Rare Hare - Mornington Peninsula

Rare Hare understands the market and this is reflected in the patronage. The casual lunch provides a good range of dishes at a reasonable price and with good service. The atmosphere is good and this has a good vibe to it. This was the second vsisit and I was not disappointed

A family member noticed this vineyard while on a drive and talked me into giving it a go over the school holidays. They don't take bookings for groups under 8 (there were 3 of us) so I was a bit concerned about the almost 2 hour drive in case we missed out. We arrived at around 12:30pm which was too late for a great seat by the windows overlooking the vineyard, but managed to get 3 seats at the end of a table (It is all shared table dining). If filled up pretty quickly though, so would have had to wait for a table if we arrived much later. Once there - everything was excellent! We shared some salami and breads for starters, and then had a couple of mains and some shared plates to follow. Most of the dishes are for sharing, but there are a couple of larger meat dishes if you prefer. I highly recommend the beef cheeks (the meat just melted in your mouth) and cast aside all of your childhood memories of brussel sprouts, and give them a go. They were superb. The service was efficient and friendly without being intrusive, the drink list was fantastic, and of course the views are magnificent. This was a brilliant experience - well worth a weekend drive.

I lunched yesterday at Rare Hare with three friends. Luckily we got there by noon as it soon was packed out, mostly with young people. The menu could best be described as "grazing" on bite sized portions - even if you choose a "main" course, that is literally a mouthful each between four people. But most of our selections were very tasty, if very small. My first choice of dessert was unavailable but my second choice, pannacotta, was absolutely out of this world. All the staff were friendly and smiling especially our waiter, Jack. If you want an intimate meal and chat don't go near the place as one sits at long tables so can have perfect strangers either side. The noise level is abominable and in spite of all the money that has been spent, nobody appears to have thought of getting advice from an acoustics expert about using sound absorbing materials. Why do nearly all restaurants make this mistake.? It certainly puts off older people even if the young ones don't mind screaming at each other. But the place is interesting and different and I wish them well.

Really enjoyed our first trip to Rare Hare. The tables are share style which can be a little encroaching but the place was bustling and people seemed happy which is helped by friendly and efficient service. The beef cheeks were fabulous and the roasted pumpkin with goats curd and pomegranate was also excellent. To finish the honey and vanilla pannacotta with sesame crips and honeycomb was a favourite.The restaurant had a welcome enclosed fire and a lovely view over the Willow Creek vineyards and has the amazing Jackalope statue just outside. All in all it was well worth the trip.

Amazing Fresh local Fireplace a plus in winter Cozy Beautiful green views Wine cellar Very happy customers this 6 Aug 2017 lunch we had plus vino sparkling