By Danielle Davey
Fresh air has been proved to make food taste better, and a natural, green environment promotes relaxation and mindfulness. This summer, it’s time to take it outside. On picnic blankets or at picnic tables, handheld nosh or a sit-down meal, here’s a selection of Peninsula venues where you can find a patch of lawn and dine al fresco.
Jack’s Green, Yaringa Harbour
Savour the splendid warmth of seaside afternoons at Yaringa Harbour as The Caravan returns to Jack’s Green, the lawn area next to Cptn Jack’s restaurant. Bring the family and relax in the picnic chairs provided, or bring your own blanket and indulge in the delicious goodies from the charming vintage caravan. Unwind with a bottle of wine and delectable delights while being serenaded by the acoustic sounds of talented local musicians.
Gigi’s Piazza, Red Hill Estate
Red Hill Estate opened its outdoor dining and drinking offering last year in time for the summer months. Gigi’s Piazza, on the lawns of the estate, invites you to enjoy the Italian way of life, with a picnic-style sharing menu and crowd-favourite wines by the glass. There are outdoor lawn games to enjoy, and you can even bring your pup.
Portsea Hotel
The picnic tables in the popular beer garden at Portsea Hotel are highly sought-after in summer. Backing onto Portsea’s front beach, the garden has glittering views over Port Phillip. It’s the best spot to catch up with friends and family, listen to some live music, let the kids run amok on the grass, and make the most of a beautiful Peninsula day.
Trofeo Estate
From noon every Sunday in summer, Trofeo Estate transforms into a vibrant garden celebration. The venue’s Sun, Sets & Sips sessions feature live music, curated wine flights, and an atmosphere of pure seasonal bliss. Reserve your table on the deck or in the garden to guarantee an unparalleled experience of music, food and wine. Bookings are essential for groups of eight or more.
Le Capucin
At Portsea’s beachside French cafe Le Capucin, there’s always a happy holiday feel in the air. Grab a tasty baguette or salad, an OJ or latte on the rocks, and relax on the terrasse or at one of the picnic tables dotting the sprawling lawn next to the cafe. It’s a great location for families and only a short walk from Portsea Pier.
St Andrews Beach Brewery
St Andrews Beach Brewery’s beer garden, with its picnic tables on the lawn, has long been a favourite with families and groups. Now every weekend throughout summer the former racehorse training centre offers another kind of picnic experience. Pick up a ready-made picnic pack from the retail store opposite the beer garden and head to the centre of the nearby orchard where you can spread your picnic blanket beneath leafy green trees and tuck in.
