D.O.C Pizza and Deli Mornington — Restaurant in Melbourne

Have been going to D.O.C since I met my husband in 2013. D.O.C has always been a sentimental place for us—we loved the food, the atmosphere, and the service. But tonight? It was an absolute disappointment and a complete letdown.

We came in for a pre-birthday dinner, full of excitement. Got our antipasto at 5:26pm. By 6:06pm, still no pizza. That’s over 40 minutes waiting—for pizza. Meanwhile, we watched multiple tables who arrived after us get their food, eat half of it, and enjoy themselves while we sat there waiting. Unacceptable.

I finally had enough and approached one of the female staff, a young girl with straight blond hair. She checked the kitchen and her device, then came back and simply said, “It’s coming.” I asked whether they were just making the pizza then. Her response? “I don’t know, they are just in the oven.” What kind of attitude is that? No explanation, no apology—just irritation and impatience. Disgraceful. I was trying so hard not to let this ruin the night, but it clearly already had.

Thankfully, another young female staff member was more professional—she came over and checked in with us after seeing how long we had been waiting. That gave me some relief. But then, just when I thought it couldn’t get more bizarre, an older female staff member decided she couldn’t tolerate the way my husband placed the drink menu. She silently rearranged it to her liking, then removed the drink menu altogether after he put it down again “incorrectly.” Seriously? Customers come to your restaurant to enjoy themselves—not to comply with someone’s personal OCD.

We could have ordered more drinks, but I guess that wasn’t welcomed.

No matter how much we’ve loved D.O.C’s food over the years, we’re not coming back. A special place turned into a place of...

Overall a local favourite boasting the best authentic pizza on the peninsula with a deli to die for.

On entering you’re greeted with an modern European vibe often packed to the brim with people. Half of the time I have visited I have had to wait longer than one should for service at the front counter however I will note it is never because people are just standing around.

For dine in customers you’re seated in quite close quarters to other diners which can also be difficult for guests needing accessibility options. The outdoor seating is more spacious and accompanying subject to weather conditions. Once you are seated you are greater by your server promptly and shown the menu and drinks orders taken. Even in busy times the food is not usually too long due to the simplified menu that does not disappoint.

The food is absolutely Devine. I can find no flaw in the food which a quick search of my previous reviews will tell you I’m not the easiest to please.

The deli is stocked with an abundance of cured artisan meats and cheeses that we have often treated ourselves to, along with the fresh produce from the stores that screams freshness.

The takeaway service here can be disheartening. Whilst the food is wonderful there is no online or third party ordering system leaving you to either que for days or try your luck on the phone. Often the phone rings out endlessly.

Price. A touchy subject. There is no denying this is no budget feed. However given the quality of food and in comparison with the trend on Main Street it does in my opinion feel appropriate. The big eater who wants to be money conscious will be wise to have a light snack before and enjoy a shared pizza leaving enough in the kitty to...

I’ve always spoken so highly of DOC Mornington and had such fond memories from when I lived locally, but after today’s experience I honestly couldn’t be more disappointed.

We walked in on a busy Sunday and were not greeted — we had to approach staff ourselves to ask for a table. We were seated outside on a very small round table (2 adults + 1 child), and when we asked if we could be moved inside due to my allergies, staff didn’t even check availability or bother to see if a table was turning over.

What made it worse was seeing another couple with a dog walk straight in through the barriers, seat themselves at a large table for 4, and not be questioned. Meanwhile, no menus, no water, and no acknowledgment came our way — despite at least five staff walking past us and seating other groups that arrived after us. We were completely disregarded from the moment we arrived.

As someone who has worked in hospitality, I know how important it is to make guests feel welcome, even on busy days. Today, I felt the complete opposite — invisible and embarrassed. The final straw was leaving after being ignored for 10 minutes, only to see staff laugh as we walked away. It also did not feel family friendly at all, which made the experience even more disheartening.

We ended up going across the road instead, where the staff were welcoming, attentive, and professional — we had such a wonderful time there that we happily spent almost $400 on food and drinks. That’s the difference good service makes.

DOC Mornington used to be a favourite of mine, but after today, I can’t see...