBQ Restaurant Frankston 27 Iron River Bar & Grill 24-25 ItsaBurger 106 McClelland Sculpture Park+Gallery 31 Nature Café Bar 29 Non Solo Vino 33 One Pear Tree 37 Peninsula Organic Farmgate 36 Rebel Donuts 55 The Big Fish Fish Market 177 The Deck Est.2013 22-23 TREAND at Baxter Valley Estate 28 Vero Pasta + Wine 30

PHOTO: STEVE BROWN

The Deck Est.2013

Since its inception in July 2013, The Deck has been synonymous with great times, great food and great music. With a freshly renovated rooftop beer garden providing sensational bay views and a chefinspired menu, The Deck always has a lot to offer. Do not let the unassuming heritage façade fool you; thousands and thousands have been totally amazed with its stylish interior and unique ambience just waiting to be discovered. Front and centre at The Deck is the food. The modern Australian cuisine is squarely focused on providing excellent pub-style dishes but delivered with an extra level of finesse. To show how serious The Deck crew are, you need only look at their incredible head chef, Canadianborn Noel Black. Previously with the Hyatt hotel group for 11 years across two continents – including the Grand Hyatt Melbourne – chef Noel’s flavour balance and attention to the little things is exemplary.

Experience classic pub favourites along with an ever-changing specials board filled with enticing dishes that reflect the best and freshest seasonal produce. The restaurant menu is available for lunch (noon to 3pm) and then again for dinner (5pm to kitchen close) with a range of items including small-batch housemade arancini, chilli garlic prawns, roast pumpkin and feta salad, and The Deck’s monster parma. The Deck offers a glorious wine list showcasing local vineyards such as Crittenden and Trofeo Estate, a large range of domestic and craft beers, and ciders alongside oodles and oodles of titillating cocktails. Check out their website’s What’s On section to view all the entertainment, with something for everyone; from energetic rock bands on Saturday nights to laid-back acoustic guitar on Sunday afternoons; from national comedy legends to international guest DJs. The Deck also offers tailor-made function packages. So whether you are thinking of a Christmas staff party, milestone celebration, corporate seminar or even an engagement, there are spaces available to meet your needs. You can be assured of superior catering, and The Deck’s function team will create an experience that will exceed your expectations. Opening hours: The Deck Kitchen, Thursday and Sunday noon-9pm; Friday and Saturday noon-10pm; The Deck Bar, Thursday-Sunday noonlate. Check website for the most up-to-date details.

Iron River Bar & Grill

Iron River Bar & Grill

Make sure you bring a big appetite to Iron River Bar & Grill. You’ll need it! Inspired by American steakhouses, owners Rachel Bennett and Dwayne Heagney and their team work hard to bring diners big serves, bold flavours and good times. This family-owned and operated business in the heart of Frankston has become a magnet for steak lovers, burger connoisseurs, and fans of American-style barbecue.

If you’ve never tried traditional New York buffalo wings, this is the place to do it: deep-fried chicken wings coated in a spicy sauce. Or perhaps go for Cubano rolls, the kind you’d find in Florida, home of the Cuban sandwich, toasted and filled with all American flavours such as philly cheese steak. It wouldn’t be an American menu without pork ribs, cooked low and slow and smothered in sauce, just how they should be. Top-quality beef from Great Southern Pinnacle, grass-fed for life, is the steak of choice here. From wagyu to porterhouse to a whopping 500g rib eye, if you feel like steak you’re in good hands. And then there’s the burgers: 100 per cent grass-fed Great Southern Pinnacle brisket grilled to perfection and served on potato buns with all manner of condiments and fillings from classic to fancy – truffle aioli anyone? If fried chicken is more your thing, go for the southern crispy chicken burger with all the trimmings. Chicken parmas break the American tradition, but who doesn’t love a good parma? Fried in panko crumbs with chips and salad on the side, there’s a tempting selection of parma toppings to choose from. There’s plenty of options on the kids’ menu, from a classic cheeseburger to wings and ribs served with fries. Rachel is proud of the fact they make everything in house and focus on quality and flavour.

From the bar there’s an extensive cocktail list, from classic mojito or cosmopolitan to the innovative soft-serve martini complete with heavy cream and sprinkles. For the kids and the big kids at heart, milkshakes, thickshakes and soda floats continue the American theme.

