From wood-fired pizza with knockout ocean views to a cosy, family-run, hatted Greek eatery, there are plenty of superb Lorne restaurants to choose from on your next Great Ocean Road trip.

Whether you’re in the mood for some fresh oysters in the sunshine, a kid-friendly bistro lunch or a boozy Italian feast with friends after dark, there’s plenty of eateries to choose from when visiting one of the Great Ocean Road’s most popular holiday towns. If you’re looking for the best Lorne restaurants to add to your trip list, read on…

1. IPSOS

This local institution run by Great Ocean Road restaurant royalty Pam and Kosta Talimanidis (and now their son Dominic too) is a consistent favourite with visitors and locals alike.

A modern take on a traditional Greek taverna, this hatted eatery’s menu is varied daily to accommodate seasonal specialties but expect plenty of Mediterranean culinary heroes like smoked eggplant, grilled octopus and grilled kefalograviera (cheese) with spiced figs and pistachio.

Offering warm hospitality and a menu full of winners, Ipsos  is one of those places you’ll want to return to again and again.

Address: 48 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

2. Pizza Pizza

This popular pizzeria  in a white, weatherboard cottage has both outdoor and indoor seating (complete with log fire) making it a great dinner spot to visit all year round. There are more than 15 pizzas to choose from here spanning from the crowd-pleasing capricciosa to a zingy, peppery prawn pizza laden with mozzarella, prawns, garlic, chilli and roquette. Add a few glasses of vino with your mates and you’ve got yourself a pizza party.

Address: 2 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

3. The Clam

A fun, casual spot for tunes, food and booze, The Clam  is a welcome addition to Lorne’s social scene. At this retro seaside tavern you can cure your hangover with a Bloody Mary and a plate of rock oysters or start working on tomorrow’s hangover with a few happy hour cocktails.

Live music is frequently a part of the package at this seasonal spot, so check to see who is playing or DJing before you arrive. Either way, you’ll be happy as a clam here.

Address: 82 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

4. The Lorne Hotel Bistro & Beer Garden

The longstanding Lorne Hotel  has been a local landmark for 145 years and looks set to continue its run for many more years to come.

Like any good regional pub, there are specials throughout the week including midweek lunch deals, a curry night, steak night and a nightly happy hour offering drinks specials between 4–6pm.

On the weekends (especially during summer) the bistro and beer garden heaves with holidaymakers, so be sure to book ahead or get there early to nab a spot – outdoor tables with ocean views are prime real estate in these parts.

Address: 176 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

(02) 9114 7398

5. Almyra

With a tagline like ‘where the waves meet the wood fire,’ Almyra’s  location is a bit of a dead giveaway. Sitting just metres from the breakers at Lorne Beach, this upscale eatery’s dining room is where to go for a special lunch or celebratory night out.

With Mediterranean-inspired dishes like wood-baked snapper, twice-cooked octopus and ouzo-cured kingfish on the menu, seafood lovers are well taken care of. Want a table with waterfront views?

Book early to nab a prized position. For casual eats, head to the deck to lunch on meze, burgers and souvlaki by day and woodfired pizza by night.

Address: 81 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

6. The Peak

With impressive views high over Louttit Bay, this wedding venue and bistro located in the Lorne Country Club is open for limited service over the busy summer holidays, Easter break and other busy periods during the high season. A top spot for an ale and meal after a round of golf or tennis session, The Peak  has all the classics covered like steaks, parmas and fish and chips and a kid’s menu for the little ones. A strong beer and wine list of local favourites seals the deal.

Address: 2 Holliday Rd, Lorne

7. Mexican Republic

Craving tacos and margaritas? This summer hotspot  is where to get your fill of Mexican classics like beef enchiladas, pulled pork tacos, black bean burritos and charred street corn topped with queso and lime. Wash it down with a Tecate lager or two and you’ve got the perfect way to cap off a day by the beach. Close your eyes and you could almost convince yourself you’re in Baja.

Address: 1A Grove Rd, Lorne

8. Captain Hooked

Some would say that no beach trip is complete without at least one seafood feast. Captain Hooked  has all your deep-fried seafood needs covered with calamari, fish burgers, seafood baskets and, of course, good, old fish and chips served with tartare sauce. Since swimming, surfing and hiking are thirsty work, order a glass of house white or crisp tap beer to wet your whistle too.

Address: 94 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

9. Raas Leela

A top choice for vegetarians and vegans, this Indian restaurant  brings the flavours of the subcontinent to the Victorian coast. Open for eat-in and takeaway, the menu has plenty of plant-based dishes, as well as a good selection of regional favourites from across India, like Bengali tiger prawns cooked in coconut and a fragrant Kerala-style fish stew. When it comes to dessert be sure to try the Gajar ka halwa, a traditional North Indian sweet pudding that is India’s answer to carrot cake.

Address: 116 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

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