Farewell to Max’s — A Peninsula Legacy

As summer begins to unfold, so too does the final chapter of one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most beloved dining destinations. After 31 years of heartfelt hospitality, Max’s Restaurant at Red Hill Estate has announced it will conclude service at the end of February 2026.

For more than three decades, Max’s has been more than a restaurant. It has been part of the Peninsula’s story. Perched above the vines with sweeping views of Western Port Bay, it pioneered the idea that local produce, fine wine, and genuine hospitality could come together to create something truly special. Long before “farm-to-table” became a phrase, Max Paganoni and his team were championing local growers, fishermen, and artisans, crafting menus that celebrated the best of land and sea.

From milestone celebrations to long lunches that lingered into the afternoon, Max’s has been a place where countless memories were made, a restaurant that felt like home even on a first visit. Its warmth, generosity, and enduring sense of place have shaped not only the local dining scene but also the wider identity of the Peninsula itself.

Max’s was the Mornington Peninsula’s original winery restaurant, setting a standard for what regional dining could be. Its influence can be seen across the many cellar doors, restaurants, and chefs that followed, each inspired in part by the vision that began on that iconic Red Hill hillside.

As Max, Michael, and Ryan continue to craft the final chapter, their menu remains true to everything that has defined them: seasonality, simplicity, and a deep respect for the region that has given so much. It is a fitting farewell, a celebration of the flavours, friendships, and moments that have made Max’s a cornerstone of our coastal community.

To Max and the team, we raise our glass in gratitude. Thank you for your pioneering spirit, your passion, and the countless memories shared around your tables. The Peninsula would not be the same without your vision, and your legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.

Here’s to one final summer at Max’s, and to everything you’ve given to this place we call home.