Why Phillip Island should be on your Australian bucket list
Whether you are a nature lover, self proclaimed wine connoisseur or someone who bases their travel plans around where the best swell is, Phillip Island has a lot to offer those lucky enough to visit the area. Discover the must visit restaurants and wineries in Phillip Island, things to do in Phillip Island if you are a proud foodie and some of the Island’s impressive cuisines that are available.
The best places to eat in Phillip Island
1. Wooli Tavern
At the top of your visit list should be the family friendly and pet friendly Wooli Tavern. The locals know that Wooli Tavern is the place to go for affordable and delicious tavern-style meals, with added modern dishes. Whether you’re a seafood lover or love a good pub feed you can expect to find options on the menu such as your classic chicken parmigiana, beef and vegan burger options as well as a dessert menu guaranteed to please. If you are a wine lover the Wooli Taverns wine menu offers local wines, as well as international favourites. One of our personal favourite red wines on the menu is the medium-bodied 2018 Lightfoot Shiraz Cabernet Merlot from the local Gippsland region.
Depending on when you visit the Wooli Tavern, every weekend there is live entertainment which you and your travel companions can enjoy dancing the night away. Maybe you’re not overly keen on dancing in front of strangers, but are known by your friends as the King or Queen of the pool table. What better way to impress your travel buddies than a friendly game of healthily competitive pool while you’re visiting the Wooli Tavern.
2. Rusty Water Brewery
The Rusty Water Brewery is renowned for their internationally trained chefs. The menu, which has the option to dine in or to enjoy in your camper with a great sunset, is curated to showcase the freshest locally sourced products and ingredients. Complementing the seasonal menu is an award-winning wine list as well as some of the best hand-crafted ales. We promise you will be very happy with the selection of pasta dishes, pub classics, awesome kid friendly food options and mouth watering desserts menus.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
3. Phillip Island Winery
Phillip Island Winery is an absolute must visit while exploring Phillip Island. Phillip Island is one of the premier wine regions in Victoria and this winery is sure to exceed expectations. The winery boasts an impressive seasonal menu and offers wine tastings, winery tours, and live entertainment. What makes Phillip Island Winery unique is that after you finish your wine tasting, you can enjoy lawn games while your food is being prepared.
You can expect to indulge in the region's freshest produce. Whether that be the catch of the day, ordering a grazing board or the wineries famous Prom Country Cheese Board to share with your loved ones, the ever-changing menu will be sure to have you wanting to plan another visit back to this wonderful winery before leaving Phillip Island.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
4. Youki's
Are you a lover of Japanese cuisine? Youki’s is an authentic Japanese restaurant located in the main street of Cowes. Youki’s offers fresh sushi and sashimi which is made fresh every day. What better way to compliment the authentic Japanese dishes than with a favourite Japanese beer and hot sake of choice. On offer is an assortment of unique and delicious vegetarian dishes, as well as Youki’s standout famous shared platters known as the ‘party platter’. These are great options for those of you who are interested in sharing and trying out a variety of items from the menu.
5. Pino’s Trattoria
Do you adore all things Italian? Pino’s Trattoria has created the perfect menu showcasing Italian cuisine and the perfect local and international wine pairings for each dish.The beautifully presented restaurant and ambiance will make you feel as if you have been transported to Italy. Located in the heart of Cowes main street you will find the region's best-known family-owned Italian restaurant Pino’s Trattoria. The restaurant boasts a true italian experience for its patrons with a passionate demonstration of homage to all things italian. The menu includes an endless array of all the best dishes italian cuisine has to offer.
6. Saltwater
For those of you who adore fresh seafood, Saltwater combines a love of the ocean with quality local produce. Located on the jetty at Beach Crescent, Newhaven Saltwater offers impressive waterfront views to those dining at this stunning location. While visiting you will be able to enjoy a front row seat to gaze over Westernport Bay and the Phillip Island bridge while you sink your teeth into your favourite dishes. The restaurant is renowned for its great customer service and promises to offer high quality food options and beverages consistently to their customers.
7. Bani’s Restaurant & Bar
Another locals favourite is the modern Greek restaurant Bani’s renowned for their authentic Greek cuisine made with fresh local produce. If you are travelling with others, the seafood and meat platters have been thoughtfully constructed to include a variety of options from the menu which are perfect for those of you who like to share. While dining at Bani’s you can expect to enjoy views of the picturesque Western Port Bay.
We recommend starting off your dining experience with a serving of olives and house made dips, followed by one of the moussaka main dishes with a side of posh chips. For those of you with a sweet tooth it would be rude not to end your date with one of Bani’s delicious desserts! You can expect to tantalise your tastebuds with dessert dishes such as galaktoboureko, dark chocolate mousse or baklava.
8. Grenache
Grenache is a beloved drinking establishment based in Cowes, and is best known for the impressive local and international wine list that is on offer. If your drink of choice is gin, you’ll be pleased to find a collection of gin from around the globe available on the Grenache’s menu. The menu is prepared with the freshest local Gippsland ingredients and you can expect to enjoy food that is inspired by Italian, Spanish and Mediterranean traditions.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
9. Purple Hen Winery
Imagine yourself driving your temporary home on wheels down a blissfully quiet country road, surrounded by peaceful farmlands and views of the beautiful shimmering waters overlooking Swan Inlet, Churchill Island and Denne Bight. On your drive you come across a winery smack bang in the middle of this peaceful drive. We’ve found a winery that brings this experience to life - Purple Hen Winery is an absolute must visit while visiting Phillip Island.
The family owned and operated winery provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy beautiful artisan platters specifically curated to pair perfectly with wine tasting. During your visit you can enjoy a full winery experience where you can taste some of the region's premium cool climate wines while enjoying a tour of the winery.
10. Isola Di Capri
This beautifully designed venue, paired with stunning italian food and a modern australian spin is truly an experience that will forever be imprinted in your core memories. Isola Di Capri is renowned for their attention to detail, impeccable customer services all complemented by the coastal views. The restaurant also offers gelato which is made on Phillip Island without artificial colours and flavourings, so you can be sure that you are enjoying the highest quality gelato in town.
Ready to explore the best places to eat in Phillip Island?
We have no doubt that after reading this guide that a visit to Phillip Island is sure to be one of your favourite destinations in Victoria. With our foodie’s guide to Phillip Island you’ll be sure to leave the island after your trip inspired, well fed and grounded by everything Phillip Island has to offer.
If you are feeling ready to start your Phillip Island road trip, do it with maui. You can book your maui motorhome online and then pick it up from any maui branch before starting your journey.