When the weather’s fine, grab a table out the front and watch the world go by. Inside, there’s plenty of space for groups to spread out on brown leather banquette seating, and a big screen to catch a game. Decked out in wood panelling, tiled floor, wooden tables and metal chairs, Iron River Bar & Grill makes for a smart casual dining experience. Whether you’re having a family dinner, celebrating a birthday, or meeting for work, the team at Iron River will make you feel welcome and attend to your every need. Iron River is allergy and accessibilityfriendly. See social media for details of weekly special offers such as parma night, pork rib night, or burgers and beer. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 4pm-late; Saturday and Sunday noon-late

Dainton Brewery & Taphouse

There’s award-winning beer and plenty of good times to be had at Dainton. The team here are rightly proud of their achievements, taking out the 2020 Champion Large Brewery, 2019 and 2017 Australian Champion Craft Beer titles at the Independent Beer Awards. Not bad for a business that began with a home-brew kit.

The experimental and innovative side of craft brewing is what keeps their passion high for consistently producing interesting and well-made ales, from easy-drinking to curious and crazy. Choose from up to 18 beers on tap. Can’t decide? Order a tasting paddle. If beer’s not your thing, order local wine or cider, and there’s a great selection of smallbatch spirits too. On the bar menu, expect perfect beer-friendly food: wood-fired pizzas, house-smoked short ribs, hearty salads and mouthwatering burgers and sliders. Live music Friday through to Sunday is another drawcard, and the weekly trivia night keeps the brain cells firing.

There’s a play area for the kids, and dogs are welcome in the beer garden. Friends, family, dogs, everyone’s having a good time. Dainton fans stay up to date with upcoming events – including limited-edition beer launches – by following Dainton’s socials or checking their What’s On website page. You can also enjoy Dainton beer long after your visit’s over with deliveries to your door Australia-wide. Opening hours: Wednesday 4-9.30pm; Thursday noon-10pm; Friday-Saturday noon-11pm; Sunday noon-8.30pm; closed Monday-Tuesday

Dainton Brewery & Taphouse 560 Frankston-Dandenong Rd, Carrum Downs P: 9775 0334 www.dainton.beer dainton.beer dainton.beer

Geonbae Korean BBQ Restaurant Frankston

Escape the bustle of Frankston city and head to the banks of Kananook Creek, where you can step into an authentic Korean restaurant experience at Geonbae Korean BBQ Restaurant, the first of its kind to open on the Mornington Peninsula. Now in its fifth year, Geonbae is still going strong.

Geonbae means ‘cheers’ in Korean, an apt name that reflects the convivial way this Asian cuisine is meant to be enjoyed. Groups of friends and families come together to fill the wooden booths and witness premium cuts of meat being cooked at their table over their own barbecue, an authentic feature of Korean dining. The bold flavours of this cuisine will awaken your tastebuds, and the vibrant colours of salted and fermented vegetable side dishes create a visual feast. If you’re new to Korean food, the knowledgeable and friendly staff will guide you through the varied menu. There are banquet options or a la carte. Perhaps the most well-known Korean dish is bulgogi, which translates as ‘fire meat’. It’s a dish of marinated pork or beef strips that have been cut with precision by the master chefs. To drink, why not raise your glass with soju, a rice wine that’s the drink of choice in Korea. You can order a soju paddle and try a few to work out your favourite. Or perhaps a fruit-flavoured soju cocktail is more your thing. If you’re seeking a dining experience that’s out of the ordinary, gather your group and head to Geonbae.

Opening hours: daily from 11am11pm, including public holidays; closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day

TREAND at Baxter Valley Estate

Three generations give their energy and passion to creating a welcoming and memorable food and wine experience for visitors to this boutique winery and restaurant. From the winemaking to the cellar door and restaurant to the beautifully kept grounds, the whole family are involved in making sure visitors are well looked after. Whatever your level of wine appreciation, the team here pride themselves on being friendly and approachable. Everyone is made to feel welcome from the moment of arrival.

With only 1.4ha under vine, the aim of this smaller producer is to offer a personalised experience and an impressive range of estate-made wine. From pinot noir to cabernet merlot, chardonnay to rosé and beyond, there are varietals to appeal to all palates. You will even find wines from ‘friends’ including prosecco.

