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Restaurant

The Hidden Kitchen

77a Mathis Ave, Tootgarook VIC 3941, Australia

Recommended by 12 people

Updated

Find The Hidden Kitchen

77a Mathis Ave, Tootgarook VIC 3941, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 4708 4759
HoursMonday: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About The Hidden Kitchen

Tucked into a quiet Tootgarook backstreet, this converted milk bar serves scratch-baked meat pies and flaky pastries away from coastal tourist crowds. Mornington Peninsula road-trippers routinely detour here on their way to the hot springs for beef burgundy pies, potato salad, and house sausage rolls straight from the warmer. Out under the wooden awning, shaded tables offer room for toddlers and dogs while locals pop in for fresh loaves of bread, milk, and thick-cut vanilla slices.

  • Scratch-Baked Pies and Sausage Rolls: Homemade beef burgundy and pepper mushroom pies served alongside crisp, flaky sausage rolls straight from the heated case.
  • Neighbourhood Garden Dining: Quiet suburban backstreet spot with shaded outdoor seating that warmly welcomes dogs and toddlers with play toys.
  • Pantry Staples and Sweet Treats: Retains old milk bar charm with grab-and-go pantry essentials like fresh bread, milk, eggs, and farm butter.
RestaurantCoffeeCafeBakeryRestaurantTakeawaySandwich Shop

What's On at The Hidden Kitchen

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Visit The Hidden Kitchen

Discover why locals and peninsula day-trippers seek out this tucked-away Tootgarook cafe.

  • Artisan Handcrafted Pies and Savories

    Scratch-baked pastries and slow-cooked hot savory pies like beef burgundy and chicken leek anchor the daily warmer cabinet.

    we enjoyed a perfect and flaky sausage roll, the chicken and leek pie

    Ashley Meissner

  • Nostalgic Milk Bar Provisions

    In addition to cafe dining, guests can pick up everyday pantry essentials including fresh bread, butter, milk, and eggs.

    You can also buy butter, bread, milk and eggs. Pastries, pasties and sausage rolls, toasted sandwiches… all delicious.

    Lisa Bolin

  • Natural Mornington Peninsula Pitstop

    Conveniently situated just minutes away from Peninsula Hot Springs, offering travelers a restorative morning detour or scenic road trip stop.

    We found this place whilst on our way to the hot springs - and we are so glad that we did!

    Leanne Harper

  • Dog and Family-Friendly Outdoor Setting

    Spacious outdoor seating areas provide an easy, comfortable dining environment for patrons traveling with family and four-legged companions.

    This paw-some spot isn't just about delicious brunch; it's a haven for pets and their humans alike.

    swarnika kumari

  • Quiet Residential Backstreet Hideaway

    Tucked away in Tootgarook's backstreets, creating a peaceful neighborhood oasis removed from crowded beachfront strips.

    A great little oasis in the back streets of Tootgarook.

    Warren Tate Speaker Coach

  • Nostalgic Suburban Neighborhood Vibe

    A vintage converted milk bar atmosphere that blends neighborhood nostalgia with warm, personal hospitality.

    It still has old reminiscence of a milkbar which is very nostalgic.

    Happy Gorilla

Handmade hot pies, savoury pastries, and breakfast favourites

  • Meat Pies

    By far the best expressions of meat pies and sausage rolls I have encountered in the state of Victoria.

    John MacLaren

  • Sausage Roll

    we enjoyed a perfect and flaky sausage roll

    Ashley Meissner

  • Croque Monsieur

    Delightful Croque Monsieur

    Jett Mahmud

  • Brekkie Roll

    My brekkie roll was very tasty. A very nicely done egg with plenty of bacon and some nice chutney.

    Two Sheds

Other favorites

Scratch-baked sweet treats and morning pastries

  • Vanilla Slice

    vanilla slice, they are the best, so tasty

    Louise Baker

  • Almond Croissant

    almond croissant, which was fresh, flaky, and had just the right amount of sweetness

    Haipee Ramgarhia

  • Banana Bread

    Very happy with our choice of Banana bread

    Sinclair Hayes

  • Strawberry Tart

    the stand out was the amazing Strawberry tart

    Elise Mocicka

Beyond the menu

Memorable hospitality details that elevate a visit to Tootgarook's neighbourhood gem

  • Thoughtful Seating for Toddlers

    Staff proactively seat diners with toddlers next to a dedicated play table stocked with toys, making family visits seamless.

  • Custom Salad Sampler Offerings

    When a diner cannot decide between side options, staff offer a custom mixed plate featuring a taste of each salad.

  • Attentive Travel Guidance and Care

    Team members share local insider sightseeing tips, including excursion ideas like Cape Schanck Lighthouse, and even call onward venues to help retrieve misplaced bags.

  • Warm Pet Hospitality

    Alongside outdoor dining and QR-code ordering for guests dining with dogs, the kitchen accommodates four-legged companions with dishes like fish.

Before you head over

Practical guidance on timing, seating, and finding this quiet residential spot

  • Arrive early for warm pies

    The popular homemade pies and baked treats can sell out fast, with warmers noticeably clearing out by mid-morning, so arrive early for the best selection.

  • Head to the outdoor garden seating

    The dining room inside is compact, but there is plenty of relaxed seating out the side under the awning that welcomes both pets and families with toddlers.

  • Navigate through the residential backstreets

    Tucked away in the residential backstreets, this former milk bar is easily missed from main roads—set navigation to Mathis Avenue rather than looking on commercial strips.

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