Beacon Cove Pizza - Port Melbourne Railway Station

The first significant railway line in Australia ran from what is now known as Flinders Street station and terminated at Beacon Cove, Port Melbourne. The actual railway station that was the terminus of the line at Station Pier closed in 1987 and was converted to light rail which the 109 tram happily traverses regularly at present. The Port Melbourne railway station itself has been converted for public use and should you want to get your moles checked or get a shot of botox, Dr Tass will be happy to sort you out however if you are keen for some Italian-inspired food or even coffee, next door to the medical centre resides the Beacon Cove Pizza Restaurant & Bar.

The station building is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and once you enter the restaurant you will know that you are experiencing not only a small part of a bygone era where people were more interested in the steam train operating instead of various iProducts running out of steam. High ceilings, chandeliers, comfortable large cushioned chairs make part of this place more of a lounge if anything which is all in the shadow of a large imposing bar where the barkeep invites you to pull up a stool and enjoy the comforts of the demon drink.

Outside the train platform has been converted into a dining area. On days where the sun is shining, it makes for a good exposed space to get your daily dose of vitamin D and let the staff do what they do best whilst the 109 tram glides to a stop next to you. Although you are spitting distance from the Sandridge and Port Melbourne beaches, views of the bay are obstructed by Station Pier for the most part however with the walking trails and close proximity to Bay Street, this venue makes an ideal starting (or stopping) point if you are keen to explore the area. The historical relevance aside, Beacon Cove is relatively quiet and a relaxed area.

With the sun shining, we started to order rounds of Peroni before an order of bruschetta made its appearance. It was not only a lovely starter, but there was a perfect amount of tomatoes, fresh basil and olive oil. A Romano pizza - tomato, ham, mushroom, hot salami ($13.50 for a large) followed. The crust was thin and the elements rested in the melted cheese. It did not fall apart or end up all over your plate like other pizzas that you find in the wild and I enjoyed it. Besides "traditional" pizzas, they have some more experimental "gourmet pizza" options (Green Curry Thai Chicken Pizza?) but also more traditional mains that include beef, lamb and pastas.

When the weather ultimately turned, we retreated inside and relaxed in the bar area. Service always remained attentive and seemingly are on a first name basis with many of the clientèle.

It was a pleasant time out however I would encourage you to call ahead for a booking in the evening as the place is popular with the both the locals and the other amused happy travellers and drinkers alike.

Beacon Cove Pizza Restaurant & Bar

Link to review

101 Beach St., Port Melbourne VIC 3207
(03) 9645 3308

http://www.beaconcoverestaurant.com.au

My Rating: 12.75/20

Service: 3.25/5

Ambiance: 3.5/5

Quality: 3/5

Value For Money: 3/5

Twitter: @epicurean3006

e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com

web: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

At the time of this post, 84% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon also like Beacon Cove Pizza Restaurant & Bar.