Martha's Table: Mornington Peninsula waterfront restaurant makes waves as listed for sale
A world away from Martha’s Vineyard – the celeb-studded summer retreat off Cape Cod – Mornington Peninsula’s best-kept secret, Martha’s Table, serves up an ever-changing menu that wouldn’t be out of place among the US island’s elite.
Just over an hour’s drive from the Melbourne CBD but close to local vineyards and showcasing a backdrop of luxury yachts from your table, this waterfront culinary destination has received rave reviews for its dry-aged Aylesbury duck, wagyu steak, lobster waffle, tuna tartare and a parfait dessert.
Much like the understated US holiday spot favoured by the Obamas and Clintons, Martha’s Table – overlooking the Martha Cove Marina – presents a slow coastal living vibe, blending seafood, turquoise waters, and quiet premium sophistication.
Following a $4 million high-end fit out blending a marine colour scheme with rattan and timber to create four separate areas – a Mediterranean-style restaurant, cafe, bar, and cellar, plus an outdoor balcony overlooking the marina – the venue is now turning over $3 million a year, a sum new investors will be able to capitalise on immediately.
Sourcing ingredients from some of the region’s best farmers, producers and wineries, the 604-square-metre venue, being offered to the market at an undisclosed price by financial services firm Balmain Group, is stirring up “an extraordinary level of enquiry”.
Martha’s Table at 5 Waterfront Place, Safety Beach, is for sale via an expressions of interest campaign with listing agent James Gregson, of James Gregson Commercial.
Nearly 80 enquiries from qualified parties have come through within the campaign’s first week, says Gregson, of the site tucked in between seaside locales Mount Martha and Dromana, where a liquor licence for 525 patrons allows good times to roll until 1am.
“This overwhelming response underscores the rare quality, prestige, and potential of this offering,” he adds.
“Notably, the calibre of hospitality groups engaging with this opportunity is particularly impressive, including highly successful operators from the peninsula region, central Melbourne and a raft from interstate.
“Given this exceptional traction, we anticipate a competitive sale process culminating in a transaction with a top-tier hospitality professional or group.”
Martha’s Table is tucked into the luxurious Martha Cove development in Safety Beach, a short drive from wineries, spa retreats and prestigious golf courses.
The coastal development offers waterfront homes and architecturally stunning apartments by Fender Katsalidis, called The Wheelhouse, nearing completion.
At its heart lies the deep-water marina, complemented by world-class boat yard and ramp facilities, home to some 600 berthed vessels.
Looking ahead, the precinct is set to expand over the next two to five years with the addition of a supermarket, a medical hub, a marina village, and a vibrant lifestyle retail strip, further enhancing its appeal as a bayside destination.
This future population growth is set to provide “massive uplift in the short term and long term”, says Gregson.
Home to both permanent residents and holidaymakers, the Marina Cove and wider Safety Beach area offers a relaxed yet refined coastal vibe.
Safety Beach sits within a protected cove, making it a peaceful and family-friendly destination with a shoreline stretching 2.7 kilometres, particularly well-suited for young children thanks to its shallow waters.
The property is being sold via expressions of interest, closing on August 27.
