A local’s guide to Frankston

When the sun shines, so does Frankston’s foodie scene – and these lively establishments are the place to go when you need to refuel on a balmy summer’s day.

Located right on the foreshore, Waves on the Beach (2/1N Long Island Dr, Frankston) is casual seaside dining at its best. Our tip? Grab a table on the balcony, order some fresh seafood (the calamari is insanely good) and settle in to admire the panoramic views across Port Phillip Bay.

For a feast you won’t forget, make a beeline for Southside Social (433 Nepean Hwy, Frankston). The large outdoor terrace is the ideal place to chow down on one of the enormous, American-style burgers, which pair best with a side of wings or chilli cheese fries. Be sure to wash it all down with a spiked shake.

For a taste of the Mediterranean in Seaford, there’s no better place to head than Spanish Bar (20 Station St, Seaford). This lovely little spot serves up authentic tapas, enormous pans of paella and jugs of sangria, and if you stop by on a Thursday evening you’ll even be treated to live acoustic flamenco music.

Follow the scent of just-baked pide and ​​gözleme on Wells St and you’ll end up at Parçha (36 Wells St, Frankston), a light, bright Turkish restaurant that has quickly established itself as a Frankston favourite. Sit outside and load up on housemade dips, crispy borek and juicy lamb kofta, then finish with a sweet treat like the chocolate baklava.

With more than 35 years in the culinary and hospo industries, it’s safe to say the family behind Ginseng Restaurant (430 Nepean Hwy, Frankston) know a thing or two about serving up top-notch Asian Fusion fare (the secret? Buying fresh, quality ingredients). Go for the wasabi king prawns and stuffed crab claw, and stay for the Peking duck. 

Prepare for good food, good booze and good vibes at The Deck (2-4 Davey St, Frankston). Located in a heritage-listed building, this gastropub with rooftop bar offers relaxed dining and stellar service, plus foreshore views worth snapping for the ‘gram. Kick on late over the weekend to enjoy live music and guest DJs.

The word ‘vero’ in Italian means true or real, and at Vero Pasta + Wine (4/18-22 Beach St, Frankston), chef and owner Andrea Papapostolou’s goal is to showcase authentic Italian recipes and use only the freshest seasonal ingredients. Expect to find plenty of pasta on the menu, accompanied by local wines from the Mornington Peninsula.

Get your fix of dumplings – both steamed and pan-fried – from the aptly named Cosy and Tasty Dumpling Restaurant (489 Nepean Hwy, Frankston). This small, unassuming eatery specialises in these dainty parcels of deliciousness, with the classic pork dumplings a clear menu highlight. Cosy and Tasty is also part of the newly transformed dining boulevard along the Nepean Hwy, which boasts bespoke parklets for outdoor sessions in summer.

For modern Asian cuisine, JP Willigenburg loves Bang Bang. This Mordialloc favourite has a satellite kitchen at The Hop Shop (26 Playne St, Frankston), and whenever the bar is open patrons can order tasty bites like Japanese fried chicken, sticky beef short ribs and crispy Sichuan eggplant.

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While the award-winning wineries of the nearby Mornington Peninsula are tempting for thirsty visitors to the region, did you know Frankston has its very own Beer and Spirits Trail? There are seven stops on this self-guided journey, and it’s a great way to discover some of the best local brewers and distillers – many of whom are pushing the boundaries of beer or whipping up some pretty experimental concoctions. 

The hops-fuelled action kicks off at Dainton Brewery and Taphouse (560 Frankston-Dandenong Rd, Carrum Downs) in Carrum Downs, and aside from offering some extremely sippable brews, the taphouse also boasts a pooch-friendly beer garden and play area for the kids.

Just down the road in Seaford is the Biersal Brewery and Beerhall (27 Hartnett Dr, Seaford), a family-owned establishment that specialises in German-inspired beers and small batch brewing. Tours are available by arrangement, and you’ll definitely want to check out the 500L beer vessels.

