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The best Lorne restaurants to try on your next Great Ocean Road adventure

Credit: Visit Victoria

Jade Raykovski Jade Raykovski
You’ll be spoilt for choice with Lorne’s collection of top-notch restaurants, including long-time favourites and fresh reopenings.

Considered the most cosmopolitan town along the Great Ocean Road, it’s no surprise that Lorne’s dining scene punches well above its weight. Fresh, seasonal and local produce reign supreme here, best paired with Aussie drops and refreshing cocktails. Seafood, naturally, is popular throughout most menus with the town’s rich history of commercial fishing, and there’s no better place to enjoy it than against the stunning backdrop of the coastline.

So let the sea air stir your appetite, and make your way through our curated list of Lorne’s best restaurants.

The shortlist

Family-friendly spot: In The Skies Restaurant & Bar
Budget-friendly: Tacos ‘N’ Tequilas
Best views: Almyra Restaurant and Bar

Grand Pacific Hotel

The Grand Pacific Hotel, Lorne
The much-loved local Lorne pub retains its Gothic-style façade and historical charm. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

The Grand Pacific Hotel has been perched at the end of Mountjoy Parade, close to the Lorne Pier, since 1879. Built to serve the tourism, timber and fishing industries, it has been recently renovated by operators Maryann and Matt Humphries yet retains its Gothic-style façade and historical charm. Whether you’re here for the history, the fresh pub fare, or the stunning views of Louttit Bay – perhaps all three – this is the kind of establishment that’s a destination in itself.

If you’re hungry, their chicken parmigiana is right up there with the best of them, or you can sample one of the Italian-inspired dishes, such as the pappardelle with slow-braised lamb shoulder and tomato ragu. Thirsty? The extensive drinks list covers local and international wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails and mocktails. They even have live music on the outdoor terrace in summer – follow their socials to stay up to date.

Cuisine: Modern Australian, Italian
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Lively and friendly
Location: 268 Mountjoy Parade

In The Skies Restaurant & Bar

Italian cuisine at In The Skies Restaurant & Bar
The menu features Italian classics. (Credit: In The Skies Restaurant & Bar)

Part of the Lorne Bowls Club, In The Skies is an under-the-radar local gem serving up a classy sharing menu by chef Simon Holloway. The venue has been run by the local Mclldowie and Holloway families since 2024, who wanted to continue its reputation as a friendly and accessible restaurant and bar for the community. We suggest pairing a meal with barefoot bowls and making an afternoon of it. The chargrilled Southern Rangers sirloin is a winner, while vegetarians will love the orecchiette pasta with zucchini, white wine, cream and a fresh herb pangrattato.

Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Welcoming, family-friendly
Location: Lorne Bowls Club, Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

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IPSOS Restaurant & Bar

Greek cuisine at IPSOS Restaurant & Bar, Lorne
Seasonal specialties are a menu standout at IPSOS. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

This family-run restaurant has held one hat status from 2019 through to 2026. One look at the meals coming out and it’s easy to see why; the food is oriented around fresh, local ingredients, and is simple yet refined (think authentic Greek meets modern Australian).

You’re by the coast, so this is the time for fried kalamari, pickled octopus and chargrilled King prawns; although meat lovers won’t want to miss the slow-cooked lamb shoulder. Can’t decide? Let the chef choose for you with the $85 Chef’s selection menu. It gets busy, so book ahead. Note that outdoor seating is at ground level, but there are steps up to the entrance.

Cuisine: Greek
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Buzzy
Location: 48 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

Tacos ‘N’ Tequilas

What’s better than fresh, zesty Mexican by the beach? Tacos ‘N’ Tequilas brings a bright splash of colour to Lorne’s main strip, from the pink and blue outdoor tables to the bold Mexican wall art. The menu is a celebration of modern Mexican cuisine, and it all goes down a treat with the margaritas, sangria jugs and tequilas that fill the drinks list. Start with the chilli con carne loaded fries, and don’t miss the fried fish tacos with papaya slaw, jalapeño garlic aioli and ricotta cheese.

