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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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