Next up is the only distillery on the trail: JP Willigenburg’s That Spirited Lot Distillers (4/42 Hartnett Dr, Seaford). This ever-growing operation produces a number of classic spirits – including gin, vodka and single malt whisky – as well as a range of fruit-based mixer syrups and tonics. The cellar door is open for tours and tastings on Fridays and Saturdays.

Still in Seaford, Mr Banks Brewing Co (12 High-Tech Pl, Seaford) is all about IPAs, stouts and lagers. According to JP Willigenburg, this is one of the top breweries in Australia. The team here experiment heavily with different adjuncts, fruits and hops varieties, creating quirky bevs that are bursting with fun, fresh and interesting flavours. You’ll definitely be leaving with a few takeaways.

What do you get when a bunch of beer-loving friends decide to get into the brewing business? Frankston Brewhouse (10 New St, Frankston), of course. If you’re looking for somewhere to have a chilled-out sesh, complete with quality craft beer and grazing-style nibbles, this is the place to go.

With more than 18 rotating taps and plenty of cold-stored brews available for purchase, if there’s a beer The Hop Shop (26 Playne St, Frankston) doesn’t have, it’s probably not worth drinking. Located in the very heart of Frankston, this bar-cum-bottleshop has a solid selection of both local and imported booze, plus a curated list of wines, ciders and spirits.

Named in honour of James Squire – Australia’s first brewer – The Cheeky Squire (510 Nepean Hwy, Frankston) is the last spot on the trail and combines quality craft beers with modern pub food to create one epic venue. Park yourself in the beer garden to best enjoy the live music, and be sure to order one of the tasting paddles – with the entire James Squire range on tap, you may just discover your new favourite froff.

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When it comes to quality coffee, the good folk in Frankston aren’t here to muck around. 

With its pink interiors and huge outdoor courtyard, kid-friendly cafe Two Boys One Beagle and a Coffee Shop (59 Kareela Rd, Frankston), is a much-loved local haunt serving up fresh java by Commonfolk (the beans are roasted in nearby Mornington) and lust-worthy baked treats.

Head to 6 Nutrition (6 Thompson St, Frankston) for the St Ali coffee, and stay for the guilt-free goodies like protein pancakes, acai bowls and smoothies – everything on the menu is low sugar, low carbs and super healthy, but you’d never guess it.

Look for the festoon lights and pastel-coloured umbrellas at 48 Norman Ave and you’ll find Mr Frankie Cafe. This cute, family-owned cafe is bringing a slice of Melbourne to Frankston South, serving up Industry Beans coffee and all your brunch staples. It’s also one of JP Willigenburg’s favourite spots – grabbing a drink or a bite to eat here actually kept him “sane” during the pandemic.

Since it opened in late 2012, Eeny Meeny (96 Young St, Frankston) has been a popular spot to grab a cup of Joe. And it’s not just the coffee that’s worth returning for – the staff are lovely, the vibes are relaxed and there’s always something ridiculously tasty on the specials board.

If you ask JP Willigenburg where the absolute best coffee in Frankston is though, he’ll tell you (without hesitation) that it’s at Little Olly’s. This beautifully restored vintage caravan can be found parked at the bottom of Oliver’s Hill, distributing a specialty blend by Prodigal Coffee Roasters. Grab a ham and cheese croissant to really enhance the experience.

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You don’t have to be an art lover to appreciate the magic of McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery (390 McClelland Dr, Langwarrin). Set on 16 hectares of bushland just outside of Frankston, this family-founded public gallery is considered Australia’s pre-eminent open-air arts institution. It boasts an extensive collection of more than 2,600 works, and an ever-changing line-up of exhibitions that focus mostly on modernist art and contemporary spatial practice. Don’t be surprised if you need to plan a couple of return trips to see everything on display.

