8 of the best restaurants on Phillip Island

Chloe CannBy Chloe Cann
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Sate appetites piqued by the briny sea air at these eight restaurants, cafes and breweries on Phillip Island.

The food scene on Phillip Island has come a long way in the last decade. Once better known as a seaside playground for Melburnian families, the isle is beginning to court more foodie-orientated travellers, with options now available for all kinds of tastes. Whether you’re after a relaxed Italian meal with friends, a quick fish and chip dinner made with the freshest of seafood, or a wholesome vegan brekkie served in the sunshine, these eight eateries should cover most bases.

Here are eight of the best restaurants and places to eat on Phillip Island.

The shortlist

Best for seafood: San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op (SRFCO)
Best date spot: Anerie
Best views: Phillip Island Winery
Best for vegan/vegetarian: Island Whole Foods
Best for large groups: Pino’s Trattoria

1. Pino’s Trattoria

pizzas and pastas on the table at Pino's Trattoria, Phillip Island
Dig into cheesy pizzas and hearty pasta at Pino’s Trattoria. (Image: Supplied)

This Phillip Island stalwart has been pleasing islander’s palettes since 1991 with its line-up of hearty classic Italian dishes. Start off slow with a few antipasti – maybe some focaccia, some house-marinated olives and a slice of bruschetta – before moving onto the secondi (we’re talking locally sourced steaks, pizzas, and classic Roman dish saltimbocca). And don’t forget to leave space for a wodge of tiramisu, or a scoop of gelato from the cart.

There’s a relaxed atmosphere at Pino’s that’s perfect for groups, or families with kids – perhaps it’s because the restaurant’s original owners, the Scarlato family, are still very much involved with the running of the business. While away a summer’s evening in the restaurant’s alfresco ‘piazza’ with an Aperol spritz in hand, or cosy up with a glass of chianti in the restaurant’s cavernous interior come winter.

Cuisine: Italian

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Convivial

Review: 4/5

Location: 29-31 Thompson Avenue, Cowes

2. San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op (SRFCO)

Seafood at San Remo Fisherman's Co-op on Phillip Island
Tuck into fresh seafood. (Image: Visit Victoria)

It’s a hotly contested subject on Phillip Island, but most locals will just about agree that San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op is the place to go for your Friday night fish and chips. It’s not strictly on the island (San Remo is a tiny town just over the other side of the bridge) but it’s only a short drive away and it fries and grills some of the freshest fish that you’ll find without donning waders yourself.

Going strong since 1948, the SRFCO has its own fleet of fishing and lobster vessels. Devour thick, juicy battered flake (the co-op’s fish of choice), made to order with some chunky chips, and perhaps dabble in a few extras too (think crumbed calamari, potato cakes, dim sim, and battered scallops to boot). The building is located right next to the San Remo Jetty, so you can enjoy a side serve of beautiful views too, whether you’re dining inside, or eating outside on the lawn.

Cuisine: Fish and chips

Average Price: $

Atmosphere: Convivial

Review: 4/5

Location: 170 Marine Parade, San Remo

3. G’Day Tiger

the exterior of G’Day Tiger on Phillip Island
G’Day Tiger is known for its sensational sandwiches. (Image: G’Day Tiger)

Indulgent toasted sandwiches? Tick. Third-wave coffee from a La Marzocco Linea PB machine, made with speciality roaster Seven Seeds’ beans? Tick. Slick Melbourne-esque interiors, all exposed brick, plywood panelling and concrete benchtops? Tick. G’Day Tiger is a one-stop shop for all your caffeine and brunch needs. Made with thick-cut bread, housing a plentiful supply of cheese, and anointed with buttery goodness, the sangas here win rave reviews – might we suggest the Reuben, or the veggie-friendly Caponata, filled with eggplant, capsicum, tomato and chilli.

See also: the lovely little emporium that is The Store , in Ventnor.

Cuisine: Sandwiches

Average Price: $

Atmosphere: Casual

Review: 4.5/5

Location: 3/34 Thompson Avenue, Cowes

4. Ocean Reach Brewing

fried snacks and beer at Ocean Reach Brewing, Phillip Island
Enjoy hearty burgers along with your favourite brew. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Part taphouse, part burger bar, this independent outfit on Cowes’ main strip hits all the right spots. Pull up a pew (outside or in) and order a tasting paddle to find your favourite brew. There are four house beers to choose from – pale ale, IPA, porter, and lager – as well as a few rotating seasonal numbers, all made from locally sourced ingredients. The Ocean Reach food van is known for its burgers (hello southern fried chicken, and spicy cheeseburger topped with onion rings) but fried snacky bits buffalo wings and kids meals are also on offer.

Since its inception in 2016, the profile of this small craft brewery has mushroomed: its beers are now available through big retailers such as Dan Murphy’s, and its popularity has increased so much that production has now expanded to a second location, also in Cowes. But through it all, the brewery has stayed true to its sustainable roots. All of Ocean Reach’s spent grain is shared with local farmers for livestock, and the brewery is solar-powered too.

