Lorne loves coffee just as much as Melbourne, and it shows.

For a small town, Lorne packs in a lot of cafes. Run by locals and often championing local and seasonal produce, the diverse range of cafes offer something for everyone: coffee, matcha and tea drinkers, pastry lovers, health fanatics, avo smash enthusiasts and those with more gourmet tastes.

We think one of the best ways to get a feel for a community is over a cuppa at a local business, so why not try them all?

Note: There’s timed parking along Mountjoy Parade, including disabled parking spots, and in neighbouring residential streets. Additional parking can be found at the Lorne Beach Carpark next to the lifesaving club and at the car park near the sea baths. Parking gets busy in peak periods.

The shortlist

Best pastries: Le Comptoir Pigalle
Best for vegan/vegetarian: HAH Lornebeach
Hidden gem: Lorne Grocer

HAH Lornebeach

Step off the sand and straight into the laidback vibes of HAH Lornebeach. More beach shack than cafe, my partner and I came here every time we were at the beach during our stay for one of their super smoothies or iced matchas (I loved the banana with cacao, almond milk, coffee, raw vanilla protein and nut butter). We would then pull up a little stool outside under the tree and watch the waves.

The HAH stands for Health and Hire, and one look at the menu tells you half the story: think nourishing buddha and smoothie bowls, toasted jaffles with kimchi or vegan mozzarella, and drinks the likes of golden lattes and a charcoal lemonade coconut detox. You can also hire surfboards, bodyboards, SUPs and wetsuits. Local owner Katie Walker is committed to sustainability: reusable bamboo replaces single-use plastics, produce is bought locally with food cooked or assembled in-house, and scraps are donated to a community garden. The venue is also step-free, so suitable for those with mobility issues.

Cuisine: Health-focused brunch
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Casual and relaxed
Location: 89 Cypress Ave, Lorne

Lorne Grocer

Formerly known as the Swing Bridge Cafe, Lorne Grocer recently came under the new management of Marianne and Amanda. This charming little cafe is situated by the old swing bridge that spans the Erskine River (originally built in 1934), and when you step onto the deck you’ll feel like you’ve arrived at a historic boathouse (the deck is wheelchair-accessible from the car park).

The thoughtful menu ranges from brunch, lunch and St Ali coffee to snacks and aperitivo, with baked goods from their sister cafe Birregurra Grocer. The ever-popular Avo Smash is a standout, with avocado on Zeally Bay seed and sprout sourdough, Meredith goat’s cheese, apple, pickled chilli, coriander and walnut salad, and Hall’s Creek wattle seed dust. If you’re feeling indulgent, pair fresh oysters or a bucket of cooked prawns with a sparkling (there are zero and low-alcohol options too).

Cuisine: Modern Aussie
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Tranquil and family-friendly
Location: 40 Great Ocean Road, Lorne

Le Comptoir Pigalle

Le Comptoir Pigalle is a new French-style bakehouse outside the Lorne Theatre, serving freshly baked bread, pastries, panini and sandwiches. Self-described as a “little slice of France on the Surf Coast", owner Samuel Roig-Sclafer grew up near Bordeaux. Alongside partner Asher Healey, he already runs Le Comptoir, a French deli and restaurant, and Le Comptoir Bakehouse in Aireys Inlet. The Lorne location is small and takeaway only, although there are long white picnic tables out front (which make for a great backdrop to that Instagram snap).

We can’t think of a better way to start the day than with a cup of coffee and a warm, flaky almond croissant or “kouign-amann", a dough pastry with layers of butter and sugar. For those more savoury-inclined, a fresh ham and pickle baguette hits the spot.

Cuisine: French
Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere: Elegant and inviting
Location: 76 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

Lorne Central

The buzzy, well-established Lorne Central is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Known for smooth coffee, generous portions and a friendly team, they serve up the classics all day; think smoked salmon bagels and truffle mushroom toasties, to cinnamon waffles and eggs benny. The bacon and egg sourdough roll with tomato relish and tasty cheese is a well-priced hit at $16. There’s plenty of seating inside, or head to an outside table to be amongst the bustle of Mountjoy Parade.

Cuisine: Modern Aussie brunch
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Friendly and lively
Location: 54-56 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne  

The Riverbank Cafe

Cross the bridge spanning the Esrkine River when you drive into Lorne from Melbourne, take the first right, and you’ve arrived at The Riverbank Cafe, a small family-owned business run by Jo Hughes and Tess Morrisey. Its white weatherboard façade, vine-covered entrance and homely interiors practically scream ‘cosy cottage’. And the step-free outdoor seating under the vines, across from the tree-lined Erskine River, is as romantic as it sounds.

You’ll want to linger, whether it’s over tea and house-made scones or a big brekkie and cappuccino from Axil coffee roasters. For those who need to avoid gluten, don’t miss the gluten-free toasties with Otway Artisan bread.

Cuisine: Modern Aussie brunch
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Warm and cosy
Location: 6 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

Lorne Crepes

If you’re craving more French after Le Comptoir Pigalle, head to Lorne Crepes. The deliciously thin crepes and buckwheat galettes come in a variety of toppings, from lemon and sugar or Nutella and strawberries for the sweet tooths, to ham, cheese and egg for those who are actually here for a meal (they also offer cheese and charcuterie boards).

The place is small but charming, with indoor and outdoor seating, and the striped waiter uniforms are a cheesy-yet-cute touch. You can also get your crepes takeaway in a cone if you want to take them back to the beach. And good news – it’s open until late, so you can come here for your post-dinner dessert.

Cuisine: French
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Cute, relaxed
Location: 6/150 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

Qdos Café

You’ll find Qdos Café at Qdos Fine Arts, an arts venue nestled amongst the trees of the Great Otway National Park, less than a five-minute drive from town. With full-length windows and a woodsy interior, this treehouse-feel cafe will have you relaxed in no time. The seasonal menu uses produce from their own gardens and organic trees, plus local farms, with popular menu picks including their house made cakes and baked eggs. While you’re here, wander the sculpture garden and check out the latest exhibition. The venue is owned by artist and sculptor Graeme Wilkie OAM, who features his own work along with other artists.

Cuisine: Modern Aussie
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Peaceful
Location: 35 Allenvale Rd, Lorne