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The best restaurants in Warrnambool 

Credit: Visit Victoria

Jade Raykovski Jade Raykovski
Bring an appetite with you to Warrnambool and get ready to try some of the region’s stellar produce.

Celebrate your epic Victorian road trip and reaching the end of the Great Ocean Road with a meal at one of Warrnambool’s diverse restaurants. From authentic Thai, Filipino and Sri Lankan cuisine to approachable fine dining and native Australian influences, there are plenty of options for fussy eaters and foodies alike. Here are some of our favourites…

The shortlist

Hottest new opening: Lot 17
Great for special occasions: Myrtle by Dave
Best date spot: Lost Cat

Seaview Warrnambool

a rainbow as seen from the window at Seaview Warrnambool
Capture breathtaking coastal views from the large, ceiling-high windows. (Credit: Seaview Warrnambool)

Its name says it all; this beachfront restaurant provides spectacular views of Lady Bay and the Southern Ocean from its large, ceiling-high windows and the dog-friendly, ramp-accessible outdoor deck. The bright, light-filled dining space is the perfect setting for a relaxed lunch or dinner, and they also serve brekkie until 12pm for late risers.

Seafood is the star of the menu, although dishes like a Cape Grim Porterhouse and chicken parmigiana also make an appearance. You can’t miss their signature seafood chowder (creamy soup packed with fresh seafood, served in a locally made Jane Dough sourdough cobb loaf), and the chocolate lava cake is a doozy.

Cuisine: Seafood, Modern Australian
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Chill, beachy
Location: 1/80 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool

Clovelly Restaurant & Bar

This cosy old-style bistro is part of the Best Western Olde Maritime motel. With its Chesterfield sofas, wooden joinery and exposed rafters, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The ambience is complemented by friendly service and a menu that balances classics such as steak and barramundi with bolder flavours, like their ‘curry by kal’ with jasmine rice, charred pita, fried shallots, red onion and chilli oil. Pair your meal with wine, one of the beers on tap, or choose from the over 40 local and international bottled beers and cider on offer.

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Warm and cosy
Location: 116 Merri St, Warrnambool

Lost Cat

dinner at Lost Cat, Warrnambool
This sleek restaurant serves up a curated Modern Australian sharing menu. (Credit: Andrew Clark)

Ex-Rockpool chef Zac Nicholson and his partner Jasmine Leung opened Lost Cat in January 2025, taking over the former Hairy Goat site. The sleek yet casual 55-seat venue focuses on serving simple, seasonal food. Highlights from the curated sharing menu include a 48-hour fermented focaccia served with a flavour-packed onion dip, and a wood-grilled scotch fillet with umami butter and chips. This is our pick for date night.

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Relaxed, vibey
Location: 69 Liebig St, Warrnambool

Proudfoots by the River

Proudfoots by the River, Warrnambool
Dine by the Hopkins River. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Take in the picturesque setting as you step into this historic boathouse overlooking the Hopkins River, which dates back to 1885. If you can, get a seat by a window or sit out on the balcony (you’ll feel like you’re on the river itself).

Their modern menu focuses on using native Australian ingredients and fresh local produce; think seared scallops with a sage and saltbush burnt butter sauce, or for something a little more unusual, try the native-spiced chicken and crocodile tikka masala.

Cuisine: Modern Australian, native Australian influence
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Charming, tranquil
Location: 2 Simpson St, Warrnambool

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Sizzling Manila

Filipino dishes at Sizzling Manila, Warrnambool
Savour Filipino cuisine with a twist. (Credit: Sizzling Manila)

The first Filipino restaurant in Warrnambool has opened at the start of 2026, run by four friends, Mary Pagalilauan, Gladys Bosi, Leslyn Lian and Maria Morden. Promising a taste of home in every plate, the menu focuses on classic Filipino dishes such as a sizzling pork belly sisig (crispy chopped pork belly served with onion and topped with a cracked egg) and chicken inasal, a marinated grilled chicken dish. You can dine in or take away.

