If you are searching for a place that blends nature, food, and fine dining, Moonah Restaurant is the answer. Nestled in Connewarre, Victoria, this intimate 12-seat restaurant has gained recognition for its thoughtful, nature-inspired meals. Unlike many busy eateries, this spot offers a quiet and personal dining experience that food lovers across Australia are starting to talk about.
Before we dive into what makes this dining space special, let’s quickly mention a nearby food favorite. If you’re into Italian flavors, the Leonardo’s Pizza Palace Menu is worth checking out. But if you crave something more natural, earthy, and rooted in the land, then Moonah is where your journey should begin.
What is Moonah Restaurant?
Moonah is a fine dining venue located at 95 Minya Lane, Connewarre, Victoria. It is close to Geelong and just a short drive from the Bellarine Peninsula. The restaurant is run by chef Tobin Kent, who built his reputation by creating menus inspired by nature, foraging, and sustainability.
This is not a place where you walk in for a quick bite. It is a carefully designed tasting experience, serving a multi-course meal that changes regularly. The food served here is local, seasonal, and grown either in the kitchen garden or foraged from nearby wetlands.
The Atmosphere at Moonah Restaurant
The first thing you’ll notice about Moonah is its peaceful setting. The dining room overlooks a billabong, creating a view that is as calming as it is beautiful. The space is designed for just 12 guests, making the experience very personal.
Here, the staff explain every dish with care. Each plate is prepared to match the seasons, and the ingredients are presented with simplicity and elegance. Whether it’s local seafood or native herbs, everything is used thoughtfully.
The Delightful Menu
The menu at Moonah changes often. It follows the rhythm of nature, so you never eat the same thing twice unless you visit during the same season. The focus is always on fresh, wild, and regional ingredients.
The restaurant offers a set degustation menu, which usually includes 7 to 10 courses. You can also choose to have a wine pairing or try non-alcoholic beverages sourced from local makers.
Angasi Oyster with Parsnip Purée and Yuzu Agrumato
The Angasi oyster bursts with freshness and creamy parsnip richness. Yuzu agrumato adds a bright, citrus twist.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish | Angasi Oyster with Parsnip Purée and Yuzu Agrumato |
| Description | Fresh oyster with creamy parsnip and citrusy yuzu agrumato |
| Price (AUD) | $18 |
Midnight Pearl Potato Crisps with Gum Leaf Gin
These crisp potato chips come with a herb-scented gin and tonic. The flavors are crunchy, earthy, and refreshing.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish | Midnight Pearl Potato Crisps with Gum Leaf Gin |
| Description | Crunchy potato chips served with herb-scented gin |
| Price (AUD) | $12 |
Mussel Broth with Sparkling Wine
A light mussel broth brings out sea-sweetness in a delicate way. The touch of sparkling wine brightens the dish.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish | Mussel Broth with Sparkling Wine |
| Description | Light seafood broth with a hint of sparkling wine |
| Price (AUD) | $22 |
Farmhouse Cheese Nugget
A speckled-fried bite with a crunchy shell and creamy cheese center. It’s rich, savory, and deeply satisfying.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish | Farmhouse Cheese Nugget |
| Description | Fried cheese nugget with a crunchy crust and creamy center |
| Price (AUD) | $10 |
Grilled Calamari with Lime and Seawater Emulsion
Tender calamari is balanced with a zesty, salty emulsion. The result is fresh, oceanic, and vibrant.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish | Grilled Calamari with Lime and Seawater Emulsion |
| Description | Tender calamari with zesty lime and sea emulsion |
| Price (AUD) | $24 |
Southern Rock Lobster with Green Garlic & Geraldton Wax
Sweet lobster meat shines in a bright, garlicky dip. Geraldton wax adds a unique citrusy perfume.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish | Southern Rock Lobster with Green Garlic & Geraldton Wax |
| Description | Sweet lobster paired with garlic and citrus sauce |
| Price (AUD) | $38 |
Confit Beetroot with Salmon Roe and Finger Lime
Earthy beetroot meets salty roe and zingy lime pearls. A colorful dish full of texture and surprise.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish | Confit Beetroot with Salmon Roe and Finger Lime |
| Description | Earthy beetroot with salty roe and lime pearls |
| Price (AUD) | $16 |
Luderick Fillet Glazed in Seafood Butter
This fillet is buttery, rich, and perfectly cooked. Simple garnish lets the fish flavor lead.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish | Luderick Fillet Glazed in Seafood Butter |
| Description | Buttery fish fillet served with subtle floral garnish |
| Price (AUD) | \$28 |
Cured Berkshire Pork with Wild Plum Chutney
Tender pork is enhanced by tangy, seasonal chutney. The blend is savory, sweet, and elegant.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish | Cured Berkshire Pork with Wild Plum Chutney |
| Description | Savory pork paired with tangy plum chutney |
| Price (AUD) | $26 |
Dry-Aged Duck Paired with Syrah
Juicy duck meat is matched with a smooth syrah wine. A luxurious course with deep flavors.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish | Dry-Aged Duck Paired with Syrah |
| Description | Juicy duck served alongside a smooth syrah |
| Price (AUD) | $34 |
Granny Smith Apple Mess with Sourdough and Lemon
A tart and sweet finale with crisp apples and creamy layers. Sourdough adds crunch and texture.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish | Dry-Aged Duck Paired with Syrah |
| Description | Juicy duck served alongside a smooth syrah |
| Price (AUD) | $34 |
Walnut Cake with Jerusalem Artichoke Caramel
This dessert offers nutty comfort and creamy sweetness. Artichoke caramel adds an earthy touch.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish | Walnut Cake with Jerusalem Artichoke Caramel |
| Description | Nutty cake topped with earthy caramel and cream |
| Price (AUD) | $15 |
A Chef-Led Philosophy
Chef Tobin Kent is known for his farm-to-table approach. Every part of the meal—from the vegetables to the garnishes—is handled with care. He believes in simple cooking methods that highlight the flavors of the ingredients.