Cuisine: Burgers

Average Price: $-$$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Review: 4/5

Location: 3/34 Thompson Avenue, Cowes

5. Island Whole Foods

a plant-based breakfast at Island Whole Foods, Phillip Island
Island Whole Foods is a unique and innovative plant-based cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Vegans, veggies and the health-conscious should make a beeline for Island Whole Foods : a plant-based cafe that’s also 100 per cent plastic-free. While its gluten-free buckwheat pancakes – topped with pure maple syrup, coconut ice cream and either bananas or berries – are a bit of a house signature, there’s plenty more on the breakfast and lunch menus to tempt even those who scoff at the thought of eating vegan food. There’s also a plethora of superfood smoothies and smoothie bowls on offer, plus house-made raw treats like peanut butter slices.

Cuisine: Plant-based cafe food

Average Price: $

Atmosphere: Chilled

Review: 4/5

Location: Unit 4/75 Chapel St, Cowes

6. Anerie

Perhaps the smartest option on the isle, Anerie brings a little Gallic chic to this otherwise low-key summer playground. You’ll find almost every classic French dish on the menu here: duck liver pate, cheese souffle, escargots, onion soup, moules frites, steak frites, duck confit, creme brulee, each thoughtfully presented.

Yet despite the chefs’ fine workmanship, you’ll find a cosy, inviting and lived-in feel at this little bistro; think decoupaged tables, velvet chairs, vintage napery and an eclectic mix of artworks lining the walls.

Note that Anerie is an adults-only restaurant.

Cuisine: French

Average Price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Cosy, inviting

Review: 4.5/5

Location: 12 Thompson Ave, Cowes

7. Kelp San Remo

a close-up shot of Mexican food and drinks at Kelp San Remo
Pair your Mexican favourites with refreshing cocktails. (Image: Visit Victoria)

A cocktail bar first and foremost, Kelp has an array of inventive drinks to its name, perhaps chief among them the Kelp Collins (a refreshing blend of gin, lemon, and seaweed-infused soda water), and the Shaka Forever (a sharp and fragrant mix of elderflower, Chambord, lemon juice and sparkling grapefruit).

The menu runs the gamut from North America to South, featuring everything from your classic cheeseburger through to a kingfish ceviche with coconut and chilli oil, and pan-fried confit squid tostadas, as well as fusion dishes such as cauliflower tacos with buffalo sauce.

Expect a blend of influences in the design, where the laid-back charm of a beach shack and tiki bar meets sleek, modern lines and a polished finish.

Cuisine: Mexican/Burgers

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Smart-casual

Review: 4/5

Location: 141 Marine Parade, San Remo

8. Phillip Island Winery

dining at Phillip Island Winery
You’ll be spoilt for choice with the seasonal menu at Phillip Island Winery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

This local winery promises the elusive holy trinity of dining out: great food, great views and great service. Located in the island’s south-west, just a three-minute drive from beautiful Berrys Beach, Phillip Island Winery is set on a rural plot of 14 acres. Gorge on the local greenery from the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows, or pull up a pew on the expansive lawns, a glass of Fumé Blanc in hand as you drink in the sunset views.

The winery’s menu centres around pizzas with elaborate toppings (think mortadella with rosemary cream, pistachio and burrata), but there are plenty of other tempting mod Oz options bookending the menu, from tuna crudo with pickled chilli to a braised heirloom beetroot salad with a balsamic fig emulsion.

Kids and four-legged friends haven’t been neglected here, with menu options for both on offer. And the wines are no joke either; in the words of esteemed critic James Halliday, “the quality of the wines across the board make it clear that this is definitely not a tourist-trap cellar door".

Cuisine: Pizzas/mod Oz

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Welcoming, relaxed

Review: 4.5/5

Location: 414 Berrys Beach Road, Ventnor

Discover the best things to do on Phillip Island.

Chloe Cann
Chloe Cann is an award-winning freelance travel and food writer, born in England, based in Melbourne and Roman by adoption. Since honing her skills at City St George's, University of London with a master's degree in journalism, she's been writing almost exclusively about travel for more than a decade, and has worked in-house at newspapers and travel magazines in London, Phnom Penh, Sydney and Melbourne. Through a mixture of work and pleasure, she's been fortunate enough to visit 80 countries to date, though there are many more that she is itching to reach. While the strength of a region's food scene tends to dictate the location of her next trip, she can be equally swayed by the promise of interesting landscapes and offbeat experiences. And with a small person now in tow, travel looks a little different these days, but it remains at the front of her mind.
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The top 10 events you don’t want to miss in Victoria in 2026

    Lara PiconeBy Lara Picone
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    From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

    1. Festival of Sails

    the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025
    The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

    When: 24–26 January
    Where: Melbourne and Geelong

    This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

    2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

    cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
    Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    When: 31 January – 1 February
    Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

    Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

    3. Riverboats Music Festival

    the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River
    The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

    When: 13–15 February
    Where: Echuca–Moama

    Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

    4. Neerim ArtsFest

    the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures
    Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

    When: 28 February – 15 March
    Where: Gippsland

    This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

    5. ChillOut Festival

    a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival
    Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

    When: 5–9 March
    Where: Daylesford

    Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

    6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

    Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival
    Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

    When: 6–9 March
    Where: Port Fairy

    In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

    7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

    a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival
    Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

    When: 7–9 March
    Where: Ballarat

    In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

    8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

    Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival
    The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

    When: 3–6 April
    Where: Bendigo

    Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

    9. Grape Escape

    a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape
    Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

    When: 1–3 May
    Where: The Grampians

    Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

    10. Comedy in the Vines

    Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards
    Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

    When: 24–26 October
    Where: Yarra Valley

    The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.