Dreamer

THE VERDICT

Dreamer, the much-loved Mornington cafe, has opened a second location in Balnarring to give us yet another reason for a trip down the Peninsula. Founders Ben Rosenberg and Melisa Alizzi-Rosenberg have made it their mission to ensure the new cafe embodies everything that earned the original Dreamer its loyal local following. 

The quality shows across every aspect of Dreamer, which makes sense; Ben brings over two decades of hospitality experience, including four years of launching Bluestone Lane into New York City. The interiors across both locations draw on his travels with Mel through Barcelona, Los Angeles, and Byron Bay, but in different styles. Where the Mornington site feels coastal, Balnarring is warm and earthy with stone countertops, terracotta hues, timber details, and sculptural lighting. 

The menu is balanced and well-designed, featuring standouts like Turkish Eggs with pomegranate labneh, chilli oil and dukkah (regulars will recognise this one), an Avocado Tartine with lemon ricotta and basil oil, and a Salmon Tartine with lemon crème fraîche and capers. The Balnarring Plate is a new addition that features a soft-boiled egg, lemon ricotta, pickled onions, avocado, and tomato. Sourdough toasties from local bakery Penny for Pound are the perfect in-between option, with a chicken, avocado, and mustard mayo version alongside a miso mushroom melt. 

When it comes to coffee, Dreamer isn’t beating around the bush. They source beans from Commonfolk, the Peninsula’s very own specialty roaster, and offer all the usual suspects as well as a 12-Hour Cold Brew, bottomless Batch Brew, and an Iced Coconut Foam Coffee that sees a humble iced long black topped with coconut water and coconut cold foam. For something a little different, Dreamer has freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, and specialty drinks like the Spiced Cacao Latte. 

Dreamer is open from Monday to Saturday across both locations, with the Mornington location also open on Sundays.