Phillip Island, a little treasure off the coast of Victoria, Australia, is famous for its beaches and views but also for its delicious food. Whether you’re here for the scenery or the food, this guide will take you through the island’s top eats and highlight everything from coastal cuisine to cute cafes.
Phillip Island’s Food
Phillip Island’s food is of the land. With panoramic views from Cape Woolamai to the rocky coastlines around Seal Rocks, the island has plenty of options. Local restaurants and cafes use fresh seasonal produce and showcase the best of Australian food with a focus on fresh seafood.
Why Foodies Should Go to Phillip Island
Foodies will love Phillip Island for its combination of sustainability and good food. The island has Italian restaurants like Isola di Capri where you can eat real Italian food with views of the surrounding landscape. Phillip Island has cool climate wines, award winning wines and cozy wine bars like the Grenache Wine Bar for those who like a glass of wine with their meal.
Local Taste of Phillip Island
The local taste of Phillip Island is influenced by its environment. Fresh seafood like San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op is a must try, with dishes featuring fish from the deep waters of Bass Strait. The island’s dairy products like artisan goat cheeses from Cedar Farmhouse Goat Cheese add another layer of local flavour. Phillip Island has a craft market and a chocolate mill for chocolate lovers and sweet tooths.
Coastal
Coastal cuisine is at the heart of the Phillip Island dining experience. Restaurants along the island’s popular surf beaches, like Woolamai Beach and Summerland Beach, serve up dishes that showcase the local seafood and the views. Eating with ocean views or Bass Coast views makes the meal even more special.
Fresh Seafood
For seafood lovers Phillip Island is paradise. The island’s eateries have a variety of fresh seafood dishes from prawns to calamari. Local favourites are G’Day Tiger and The Waterboy Café both for their seafood and friendly staff. The seafood is sourced from local fishing spots and prepared with a focus on freshness and quality.
Views and Snacks
Eating on Phillip Island is not just about the food it’s about the scenery. Many restaurants and cafes have views, whether it’s from the treetop boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Centre or the views from Cape Kitchen. Whether you’re eating at a beachfront resort or a cute café the views and peace and quiet make it all better.
G’Day Tiger
G’Day Tiger is a must-see when you are on Phillip Island. It is a local favourite with good food and is warm and comfy. Big menu, hearty breakfasts and tasty lunches. Each meal comes with a side of friendly service. It has a cozy interior and is well-decorated, so you can sit back and enjoy. Whether you are starting your day with a big breakfast or just stopping in for a lazy lunch, G’Day Tiger won’t let you down.
Phillip Island Coffee Co
Phillip Island Coffee Co. is a coffee heaven. Just near Cowes Beach, this cafe is famous for its great coffee and chill-out vibe. The atmosphere at Phillip Island Coffee Co is perfect for sitting and enjoying a well-crafted coffee and taking in the island’s views. The baristas are passionate about making great coffee for even the most coffee-snobby of people. Along with great coffee, they have a selection of light bites and pastries, so it’s a great place to stop and take a break. Coffee and views make Phillip Island Coffee Co. a must-see for coffee lovers.
The Waterboy Café
The Waterboy Café is another Phillip Island gem, famous for its menu and use of local ingredients. The views and atmosphere make it the perfect place to have a meal or just a coffee. The menu at The Waterboy Café is all local produce so every meal is fresh and full of flavour. Quality and location make for a great experience. Whether you are after a big breakfast, a satisfying lunch or just a coffee with a view The Waterboy Café has something for everyone.
Burnt Toast
Burnt Toast is a little cafe that stands out for its atmosphere and food. The menu covers breakfast and lunch, and it has something for breakfast or to take a break from island hopping. The warm and cozy atmosphere at Burnt Toast is perfect for sitting and having a lazy meal. From freshly made breakfast items to big lunches, the cafe has it all. Friendly service and a relaxed vibe make Burnt Toast a local and visitor favourite. If you need a morning pick-me-up or a midday refuel, Burnt Toast is the way to go.