After a wine tasting or lunch at TREAND, the winery restaurant, you can enjoy a stroll around the dam and take in the beauty of the magnificent willow trees and enchanting gardens. The menu here makes the most of beautiful seasonal produce from neighbouring farms and special touches from TREAND’s kitchen garden and the estate’s fruit trees. Friday lunch is a la carte; on the weekend, diners can enjoy a two or threecourse menu. When the sun is shining, a table in the courtyard under the fig tree is the place to be. You’ll be so happy you put TREAND on your ‘must visit’ list.

Opening hours: Friday-Sunday 11.30am-4.30pm

Nature Bar Café

Husband-and-wife team Amrita Arn and Bobby Ram fulfilled a lifelong dream when they opened their vegetarian and vegan café in Frankston in 2017. With no previous industry experience – just a passion for healthy, flavour-packed food and genuine hospitality – it’s a gamble that paid off.

The bright and welcoming café attracts a throng of regulars and newcomers who drop in for vibrant superfood smoothie bowls, tasty cooked vegie breakfasts, buddha bowls, and plant-based ‘meat’ dishes such as burgers or tacos, all served with fresh salad. “We want to show people they can eat this way and not feel like they’re ‘missing out’,” Amrita says Youngsters will be happy with the kids’ menu, and the rustic fries or sweet potato chips. Great coffee and delicious vegan cakes made by Compassionate Kitchen and Fee in the Raw are other good reasons to visit. “We’re big on presentation and flavour. People eat with their eyes first; if food looks amazing, is healthy, tastes great and you’re full, then you’re winning.” Grab a seat inside or in the courtyard, which is a riot of colour with the tropical mural, or order your nourishing meal to go. Fully licensed and available for functions, Nature Café Bar celebrates all the important things: good food, healthy people, healthy planet. Opening hours: 8am-3.30pm seven days a week, including takeaway

Vero Pasta + Wine

Andrea Papapostolou is single-minded when it comes to her restaurant. As the chef and owner of Vero Pasta + Wine, she wants to keep it real – ‘vero’ meaning ‘true’ in Italian – by using the freshest seasonal ingredients, with authentic recipes and combinations of sauce and pasta that are reflective of regional cooking in Italy. Her handmade pasta is light, delicate, and delicious, and pizzas are a popular new addition to the menu.

“I’ve been a chef for 15 years and have worked across a broad range of cuisines with a passion for Italian,” she says. “Vero was born out of my desire to recreate that warm Mediterranean tradition of bringing people together through food.” Andrea’s goal is to make Vero Pasta + Wine a restaurant people feel drawn to return to. The old-world ambience and ample table spacing set the stage to shine the spotlight on the food. Her service team are the glue that binds the elements together. They provide genuine service, balancing professionalism with care. When creating her wine list, Andrea stayed close to home. Mornington Peninsula Italian varietals complete the ‘+ Wine’ and complement the rustic relaxed venue. Crafted cocktails make aperitivo at Vero quite the buzz and invite you to move on to dinner with a selection of wines to suit your mood and occasion.

Join Andrea and the team in making Vero Pasta + Wine the true heart of Frankston.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 5pm-late; closed Mondays

McClelland Sculpture Park+Gallery

McClelland Sculpture Park+Gallery was established after a generous gift by the McClelland family to foster community engagement in the arts. It is one of the treasures of the Frankston, Langwarrin and Mornington Peninsula region. Set on 16ha of peaceful bushland, it is a place of natural beauty where you immediately feel relaxed. The bespoke modernist gallery opened in 1971, and a dynamic program of changing contemporary exhibitions is presented here each year. McClelland is the home of modern Australian sculpture and a place for all people to enjoy nature and art in harmony. Take a stroll around the lake and allow plenty of time to take in the impressive collection that consists of more than 2600 works of art, including modern and contemporary sculpture, painting, photography, works on paper and decorative arts dating from the 19th century to the present day. The café provides a welcoming space for nourishment, reflection, and conversation about the diverse artworks on display. The floor-to-ceiling windows frame the expansive view of the grounds to gaze out at over lunch, coffee or drinks. The menu and drinks list celebrates the wonderful producers on the Peninsula and changes with the seasons. The menu can be viewed on the website.

The Sarah & Baillieu Myer Education Pavilion provides an inviting and private space for weddings, conferences and events. There’s a lot to love about this inspiring destination. Café opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10am-4pm. Please check website for updates.

