Canonical: https://peninsulainsider.com.au/journal/waterfront-restaurants-mornington-peninsula/ Publisher: Peninsula Insider Published: 2026-04-22T00:00:00.000Z Modified: 2026-04-22T00:00:00.000Z Format: public main text, generated from the canonical page; imagery and interactive controls omitted. Dates and caveats below retain their page meaning; this format is not a new fact check. Service 22 April 2026 5 min read # Waterfront Restaurants on the Mornington Peninsula The Baths at Sorrento, The Rocks at Mornington, and the Portsea Hotel all have genuine waterfront positions on Port Phillip Bay. Here is what each actually is, what to order, and when each one makes sense. Keep this for later - By **The Peninsula Insider** Waterfront Seafood Restaurants Sorrento The Mornington Peninsula’s waterfront dining is concentrated on Port Phillip Bay, the calmer, bay-facing side of the Peninsula rather than the ocean. Three venues define the category: The Baths at Sorrento for special occasion seafood with panoramic bay views, The Rocks at Mornington for casual waterfront dining at the marina, and the Portsea Hotel for a pub setting with the best bay views of any pub on the Peninsula. None of these venues are hatted. All three have legitimate waterfront positions. ## The Baths, Sorrento The most formal of the three. The Baths sits on the Sorrento foreshore at the western end of Point Nepean Road, with panoramic views across Port Phillip Bay. The menu rotates daily around fresh seafood, natural oysters, fish and chips with lemon caper sauce, seafood linguine. The format is a set two- or three-course menu: check current prices when you book. Booking is required most of the year. Open seven days in January; reduced to Friday to Sunday (lunch and dinner) plus Monday to Tuesday for lunch outside peak season, verify current hours before booking. The venue is established as a wedding and function location, which occasionally affects atmosphere during private events. Book and check the schedule if that matters. **Best for:** Waterfront seafood lunch on a calm day; anniversary or special occasion dining. 3278 Point Nepean Road, Sorrento. [thebaths.com.au]() ## The Rocks, Mornington The Rocks sits at Schnapper Point on the Mornington marina, bay views, Melbourne skyline visible on clear days, and an outdoor deck that works properly from spring through autumn. Less formal than The Baths, with a seafood-forward menu that changes weekly: Mornington mussels, lobster rolls, butterflied mooloolaba prawns, classic fish and chips. Two tasting formats: A Taste of the Rocks and the longer Seafood Experience. Check current prices when you book. Dog-friendly on the outdoor deck. Open Wednesday to Monday for lunch and dinner; Tuesday lunch only. **Best for:** Casual waterfront lunch; groups; dog-friendly outdoor dining with bay views. 1 Schnapper Point Drive, Mornington. [therocksmornington.com.au]() ## Portsea Hotel, Portsea The Portsea Hotel has sweeping Port Phillip Bay views from its clifftop pub position above Portsea beach. Pub format, not a fine dining venue. The Ishka Restaurant upstairs offers a more formal dining option. The beer garden is dog-friendly. Walk-in only from 23 December to 31 January (peak season); bookings accepted the rest of the year. Open daily. **Best for:** Pub lunch before or after Point Nepean National Park; casual groups; dog owners. 3746 Point Nepean Road, Portsea. [portseahotel.com.au]() ## Honourable mentions **The Baths at Safety Beach**, Tassells Cove end, casual cafe format near the beach. Lower price point, suitable for a quick lunch rather than a full dining sit-down. **Portsea Pier area**, The pier end at Portsea has seasonal kiosks and a scenic outlook over the historic boat sheds and jetties. Not a restaurant destination, but a good eating-lunch-on-a-bench spot. ## Choosing between them | The Baths | The Rocks | Portsea Hotel | Setting | Foreshore, panoramic bay | Marina harbour | Clifftop pub | Format | Full sit-down, set menu | À la carte + tasting menus | Pub dining | Dogs | Not confirmed | Yes, outdoor deck | Yes, beer garden | Peak season | Book ahead | Book ahead | Walk-in only Dec 23–Jan 31 | Best for | Special occasion | Casual lunch | Pub + views | Last fact-verified: 22 April 2026. Prices may change. Confirm current rates directly with the venue or operator before booking. Something wrong on this page, or is this your business? [Tell us what to fix]() and you get a case reference back. corrections@peninsulainsider.com.au reaches the same desk. Questions readers actually ask ## FAQ What are the best waterfront restaurants on the Mornington Peninsula? The Baths at Sorrento (panoramic bay views, seafood, set two- and three-course menus), The Rocks at Mornington (Port Phillip Bay and marina views, seafood, outdoor deck), and the Portsea Hotel (sweeping bay views, pub format, dog-friendly beer garden) are the three main waterfront dining options. All are on Port Phillip Bay - none face the ocean. Is The Baths Sorrento good? The Baths is one of the most established waterfront venues on the Peninsula, with panoramic Port Phillip Bay views and a menu that rotates daily around fresh seafood, served as a set two- or three-course format. Booking required. The setting is the main reason to go - wide water views from most tables. Open seven days in January; reduced hours outside peak season. Can you walk into the Portsea Hotel? From 23 December to 31 January, the Portsea Hotel operates walk-in only (no reservations). Outside peak season, bookings are accepted. The beer garden is dog-friendly. Are any Peninsula waterfront restaurants dog-friendly? The Rocks at Mornington (outdoor deck - confirmed dog-friendly) and the Portsea Hotel (beer garden - confirmed dog-friendly) both welcome dogs in outdoor areas. The Baths Sorrento is not confirmed as dog-friendly. Or let PI plan your day ## Where in the Peninsula is PI? A painted Peninsula, three witnesses a stop, and the sun for a clock. Find PI before sunset and her route becomes a day you can drive. Find her and go in the draw for $250 to dine at Doot Doot Doot, Jackalope.[Draw terms and prize details]() [Play Case 02]() Six to ten minutes. Free, no account. Keep reading ## More from the Journal [All stories →]() Service 8 min ### [Luxury Hotels on the Mornington Peninsula - The Honest Guide]() 22 April 2026 One MICHELIN Two Keys hotel, one IHG five-star on a clifftop, and a country house hotel with two AGFG hats. 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