Cuisine: Mexican
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Fun and laidback
Location: 46A Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

Pholklore

Pholklore restaurant in Lorne
Pholklore brings its fresh Vietnamese-fusion down the Surf Coast. (Credit: Amy Evans)

You can’t miss the blue umbrellas of Pholklore right next to the Lorne Theatre. After success in Torquay and Geelong, co-owner Dom Friend opened the third Pholklore in Lorne, bringing its fresh Vietnamese-fusion further down the Surf Coast.

Grazers will be drawn to the popcorn cauliflower, spring rolls (rolled fresh to order) and Sydney Rock oysters with Pandan-infused coconut milk, fingerlime and toasted sweet rice. If it’s a chilly coastal evening, opt for a soul-warming pho laksa; you’ll be lapping up that flavourful broth. Note that only the outdoor section is wheelchair accessible.

Cuisine: Vietnamese fusion
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Cheerful
Location: 82 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

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Salonika Social Pizzeria

a variety of pizzas at Salonika Social Pizzeria
Grab a slice of Salonika’s signature sourdough pizzas. (Credit: Supplied)

This highly rated pizza restaurant brings a touch of Greek influence to its seasonal entrees and hand-stretched sourdough pizzas. Think fried local kalamari with housemade tztaziki and the aptly-named Greka pizza, topped with tomato, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, capsicum, feta, capers and oregano.

The earthy-toned space is warm and cosy, with booth seating that’s great for groups. Swing by during their daily happy hour from 3.30-5.30pm for $14 spritzes, cheap wine and beer, and discounted pizzas Monday to Friday. Every Saturday night, live music turns the vibe up a notch – book to secure a table.

Cuisine: Italian
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Warm and vibrant
Location: 122 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

Raas Leela

crispy jalapeno at Raas Leela
Tuck into the handmade crispy jalapeño. (Credit: Raas Leela)

The mission of owners Aditi and Rachit Kapoor was to bring authentic Indian cuisine – often with a contemporary or creative twist – to Lorne with Raas Leela . The menu takes diners on a journey with street foods –such as mixed vegetable and cheese croquettes with brioche toast and turmeric tartare – and well-known classics like butter chicken and paneer curry. They also boast the best fried chicken in town, served with masala mayonnaise; we’ll let you be the judge.

If you’re free before dinner, the accessible restaurant houses the stylish Karma Bar, open for happy hour 3-6pm every day with a curated drinks menu.

Cuisine: Indian
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Sleek and modern
Location: 116 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

Almyra Restaurant and Bar

Almyra Restaurant and Bar dining interior
The light-filled dining space is just metres from Lorne Beach. (Credit: Almyra Restaurant and Bar)

You can’t get more beachfront than the family-owned Almyra . Its unmatched location, metres from the sand with front-row ocean views, is complemented by fresh Mediterranean cuisine that celebrates local produce and the art of chargrilled and woodfire cooking. The wood-fired saganaki is a standout, as are the pizzas – we suggest the prawn and chorizo. The dining room is a beautiful space filled with natural light, but you can’t beat drinks and seafood on the deck at happy hour. It’s no surprise that this is a popular wedding venue for the area; it’s also wheelchair accessible.

Cuisine: Mediterranean
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Refined yet relaxed
Location: 81 Cypress Ave, Lorne

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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The best new accommodation along the Great Ocean Road

    Louis Costello Louis Costello
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    A new wave of retreats, hotels, glamping sites and more is encouraging visitors to savour their time spent along the Great Ocean Road.

    Long holding a place as one of Australia’s most rewarding drives, cliffs, curves and shifting coastal light continue to draw travellers to Victoria’s coastline year after year. What has evolved more quietly is the range of new accommodation along the Great Ocean Road to add new dimensions to the drive.

    Rather than competing for attention, these stays are shaped by their settings. They sit beside rivers, among vines, on the edge of lakes and close to town centres where local life unfolds at an unhurried pace. Together, they point to a way of travelling the Great Ocean Road that values time spent in place, as much as distance covered.

    1. The Monty, Anglesea

    inside a classic room at The Monty Anglesea Great Ocean Road
    Settle into The Monty’s unique style.

    Anglesea has always appealed to travellers drawn to a quieter stretch of coast, where surf culture, bushland and river scenery blend into one. The Monty complements that character with a recent rebrand and refresh with traditional beach road trip nostalgia in mind. Mid-century retro decor means rooms are contemporary and funky, without being over-styled.

