Top 10 Mornington Peninsula Cafes For the Perfect Brekkie

The laid-back lifestyle in the Mornington Peninsula makes it the ideal place for a weekend away. Not only does it offer beachside views and sprawling vineyards, but it also is home to award-winning cafes and restaurants.

Here's our pick of the best cafes in Mornington Peninsula with suggestions of things to do to make the most out of your visit:

There's a reason why Merchant & Maker won Best Bite’s Best Cafe award not once but three times. Its diverse menu is designed for people from all walks of life. Coffee lovers will appreciate the artisan options using locally-grown beans, while people trying to cut back on caffeine will enjoy the authentic tea and healthy smoothie selection.

Keen on an adventure to walk off that big brunch?

Go on a hike through Bushrangers Bay for unbeatable mountain views. As a final reward for the hike, you'll also get to unwind at the Peninsula Hot Springs. Can't get much better than that!

Just a stone's throw away from Royal Beach, Mercetta has something for everyone. Coffee enthusiasts will love the freshly brewed cappuccino, macchiato, and latte options. Keen for a boozy brunch? Mercetta also makes a mean espresso martini! Don’t worry if you're not an early riser, as you can enjoy  its all-day breakfast menu.

While you're in the area, why not go on a mystery picnic to extend the day out from the city? The mystery picnic includes looking for clues and collecting authentic gourmet food along the way. At the end, you'll be rewarded with a scenic picnic location where you can indulge in the treats you’ve gathered along the way

For a cup of coffee with a twist, there's no better place than The Milbri. With flavours from Latin America and Southeast Asia, you can take your pick from Calmer Sutra Spiced Chai to Deconstructed Callebaut Hot Choc. There's also the restaurant's expansive menu that offers burritos, buns, and baos.

After a hearty brunch, you can take the kids out to Arthur's Seat for a picturesque ride on the gondola. You'll get uninterrupted views of the clear waters of Port Phillip Bay and the lush grassland down below. Keep your eyes peeled for the silhouette of the Melbourne skyline!

When it comes to Mornington Peninsula breakfast cafes, it doesn't get better than Georgie Bass. The restaurant prides itself on using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients for the ultimate meals. The quality stands out not just through its appearance but also its world-class flavours.

To make the most of your experience on the peninsula, you could also go on a half-day snorkel tour in Phillip Island in summer, where you'll get the epic experience of swimming amongst dolphins, seals, and weedy sea dragons. 

True to its name, All Smiles Cafe will have you beaming because of its unbeatable beachside views along Sorrento. But beyond the sights, it also offers delicious bites that will satisfy your appetite. Flat white, decaf, iced coffee — its wide array of options will meet everyone's wants. From the refreshing pan-seared calamari salad to the roasted veggie pizza, you'll also enjoy the different textures and flavours of their menu.

After spending some time at this Mornington Peninsula cafe, we would also recommend visiting the gorgeous Gunnamatta trail on horseback if you’re up for an adventure! The well-trained horses, along with the lush surroundings, will make you feel relaxed and refreshed.

Located on a quiet orchard, Johnny Ripe is aptly known for its delicious, handmade apple pie. But it has more to offer beyond its delicious pastries. The brunch menu has everything you could want in the morning, from fluffy buckwheat pancakes and double smoked ham to freshly brewed coffee with almond milk. The cosy ambience, delicious food, and picturesque location make it one of the best cafes in the Mornington Peninsula.

While you're in the area, you may as well take advantage of the day! Go on a short drive to St Andrew's Beach and go horseback riding along the coast. Whether you're with your partner or the entire fam, you'll enjoy the calming ride along the blue waters of the Bass Strait.

The fantastic brekkie options put the morning in Mornington Peninsula, and Blackbird Cafe is definitely one of the best. Located just across Main Street, the cafe boasts diverse breakfast options ranging from berry friands to French toast. You don't have to worry about waking up early because Blackbird Cafe offers all-day brekkie and lunch menus.

After your laid-back start to the day, why not continue the streak of good eats on a wine tour? Taste various wines from the region’s best - all on an inclusive tour so you can kick back and relax.

For breakfast (or brunch) with a view, you don't have to look farther than Pelikan Societe. The cafe's courtyard is perched right by the coast, so you'll get waterfront views with a side of your smashed avo on toast. One of the great things about Pelikan Societe is its wide array of options for vegetarians, vegans, and people allergic to gluten.

While you’re at Mornington, why not set sail on the bay? Take a cruise along Port Phillip Bay before jumping in the water to get up close with Australian Fur Seals. Swim alongside these friendly animals for an unforgettable day!

If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you have to make sure you get it right from the get-go. That's why The Winey Cow is the place to go. It has a plethora of choices that will make meat-lovers and vegans happy, like the eggs benedict made with beef brisket and the vegan brekkie bowl. There's also black coffee, coffee drip, and latte offerings that are sure to wake you up.

Take advantage of The Winey Cow's convenient location and go shopping on Main Street. Whether you're looking for a unique gift or handmade crafts, you won't run out of options with the numerous stores in the area.

Waffles that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside? Double shot latte brewed with the finest beans? Or a savoury croissant stuffed with eggs, avo, and bacon? If those sound good to you, then Laneway Espresso is the Mornington Peninsula cafe for you. The restaurant has a build-your-own sandwich offer, so you can design the perfect sandwich catered to your taste buds. 

After having a filling breakfast, head on over to the nearby Mornington Peninsula Bay Trail for a leisurely bike ride with the fam. The great thing about this trail, which starts at Safety Beach, is that it's not just ideal for beginners. There are also fantastic sceneries along the way. You'll see Arthurs Seat, the Port Phillip coastline, and the Dromana coast.