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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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How a $1 deal saved Bendigo’s historic tramways

    Megan Arkinstall Megan Arkinstall
    Continue
    The passionate community that saved Bendigo Tramways has kept the story of this city alive for generations.

    It was an absolute steal: a fleet of 23 trams for just $1. But such a fortunate purchase didn’t happen easily. It was 1972 when the Bendigo Trust handed over a single buck for the city’s historic collection of battery, steam and electric trams, which had transported locals since 1890.

    inside the historic Bendigo Tram
    Bendigo Tramways is a historic transport line turned tourist service. (Image: Bendigo Heritage)

    The city’s tram network had been declared defunct since 1970 due to post-war shortages in materials to upkeep the trams and declining passenger numbers as motor vehicles were increasing. However, determined locals would not hear of their beloved trams being sold off around the world.

    The Bendigo Trust was enlisted to preserve this heritage, by converting the trams into a tourist service. The Victorian government approved a trial, however news spread that the Australian Electric Tramways Museum in Adelaide had acquired one of the streetcars for its collection.

    a tram heading to Quarry Hill in 1957
    A tram on its way to Quarry Hill in 1957. (Image: Bendigo Heritage)

    An impassioned group rallied together to make this physically impossible. Breaking into the tram sheds, they welded iron pipes to the rails, removed carbon brushes from the motors, and formed a blockade at the depot. The community response was extraordinary, and a $1 deal was sealed.

    A new chapter for the city’s fleet

    the old Tramways Depot and Workshop
    The old Tramways Depot and Workshop is one of the stops on the hop-on, hop-off service. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Today, Bendigo Tramways welcomes some 40,000 passengers annually, operating as a hop-on, hop-off touring service aboard the restored trams. Fifteen of the now 45-strong fleet are dubbed ‘Talking Trams’ because of the taped commentary that is played along the route. The trams loop between Central Deborah Gold Mine and the Bendigo Joss House Temple, which has been a place of Chinese worship since 1871, via other sites including the old Tramways Depot and Workshop.

    a Gold Mine Bendigo Tram
    The fleet comprises 45 trams that have been restored. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robert Blackburn)

    Keeping things interesting, throughout the year visitors can step aboard different themed trams. Tram No. 302 becomes the Yarn Bomb Tram, decorated both inside and out with colourful crochet by an anonymous group of locals.

    During the festive season, Tram No. 15 operates as a tinsel-festooned Santa Tram, and the big man himself hides out somewhere along the route for excited children to find. And on selected dates, the adults-only Groove Tram runs nighttime tours of the city, accompanied by local musicians playing live tunes and a pop-up bar.

    the historic post office turned visitor centre in Bendigo
    Visitors can hop on and off to see the city’s sites such as the historic post office turned visitor centre. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    As well as preserving the city’s history, however, the continuation of the tram service has kept the skills of tram building and craftsmanship alive in a practical sense. Bendigo’s Heritage Rail Workshop is world-renowned for restoring heritage trams and repurposing vehicles in creative ways.

    Locally, for example, Tram No. 918 was transformed into the Dja Dja Wurrung Tram with original Aboriginal artworks by emerging artist Natasha Carter, with special commentary and music that shares the stories and traditions of Bendigo’s first people. You can’t put a price on preserving history. Nonetheless, it was a dollar very well spent.