Moonah: A Hidden Fine-Dining Sanctuary on the Coast

Tucked away in Connewarre—a serene coastal pocket between Barwon Heads and Torquay, just 90 minutes from Melbourne—Moonah is the kind of restaurant that flies under the radar but quickly becomes unforgettable.

Opened quietly in late 2020, this 12-seat fine diner has cultivated a devoted following. With a strict cap of four guests per group, bookings are limited and highly sought-after. Reservations open monthly—for dates three months ahead—and tend to vanish just as quickly.

A Chef’s Personal Canvas

Moonah is the passion project of Tobin Kent, whose pedigree includes time at acclaimed Brae. Here, Kent channels that same commitment to seasonal nuance, native ingredients, and elegant restraint into a set menu that evolves with the landscape.

You might encounter dishes like:

• Hand-dived sea urchin paired with preserved orange and midnight pearl potatoes

• Crayfish tartare with fermented tomatillo and roasted kakai pumpkin seeds

• 21-day dry-aged Great Ocean duck, served with salt-marsh herbs and greens

• Or a finish of walnut ice cream with wild apples and saltbush

Every course reflects Kent’s refined, deeply thoughtful approach to regional Australian produce.

Dining with a View

Set against a backdrop of native bushland and a glassy billabong, the experience at Moonah is quietly luxurious, designed to feel both immersive and deeply personal. There’s no pomp—just precise, poetic food in a natural setting that asks you to slow down and savour.