    A highlight of the stay is Nina Cantina, the on-site Mexican restaurant overlooking the Anglesea River. Opening in 2026, it will undoubtedly become a popular gathering point, bringing together locals, day trippers and overnight guests. Watch the river flow while tucking into plates of tacos, before enjoying a digestion swim in The Monty’s pool.

    Mornings in Anglesea often begin quietly. Kangaroos are a familiar sight on the nearby golf course, and walking tracks wind through heathland that reflects the natural landscape of the Surf Coast. From here, the road south feels like a continuation rather than a departure, easing travellers into the next stretch of the journey.

    2. Basalt Retreats, Port Fairy

    Basalt Retreat Private Villa interior
    Discover this new adults-only retreat.

    Near Port Fairy, Basalt Retreats is an adults-only delight set among a 24-year-old vineyard at Basalt Wines . The accommodation is a mixture of luxury and linens (and ultra comfy beds), allowing the long stretches of grapes to take centre stage. As the sun sets, Basalt Retreats settles into stillness. With minimal light pollution, the night sky becomes part of the experience, and star-searchers will delight in the uninterrupted views of our vast universe.

    Poombeeyt Koontapool lookout
    See Poombeeyt Koontapool from the lookout.

    Staying along the Great Ocean Road western region gives you en route access to coastal landmarks. A visit to Poombeeyt Koontapool at Loch Ard Gorge is a must for those fascinated by natural blowholes, with enough walking trails to tucker out the most seasoned hiker.

    The Poorpa Yanyeen Meereeng Trail between Timboon and Port Campbell reveals how wetlands, farmland and coastline connect across the region, best appreciated on foot or by bike.

    3. Lake Colac Holiday Park, Colac

    cabin at Lake Colac Holiday Park
    Book into a cabin at Lake Colac Holiday Park.

    Lake Colac Holiday Park introduces new cabin accommodation set along the edge of a broad volcanic lake. The cabins are modern and light-filled, designed to make the most of the water views and open skies.

    Lake Colac plays an important role in local life, hosting community events and everyday rituals alike. Staying here offers insight into the agricultural heart of the Great Ocean Road region, where the pace is shaped by seasons rather than sightseeing schedules.

    Brae Restaurant great ocean road victoria
    Have a delicious lunch, then join a farm tour at Brae Restaurant. (Image: Visit Vic)

    Colac’s central location places visitors within reach of standout regional experiences. Otways Distillery’s Birregurra cellar door reflects the surrounding forest in its approach to spirits. While Brae Restaurant’s guided farm and kitchen garden tours offer a closer look at the land that underpins its acclaimed dining. Together, they highlight the strong connection between produce, place and people.

    4. Glamping tents, Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve

    Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve Glamping
    Take a breather in Apollo Bay with brand new glamping tents.

    Back on the coast, Apollo Bay has always been known to be a natural place to take a breather, sitting roughly at the Great Ocean Road’s midway point. The brand-spanking new glamping tents at the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve offer comfortable accommodation that remains closely connected to the outdoors. With ensuite bathrooms and thoughtfully designed interiors, the cabin-tent hybrids offer enough privacy and luxuries to make the trip feel more luxurious than your standard camping affair.

    Set near the river and within walking distance of the town centre, the location allows guests to move easily between beach walks, forest drives and relaxed meals.

    A session at The Corner Sauna fits naturally into a stay here. The wood-fired sauna has become part of Apollo Bay’s way of life, offering warmth and restoration after time spent in the elements (also known as a frolic at the beach).

    Apollo Bay Fishermens Co-op
    Enjoy fresh seafood at Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op.

    Apollo Bay has enough to entertain and dazzle travellers more than your average town. Graze on fresh seafood at local cafes – like Graze or Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op – before venturing to nearby waterfalls. Spend hours kayaking among real-life seals, try your hand at surf lessons taught by understanding and patient guides, or simply spend your days reading a book while the surf crashes in front of you.

    Together, these new accommodation openings highlight the Great Ocean Road’s continued evolution. With more places that invite travellers to slow down and stay a little longer, the journey becomes less about rushing between landmarks and more about engaging with the unique towns along the way.

    Start planning your next trip along the Great Ocean Road at visitgreatoceanroad.org.au .