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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8 experiences that prove The Bellarine is the ultimate multi-gen getaway

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
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    No matter your age and no matter your interests, Victoria’s coastal Bellarine region makes for a memorable getaway for the whole family.

    Curving into Port Phillip Bay and extending south from Geelong, The Bellarine is a gorgeous coast-meets-country destination. It’s a captivating mix of beachside towns, rolling farms and vineyards, effortlessly cool eating and drinking spots and coastal vistas that seem to stretch beyond the horizon.

    Among its many highlights is a plethora of family-friendly activities to suit all ages and all interests. Here’s your guide to the ultimate Bellarine getaway guaranteed to keep every generation happy.

    1. Tuckerberry Hill Farm

    Tuckerberry Hill Farm
    Pick your own fruit at Tuckerberry Hill Farm.

    There may be no better way to spend an early morning than by foraging and feasting on your own bounty of berries. At Tuckerberry Hill Farm , you can pick blueberries, strawberries and stone fruit from November through March. Take them home or enjoy on the farm’s sun-dappled grounds.

    Tuckerberry also has a regular market selling farm-fresh produce, plus an inviting on-site cafe doing light lunches, drinks, home-baked treats and condiments – many of which incorporate the farm’s own harvest.

    2. The Oxley Estate

    The Oxley Estate
    Wake up to the neighbours.

    A memorable holiday starts with a memorable place to stay, and The Oxley Estate delivers. Situated in the relaxed coastal town of Portarlington, the sprawling site offers thoughtfully styled rooms and activities that’ll keep both parents and kids entertained.

    Wander the fragrant rose gardens, olive grove and fruit-laden orchards. Meet the resident alpacas, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and ducks. Challenge your crew to a round of giant chess or mini golf. Or cool off in the shimmering saltwater pool after a busy day of exploring.

    Different room types cater to different groups, with the largest able to comfortably sleep eight.

    3. Oneday Estate

    Oneday Estate
    Taste small batch wines at Oneday Estate.

    Oneday Estate is a must-visit, featuring a restaurant, winery and bar. The winery lets you try small-batch, estate-grown shiraz, pinot noir and riesling. It’s also a vibrant and character-filled Sunday lunch spot in an eclectic stone-and-timber hall crafted from recycled materials and 100-year-old relics repurposed from the surrounding region.

    The on-site eatery and bar hosts weekly Sunday Sessions accompanied by tunes from local musicians, a buzzy atmosphere and flavour-packed food and drink. Order a round of delicious woodfired pizzas with toppings to suit all tastes, alongside a glass of Oneday’s signature wine.

    4. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon

    BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon
    Kids will love BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon.

    BIG4 holiday parks are renowned for their all-ages appeal, and BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon in the coastal enclave of Queenscliff is no different. The pool and gym are a given, but there’s also a playground, pickleball and basketball courts, a jumbo-sized jump pad, an interactive games arena and an indoor games room equipped with toys, activities and entertainment.

    The diverse range of accommodation spans compact studios designed for three guests, all the way up to expansive beach houses accommodating up to 10, providing comfort and flexibility to suit every size of family.

    5. Bellarine Railway

    Bellarine Railway
    Take a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway.

    If your entourage includes any locomotive enthusiasts, book a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway . The more than 100-year-old steam train transports you to a bygone era and takes you through the rolling farmland and windswept coastal landscapes that make The Bellarine so beautiful.

    The Swan Bay Express is an easy 45-minute ride perfect for younger passengers (and even allows dogs on board), or you could opt for a themed trip. There are seasonal events like the Polar Express (a festive favourite in the lead-up to Christmas), along with the Blues Train (a high-energy experience of live music and dancing) and The Q Train (a roving fine-dining feast celebrating regional produce).

    6. The Dunes

    waiter holding desserts at The Dunes, the bellarine
    Save room for dessert. (Image: Visit Vic)

    The Dunes offers the perfect balance of polished and playful, a breezy beachside bar and restaurant that appeals to adults and kids alike.

    Feast on moreish snacks, share plates and mains from the Italian-inspired menu, or a selection of San Marzano-topped pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven. Pair your meal with a classic cocktail, an ice-cold beer or a glass from the generous drinks menu, which brims with local drops. Little ones are well catered for with a line-up of kid-approved meals for breakfast and lunch.

    If you’re simply swinging by en route to the family-friendly beach, grab a bite at The Dunes’ beachside kiosk before strolling down for a paddle or surf.

    7. Sea All Dolphin Swims

    dolphins playing in The Bellarine
    Spot the locals with Sea All Dolphin Swims. (Image: Visit Vic)

    The sparkling waters around The Bellarine are home to dolphins, fur seals, plus a flurry of seabirds. Sea All Dolphin Swims lets you see some of these magnificent animals up close aboard one of their small-group vessels.

    Head out on a sightseeing tour and spot local wildlife darting around the boat, or dive right in with a swim adventure tour. You’ll be swimming alongside dolphins and seals in their natural habitat – a bucket-list experience you won’t forget fast.

    Swimming and snorkelling gear is provided, and guides are trained to ensure a gentle, eco-friendly encounter for both swimmers and sea creatures.

     8. Jack Rabbit

    aerial of jack rabbit winery and vineyard
    Everyone has a menu to enjoy at Jack Rabbit. (Image: Visit Vic)

    Jack Rabbit is a one-stop dining destination, with a casual cafe and refined restaurant in one place.

    If your mood leans laid-back, the House of Jack Rabbit is a lovely spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. The cafe serves a produce-driven all-day menu filled with seasonal mains, generous sharing platters and a playful kids menu to suit even the pickiest of eaters.

    If you’re after something more elevated, Jack Rabbit Restaurant does plates that change with the seasons and incorporate plenty of local produce. Even younger guests are well catered to, with a considered yet familiar kids’ menu that’s just as vibrant as the grown-up one.

    To start planning your trip or for more inspiration, head to visitgeelongbellarine.com.au