Ms Dipity’s Coffee Van
For a special coffee, Ms Dipity’s Coffee Van is a must. This mobile café brings coffee and snacks to you, perfect for a quick pit stop while you’re out and about on the island. The coffee van is renowned for its great coffee and snacks and is a lovely break from all your island adventures. With friendly service and mobile Ms Dipity’s Coffee Van means you can have a coffee anywhere your island adventures take you.
3925 Espresso
3925 Espresso is a local and visitor favourite on the island. The café serves espresso and snacks, perfect for a coffee break. The cozy 3925 Espresso is the place to sit and have a coffee. The baristas can craft an espresso to suit all tastes. Need a caffeine fix or just a place to chill out 3925 Espresso has great coffee and good vibes.
Island Whole Foods
Island Whole Foods is a health-focused café for those looking for healthy food. The café serves organic and local dishes for health-conscious eaters. With a focus on fresh, whole ingredients, Island Whole Foods serves food that’s filling and good for you. We’re committed to quality and nutrition so you can eat well and stay true to your dietary needs. Whether you’re after a big salad, a healthy smoothie or a snack, Island Whole Foods has you sorted.
Isola Di Capri
Isola Di Capri is a Phillip Island gem that serves up Italy with its Italian menu. The restaurant is renowned for its many dishes, from classic pasta to delicious pizza, which are all made with fresh ingredients and have stunning island views. The atmosphere at Isola Di Capri is elegant and intimate, perfect for dining with family and friends. Italian food and views make Isola Di Capri a must-dine on the island. Whether you love Italian food or just want a special occasion restaurant, this one has it all.
Wild Food Farm Café
Wild Food Farm Café is a one-off dining experience that’s farm to table. The café serves dishes made from locally grown produce so you can taste the island in season in the island’s beautiful surroundings. The café’s commitment to sustainability and local sourcing means every meal is delicious and eco-friendly. With stunning views and quality, the Wild Food Farm Café is a special experience that celebrates the island’s produce. Whether you want to try new flavours or just eat in nature, the Wild Food Farm Café is the place.
Cape Kitchen
Cape Kitchen has food and views. On the beach, it’s a beautiful spot to eat. The menu is gourmet food made with quality ingredients, so it’s a treat. Elegant food is perfect for occasions or just a meal with a view. The fine dining and views at Cape Kitchen are nice. Whether you’re celebrating or just want a good meal, Cape Kitchen has it.
Wombat Hill House
Wombat Hill House is known for its cozy, rustic vibe and warm food. In a beautiful spot, the menu is diverse, local, and comforting. It changes seasonally and has specialty items that showcase the region’s history. Whether you’re in the mood for a roast or a pie, Wombat Hill House will feed you well and match the peaceful surroundings. It is a great place to relax after a day of island hopping and sightseeing.
Farmdog Brewing
Farm Dog Brewing is a must for craft beer fans. This brewery brews craft beer with local ingredients, so the flavours are local. The relaxed and friendly vibe of FarmDog Brewing is the perfect place to sit back and have a cold one. The tasting room is big and has great views of the surrounding landscape. Try a flight, learn about the brewing process and take home a few of your favourite beers.
Four Pillars Distillery
Four Pillars Distillery is known for its handcrafted spirits, especially its award-winning gins. The distillery offers an experiential tasting where you can see the best of local distilling. Try different gin styles, each with its own flavour profile because of the use of quality local botanicals. The staff will tell you all about the distillation process and the history of the spirits. The beautiful tasting room and the chance to buy exclusive bottles make the Four Pillars Distillery a must for spirit fans.
The Wooli Tavern
The Wooli Tavern is a local legend for locals and visitors who want a casual meal or a cold one. Famous for its chill vibe and big menu, the tavern has everything from pub food to lighter more fancy food. A great place to relax after a day of island hopping. You can have a range of drinks, including local beers and wines and food made with fresh seasonal ingredients. Friendly staff and comfy surroundings make the Wooli Tavern a must for a casual meal.
