10 Best Restaurants Warrnambool Has To Offer

If you get towards the end of the Great Ocean Road and are looking for restaurants, Warrnambool has plenty to choose from.

When you hit the end of the Great Ocean Road, the fun doesn’t stop. A regional city on the rise, Warrnambool has plenty of excellent eateries to discover. Have fun finding Malaysian hawker-style food down an alley, seafood feasts on the waterfront, cocktail bars serving top-notch pizza, fine dining restaurants bringing a hint of France to regional Victoria and more. When it comes to restaurants, Warrnambool has plenty to offer. Here are a few to bookmark before your visit:

1. Proudfoots by the River

Toast the conclusion of your Great Ocean Road journey by booking a table at this historic Warrnambool establishment.

the Proudfoots by the River restaurant in Warrnambool

Proudfoots by the River is idyllically set over the Hopkins River. (Image: Visit Victoria)

A heritage boathouse originally built back in 1900, Proudfoots is now a restaurant known for serving steak and seafood as well as dishes featuring native Australian ingredients like kangaroo bolognese and crocodile and prawn enchiladas.

plates of food on the table at Proudfoots by the River Warrnambool

Feast on a delicious modern menu with fresh local produce. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The incredible location overlooking the Hopkins River is the icing on the cake.

friends dining at Proudfoots by the River, Warrnambool

Elevate your dining by the river. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Address: 2 Simpson St, Warrnambool

2. Hairy Goat Tapas & Cocktails

Cocktails and tapas go hand-in-hand with good times at the Hairy Goat.

red leather couches at the vintage restaurant interior of Hairy Goat Tapas & Cocktails, Warrnambool

The red leather couches give off a vintage feel.

Martini fans will rejoice when they see the cocktail list, with 13 different martinis on offer running the gamut from a classic dry gin martini to an appletini made with apple vodka, schnapps, Midori and apple juice.

drinks on display at Hairy Goat Tapas & Cocktails, Warrnambool

Take your pick from the extensive drinks list.

Can’t decide what to order? Ask for the Tapas Board and you’ll receive a selection of tapas from the menu.

a spread of food on the table at Hairy Goat Tapas & Cocktails, Warrnambool

Any day at Hairy Goat Tapas & Cocktails is a guaranteed good time.

Address: 69 Liebig St, Warrnambool

3. Myrtle Bar & Kitchen

If you want to splash out on a special dinner, Myrtle Bar & Kitchen is a real treat. Meat lovers are well taken care of here with high-quality beef cuts taking pride of place on the menu, including 100% grass-fed eye fillet by Cape Grim and Ebony Black Angus scotch fillet from New South Wales. Not into steak? There’s also pork belly, regionally sourced market fish, free-range chicken and vegetarian options to choose from too. For a top-flight dining experience matched by elevated service, make a booking for dinner at Myrtle Bar & Kitchen.

the black and white exterior of Myrtle Bar & Kitchen, Warrnambool

You’re in for a special treat the moment you step into Myrtle Bar & Kitchen.

Address: 163 Timor St, Warrnambool

4. Salt

If you’re looking for a fine dining experience to cap off your Great Ocean Road trip, make a booking at Salt. And with just 40 seats, you’ll definitely need to make a booking if you’re visiting on the weekend or other busy periods.

a close-up of food on a plate at Salt, Warrnambool

French influences run through the food and wine menu at Salt.

From light and airy souffle to lobster thermidor and crème brulee, you’ll find a rich vein of French influences running through the food and wine menu here. If you prefer cocktails and beer, you won’t be disappointed here either.

a candle-lit dinner table setup at Salt, Warrnambool

Salt is a classic candle-lit speakeasy in Warrnambool.

Address: 73A Liebig St, Warrnambool

5. Frolic Lane

This fun cocktail bar also serves pizzas and bar food, making it a top spot for dinner and drinks. During winter, keep toasty by the fireplace. In summer, the cocktail garden is where you’ll want to be.

getting tap beer at at Frolic Lane - Warrnambool

Sip the night away with beers on tap at Frolic Lane. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Regardless of when you visit, you’ll need to sample at least one cocktail here whether it be a jalapeno-infused margarita or a left-of-centre fairy floss martini.

a bartender mixing up drinks at at Frolic Lane - Warrnambool

The bar staff can whip up your heart’s desire. (Image: Visit Victoria)

This venue also keeps things interesting with a rotating list of events like drag bingo and burlesque nights – check the website to book a ticket before you arrive.

a bartender preparing cocktails at at Frolic Lane - Warrnambool

Frolic Lane serves traditional cocktails with a twist. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Address: 95 Kepler St, Warrnambool

6. Clovelly Restaurant & Bar

You don’t need to be staying at the Best Western to dine at this welcoming hotel bistro and bar that serves draught beer as well as a huge range of international and local bottled beers and wines. On the menu, you’ll find simple, uncomplicated fare like seared scallops and grilled lamb backstrap as well as tried-and-true desserts like sticky date pudding and house-made tiramisu. If you’re travelling with kids, this family-friendly eatery has a solid menu just for kids too.