As the beating heart of the city’s arts and culture scene, the Frankston Arts Centre (Corner Young and Davey St, Frankston) is where much of the creative action takes place. Established in 1995, this enormous performance venue incorporates an 800-seat theatre and five gallery spaces, while the likes of Circus Oz, the Sydney Dance Company and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra have all graced its stage over the years. Whether it’s live music, a local theatre production or community program, this inclusive and accessible centre is the best place to enjoy it all.

Frankston is also spoiled for choice when it comes to natural attractions. Visit the lush George Pentland Botanic Gardens (41N Williams St, Frankston) to immerse yourself in native flora, wander quiet bush tracks in Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve (Jeremy Way, Frankston South) and keep an eye out for wallabies, lizards and echidnas in the Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve (Ballarto Rd, Carrum Downs).

And, of course, the best way to explore the sparkling waterfront is along the Frankston Boardwalk (at the end of Pier Promenade, Frankston). Beginning right near the famous pier (which was built in 1863), the three-metre-wide timber boardwalk is raised to protect the vulnerable dune system. You can walk or cycle the path – which stretches almost ten kilometres and includes the Landmark Bridge (Kananook Creek Blvd, Frankston) – just make sure you take the time to stop and appreciate the spectacular coastal views. 

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Frankston is lucky enough to play host to not one, but two fab markets. Held monthly in the picturesque surrounds of Beauty Park, Little Beauty Market (Spring St, Frankston) celebrates local creators, makers and designers. With more than 100 stalls to browse through, you can pick up anything from vintage clothes and natural skincare, to ceramics, candles and handmade cards. You won’t go hungry, either – there are plenty of delicious things to devour from the many food and coffee carts. 

A bargain hunter’s paradise, Frankston Community Market (79-83 Young St, Frankston) offers a plethora of treasures. Operating every Sunday morning from 8am to 1pm (subject to weather conditions), consider it your go-to for fresh produce, just-cut flowers and general bric-a-brac. A word of advice: arrive early if you don’t miss out on the hot jam doughnuts.

Part retail store, part studio and part art gallery, Frankston Made (3A Shannon St Mall, Frankston) is where you can score sustainable products and one-of-a-kind gifts. With a strict ethical supply chain process, low carbon footprint and focus on supporting local makers, you can shop here with a guilt-free conscience knowing your money is going to a good cause. The team here are also opening Forever Blue cocktail bar in mid-November – nothing like admiring your recent purchase over a Mojito, right?

There are also two main shopping zones: Bayside Centre (28 Beach St, Frankston) and Wells Street Plaza Precinct (Wells St, Frankston). Both situated in the very centre of the city, you’ll find a mix of department stores, big-name brands and boutiques. Food-wise, you’ll want to head to Henry’s Mercato (Shop 152, Bayside Shopping Centre)  for organic groceries, artisan breads and gourmet deli items, while Bayside Fish Market (Shop 206, Bayside Shopping Centre) and The Butcher Club (Shop 151, Bayside Shopping Centre) will cater for all your seafood and meat needs, respectively.

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From March 14-20 Frankston will become a canvas for some of the world’s best street artists as The Big Picture Fest rolls into town. This free event will see 13 new murals added to the city’s already vibrant collection of works, with more laneways and streets to be transformed in an epic spectacle of colour and creativity.

A celebration of Latin culture, Ventana Fiesta is one of Frankston’s most popular annual festivals. Held in February and March, expect the line-up to include dance and music performances, arts and crafts, pop-up foodie events and educational workshops.

The foreshore is set to come alive when the Waterfront Festival hits Frankston on February 19 and 20, with live music, food trucks, market stalls and rides providing a family-friendly, carnival-like atmosphere. Make sure you stick around for the fireworks.

The inaugural South Side Festival will run from May 6-15 across multiple venues and spaces in the city. Not much has been revealed yet, but the diverse program is set to include art, cultural, heritage and food experiences.

As the state reopens, more events are being scheduled, so keep across Discover Frankston for the latest event announcements to mark in your calendar.

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