Generous, home-style food and a rustic and warm atmosphere is what you can expect at Pier Street Kitchen. Just off Dromana’s main drag, this tucked away space has all the comforts of hearty home cooked meals with a touch of the refined.
Owner, John Filiopoulos, has a background in fashion, but knows the ins and outs of cafe life. Pier Street, which started as Dee’s Kitchen, was a dream for John, discussed over negronis and wine with friends more than a decade ago.
Now, years later, Pier Street is a local favourite, serving Middle Eastern style cuisine alongside an extensive wine list, featuring many of our best local vineyards. The kitchen is well known for their Potato and Pumpkin Smash – its been on the menu forever – and looks just as good as it tastes.
The menu is full of crowd pleasers - but they’re not all the usual suspects. Breakfast Bruschetta, Tiropita (filo wrapped baked feta) and the Panzaella Salad are current features. It’s “something different in the area – restaurant quality food for breakfast” says John of the inspiration for each new dish. One item that’s here to stay is the Pier Street Shakshouka - a winner since the beginning, now deemed “The Mornington Peninsula's best.”
“Good food is important to me,” says John, which is obvious as you look at the menu. He’s a Red Hill local, and lover of all things Peninsula, so the majority of the food is made in-house with local produce.
The menu changes quarterly to make the most of seasonal fruit and veg. The Autumn / Winter menu is an ode to honest comfort food. You’ll spot Waffles, Harissa Braised Chicken and a very enviable Beef Burger.
Most days, you’ll see John chatting with locals, making coffee and giving out fashion advice (but you didn’t hear that from us). He credits his love of community and sharing delicious meals to his Greek heritage.
Whilst Melbourne's harsh stage 4 lockdowns in 2020 brought hospitality to a halt, Pier Street Kitchen stayed open for takeaway and the upkeep of general community spirit. “We had to do what we had to do,” says John, and despite the change in operation, it was an “educational experience” for John and the team.
Industrial decor, antique Boston street lamps, mismatched chairs and comfy booth seating, allow Pier Street to feels cozy all year round. Start your morning here after a swim or come in from the cold for the afternoon.
Whether you’re after breakfast, brunch, lunch or mid afternoon wine, Pier Street Kitchen is a must if you’re in Dromana. Drop in and say hello from us, we might even see you there.