Address: 116 Merri St, Warrnambool

7. Madala 134

Offering eat-in, takeaway and delivery, this unassuming Thai restaurant is a local favourite. All the greats of Thai cuisine are on the menu, from spicy clear soups like Tom Yum, to fragrant coconut dishes like Massaman Curry and rice noodle dishes like Pad Thai and Pad See Ew. If you’re craving something spicy but can’t be bothered leaving your accommodation, take the easy way out and order online from Madala 134.

Address: 134 Liebig St, Warrnambool

8. The Dart & Marlin

The home of stone-baked pizza and natural wine in Warrnambool this moody place is a top spot for a boozy dinner.

the restaurant exterior of The Dart & Marlin, Warrnambool

Make a pitstop at The Dart & Marlin.

There are nine or so hand-stretched thin crust pizzas to choose from (gluten-free pizza bases and vegan cheese are both available) as well as a strong drinks list covering everything from classic cocktails to inventive mocktails.

When it comes to ales, independent Victorian breweries are well-represented here, as are smaller, unheralded winemakers creating genuinely interesting drops.

a close-up of a dish at The Dart & Marlin, Warrnambool

The Dart & Marlin reels you in with its excellent fare.

Address: 216 Timor St, Warrnambool

9. Simon’s Waterfront

A coastal break calls for seafood and wine with waterfront views. If this sounds like your idea of heaven, book a table for lunch or dinner at Simon’s Waterfront. From Lakes Entrance fried calamari to prawn tacos, seafood features strongly on the menu. The signature dish here is the seafood chowder served in a locally made Cobb loaf – a retro classic that’s become a real crowd-pleaser. Try and book a table by the window to enjoy one of the best views in town.

Address: 1/80 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool

10. Penang Alley

Penang Alley is proof that some of the best eats can be found in unlikely places. Found down an alleyway, this hole-in-the-wall eatery serves hawker-style Malaysian fare. Pick up some takeaway or sit on the patio in the sunshine to feast on spicy, coconutty Nasi Lemak or a sour, tangy Penang Asam Laksa. Don’t forget to leave room for some Kopi Peng (chilled Malaysian coffee made with condensed milk) or Kuih Ketayap (pandan and coconut pancakes) too.

Address: Liebig St, Warrnambool

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From cute coffee van setups to beachside brunch spots, these Warrnambool cafes are worth a look next time you’re in town.

If you’re driving the full length of the Great Ocean Road, it makes sense to plan pit stops in advance. The good news is that there are plenty of Warrnambool cafes to choose from regardless of whether you’re on the hunt for a strong macchiato in the morning, cake and chai in the afternoon or a long, lazy lunch by the water. Here are some to bookmark before you arrive.

1. Koko Avenue

pastries on display at Koko Avenue cafe, Warrnambool

Take your pick from the delicious pastries and sandwiches on offer.

Open seven days a week for all-day breakfast and lunch, Koko Avenue has fast become a firm favourite with locals. Serving Proud Mary coffee and beautifully plated pancakes, eggs, porridge and more, this café with a white and pastel aesthetic has a vibe that makes you want to return again and again. Don’t forget to look in the bakery cabinet where treats like almond croissants, scones, slices and cookies live.

Address: Shop 13/1-49 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool

2. Day Kitty

Your local go-to for vegetarian, organic and raw foods, at Day Kitty you’ll find healthy but delicious eats that are packed with goodness. Menu items range from colourful veggie and rice bowls to vitamin-packed cold-pressed juices, falafel wraps, rice paper rolls and more. Organic Fairtrade coffee is served here too. Day Kitty is also a good place to stock up on essentials to take home like free-range eggs, plant-based milks and vegan, organic chocolate.

Address: 52B Kepler St, Warrnambool

3. ToTo Town

a hand holding a cup of latte at ToTo Town, Warrnambool

Enjoy a coffee made with blends from Axil Coffee Roasters.