Arancini 4 All

When chef Crystal Dumais and her partner chef Grant White decided to quit cooking in restaurants and wineries and set up their own food business at local markets, little did they know they’d have a hit on their hands in a short time.

They started out selling paleo breads and other gluten-free items and then decided, after it being a family favourite, to “give arancini a go”; they were selling out within two hours of setting up. Arancini 4 All was born. Their glutenfree risotto balls are rolled in rice crumbs and packed with flavour, such as confit duck and cointreau, chicken kiev, or roasted butternut pumpkin, danish fetta and rosemary. To give customers peace of mind, Arancini 4 All products have been tested for gluten by a microbiologist and 0.0 gluten was detected. “Grant is classically French-trained and I’m Mediterranean and Modern Australian-trained,” says Crystal. “Our whole focus is quality and flavour.” They pride themselves on all ingredients being from Victorian farmers and producers, and all packaging is biodegradable. The business is accredited by the Victorian Farmers’ Market Association, and you can buy take-home packs at various Victorian farmers’ markets every weekend. Crystal’s sister Rainbow also works in the business and their late mum Karen was a major inspiration for what they’re doing. “Mum had a gluten allergy; she instilled drive in us and was pedantic about flavour.”

See their website for stockists and farmers’ market locations.

Non Solo Vino

There is a piece of Italy in the heart of Frankston, thanks to Italian chef Marco and his partner Laura, who opened their deli, Non Solo Vino, in July 2020.

Non Solo Vino means ‘not only wine’, a statement that is evident when you enter the inviting and neatly styled shop. There are shelves full of high-quality products imported from Italy, including a large variety of wines, as well as beers, dry pasta, flours for making bread, pasta and pizza, truffle products, and an assortment of honey and sweet biscuits, imported cheeses and cured meats. Every day Marco also makes fresh egg pasta, tagliatelle, lasagne and ravioli. Even the desserts and cakes are made by him. If you want to learn some of his cooking secrets, Marco holds cooking classes one Saturday a month. In February 2021, after many requests, Marco and Laura decided to make Non Solo Vino a real Italian restaurant, open Monday to Saturday for lunch and weekends for dinner service. They also offer takeaway lunch options. For dinner the tables are impeccably set with tablecloths, linen napkins and a tantalising menu to satisfy every customer with appetisers, homemade pasta, traditional Italian main courses and desserts, wines and beers, and impeccable service. Opening hours: Monday-Wednesday 8.30am-3.30pm; Thursday-Friday 8.30am-8pm; Saturday 11am-8pm; Sunday closed

Non Solo Vino I 439 Nepean Highway, Frankston I P: 9770 1108 www.nonsolovino.com.au I non_solo_vino_australia Non Solo Vino Italian Restaurant and Deli

Beach Café Seaford

Perched among the dunes overlooking the beach, Beach Cafe Seaford is just the place to meet friends and family. The tantalising dishes for breakfast include vegan and gluten-free options such as the raspberry panacotta and granola bowl, plant bowl, and an eggs benedict with your choice of ham, bacon or salmon. The sweet potato croquettes are an all-time favourite too. Feeling especially lavish? Why not try the wafflemania.

If you've worked up an appetite after your morning stroll along the beach, relax inside with an indulgent cake or out on the deck overlooking the bay for lunch with a delicious salad with Moroccan chicken. The vegetarian botanical stack is exquisite and tasty. If the scenery has you craving seafood, try the seafood combo, flathead tails, or signature crispy lemon pepper calamari served with aioli, a herb salad and beer-battered fries. Here’s an idea: sip on a takeaway coffee while you explore the beach and foreshore . . . and the dolphins are free.

Beach Café Seaford I 1/10N Nepean Highway, Pier Foreshore Reserve, Seaford I P: 8774 0470 Beach Cafe Seaford seafordbeachcafe

Dava Thai Mornington and Towerhill

Delight your tastebuds with delicious Dava Thai. Offering an exciting and diverse menu with a unique blend of bright and bold flavours both spicy and mild, Dava’s team of Thai chefs ensure the food is always authentic and prepared with the freshest ingredients.

Popular dishes include chicken satay skewers, roti wraps, crispy pork belly stir-fry, crying tiger, and traditional som tum green papaya salad along with firm favourites pad thai and massaman curry. Available as takeaway, delivery or dine in with gluten-free and vegan options, you can certainly taste the heart and soul in every dish.

