I spent the latter half of my childhood on the Mornington Peninsula and am no stranger to it as an adult, either. Given that I have published guides for Munich, Noosa, Oslo and more, I figured something a little closer to home should be a given! Without further ado, let’s get right into all the best coffee on the Mornington Peninsula.
This list will be a living guide that is updated as I try new places and retry old places. It is organised by suburb and based on coffee, not brunch or any other drinks. I will work on a cafe edition at some point soon, but here we are strictly discussing coffee.
Mount Eliza
Velos Mazeh Musette Coffee
This little hole in the wall spot is probably the best espresso I have had on the peninsula. Don’t expect fanfare (there is a sign below the machine that says ‘no small talk’ lol) but do expect great coffee. If you’re an espresso lover, this is the only spot I can recommend in Mount Eliza. I highly recommend a stop en route to the wider peninsula.
At the time of writing, Velos Mazeh Musette is open from 8am-3pm Tuesday to Friday, open weekends and closed Mondays. I suspect the opening times might be a little subject to change, but it’s worth a visit regardless.
Mornington
Dreamer Cafe
A little out of Mornington itself, Dreamer is a cute little spot that serves brunchy items and great coffee. They stock Commonfolk coffee who take it very seriously, so you can expect a quality espresso here. Perfect on a summer morning. At the time of writing, Dreamer is open from 6.30am-2pm weekdays and 7.30am-2pm weekends.
Commonfolk Coffee
Another spot that is a drive from Main Street is the ever popular Commonfolk Coffee. They really brought a more serious coffee culture to the peninsula, as far as I am concerned. There is both indoor and outdoor space in a warehouse style building with creative co-working businesses snuggled alongside patrons. A lot of coffee shops on the peninsula use beans from Commonfolk.
At the time of writing, Commonfolk Mornington is open from 6.30am-3.30pm weekdays and 8am-3pm weekends.
Mount Martha
Cibo
Cibo deli is undoubtedly the best espresso in Mount Martha. Their shop is also gorgeous and well worth a visit for Italian grocery items (there’s a deli up the back and sandwiches are available too). In summer, they also have a kiosk at Mount Martha Lifesaving club. Is there anything better than coffee right on the beach? At the time of writing, Cibo‘s main store (which isn’t seasonal) is open from 7.30am-5.30pm daily.
Dromana
Laneway Coffee
Set in a little laneway as well as an antique shop, Laneway coffee is bigger than it looks. Last time I went I wasn’t overly enthused with the food menu but the espresso was delicious. This place is always packed when I drive past, summer or winter. At the time of writing, Laneway is open from 6.15am-3.30pm weekdays and 6.30am-4pm on weekends.
Little Rebel Roastery
If the beans aren’t from Commonfolk, they are probably from Little Rebel. A coffee roastery set in the Dromana Industrial estate, Little Rebel is an excellent spot for an espresso. At the time of writing, they are open from 6.30am-2pm Monday to Friday (sadly closed on weekends).
Rye/Tootgarook
A Little Good Thing
A gorgeous little deli style cafe set back a drive from the beach, you can expect great coffee and delicious food. There are tables outside but it’s not a sit down cafe per se. Perfect for a sunny day, a takeaway or anything in between. At the time of writing, A Little Good Thing is open from 7am-2pm weekdays, 8am-2pm Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Red Hill
Red Hill Cellar and Pantry
A local grocer and cafe that has a cafe and seating out the front, Cellar and Pantry is my go–to in Red Hill. The coffee is good, the food looks good (I am gluten free so haven’t tried much) and the grocery selection is hard to resist. The only downside is they don’t have a bathroom, but there is a drop toilet across the road towards Many Little.
At the time of writing, Cellar and Pantry is open from 8am-7pm Monday to Saturday and 8.30am-6pm on Sunday. I am not sure if the coffee component closes earlier than the grocer.
Merricks, Balnarring and surrounds
Point Leo General Store by Millers Kitchen
Millers is a local bakery offering with a number of locations: Mornington (temporarily closed) Dromana and Point Leo General store. I haven’t (yet) tested the coffee at the former venues, but I can confirm the vibe at Point Leo is very cute and the coffee is good.
Phase Two, Balnarring
A cute little spot in Balnarring shops, Phase Two serves great coffee in a convenient location. At the time of writing, they use Commonfolk beans and are open early for coffee and a little later for food, so it’s best to check their socials before you go.
Sorrento and Portsea
St Pauls General Store, Sorrento
A cute little milkbar a short drive away from Sorrento main street, St Pauls is jam packed on a summer weekend. Beyond coffee, they have sandwiches, acai bowls and foodie bits and bobs in keeping with the milk bar ethos.
Smooth Electra coffee van, Port Nepean
If you’re down Portsea way and doing a little walk around Port Nepean, Smooth Electra is a coffee van permanently parked at The Quarantine Station. I am not 100% sure what their opening hours are and their Instagram mentions the business is currently for sale, so I will my keep my eyes peeled for updates.
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