Five Ducks Farm
Five Ducks Farm is a farm to table restaurant with a focus on local produce and sustainability. You can see it in every dish, where the natural flavours of the region shine through. The farm itself is rustic, so sit back and enjoy. Five Ducks Farm is perfect for eco and farm-to-table food.
Tulip Restaurant
Tulip Restaurant is renowned for fine dining, beautiful decor and great food. The menu has gourmet dishes made from local ingredients, a culinary journey. The menu is designed to showcase the best of the season and region so you can have a great meal. The decor and service are chic, and the whole experience is memorable, so Tulip Restaurant is perfect for special occasions and fine dining.
Jones Winery
Jones Winery Restaurant is a must for wine buffs and foodies. The restaurant has a great selection of dishes to match the award winning wines from the adjacent winery. Pairing local wines with great food is a special experience. The vineyard and the staff will help you enjoy the best of local produce and winemaking. Jones Winery Restaurant is perfect for a lazy lunch or elegant dinner, food, wine and ambiance.
Yardbird Restaurant and Bar
Yardbird Restaurant and Bar is a fun restaurant with a big menu and a big attitude. They have heaps of food to choose from, classic comfort food to crazy new dishes. Great for a casual dinner or special occasion. High-quality ingredients and creative dishes to cater for all tastes and dietary requirements. Whether you want a big meal or a snack the big atmosphere and big menu makes it a must try for a great dinner.
Babajis Kerala Kitchen Warburton
Babajis Kerala Kitchen in Warburton is the place to go for real Indian food. They specialise in traditional Kerala recipes, and the food is rich and full of flavour. The menu has plenty of dishes to showcase the vibrant colours and diverse flavours of Kerala. The warm and cozy atmosphere matches the bold and aromatic flavours of the food, so you can have a great meal. Babajis Kerala Kitchen is the place to try new flavours and taste India in a beautiful setting.
Pt Leo Estate
Pt Leo Estate is an indulgent dinner with views and a food and wine focus. The restaurant is famous for its beautiful decor and exceptional food, which uses only the best local produce. The wine list has top shelf wines to match. The views of the vineyard and countryside are the icing on the cake at Pt Leo Estate, perfect for a special occasion or celebration. The food, wine and views are decadent.
Phillip Island has natural beauty and a food scene. Fresh seafood and Italian, cafes and fine dining, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re at the beach, taking in the views or tasting local flavours Phillip Island is a foodie adventure.
FAQ
When should foodies visit Phillip Island?
Foodies should visit Phillip Island during the warmer months (December to March), but you can eat well on the island at any time of the year.
Are there any restaurants on Phillip Island with views of the Penguin Parade?
There are many restaurants with coastal views, but the Penguin Parade itself is a wildlife attraction, not a dining venue. However, you can get great views of the coast from nearby restaurants and cafes.
What to eat on Phillip Island?
You must try fresh seafood (calamari and prawns), artisan goat cheeses, and Italian from Isola di Capri. Don’t miss the local chocolate from the Chocolate Mill.
Are there vegan or vegetarian options on Phillip Island?
Yes, there are several vegan and vegetarian options on Phillip Island. Cafes like Island Whole Foods and restaurants that focus on local and sustainable produce often have vegetarian and vegan options.
Are there markets or food festivals on Phillip Island?
Yes, there are local markets and food festivals on the island all year round. Check the Craft Market for local produce and handmade goods, and look out for seasonal food events.
What is the best food tour?
When going on a Phillip Island trip from Melbourne, you can stop at the San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op for seafood freshly caught or have a meal at The Cape Kitchen where you can enjoy upscale dishes while looking out over the ocean. Cowes has Pino’s Trattoria which serves large Italian meals and Rusty Water Brewery that offers local craft beers as well as food. Also, make sure to check out the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory if you are in need of something sweet.
