Sebastian's Food and Wine

Bek Malherbe has been around the block. Having worked at some of our favourite restaurants and bars in the north – Rumi, St Jude’s, City Wine Shop, Cavallero, Boire and Enoteca Vino Bar – it’s no surprise she’s a bit of a pro. Back in her old stomping ground of Hampton, she’s at the helm of Sebastian’s Food and Wine.

Malherbe has given the beachside cafe a lovely open, modern, beachy design with blue paint, tiles and plenty of natural light. It's a smart but casual all-day eatery in this sandy locale. The inside space is long, with large windows down one side to let lots of light in onto banquettes with stool seating. But out in the courtyard is where you really want to be in the summer months, soaking up the sun and the fresh sea breeze.

The menu, designed by Marilyn & Sons, features big bready sandwiches (poached free-range chicken on fluffy while bread with house-made mayo) and fresh salads (golden fennel, quinoa, orange and mint). From the kitchen, comes a grilled catch-of-the-day, spaghetti with prawns and scallops, Pambula oysters and chunky, fat boy chips. There’s also a kids menu with jaffles, mac and cheese, a mini burger, lemonade icy poles and Ricketts Point ice cream. It’ll take you back to your own summer holiday by the beach.

There’s a local feel here with almost everything from the area (including Malherbe herself). The wine list is short and sharp, with four whites, three reds, a rosé and some beer and cider from just around the corner (True South from Black Rock and 2 Brothers from Moorabbin).

Sitting right at Hampton station along the Sandringham line, this is a pretty peachy place to stop in for breakfast on the way through (bike/train), to grab a sandwich for the beach, a G&T post swim in the afternoon or an early dinner Friday and Saturday.