Merchant & Maker

Sitting just across the road from the McCrae beachfront, this award-winning cafe is a long-time favourite for locals and day trippers alike. Sporting a recent makeover, it's an inviting, light-filled spot, slinging coffee from sibling roasters Commonfolk, alongside a seasonal, produce-driven food offering.

Pull up a seat for modern brunch classics like white chocolate and mascarpone mousse pancakes, chipotle braised beans with slow-roasted pork belly, and the zucchini and chickpea fritters matched with goats curd, and pea and mint hummus. Meanwhile, sides like almond dukkah spinach, hot-smoked salmon and garlic-roasted mushrooms mean the build-your-own option is always a popular choice.

If you're not jumping in the water too soon after brunch, the booze list is a sure-fire hit — settle in with a Mornington Brewery tap beer, or maybe an espresso martini crafted on vodka infused with Commonfolk beans. Your sweet tooth will be in great hands, too, thanks to a dreamy range of house-made treats beckoning from that front cabinet.