Cuisine: Filipino
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Casual
Location: 192 Timor St, Warrnambool

Lot 17

a decorated wall at Lot 17, Warrnambool
Gather at the stylish restaurant for a Mediterranean-inspired lunch. (Credit: Jumpin’ Jac Flash)

Local couple Nicole and Hugh Goldson opened Lot 17 at the end of 2025. The site has had a long history, which the new restaurant celebrates: originally known as Section 10, Allotment 17 in the Hopkins Ward, it was first purchased in Warrnambool’s earliest land sales by mayor Michael Fenton.

Over the years, it’s been everything from a saddlery to a general store, and is now a restaurant focusing on local produce and a shared experience. Come here with a partner, family or a group of friends: the menu is designed to be shared, and ranges from bar bites to larger plates. Try the grilled zucchini with basil and yoghurt, char grilled pork collar or gnocchi with pesto and eggplant, paired with a Victorian or South Australian wine.

Cuisine: Mediterranean inspired
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Communal, social
Location: 132 Timor St, Warrnambool

Bundy’s Bar & Bites

Bundy’s is known for its generous portions and wide-ranging menu, which features Sri Lankan dishes and stir fries alongside typical bistro fare like steaks, burgers and chicken parmigiana. The family-friendly, ramp-accessible restaurant also offers takeaway and serves wine, beer, cocktails, coffee and dessert until late – so if you find yourself craving a sticky date pudding after 9pm, this is the place to go.

Cuisine: Sri Lankan and Australian
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Friendly, welcoming
Location: 67 Liebig St, Warrnambool

Thaimor Street Food

Thaimor Street Food, Warrnambool
Treat yourself to a diverse array of Thai dishes. (Credit: Thaimor Street Food)

If you’re craving flavourful, authentic Thai cuisine, head straight to Thaimor Street Food. The flavours are as bold as their colourful interiors, which are an eclectic mix of exposed brick, corrugated iron, and bright booth seating, with Thai movie posters, photographs and beverage brand logos lining the walls. Meat lovers need to try the Wagyu beef with their house special chilli basil sauce, and the steamed fish with ginger and soy sauce is also a highlight. Takeaway is available, and don’t worry if you can’t do spicy food, as they’ll cater to all palettes.

Cuisine: Thai
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Fun and vibrant
Location: 162 Timor St, Warrnambool

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Salt Restaurant

Executive chef and owner Matthew McLeod has created a casual yet elevated restaurant experience with Salt. The classy yet relaxed space seats just 40, so make sure to book ahead. You can look forward to a creative European and Australian-inspired menu, where everything including the bread, pastas and ice creams are made in house, and local produce is celebrated.

Definitely kick start your appetite with the housemade bread with whipped butter and rosemary salt, before moving on to dishes like the handmade pappardelle with beef and pork ragu or the 12-hour braised and pressed lamb shoulder. Ask your waiter for a suggested wine pairing, and leave room for dessert. Note the entrance is wheelchair accessible.

Cuisine: European, Modern Australian
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Refined
Location: 73A Liebig St, Warrnambool

Myrtle by Dave

the entrance to Myrtle Bar & Kitchen, Warrnambool
Myrtle Bar & Kitchen is conveniently located in the CBD.

For a well-cooked steak and fabulous cocktails, look no further than Myrtle by Dave. The upscale restaurant is known for its charcoal grill cooking and carefully sourced produce; expect to see dishes like a Rangers Valley Wagyu brisket, chargrilled regional market fish and Western District dry-aged rib eye on the menu. Squeeze in oysters and a crème brulee on either side, and you have yourself a feast.

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$$-$$$$
Atmosphere: Sophisticated
Location: 163 Timor St, Warrnambool

Rankey’s Zone Restaurant Cafe & Bar

Rankey's coconut roti, Warrnambool
Devour Sri Lankan roti. (Credit: Rankey’s Zone Restaurant Cafe & Bar)

Rankey’s Zone is highly rated for its fresh, genuine Sri Lankan cuisine. Try the “Kotthu", a Sri Lankan Street food made by tossing paratha roti pieces with vegetables, plus your choice of protein (egg, chicken, pork, beef or seafood). If it’s your first time trying Sri Lankan food, head here on a Saturday night for the all-you-can-eat rice and curry buffet; for only $25, you can try special rice varieties, vegetable, meat and seafood curries, street foods and condiments. One tip: come hungry.