Dava Thai 35 Dava Drive, Mornington P: 5975 2900 Opening hours: daily from 4pm Dava Thai Towerhill Towerhill Shopping Centre, 147 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Frankston South P: 9770 0646 Opening hours: daily from 3pm www.davathaifood.com.au Dava Thai davathaifood

Flourish Café

Flourish Café has become a haven for food lovers in the Frankston South community. Owners Maree and Bernie Hutchins are long-time residents who saw the potential in this out-of-the-way café when it came on the market in 2008. Under their management, Flourish has built a loyal following of café-goers who appreciate friendly service, abundant homestyle cooking, great coffee, and being part of the Flourish family.

The nearby playground and popular Sweetwater Creek walking track make Flourish a favoured destination for families and walkers wanting a delicious breakfast with the works or an energising fruit-based smoothie. At lunchtime, diners enjoy an ever-changing offering of housemade fare that might include frittata, quiche, sausage rolls, and lasagne. For something easy to take away, see the display cabinet with focaccias ready to toast, seasonal salads, and plenty of housemade cakes for dessert. Flourish is fully licensed, and Friday night happy hour often rambles into dinner, which is sometimes a themed menu featuring an international cuisine. Other occasional events include high tea where homemade sausage rolls, mini quiches, petit fours, ribbon sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and homemade mini cakes are served with pots of good, hot tea. When the weather is fine, nab a seat in the lovely plant-filled courtyard and feel lucky you’re in the know.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8am-3.30pm, Saturday 8am-3pm, Sunday 8am-2pm.

Peninsula Organic Farmgate

Peninsula Organic Farmgate was born out of the need to bring certified organic farmfresh vegetables from paddock direct to the consumer.

Originally operating at the Peninsula Fresh Organics farm in Baxter as a true farmgate operation, it was early in 2020 when owners Tash Shields and Robbie Astone decided to expand the farmgate, opening their first official store in the Dandenong Market. A fruit and vegetable retailer for more than 40 years, Robbie wanted to bring back the basics of a quality fresh food store with personalised service, so from there, in October 2021, the pair opened their second venture, shifting their Baxter farmgate into Baxter shopping village as a fully fledged certified organic food store. The larger store allowed their shop to further expand their grocery, bread, dairy and meat selection, alongside their large array of farm-fresh fruit and vegetables, largely supplied by Tash and her husband Wayne’s family farm, Peninsula Fresh Organics. Peninsula Fresh Organics grows the largest array of certified organic vegetables in Australia and our objective was to make our farm-fresh produce accessible to the general public. We pride ourselves on stocking seasonal produce sourced from an array of family-run Australian certified organic farms. Too often, the term ‘organic’ is used, but unless it’s certified there is no guarantee that what you are buying is actually organic. It’s currently an unregulated claim. However, at Peninsula Organic Farmgate, we’ve taken out the guesswork so you can be assured every single product at our store is 100 per cent certified organic.

It’s never been easier to support your local organic farmer and look after your health and the health of the land your food is grown on. #organicsyoucantrust Opening hours: Wednesday-Thursday 9am-4.30pm, Friday 8.30am-5.30pm, Saturday 8.30am-4pm.

One Pear Tree

Located in a stylishly renovated weatherboard house, One Pear Tree is full of charm and stands out in the café scene for more than just its excellent coffee.

A lot of thought has gone into creating an inviting space. Fresh white walls contrast with black polished wood floors, and large windows let natural light stream in, showcasing the original art, homewares, jewellery and giftware throughout the café. Whether you’re catching up with friends or family, you can count on a fabulous brekky. Start with a cold-pressed juice and be sure to add the housemade hash browns to your order. At lunch, expect a menu that changes seasonally with a focus on plenty of flavour. Being licensed, wine, beer, cider and spirits are on offer too. For morning or afternoon tea, there’s tempting housemade cakes including their best-selling classic carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. When the weather’s fine, the lush green garden is the place to be. The tables have umbrellas so there’s plenty of shade, and dogs are welcome too. If you’re short on time, order at the coffee window and take away. There’s good reason this place is Frankston’s hidden gem. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7am-3.30pm; Saturday and Sunday 8am-3.30pm. Visit website for more details.