Portsea Hotel

Overview

Famed for its waterfront beer garden and sweeping bay views, the Portsea Hotel has had another makeover — its second in as many years. The sprawling Mornington Peninsula hot spot has scored a new chef, a new menu and multiple new bars.

The upgrade isn't as dramatic as 2018's $7 million transformation, but it has given the interiors a refresh — making the pub's many spaces lighter, pared-back Hamptons-inspired vibe. The acclaimed beer garden remains, as does the dining room, and both maintain optimal enjoyment of the beach views and the sea breeze. Upstairs function space the Bertrand Bar offers some pretty special vistas of its own.

The kitchen is now three times the size, with two wood-fired pizza ovens that turn out classic pies with toppings like sausage and potato ($25), and capricciosa ($26) (vegan cheese and gluten-free bases are available). Regular pub classics like fish and chips, steaks, burgers and parmas remain on the menu, too.

Images: Samantha Schultz.