Boneo's Arilla Restaurant Serves a Winning Trifecta

Situated on the Mornington Peninsula amidst the tranquil backdrop of a picturesque natural landscape and state-of-the-art equestrian facilities, the Mornington Peninsula’s Arilla restaurant (“Arilla”), is serving guests a winning combination of delicious food, scenic views, and the perfect vantage point from which to watch Boneo Park’s prestigious equestrian events.

Boneo Park is situated on the Mornington Peninsula amidst the tranquil backdrop of a picturesque natural landscape

Arilla, meaning ‘the dancing ground’, is wordplay for the equestrian artform, dressage, just one of the equestrian events hosted by Boneo Park, and one of the many experiences that guests can enjoy while dining at Arilla. Commencing with the Victorian Youth Dressage Championships (from 16^th to 19^th January), Boneo Park’s 2020 event calendar is filled with opportunities for guests to get up close to the equine action while dining at Arilla. Next up on the calendar, Boneo Park will be hosting an international dressage, jumping and para-equestrian competition, attracting the best equestrian riders from all over the country, which will be and held over the Australia Day long weekend (25^th and 26^th January).

Cured beetroot salmon with horseradish cream, pumpernickel crumb and a beetroot fluid gel- photo by Willow Creative

Inspired by the unique surrounding wetlands, grasslands and woodland, and the Mornington Peninsula’s quality local produce, Arilla’s new summer menu celebrates the best produce and wine that the region has to offer. Championing fresh local produce, Arilla’s summer menu includes delectable dishes such as cured beetroot salmon with horseradish cream, pumpernickel crumb and a beetroot fluid gel. The restaurant’s carefully selected wine list also offers diners an opportunity to pair their meals with wines also from the Mornington Peninsula region. 

Speaking on the Mornington Peninsula’s vast array of local and fresh produce, Arilla’s head chef, Heike Ikenmeyer, said:

"The Mornington Peninsula is a food bowl of high quality produce. Sourcing locally means we can ensure our produce is fresh and of a high standard which is the most important thing when creating a menu."

While Arilla offers guests an ideal location for spectating during Boneo Park’s equestrian events, Arilla is also a restaurant for those less equine-inclined, offering visitors a chance to leave the city and come explore, relax and enjoy the beauty of this Victorian region while also sharing a meal and a drink with friends and family.

Show jumping at Boneo Park - photo by Stephen Mowbray

Fiona Selby, Managing Director of Boneo Park and Arilla, said:

“In addition to enjoying Boneo Park’s first-class equestrian events, Arilla’s guests are welcome to explore the more than ten kilometres of trails through the property’s woodland, grasslands and the Tootgarook Wetland with one of our guides or take a 1km self-guided walk around our wetland lake.”

A rare find on the Mornington Peninsula, Arilla is both pet and child-friendly, with adults able to relax on the restaurant’s deck and enjoy a wine, beer or cocktail from Arilla’s carefully selected drinks list while keeping a watchful eye on the children as they play and explore the restaurant’s large lawn and nearby grounds.

The beautiful Arilla Restaurant - photo by Willow Creative

Explaining the vision that brought Arilla to life, catering manager, Briarna Dickinson, said:

“We wanted to create a unique space that is unlike any other place on the Mornington Peninsula. A place that people can come with their families and friends and relax with a grazing style menu, local wine and beautiful scenery.”

Supplied by Boneo Park