The Rocks
1 Schnapper Point Drive
Mornington,
Ph. 03 5973 5599

There is a lot to be said for the saying ‘there is a time and place for everything’. The Rocks of Mornington has its place and time – but breakfast is not it. Offering a “unique fresh air dining experience with an absolute waterfront setting” it is worth the visit...for a late lunch or dinner. However as visitors to the area we entrusted the local knowledge of Nancy from the Mornington Peninsula Information Centre and meandered down there for our bacon and egg fix. Just what we needed to gear us up for a day of wine tasting!

Sitting as part of what appears to be Mornington Yacht Club; The Rocks has a great sea-side vibe that slips you into holiday mode before you can say catch-of-the-day. Taking our seat in the undercover veranda area known as ‘The Deck’ we were left for a few minutes wondering if this was table or self service. Once our menu arrived things seemed to kick into action a little more; coffee orders were taken and water put on the table. The local brew of Five Senses Mornington coffee was on offer.

Salivating at the thought of bacon and eggs or some French toast we were a little disappointed to see there was no formal breakfast, let alone brunch menu – apparently this is only found in ‘The Dining Room’ – the formal part of The Rocks, for us it was either a muffin or straight into the salt and pepper squid. It had not yet ticked over 11am and I was struggling to make a decision. Sweet corn and zucchini fritters with thyme and sea salt roasted tomatoes came to my rescue and my male companions thought the Wagyu beef burger sounded like a pretty good compromise to the big breakfast.

Our meals arrived after a good 20 minutes of gazing at row boats, incoming fishing charters and tankers in the horizon. The fritters were deep fried which served well to line my stomach for the day’s activities but they were in dire need of lashings of salt. It was served with a basic salad and some crusty bread. The Wagyu burger was the winner on the day; flavoursome homemade onion chutney, gutsy beef patty without the greasy aftertaste and some corker potato chips on the side. From my opinion it the food was satisfactory, adjective. Giving satisfaction sufficient to meet a demand or requirement; adequate. Had I the chance to view and eat off The Dining Room brunch menu it may have been a different story with the likes of ricotta pancakes with poached peaches and basil ($15), Spanish style baked beans with eggs ($16) and of course the big breakfast ($19) which true to tradition, didn’t adorn one bit of seafood.

The Rocks is not cheap but if you have travelled to the Peninsula because you want to feel like you are at the peninsula then this is the place to be. With seagulls flying over the water, the smell of sea in the air the view works hard to make up for the mediocre cafe that is The Deck at The Rocks.