Cuisine: Sri Lankan
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Warm and friendly
Location: 78 Liebig St, Warrnambool

Bojangles Pizza Restaurant

Bojangles Pizza Restaurant's interior
Indulge in Italian cuisine in the trattoria-style Bojangles Pizza Restaurant.

This long-standing restaurant delivers classic Italian cuisine with a twist in a trattoria-style setting. Pizza is the star of the show, naturally, but they also serve a range of pasta and mains. Their signature pizzas are the way to go; try the Portofino with tomato, cheese, buffalo mozzarella, pancetta ham, basil pesto and rocket. On warm nights, dine outside under the fairy lights, Italian style.

Cuisine: Italian
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Refined rustic
Location: 61 Liebig St, Warrnambool

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Jade Raykovski
Jade Raykovski is a freelance travel writer from Melbourne, Australia whose wanderlust began from immersing herself in the fantasy worlds of her favourite books as a kid. She started off her career as a graphic designer, before making the switch to copywriter, and now – in what you could say is the role she was always destined for – travel writer. Along with Australian Traveller, her bylines include National Geographic, BBC Travel, Escape and NZ Herald. And while she loves writing about home, she'll never pass up the chance to sip a spritz in Italy.
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Unforgettable First Peoples tours and experiences in Victoria

    Angela Saurine Angela Saurine
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    From ancient aquaculture systems to sacred rock art shelters, Victoria’s First Peoples cultural experiences offer a powerful connection to one of the world’s oldest living cultures – where every site, story and smoking ceremony invites a deeper understanding of the land beneath your feet. 

    Victoria’s sweeping landscapes hold stories far older than any road map can trace – stories etched into stone, sung through generations and woven into every bend of river and rise of hill. From the lava flows of Budj Bim to the ancient middens of Moyjil/Point Ritchie and the volcanic crater of Tower Hill, the state is home to some of the most significant First Peoples cultural sites in Australia. These places, along with other immersive experiences, offer not only a window into a 60,000-year legacy, but a profound way of understanding Country itself. As more travellers seek connection over checklists, guided tours by Traditional Owners offer respectful, unforgettable insights into a living culture that continues to shape the land and the people who walk it. 

    Budj Bim cultural landscape  

    Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
    Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is on Gunditjmara Country. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Venture beyond the surf and sand of the Great Ocean Road to discover a deeper story etched into the volcanic landscape. At Budj Bim, ancient aquaculture channels built by the Gunditjmara people to trap, store and harvest kooyang (short-finned eel) reveal one of the world’s oldest living cultures. While you’re in the area, head over to the state-of-the-art Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre, where you can observe the eels in a special tank, wander the shores of Tae Rak (Lake Condah), and enjoy a bite at the Bush Tucker Cafe. Also nearby is Tower Hill, a dormant volcano reborn as a wildlife reserve, offering trails through bushland teeming with emus and koalas. 

    eel tank
    The kooyang (eel) tank at Tae Rak. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Dumawul Kooyoora Walking Tour 

    Dumawul walkingtour
    Guests are guided through Kooyoora State Park on the Dumawul walking tour. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Step into a timeless landscape with Dumawul’s guided tour through Kooyoora State Park, around an hour’s drive west of Bendigo in north-central Victoria. Led by Djaara guides, this immersive half-day journey breathes life into Country, weaving together stories, bush tucker and ancient rock art. Known to the Dja Dja Wurrung people as Guyura – the ‘mountain of light’ – this dramatic granite range is rich with cultural and spiritual significance.  The adventure begins with a meet-up at the Bridgewater Hotel on the banks of the Loddon River, before guests are welcomed onto Country with a traditional Smoking Ceremony – a powerful ritual that honours ancestors and cleanses those who walk the land. From there, it’s a gentle wander through rugged outcrops and open bushland, with sweeping vistas unfolding at every turn. Along the way, guides share their knowledge of how the Dja Dja Wurrung peoples have cared for and adapted with this land for generations, offering a rare and moving window into an ancient way of life that continues to thrive today.  

