Gods Kitchen

Gods Kitchen occupies a heritage listed former church built in 1876 on Barkly Street in Mornington, part restaurant, part live music venue, and the outdoor areas take dogs. Dinner runs Wednesday to Saturday with late finishes on Fridays and Saturdays, plus a midday-to-6pm Sunday session, so it covers both the long lunch and the loud night out.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas: the front garden courtyard and the back courtyard where much of the live music happens. The rule is the usual one, leashed and close to the table, and the indoor chapel dining room stays people only. Water bowls are not a standing fixture, so bring your own travel bowl. The courtyard suits social dogs, but if yours is sound sensitive, check whether a gig is on before you book.

The vibe

The room itself is the headliner: soaring vaulted ceilings, stained glass and a glassed atrium over the restaurant floor, with a rock and roll streak running through the programming. Original live acts from local musicians play regularly, the cocktail list is taken seriously, and Peninsula wines and craft beers on tap back a social menu of share plates, creative pizzas and burgers with vegetarian options throughout.

Getting there and parking

The address is 53 Barkly Street, Mornington, just off the town centre and an easy drive from Mount Eliza or Dromana. Street parking along Barkly and the surrounding blocks is free, though it tightens up on weekend music nights, so build in a few minutes to park. The esplanade and beaches are minutes away on foot.

Close by with the dogs

Before a long dinner, the Fosters Beach Dog Off Leash Area is the best burn-off nearby, with the Civic Reserve Fenced Dog Park as the inland option. The Dubliner in Mornington and The Winey Cow round out a dog-friendly strip, all collected in the Mornington guide.

Pepsi: check the gig guide first. A chilled Sunday session in the courtyard is the dog-friendly version, while a packed Friday night band room is a different animal for a noise-shy hound.

Book for dinner and say you are bringing a dog so they place you in the courtyard. More across the state is in the Victoria restaurant listings.