You’ll find Orson in the foyer of the old cinema in Rosebud, and while its location is another tip of the hat to film buffs, Sarah Cremona and Ryan Spurrell’s seaside venture is much more than just that. The couple’s fine dining credentials shine through in a menu that’s full of Peninsula pride: start with a smoked eel and white chocolate dish that they say “could only make sense here”, move into a supremely aromatic vadouvan-spiked roast cauliflower plucked from Hawkes Farm around the corner, or stop the show with a mulloway caught fresh from the bay. It’s a destination for diners across Victoria and a restaurant that locals are going to love – don’t miss it.
Here’s Cremona with everything you might like to order when you next make your way to Rosebud.
Film buffs can quickly make a connection between Orson and Rosebud. Tell us the story there.
The name is a nod to Citizen Kane—“Rosebud” being the film’s enduring mystery. For us, it ties beautifully to the fact we’re in Rosebud itself, and also reflects that idea of nostalgia and memory woven through dining. We are situated in the arcade of the old Rosebud cinema, the setting just sealed it: Orson felt like the perfect name.
Which dish best captures the Orson vibe?
Our smoked eel with white chocolate and candied beetroot. It sounds unexpected, but it’s deeply comforting—smoky, sweet, earthy, and lush. It’s a dish that could only make sense here, where we’re not afraid to take a fine-dining flavour memory and give it a playful Peninsula spirit.
Both you and co-owner Ryan come to the kitchen with fine dining creds. How does that translate at Orson?
We’ve both cooked in very structured, high-end kitchens, and that informs our technique, sourcing, and attention to detail. But Orson is about balancing that with warmth and generosity – it’s not about tweezers and hushed rooms. Being on the Peninsula, we lean into the local landscape: seafood from the bay, vegetables from Hawkes, wine from down the road. The sensibility is refined but relaxed – a place you can drop into midweek just as much as you can celebrate on the weekend.
I’m here for a good time not a long time.
For a quick bite, you can’t go past the subdana vada with spanner crab and green goddess sauce and a Prohibition style cocktail. Sit at the bar top, and our team might talk you into a bespoke cocktail. It’s bright, seasonal, and just enough to keep you going, without committing to a full meal.
Got anything light and fresh?
The mulloway with citrus puree, salt-baked celeriac and oolong broth is delicate and aromatic – it delivers flavour without weight. Pair it with the Ocean Eight Pinot Gris from one of our local winemakers on our list.
What if I like tasty food but don’t eat animals?
We’ve designed the menu with options for vegetarians and vegans! Start with the mushroom forestry croquettes or the leek and nori terrine. There’s also a vadouvan and cauliflower dish, and the purple carrot, cheddar, and compressed pear pre-dessert. There really is something for everyone.
What if we really want to go big and go crazy. What have you got for us?
Go the full progression! start with snacks and oysters at the bar, then move into our seven-course prefix menu. Some of the highlights are the eel, mackerel, and our Sommerlad Heritage cockerel with spring garlic, barley, and jus. It’s indulgent without being stuffy. For drinks, our team loves curating a wine flight that runs from Peninsula producers through to some hidden Old World gems. If you can’t find them – ask us.
Orson’s yester-year chicken, spring garlic, barley, jus gras (image: Simon Schluter, supplied by Orson)
And to close?
Our Apple Pie with JimmyRum caramel gel is the ultimate finish – rich but light, playful but serious. Or, if you’re less of sweet-toothed, let us pour you a glass of Macvin #6 from Crittenden Estate or a Chief’s Son whisky and linger a little longer at the bar while vinyl plays in the background.
1017 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud, open 5.30pm-9.30pm Thurs, 12 noon-3.30pm and 5.30pm-9pm Fri-Sat, 12 noon-5pm Sun, 12 noon-3.30pm and 5.30pm-9.30pm Mon, orsondining.com.au, @orson.dining