The Rocks Mornington

We tried the seafood experience at The Rocks ($110pp) on 11 August 2025. It was a bit pricey, but we were on our mini honeymoon so we were willing to splurge a lil 🤭 We were SO well fed we genuinely felt like we had to roll ourselves out the door 😂 It was a great place with a lovely beach view, without having to be under the harsh sunlight. We were served fresh flavorful seafood, and honestly we enjoyed everything we ate!

The Rocks Mornington is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and welcoming. We sat out on the deck and the views were absolutely amazing, adding something really special to the whole experience. The food was consistently excellent—fresh, full of flavour, and beautifully presented. The mussels were a real standout and easily one of the best dishes we’ve had. A special shoutout to Liam, our waiter, who made the night even better with his friendly, attentive service and genuine care. With incredible views, fantastic food, and outstanding service, it’s easy to see why The Rocks is such a favourite in Mornington. Highly recommend and will definitely be back!

This seafood restaurant by the sea emphasizes freshness. The mussel and clam pasta was excellent, and the soft-shell crab burger is a must-order, it's spicy and crispy, which is quite interesting. The lobster roll was also very flavorful, and left a lingering taste. The lamb shoulder was superb, it's tender, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth. I ate it almost entirely with a spoon, barely using a knife.

This was my first visit to the rocks, which has a cult following and presence in the Mornington area. Situated off the coast of Port Phillip Bay, adjacent to the Mornington pier, it’s in prime location for scenic waterfront views year round. When we walked in on a sunny Saturday afternoon, they were BUSY! So much so I couldn’t spot our group as they were tucked away on the main deck, but we found them after a quick booking check. Our young wait staff were really exceptional, from offering drinks right away, to following up on cake serving and checking in on our table. The food was of a great quality and we didn’t have to wait long, which was surprising given how busy the kitchen was. Props to the team.

We live about 45-50 minutes away but make the trip out here for special occasions. Usually a birthday or our anniversary. We almost always go for the chefs special and get little tasters of everything. The other night we were served fresh oysters with an outstanding mignonette - highlight. Ceviche - bit bland, not our thing. (The crudo was sooo much better). Scallops - to die for. Prawns - making my mouth water just thinking about it (wish the portion was bigger.) Calamari - absolute favourite of the night with some sort of capsicum dip that was just an all out flavour bomb. Mussels - in the red sauce (better than the creamy/leek)- one of my favourites and usually our go to (also served with GF bread which was a kind substitute by staff.) Fish - cooked to perfection. Salad - super refreshing. Chips - tasty and crunchy Sorbetto for dessert. All said and done, we were there for about 3 hours. While the atmosphere and the view is gorgeous, the chairs are a nightmare to sit on for that long. We both ended up with sore backs. Next time I think we will just stick to ordering our own selections. The staff are nice enough and attentive with drinks, allergies, clearing plates and cleanliness etc. they’re just not the super chatty/smiley/sociable type. So we tend to just keep the chat to a thanks and move on. I did also notice different treatment of guests on the night that I think struck a chord with a few people. It was a Thursday night, relatively quiet and I assume everyone was there for a special occasion of some sort. One guest was openly sung happy birthday as their dessert was dropped off. But then another guest was not - he made a comment about it and was quickly told happy birthday but a waitress but nothing further. Another table also made a comment about it being a guests birthday, and he was then brought out dessert and sung happy birthday. Upon our booking we made mention of it being a birthday and left a note, but nothing special was done for our table. I know it seems silly but I think - if done for some, then do for all - especially if you’re asking upon the booking if it’s a special occasion. Just made people a bit uncomfortable I think.

We were invited by our daughter and her husband to this amazing place, and wow—it was such a great experience. We didn’t even look at the menu or the prices; my daughter ordered a mix of starters and mains for us to share. Every single dish was delicious—each had its own flavor, delicate yet full of taste. It was truly a pleasure for the palate. I was honestly surprised to find such a gem of a restaurant in such a small spot on the peninsula. Totally recommended—even the dessert was outstanding: delicate, flavorful, and just excellent. An incredible experience overall. If you get the chance, go and treat yourself—you won’t regret it!

Had a lovely lunch here at the Rocks. Scallops, Lobster, Oysters, Mussels were all fresh and tasty. Chips were a hit. Staff service was outstanding and friendly. View and atmosphere made the day perfect. Thank you!

During our journey through the Mornington Peninsula, my friend and I stumbled upon a hidden gem of a restaurant that truly surprised us. Nestled in a serene setting, the place is surrounded by the freshness of nature, with soft sunlight streaming through the windows and a gentle sea breeze drifting in — a sense of calm washes over you the moment you step inside. The food was fresh and abundant, each dish carrying the essence of nature combined with the chef’s artistry, slowly awakening the palate with layers of flavor. The service was warm and attentive, with every detail showing care, and the unhurried pace allowed us to let go of the day’s fatigue. That dinner was more than just a feast for the senses — it felt like a moment of peace for the soul. With laughter, fine food, and beautiful scenery intertwined, it became one of the warmest and most cherished memories of our trip. I’ll definitely be coming back!