Lively Top Cafe Picks on the Mornington Peninsula
Nothing compliments a holiday like the perfect Sunday brunch, the best morning coffee, or a delicious afternoon pastry. Whether you’re choosing to stay in Mount Eliza, Mornington, Dromana, Rosebud, or Sorrento, we will help you find the very best. Enjoy the best coffee and breakfast the Mornington Peninsula has to offer by following our guide to some of our favourites. The Peninsula is home to so many great café’s, it can be overwhelming when you don’t know the area, and don’t have time to try them all. Whether you’re looking for a latte to compliment your morning walk or a smashed avo to start your day, the following list will point you in the right direction.
Laneway Espresso, 167 Point Nepean Rd, Dromana
As one of our Lively partners, we can guarantee Laneway Espresso is the perfect place to spend your Sunday morning. Across the road from Dromana beach, it’s in an easily accessible, central, and picturesque location. They serve excellent coffee and have an extensive all-day menu to meet everyone’s needs. With an informal and cosy interior, you can expect homely and classic food options done well. Try their ‘Heirloom Avocado’ or ‘Laneway Waffles’ and you will not be disappointed. They serve Odyssey Coffee Roasters beans, expertly crafted by their team of experienced baristas, so are sure to serve you a good coffee too. Lively customers receive two free breakfasts during your visit, when you dine as a group.
Ad Hoc, 1/84 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza
Walking into Ad Hoc Mount Eliza you’ll be instantly engulfed by its homely and welcoming environment. Be treated like a regular for the weekend and enjoy all that their modern-Australian menu has to offer. Along with their all-day breakfast, they serve lunch options too which you could choose to enjoy with a glass of wine, or a cup of their beautiful coffee. Enjoy watching the hustle and bustle of Mount Eliza Village go by if you choose to sit in their outdoor dining area or find quiet refuge in their intimate indoor dining space. Their friendly staff will point you in the direction of their favourite menu items and make your experience within their café one you’ll want to keep coming back to.
Buckley, 174 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento
Sitting on the far corner of Ocean Beach Rd, Buckley cafe provides modern and refined casual dining. Choose from their selection of small snacks, or their larger menu options for breakfast or lunch, and enjoy with local beers, wines and coffee. Buckley opens early and operates until late into the afternoon, making it the perfect stop for your caffeine fix at any time of the day. Indulge in one of their delicious smoothies or opt for a cocktail, choose one of their breakfast items or one of their lunch options instead. Buckley also has the kids sorted, offering a kid’s menu and a number of milkshake options that they will love. Spend the day browsing the more than 60 shopping outlets along Ocean Beach Rd and wrap the day up at Buckley café for a day well spent.
Higher Ground, 5/5 Howey Rd, Mount Martha
Higher Ground is a favourite location of ours. Nestled behind Mount Martha village its central location makes for the perfect stop before your full day out on the Peninsula. Swing by to grab one of their carefully crafted 5 senses coffees or fill up with one their many breakfast options. This café is centrally located to a number of our properties and is the perfect detour on your walk towards the beach, the bus stop or the supermarket.
The Winey Cow, 39A Main St, Mornington
Situated amongst the hustle and bustle of Main Street Mornington, The Winey Cow is a local institution, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and coffee around the clock. Founded in 2014, this locally owned business’ main focus is the perfect brunch, served morning, afternoon, night or any time you choose to enjoy it. Their friendly service and great venue is just as welcoming as their menu, and their Winey at home alternative allows both pick up and delivery services to enjoy your meal wherever you please!
Hobson, 1489 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud
Hobson sits just metres from Rosebud foreshore, a sleek, modern, art deco inspired cafe, with hints of inner city charm. This site was refreshed in 2021 by The Only Hospitality Group, who maintained the historic facade. With a light and airy interior this cafe serves Inglewood Coffee Roasters coffee and a relaxed all day menu. Kids will also be well catered for here, and well entertained by the parks and beaches just down the road from this site. Grab a coffee and a pastry for a stroll down the beach, or sit down for a morning meal.
Commonfolk Cafe, 16 Progress St, Mornington
Commonfolk Coffee Roasters is a popular Mornington destination, serving up the best coffee and food in its beautiful warehouse, indoor/outdoor setting; the perfect place to enjoy it. Roasting and brewing their own specialty, ethically sourced coffee, they pride themselves on not only premium quality, but a focus on giving back to the industry, through their The Cup That Counts program. 20c from each cup of coffee goes towards making sure the coffee industry is one that’s fair for all involved. They have a great menu with a wide range of options, and cafes in Frankston and South Yarra too!
Down the Street, 51 Foot St, Frankston
Down the Street is a homely and welcoming cafe that specialises in homemade food and specialty coffee. With a team of expert baristas you can be guaranteed a good coffee and easy grab for lunch. Choose one of their many baguettes, rolls, quiches or sweet treats to accompany your hot drink or fresh smoothie. Their caramel brownies are a must try on your visit. You may choose to enjoy your treats on the go, or in the George Pentland Botanic Gardens a little further down Foot Street!
