Best Lorne Restaurants To Visit On Your Next Beach Break

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.

food and wine on the table at IPSOS restaurant, Lorne — Wine and dine at this hatted eatery.

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.

people dining inside IPSOS restaurant, Lorne — Raise a glass with your mates at IPSOS.

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

three plates of food on the table at IPSOS restaurant, Lorne — The menu is varied daily to accommodate seasonal specialties.

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.

dinner by the fireside at Pizza Pizza, Lorne — Cosy up by the fire at Pizza Pizza.

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.

a spread of food on the table at The Clam, Lorne — Cure your hangover with a Bloody Mary and a plate of rock oysters.

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.

a hand picking finger foods from a platter at The Clam, Lorne — The Clam is a casual spot for tunes, food and booze.

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.

an aerial view of The Lorne Hotel Bistro & Beer Garden — Nab a spot at the outdoor tables.

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.

the exterior of The Lorne Hotel Bistro & Beer Garden — The Lorne Hotel Bistro & Beer Garden has been a local landmark for 145 years.

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.

a woman walking inside The Lorne Hotel Bistro & Beer Garden — Inside, you’ll find a classy restaurant with lush garden views.

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.

the waterfront Almyra restaurant next to Lorne Beach — Almyra is just metres from Lorne Beach.

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?

a platter of food at Almyra, Lorne — Head to Almyra for casual eats.

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.

the dining interior of Almyra restaurant in Lorne — Nab a prized position with waterfront views.

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.

an aerial view of the Lorne Country Club near the sea — The Peak overlooks the ocean. (Image: Visit Victoria)

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.

the exterior of Mexican Republic in Lorne — Get your fill of tacos and margaritas at the Mexican Republic.

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.

al fresco dining at Captain Hooked, Lorne — Enjoy your crisp tap beer in the al fresco dining area.

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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Once a service town for gold miners, Healesville has evolved into a destination brimming with character.

If you trace your finger to the heart of the Yarra Valley on a map, you’ll land on Healesville – a charming little town framed by towering gums and rolling hills. Its main street is lined with cosy cafes, a bookshop, silversmiths, boutiques and a providore stacked with artisan breads and cured meats. In other words, all the essentials for a leisurely weekend. Just beyond the shops, parklands invite picnics, bush trails suggest a wander, along with an old tourist railway, distilleries and award-winning vineyards. Originally a service centre for the goldfields, the railway soon brought visitors seeking fresh mountain air. Today, it’s the kind of place that rewards a slow stroll.

Staying in Healesville

the lounge in one of the cosy villas at Healesvillas — Inside one of the cosy villas.

If sweeping mountain views are part of your accommodation prerequisite, Healesvillas are two architecturally designed villas sleeping six guests, complete with landscaped al fresco areas and a fire pit. Wander into town to visit Cheesemonger Sophie to help craft the perfect platter, and Barrique Wine Store for a local red, before returning to soak up the views.

Dining out in Healesville

small plates at No. 7 Healesville — No.7 offers small plates and tasting menus centred on seasonal produce. (Image: Ben Frazer)

For breakfast, head to My Little Kitchen Cafe , a cheerful spot on the main street known for its strong coffee and warm hospitality. Herd is a low-lit spot with serious style, serving up modern comfort food, or to sit beside wine barrels and underneath chandeliers head to No. 7 Healesville , a wine bar and restaurant in a converted warehouse.

Drinking in Healesville

a cocktail at Four Pillars Gin Distillery — Enjoy a cocktail at renowned Four Pillars Gin Distillery. (Image: LVDI)

Take a tour or sip your way through a tasting paddle at one of Australia’s most famous gin distilleries, Four Pillars Gin . If visiting a boutique winery is on the list, Boat O’Craigo wines has sweeping views over the vineyards to the hills beyond. The newest addition to the local drinking scene, Zoncello Yarra Valley serves a must-try Limoncello Spritz.

the Boat O’Craigo winery — Boutique winery Boat O’Craigo. (Image: Rob Blackburn)

Healesville highlights

If you’re after a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery, Silvermist Studio designs beautifully unique pieces. Lifestyle store Morris et al is filled with women’s fashion and homewares, and because everyone deserves a good book, Verso Books is a cosy independent bookshop with carefully chosen titles.

Head to Healesville Sanctuary to get up close to some of Australia’s wildlife. If the weather is on your side, pack a picnic and head to Maroondah Reservoir Park to climb the steep dam wall, where kids and adults alike can’t resist testing out the booming echo. And if you feel like stepping back in time, board a vintage train at the Yarra Valley Railway .

Step back in time at the Puffing Billy Railway. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Try these Lorne restaurants on your next Great Ocean Road adventure