chefs of the mornington Peninsula

Julian Hill is not strictly a chef from the Mornington Peninsula. The award-winning chef owns Navi in Yarraville, an intimate set-menu restaurant booked out months in advance. Although based in a quiet strip in historic Yarraville in Melbourne’s west, Navi—and its chef—have strong ties to the Peninsula.

Julian was head chef at Paringa Estate in Red Hill South from 2011 to 2017. Living by the beach at Merricks, he spent his days foraging for native bush foods, wild fruits and fungi, and buying produce direct from local farmers. At the winery restaurant he cooked a seasonal, locally driven menu that reflected the Peninsula’s bounty.

Today he continues those relationships—not only with growers and producers, but with the land itself.

“When you walk from Bushrangers Bay through Green’s Bush to Main Ridge, you get a real feel for the Peninsula,” says Julian. “From the rugged coast and prevailing winds, to the sandy soils of the lower half where the market gardens are, to the rich volcanic soils of Main Ridge and Red Hill.”

Julian still makes regular treks to visit his favourite producers such as Main Ridge Dairy, Daniel’s Run (tomatoes) and Rocky Creek Strawberries, as well as tending a kitchen garden at Main Ridge with property owner Mary.

This winter his supplementary cheese course features whipped chèvre and capriole from Main Ridge Dairy, paired with tamarillo from his garden, chocolate and prune, whey, and a miso-honey meringue. Sweet, sour, savoury—and utterly delicious.