    Kooyoora walking tour
    Knowledge of the Dja Dja Wurrung is shared on the trail. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Kingfisher Cruises  

    Kingfisher Cruises
    Cruising the Murray with Kingfisher Cruises. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Glide quietly through the Barmah-Millewa forest – the nation’s largest river red gum ecosystem – on a scenic journey along the Murray River and into the Barmah Lakes with Kingfisher Cruises. Led by passionate guides who share stories of the cultural significance of this ancient landscape, these cruises reveal the stories, totems and traditional knowledge of the Yorta Yorta people. As you navigate narrow waterways and spot native birds, you’ll gain a richer understanding of how First Peoples have lived in harmony with this floodplain for tens of thousands of years. It’s a gentle, immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression – one where every bend in the river carries echoes of culture, connection and Country.  

    wawa biik 

    Taungurung leaders
    Exploring Nagambie with Taungurung leaders. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Translating to ‘hello, Country’ in the language of the First Nations People and Custodians of the rivers and mountains of Taungurung Country in Central Victoria, wawa biik guides a range of authentic and deeply immersive experiences. Leaving from either Nagambie or Euroa, the tours are woven with ancient stories of the Taungurung, telling how a sustained connection and responsibility ensures the continued health of biik – benefitting the people, animals and plants that live in and around the Goulburn River. During the wawa Nagambie experience, guests participate in a Welcome Smoking Ceremony, and enjoy lunch and conversation with two Taungurung leaders as they cruise through the wetlands of tabilk-tabilk (place of many waterholes). The 4.5-hour tour begins at Tahbilk Winery, which is set in the wetlands of Nagambie on Taungurung Country and collaborates with Taungurung Elders to share knowledge of biik. 

    Bataluk Cultural Trail  

    Bataluk Trail
    Cape Conran on the Bataluk Trail. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    The Bataluk Cultural Trail winds through East Gippsland like a thread stitching past to present, tracing the deep connection between the Gunaikurnai people and their land. Starting at the Knob Reserve in Stratford, visitors walk among scarred trees and ancient stone tools once used for survival and ceremony. At the Den of Nargun near Mitchell River, the earth holds stories of women’s sacred spaces, cloaked in myth and legend. Further along, Legend Rock at Metung tells of greed and consequence, its surface etched with ancient lore. At Cape Conran, shell middens lie scattered like breadcrumbs of history – 10,000 years of gatherings, stories and saltwater songs still echoing in the wind.  

    Healesville Sanctuary  

    echidna at Healesville Sanctuary
    Get up close with a resident echidna at Healesville Sanctuary. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Set on the historic grounds of Coranderrk Aboriginal Station, Healesville Sanctuary honours the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation through immersive storytelling and connection to Country. Along Wurundjeri Walk, visitors are invited to reflect on the land’s rich First Peoples history, with native plants revealing their traditional uses. Wurundjeri Elder and educator Murrundindi shares culture in-person with the Wominjeka Aboriginal Cultural Experience every Sunday, and most days during Victorian school holidays. Murrundindi’s smoking ceremonies, storytelling and bush tucker knowledge reveal the sacred relationship between people, animals and the environment. Bird-lovers can’t miss the incredible Spirits of the Sky show featuring native birds daily at 12pm and 3pm. 

    The Grampians 

    Rock art at Bunjil Shelter in The Grampians
    Rock art at Bunjil Shelter in The Grampians. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Known as Gariwerd to Traditional Owners, the Grampians is a place of immense cultural and spiritual significance. This rugged landscape holds more than 80 per cent of Victoria’s known First Peoples rock art, offering a powerful window into the region’s deep heritage. Visitors can respectfully explore five remarkable rock art sites: Billimina and Ngamadjidj in the Wartook Valley, Manja Shelter near Hamilton, Gulgurn Manja shelter near Laharum, and the Bunjil Shelter near Stawell, where the creator spirit is depicted. Each site tells a unique story of connection to Country, shared through ancient handprints, dancing figures and Dreaming narratives etched into stone.