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The Restaurant at Montalto has once again been recognised among Victoria’s finest, receiving One Hat in The Age Good Food Guide 2026 - marking 22 consecutive years of this prestigious honour.
"A legacy estate powered by a substantial kitchen garden.
This Mornington Peninsula grand dame has wowed vinophiles since opening in 2002, but its sphere of influence encompasses a broad demographic – parents sipping wine while their children play on the lawn, multi-generational families celebrating milestones, and young couples dipping their toe into fine dining.
It’s a safe space on that front, with an assured set menu of 10-odd dishes based on the crowd-pleasing flavours of French-Med classicism. There’s nothing more approachable than the carby comfort of a potato doughnut with goats’ curd and a drizzle of estate honey. Hearty pork loin off the redgum-fired grill and accompanying brassicas with creamy taramasalata go straight for the flavour jugular.
A crack team of staff oversees the modern glass and timber dining room overlooking the vines and sculpture trail, while the estate’s friendliness extends to gardeners happy to conduct impromptu tours of the vast kitchen plot.
Best for: A long lunch followed by an exploratory walk along the sculpture trail."
It’s a moment of pride for the entire estate, from the kitchen and gardens to the cellar and front-of-house team, and a celebration of the people, produce and philosophy that have defined Montalto for more than two decades.
“Every Hat represents the hard work of so many people, season after season,” says John Mitchell, Montalto’s Owner. “To receive this recognition for the twenty-second year running is something we’re immensely proud of - it speaks to the consistency, creativity and care that have always underpinned everything we do.”
At Montalto, excellence begins in the soil. Each dish at The Restaurant tells the story of the estate’s three-acre kitchen gardens under the stewardship of Produce Manager Julie Bennett, the fruit from the surrounding vines, and the rhythms of the Mornington Peninsula’s changing seasons.
Under Head Chef Adam Johnston, the menu continues to evolve with a light, elegant touch that celebrates provenance without pretence.
Adam’s estate-to-plate philosophy honours the day’s best from the gardens - heirloom vegetables, just-picked herbs, and orchard fruit - alongside sustainably sourced seafood and premium local meats, all paired with the award-winning Montalto wines that define the region’s style.
“The connection of place and people provides a natural habitat for creativity and inspiration. This award recognises the beautiful outcomes that can arise from this connection”. says Heidi Williams, Montalto’s Director. “Adam’s food captures what makes the Mornington Peninsula, and our home patch within it, so special - it’s thoughtful, seasonal and deeply connected to the land around us. We’re incredibly proud of how our team brings that story to life every day.”
Adam Johnston joined Montalto after two decades working across Australia and the United Kingdom, where he earned a reputation for refined, produce-driven cooking that champions local growers.
At Montalto, he’s found a natural home - a kitchen surrounded by the very ingredients it celebrates. His menus are shaped by the day’s harvest, complemented by Montalto’s signature estate olive oil, honey, and herbs grown just metres from the pass.
“Working here means cooking with a true sense of place,” Adam says. “The gardens are part of the kitchen, the vines are part of the menu, and every plate reflects the collaboration of everyone on the estate. This Hat belongs to the whole Montalto family.”
As the days lengthen and the vines turn green, Montalto enters its most vibrant season. From Friday 1 December 2025, The Restaurant opens across extended summer hours, with seasonal set menus designed to capture the best of the estate’s produce and regional bounty.
Guests can expect thoughtfully paced long lunches that move effortlessly from glass to glass, course to course, surrounded by views of vines, sculpture and gardens.
Across the estate, The Piazza offers a more relaxed experience - a sun-soaked space for wood-fired pizzas, shared plates and crisp glasses of Montalto Pinot Grigio or Rosé enjoyed overlooking the vines.
And for those seeking something truly timeless, Montalto’s Private Picnics continue at six private sites with three-course menus, white linen tables and secluded vineyard settings - a tradition that continues to define the estate’s signature hospitality.
From Saturday 27 December 2025 to Saturday 7 March 2026, Montalto’s beloved Twilight season returns - a series of unhurried Saturday evenings that capture the essence of a Peninsula summer.
In The Restaurant, Twilight unfolds as a four-course experience ($130pp) led by Adam Johnston and his team. Dishes are paired with Montalto’s acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as the light fades over the ridge and the vines glow gold.
Meanwhile, The Piazza at Twilight brings a relaxed charm to the evening, with bookable tables, shared plates, and Happy Hour specials to enjoy as the sun dips behind the vines.
For those seeking a private celebration, Twilight Picnics return each Saturday - a secluded, linen-dressed table for two, complete with a bottle of Montalto wine and a menu prepared just for the occasion.
“Twilight is when the estate feels most alive,” says Luke Gooley, General Manager – Operations. “There’s a magic in seeing guests unwind as the light changes. After a day exploring the Peninsula, Montalto becomes the place where time slows - where you can just be present, surrounded by incredible food, wine and landscape.”
As the festive season approaches, Montalto’s group dining and end-of-year celebration packages are already filling fast.
Whether it’s a team event, milestone birthday, or intimate family gathering, Montalto offers a range of bespoke experiences designed to make every celebration unforgettable.
Choose from:
Contemporary Canapé packages for elegant, stand-up affairs
Stand & Savour options blending shared mains with relaxed service
Meet The Chef - a bespoke dining experience curated with Head Chef Adam Johnston
Garden Room celebrations for up to 40 guests overlooking the kitchen gardens
Each package combines exceptional food, award-winning wines and the kind of warm, considered hospitality that Montalto is known for.
“Our guests often tell us that Montalto has become part of their life’s celebrations - engagements, anniversaries, company milestones,” says Heidi Williams. “That’s the greatest compliment of all. These new packages are designed to make those moments even more special.”
For Montalto, the One Hat recognition from The Age Good Food Guide 2026 is more than an award - it’s a testament to two decades of staying true to a vision: seasonal cooking, estate-grown produce, and genuine hospitality.
“This honour belongs to everyone who walks through our doors - the guests who support us, the growers who inspire us, and the team who bring it all to life,” says John Mitchell. “We’ve always believed that success comes from connection - to people, to place, and to purpose. That belief has guided us every step of the way.”
As the estate moves into another summer season, the team looks forward to welcoming guests old and new - to celebrate, dine, and experience the very best of the Mornington Peninsula.
The Restaurant at Montalto
Seasonal set menus celebrating estate-grown produce.
BOOK NOW
The Piazza
Wood-fired pizzas, shared plates and relaxed vineyard dining.
Private Picnics
Secluded sites, white-linen tables, and three-course menus.
BOOK NOW
Twilight 2025/2026
Saturday evenings from 27th December 2025 – 7th March 2026
BOOK NOW
“Twenty-two years of recognition in The Age Good Food Guide is an incredible milestone,” says Luke Gooley. “But what matters most is what it represents - the trust of our guests, the dedication of our team, and the beauty of the place we’re lucky enough to call home. We couldn’t be prouder.”
So whether you’re planning a Twilight evening, a long summer lunch, or an end-of-year celebration, this season is the perfect time to experience why Montalto remains one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most awarded and beloved destinations.
