Must-see restaurants in Great Ocean Road

  • Apollo Bay Fishermen's Co-op

    Great Ocean Road

    The best fish and chips in town is at the local fisherman's co-op, directly on the wharf. Most of its fish and crayfish is caught locally; check the…

  • Clock by the Bay

    Great Ocean Road

    Within the former post office (c 1882) is Portland's best restaurant for fine dining, known for its French-inspired cuisine and dishes made with fish…

  • Wyton

    Warrnambool

    A classy cafe in a heritage building with minimalist decor and tables lined with butcher paper. Expect sophisticated breakfasts, homemade sausage rolls,…

  • Charlie Noble

    Bellarine Peninsula

    With a prime location on the sparkling marina overlooking luxury yachts, this good all-rounder does tasty, hearty breakfasts, pizzas, burgers and seafood…

  • Fresh Market

    Warrnambool

    If you're in town on the first or third Sunday of the month head down to Warrnambool's seaside market to sample local produce from the vendors who set up…

  • Captain of Aireys

    Great Ocean Road

    Named after a seafaring character who lived in the area during the early 20th century, this popular pizzeria does authentic Neapolitan-style wood-fired…

  • Alchemy Woodfire Bakehouse

    Bellarine Peninsula

    Using a wood-fired Scotch oven from 1905, this artisan bakery produces organic sourdough. It also makes its own croissants, French pastries and empanadas.

  • Cafe Swell

    Great Ocean Road

    An attractive open-plan cafe, Swell is popular for brunch items such as buttermilk hotcakes, organic sourdough toasties and healthy fresh-juice blends.

  • PIKNIK

    Bellarine Peninsula

    Fantastic breakfasts and Italian- and Asian-inspired lunches using local ingredients are on offer here, plus great coffee and homemade ice cream.

  • MiShells Seafood

    Bellarine Peninsula

    For fish fresh off the boat, head to Queenscliff's harbour from Saturday to Monday to pick up seafood to cook back home.

  • Oaks Bakery Cafe

    Great Ocean Road

    Delicious pies, including the signature prawn and scallop ($7), and a cauliflower and cheese for vegos.

  • Uncle Jack's

    Bellarine Peninsula

    This cool corner cafe has brekky bowls, awesome burgers, single-origin coffee and craft beer on tap.

  • deep-fried tofu and eggplant rice bowl

    Donco

    Geelong

    Owners Don Koh and Yunie Choi bring a slice of Korea to Newtown at this contemporary eatery. Start with anju (small plates) – deep-fried tofu kimchi balls…

  • Onda Foodhouse

    Great Ocean Road

    The pick of Aireys' cafes at the bottom (as opposed to top) shops, this predominantly vegetarian and vegan spot offers healthy concoctions such as yogi…

  • Wharf Shed Cafe

    Geelong

    You can’t beat the waterfront location at this casual cafe near the Eastern Beach marina. Beer-battered fish and chips is a crowd favourite, and there’s a…

  • Pilot Kitchen

    Bellarine Peninsula

    The best pizza along the Bellarine is courtesy of this cosy 15-seater on Lonny's main strip. It specialises in traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas topped…

  • Charlie's on East

    Port Fairy

    Sharing space with the surf life-saving club overlooking East Beach, Charlie's is hands down the most scenic location in town. The food is classic Aussie…

  • Captain's Galley

    Great Ocean Road

    Sharing space with the Portland Maritime Discovery Centre, directly overlooking the ocean, this cafe boasts unquestionably the best view in town. Its…

  • Berry World

    Great Ocean Road

    At the back of Timboon, across from the golf course, is this farm where you can pick your own strawberries and blackberries (250/500g $4.50/7) between…

  • Peaches Torquay

    Great Ocean Road

    Rebuilt by volunteers from the community after succumbing to a fire in 2017, this much-loved supermarket specialises in regional, seasonal fruit and veg…

  • Armageddon Cake

    Geelong

    Armageddon has outgrown its cosy laneway venue and relocated to this larger space on Malop St, but it's done its best to retain a casual, loungey vibe…

  • Rebecca's Cafe

    Port Fairy

    Excellent for breakfast and light lunches, Rebecca’s has interesting items on the menu, including rich wild-rice porridge topped with rhubarb for…

  • Zigfrids Dining Hall & Bar

    Geelong

    A reason to come to this lesser-visited end of Pakington St is Zigfrids, with its contemporary space and menu of Middle Eastern fusion cuisine. Food is…

  • House Iberia

    Geelong

    Bringing a bit of style to unfashionable Shannon Ave, House Iberia is a local favourite for its coffee, tasty breakfasts and lunches, with an emphasis on…

  • Belsize & Co

    Bellarine Peninsula

    A good spot for brunch, this chic main-street cafe does an ever-changing menu featuring the likes of smashed-avo breakfasts and pulled-pork rolls, along…

  • East Beach Take Away

    Port Fairy

    Your classic old-school fish-and-chip shop, run by friendly Greek owner Con. Grab 'em and head to nearby East Beach to enjoy by the water – a great Aussie…

  • Dairylicious Fudge Farm

    Great Ocean Road

    This fudge spot offers an array of flavours, mostly made using local products and all available for free tastings. There's a coffee machine if you want to…

  • Poco Artisan Ice Cream

    Port Fairy

    If you're lucky to be in town during the fleeting window when it's open, drop by to sample Poco's range of seasonal homemade artisan ice cream and sorbets.

  • Khan Curry Hut

    Geelong

    Head to Khan for a cheap and boozy ($2 corkage for BYO) meal of authentic Indian flavours, including South Indian dishes, made with fresh ingredients.

  • Cafe Go!

    Geelong

    Go! is a local favourite for its fun, colourful atmosphere, good coffee and breakfasts. Head out to its lovely leafy courtyard.

  • Uber Mama

    Great Ocean Road

    Uber Mama does modern Aussie cooking with Asian inflections that's creative without straying too far from local roots.

  • Bojangles

    Warrnambool

    A step up from your usual country pizza place, with a tasty, inventive thin-crust selection.

  • Kafe Koala General Store

    Great Ocean Road

    Just next to Kennett River Holiday Park, this laid-back beach kiosk does pies, bacon-and-egg rolls, fish and chips, cakes and soft drinks. It also hires…

  • Arab

    Great Ocean Road

    Arab started as a beatnik coffee lounge in 1956 and single-handedly transformed Lorne from a daggy family-holiday destination into a place for groovers…

  • Casalingo

    Great Ocean Road

    The best Italian food you'll get for some distance, Casalingo is a no-brainer if you're after thin-crust pizza or homemade pastas, including the likes of…

  • Apollo Bay Bakery

    Great Ocean Road

    Tasty selection of homemade pies, including the signature scallop pie (though these days it's exorbitantly priced). Also does sandwiches on freshly baked…

  • Stella Maris Tearooms

    Warrnambool

    Within the historic Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, this 19th-century-inspired teahouse does teas, cakes and pies.