Located near Warrnambool Train Station in the historic Western Hotel building, this buzzy breakfast spot is almost always busy. Whether you want a strong flat white, iced latte or a filtered coffee made with speciality beans, this cafe that serves blends from Axil Coffee Roasters is a reliable favourite when it comes to hot and cold brews. Open for breakfast and lunch, you’ll find menu items like Turkish eggs and seasonal smoothie bowls on the menu. Love a glass of vino with lunch? ToTo Town is licensed and stocks a solid range of local and imported drops.

Address: 1/49 Kepler St, Warrnambool

4. Jude The Cafe

This cute cafe with white and blush-pink-tinged branding is hard to resist. Stop in for a hot chocolate, chai or long black made with Coffee Supreme beans. Take a peek in the cabinet and you’ll find fresh baguettes, savoury croissants and muffins. If you have dietary restrictions, this friendly place has gluten-free bread, muffins and brownies too. If you’re in a rush you can order ahead for pick-up too.

Address: 52A Kepler St, Warrnambool

5. Piccolo Coffee Roasters

the Piccolo Coffee Roasters in Warrnambool

Make a pit stop at Piccolo Coffee Roasters for a takeaway coffee.

Laying claim to being the first coffee roaster in south-west Victoria, this unassuming coffee spot located on a shopping strip often has plenty of people lined up outside. Stop by for a takeaway cup of java or find a table to tuck into a bacon and egg roll. Locals swear by the coffee here so if you’re after a souvenir or gift to take home, buy a bag of Breakwater blend coffee beans to remember Warrnambool by.

Address: 743 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool

6. Rough Diamond

a pastry on offer at Rough Diamond, Warrnambool

This popular Warrnambool cafe offers a delightful selection of pastries that complement its wonderful coffee.

If you’re after a filling breakfast sambo, oozy grilled cheese toastie or strong latte made with small batch beans from Melbourne’s Market Lane, make a beeline for this popular cafe. Located in a converted office space, this minimalist cafe has indoor and outdoor seating – look for the distinctive black-and-white coffee sign out the front.

Address: 203 Koroit St, Warrnambool

7. Bohemia Cafe & Bar

This cosy cafe is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week. Set yourself up for the day with chilli scrambled eggs, buttermilk pancakes or brekky tacos or stop by for a burger or salad for lunch. Either way, this friendly place with a welcoming, friendly vibe will hit the spot.

Address: 127 Kepler St, Warrnambool

8. The Beach Kiosk Cafe

Open daily from 7am to 3pm, this dog-friendly, casual café is a great place for a bite to eat after a beach swim. If you’re on the go, grab a takeaway brew from the window then take a stroll around the Lake Pertobe area. When the sun is out, nab an outdoor table to enjoy fish and chips, a fresh fruit smoothie or an ice cream from the scoop station – simple pleasures this are heavenly on a warm, summery day.

Address: 65 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool

9. Pleasant Hill Coffee Van

You’ll find this gem of a vintage coffee van in the Fletcher Jones Gardens. This easy-going, family-friendly spot is the ideal place to relax outside in the fresh air on a sunny day. Order a cheese toastie and chocolate milkshake, kick back at one of the outdoor tables and watch your kids run around on the lawn. It’s easy to see why locals love this chilled-out coffee spot so much!

Address: 83 Flaxman St, Warrnambool

10. Allee Espresso

cafe staff busy preparing at Allee Espresso, Warrnambool

Stop by Allee Espresso for a warm brew to kickstart your day. (Image: Christian Barkla/ Hearken)

This little laneway espresso bar joined the scene in 2022 and is doing great things when it comes to sustainability. The 100% electric building is powered by rooftop solar and supplemented with certified green power. All the coffee and iced drink cups and lids are fully compostable too. Serving top-quality coffee by Melbourne roaster MAKER and a range of guest roasters, you’ll also find a small range of savoury and sweet bites here including pastries from local artisan bakery Jane Dough. Travelling with your pooches? You’ll be pleased to know there’s an outdoor, dog-friendly seating area here.

Address: 1 Dispensary La, Warrnambool

11. Pavilion Cafe & Bar

al fresco seating at Pavilion Cafe & Bar

Enjoy brunch on the beachfront terrace. (Image: Josh Robenstone)

Floor-to-ceiling windows and a beachfront balcony make this cafe, bar and function space one of the best spots to have brunch with waterfront views. Visit early in the morning to fuel up with a breakfast burrito or maple-toasted granola or plan a special seafood lunch here complete with wine and cocktails. The lovely views of Lady Bay and the Southern Ocean make this cafe a top spot for a celebratory meal to mark the end of your trip.

Address: 50 Viaduct Road, Warrnambool

Discover the best restaurants in Warrnambool.

10 restaurants to try on your next trip to Warrnambool