In fact, the kitchen team often spends the morning foraging or harvesting ingredients. That personal connection to the land can be felt in each bite of food.
The restaurant does not rely on imported items. Instead, it builds a menu using what nature gives. That makes Moonah stand out in today’s food world.
Recent Recognition and Challenges
In early 2025, Moonah Restaurant was in the news—not just for its food, but for its troubling workplace culture issues. Allegations of bullying and misconduct were raised by former staff. As a result, the Australian Good Food Guide pulled back its awards from the venue.
Despite this controversy, many regular guests still praise the food and the setting. The restaurant is reportedly addressing the concerns internally.
So, if you’re planning a visit, it’s good to read recent reviews and decide based on your own values.
Comparison With Nearby Fine Dining Options
If you’re exploring the food scene around Victoria, you might also come across Hellenika at The Calile Menu, a top choice for lovers of Greek cuisine in Brisbane. While Hellenika brings Mediterranean charm, Moonah brings something entirely different—a quiet, deep connection with Australian ingredients and land.
Where Hellenika is bustling and stylish, Moonah is quiet and reflective. Both have their merits, but they cater to different dining moods and styles.
Opening Closing
Here’s what I found regarding the opening, closing, and delivery timing for Moonah in Connewarre:
| Day | Opening Hours | Delivery / Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Friday – Saturday | 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM | None |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (some sources say until 6:00 PM) | None |
| Monday – Thursday | Closed | None |
Location of Moonah
Here are the location details for Moonah, presented as a simple list of names and places:
- Moonah Restaurant — 95 Minya Lane, Connewarre, Victoria, Australia
- The Minya Vineyard and Winery — the surrounding estate where Moonah is nestled
- Connewarre, VIC 3227 — the coastal locality in which Moonah is located
How to Book and What to Expect
Moonah accepts bookings online through their website or Instagram. Because it has only 12 seats, reservations must be made well in advance.
Here’s what you should know before booking:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 95 Minya Lane, Connewarre, VIC |
| Seating | 12 guests only |
| Meal Type | Seasonal tasting menu |
| Cost | Around $230–$270 per person |
| Beverage Pairing | Optional, regional wines & non-alcoholic options |
There is no walk-in option due to the exclusive nature of the space. Arrive on time, and be ready to spend 2 to 3 hours savoring your meal.
Owners
Here is a list of individuals associated with the ownership and operation of Moonah:
- Tobin Kent — Chef‑owner and operator of Moonah located in Connewarre, Victoria. He leads the restaurant’s culinary vision, sourcing produce from the kitchen garden and nearby wetlands.
- Jeff Dans and Sue Dans — Founders of the Minya Vineyard & Winery estate on which Moonah sits. While they own the vineyard property, the restaurant itself is owned and run by Tobin Kent.
Customer Reviews
Here are a few customer names from Google reviews of Moonah in Connewarre, along with a brief snippet of their experience:
- “Moonah is always a fantastic experience… a real gem that everyone should experience at least once.”
- “What truly made this visit unbearable was the appalling behavior of the owner… hostile and racially charged atmosphere.”
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for more than just a meal—something close to a spiritual food experience—then Moonah Restaurant might be the right place. With a focus on nature, clean flavors, and storytelling through food, it captures what fine dining should feel like.
Yes, the recent workplace issues have cast a shadow. But the heart of Moonah remains strong: a love for nature, for flavor, and for slowing down in a fast-paced world.
Whether you are a visitor to Victoria or a local foodie, it is worth putting this restaurant on your culinary map. You may come for the food, but you’ll stay for the connection to the land and the peaceful dining atmosphere.
