Frankston’s waterfront dining renaissance takes shape

Published on 29 January 2026

Frankston’s iconic waterfront is entering a new era, with premium southern Italian hospitality venue Roccella Lido set to open at the Frankston Yacht Club in August 2026, marking another major milestone in the city’s transformation.

Inspired by the sun-soaked coastlines of Sicily and southern Italy, Roccella Lido (meaning Roccella Beachside) will deliver a traditional Italian menu with a welcoming dining experience overlooking Port Phillip Bay. The venue will operate on level one of the Frankston Yacht Club building and is expected to employ up to 90 staff during peak periods, creating significant opportunities for the local workforce.

The coastal-inspired fit-out will commence in May 2026, with doors opening to the public later that winter.

Frankston City Mayor Cr Sue Baker said the announcement reflects growing confidence and momentum along the foreshore.

“Roccella Lido represents an exciting next chapter for Frankston’s waterfront,” Mayor Baker said.

“This is about more than world-class dining, it’s about vibrancy, tourism, community pride and continuing to elevate our city as a destination to live, visit and invest in.”

“Roccella Lido complements the eclectic mix of dining, retail and events already taking place along our foreshore and just a short walk away in our revitalising city centre.”

Roccella Lido joins a growing collection of hospitality and activation across the foreshore, alongside the recently announced Waterfront Kiosk, Carlsberg Beach Club, and a further exciting dining offering planned for the former Sofia’s site, to be announced later this year. Together, these venues enhance a waterfront that hosts thousands of visitors annually and major events including the Waterfront Festival, Carlsberg Beach Club activations, and the Accessible Beach Pilot.

Only minutes away, Frankston’s city centre is also undergoing major revitalisation, with significant private sector investment in new housing, retail and hospitality further strengthening the connection between the foreshore and CBD.

The menu at Roccella Lido will showcase modern Italian cuisine featuring award-winning pizzas, fresh pasta, seafood, steak and more, with flexible spaces designed for everyday dining, celebrations, weddings and corporate events.

The venue is led by the award-winning Roccella Group – Bruno and Joe Ceraso, Francesco Crifò and Bernie Cuteri – who collectively bring decades of experience and have established and operated more than 100 hospitality and franchise brands across Australia.

Co-founder Bruno Ceraso, who has long-standing ties to Frankston, said the vision extends well beyond food.

“Food is more than what we serve, it’s how we connect with people,” Mr Ceraso said.

“Guided by our philosophy of mangia, bevi, e divertiti — eat, drink, enjoy — Roccella Lido will bring generosity, authenticity and joy to the waterfront.”

“We want this venue to be part of Frankston’s story – a place where families, locals, visitors and our staff feel welcome, valued and proud.”

Mayor Baker said it was an exciting time to be leading Frankston City Council, with significant investments like this one and others across a range of sectors.

“Tenanting this iconic site, together with the future announcement for the former Sofia’s Restaurant site, will completely transform the Frankston Waterfront, marking a level of investment never seen before.”

“At the heart of Frankston City’s transformation is our community,” Mayor Baker said.

“Council will continue to work with partners to attract opportunities that strengthen our economy, activate our public spaces and enhance the lifestyle we’re so proud of.”