Crittenden Wines & Restaurant
Not only has this renovation given the restaurant a new lease on life, but importantly, it has been a part of a return to its roots.
Overview
Crittenden Restaurant has reopened its doors following a major upgrade, bringing a reimagined dining experience to the Mornington Peninsula. The reopening of the restaurant, situated on the picturesque Crittenden Estate alongside the Cellar Door and Lakeside Villas, solidifies this family-owned winery as a must-visit destination on the Peninsula.
Not only has this renovation given the restaurant a new lease on life, but importantly, it has been part of a return to its roots. Margaret and Garry Crittenden first established the estate in the 1990s, and it became an influential food and wine venue in the region. However, when the family faced challenging times 20 years ago, they leased the restaurant to outside operators.
Now, Crittenden Estate has been returned to the family, with children Rollo and Zoe taking over as co-owners. Zoe Crittenden serves as the Marketing Director, and Rollo Crittenden acts as Managing Director and Winemaker. Zoe says, "We're honoured to continue mum's legacy and her commitment to genuine hospitality."
Rollo explains, "This new space reflects the way we want people to experience food and wine at Crittenden today. We hope guests feel the same connection and care that have always defined Crittenden — now expressed through a refreshed, modern lens."
Following a full renovation of its design, guest experience, and culinary direction, the restaurant will now be led by Venue Manager Gautheir Georgelet and Head Chef Brunno Melo. Melo's menu is inspired by the coastal landscape and quality local produce. It effortlessly blends modern Australian cuisine with Mediterranean flavours, all designed to pair perfectly with the estate's cool-climate wines.
Melo says, "Our philosophy is about expressing a true sense of place — coastal, seasonal, and deeply connected to the Peninsula. We're inspired by the produce and people around us, creating dishes that are honest, textural, and balanced — flavours that speak to both the landscape and the wines." Expect Josper-fire dishes, such as a dry-aged tomahawk pork chop with charry cabbage, capers and a burnt pear glaze, or a swordfish steak, line-caught off Mooloolaba, finished with burnt lime and smoked maple chimichurri.
Make a day of it with a visit to the Crittenden Cellar Door to sample award-winning pinot noir, chardonnay and savagnin, or make a weekend of it, and experience the luxury of one of the Lakeside Villas, which have been recognised as Victoria's Best Self-Contained Accommodation by the RACV Victorian Tourism Awards.
Images: Supplied.
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