Frankston, a bayside suburb often overlooked in Melbourne’s dining scene, is experiencing a culinary transformation. At the heart of this change is the upcoming opening of Roccella Lido, a 250-seat Italian restaurant and function space set to debut at the Frankston Yacht Club by the end of the year. This new addition is part of a broader wave of dining innovations that are reshaping the local hospitality landscape.
The Roccella Group, known for its successful venues in East Melbourne and Bundoora, will be the first long-term tenant on the upper level of the yacht club, which has struggled to establish a strong hospitality presence since its construction in 2016. Chef Francesco Crifo of Roccella Group expressed optimism about the move, stating, “We saw an opportunity because Frankston has changed a lot. And it keeps changing and improving.”
Frankston’s Culinary Evolution
The announcement of Roccella Lido comes amidst a flurry of activity in Frankston’s dining scene. The suburb has seen a series of pub renovations, the opening of a large Moondog Craft Brewery venue, and a burgeoning specialty coffee culture. These developments are helping to shed Frankston’s once-maligned reputation.
Crifo and his business partner, Bruno Ceraso, are relocating from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs to the Mornington Peninsula to integrate with the local community. Crifo, originally from Sicily, is particularly excited about the waterfront location, noting, “I grew up on the beach, so for me it’s like going back home.” The restaurant’s design will feature a Sicilian coastal color palette, a large indoor lemon tree, and a function room with beach views.
The Menu and Unique Offerings
The menu at Roccella Lido will mirror that of its East Melbourne counterpart, which has gained a reputation for its southern Italian specialties and Coeliac Australia accredited, gluten-free pizza bases. Signature dishes such as rustic peperonata and casarecce pasta with seafood will be featured. Crifo hinted at the possibility of a special “Frankston only” dish but emphasized the importance of sticking with proven classics for now.
Construction on Roccella Lido is set to begin in April, with an anticipated opening in August. Meanwhile, Crifo and Ceraso are also preparing to open another restaurant, Roccella Dromana, at the Dromana Hub shopping center, slated for an October opening following a three-month fit-out.
Exploring Frankston’s New Dining Hotspots
Beyond Roccella Lido, Frankston offers a variety of new and exciting dining options. Hotel Lona, a historic pub renovated by Mel and Charles Sedgley, now boasts a leafy rooftop cocktail bar and private dining areas. The venue hosts music and DJs on weekends, and its rooftop is home to Playne and Butter by Lona, a brunch spot offering dishes like ricotta hotcakes and Bloody Marys.
Commonfolk Coffee, a local favorite, recently relocated to a spacious new location on Playne Street and won The Age Good Food Guide’s Cafe of the Year award. Its menu includes enticing options like raspberry coco granola and honey halloumi bowls.
Project One cafe on the Nepean Highway has quickly become known for its specialty coffee and lunchtime fare, including halloumi and chorizo toasties. For those craving fried chicken, Tendernest Fried Chicken offers a variety of options from its location beside the Ampol service station on McMahons Road.
Frankston’s Nightlife and Beyond
For those seeking nightlife, Hotel Paradiso offers pizza, craft beer, and cocktails, with live DJ vinyl sets on weekends. Young Street Tavern features live music, while Moon Dog Beach Club boasts four bars and a large balcony beer garden.
The Waterfront Kiosk, a pop-up on the Frankston foreshore, serves beach essentials like ice-cream and coffee. Asian fusion restaurant Bang Bang is also making its mark, operating out of The Hop Shop until its permanent location on Playne Street is ready.
Frankston’s dining renaissance is a testament to the suburb’s evolving identity and growing appeal, drawing both locals and visitors to explore its diverse culinary offerings.
