From wood-fired pizza with knockout ocean views to a cosy, family-run, hatted Greek eatery, there are plenty of superb Lorne restaurants to choose from on your next Great Ocean Road trip.
Whether you’re in the mood for some fresh oysters in the sunshine, a kid-friendly bistro lunch or a boozy Italian feast with friends after dark, there’s plenty of eateries to choose from when visiting one of the Great Ocean Road’s most popular holiday towns. If you’re looking for the best Lorne restaurants to add to your trip list, read on…
1. IPSOS
This local institution run by Great Ocean Road restaurant royalty Pam and Kosta Talimanidis (and now their son Dominic too) is a consistent favourite with visitors and locals alike.
Wine and dine at this hatted eatery.
A modern take on a traditional Greek taverna, this hatted eatery’s menu is varied daily to accommodate seasonal specialties but expect plenty of Mediterranean culinary heroes like smoked eggplant, grilled octopus and grilled kefalograviera (cheese) with spiced figs and pistachio.
Raise a glass with your mates at IPSOS.
Offering warm hospitality and a menu full of winners, Ipsos is one of those places you’ll want to return to again and again.
The menu is varied daily to accommodate seasonal specialties.
Address: 48 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne
2. Pizza Pizza
This popular pizzeria in a white, weatherboard cottage has both outdoor and indoor seating (complete with log fire) making it a great dinner spot to visit all year round. There are more than 15 pizzas to choose from here spanning from the crowd-pleasing capricciosa to a zingy, peppery prawn pizza laden with mozzarella, prawns, garlic, chilli and roquette. Add a few glasses of vino with your mates and you’ve got yourself a pizza party.
Cosy up by the fire at Pizza Pizza.
Address: 2 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne
3. The Clam
A fun, casual spot for tunes, food and booze, The Clam is a welcome addition to Lorne’s social scene. At this retro seaside tavern you can cure your hangover with a Bloody Mary and a plate of rock oysters or start working on tomorrow’s hangover with a few happy hour cocktails.
Cure your hangover with a Bloody Mary and a plate of rock oysters.
Live music is frequently a part of the package at this seasonal spot, so check to see who is playing or DJing before you arrive. Either way, you’ll be happy as a clam here.
The Clam is a casual spot for tunes, food and booze.
Address: 82 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne
4. The Lorne Hotel Bistro & Beer Garden
The longstanding Lorne Hotel has been a local landmark for 145 years and looks set to continue its run for many more years to come.
Nab a spot at the outdoor tables.
Like any good regional pub, there are specials throughout the week including midweek lunch deals, a curry night, steak night and a nightly happy hour offering drinks specials between 4–6pm.
The Lorne Hotel Bistro & Beer Garden has been a local landmark for 145 years.
On the weekends (especially during summer) the bistro and beer garden heaves with holidaymakers, so be sure to book ahead or get there early to nab a spot – outdoor tables with ocean views are prime real estate in these parts.
Inside, you’ll find a classy restaurant with lush garden views.
Address: 176 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne
(02) 9114 7398
5. Almyra
With a tagline like ‘where the waves meet the wood fire,’ Almyra’s location is a bit of a dead giveaway. Sitting just metres from the breakers at Lorne Beach, this upscale eatery’s dining room is where to go for a special lunch or celebratory night out.
Almyra is just metres from Lorne Beach.
With Mediterranean-inspired dishes like wood-baked snapper, twice-cooked octopus and ouzo-cured kingfish on the menu, seafood lovers are well taken care of. Want a table with waterfront views?
Head to Almyra for casual eats.
Book early to nab a prized position. For casual eats, head to the deck to lunch on meze, burgers and souvlaki by day and woodfired pizza by night.
Nab a prized position with waterfront views.
Address: 81 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne
6. The Peak
With impressive views high over Louttit Bay, this wedding venue and bistro located in the Lorne Country Club is open for limited service over the busy summer holidays, Easter break and other busy periods during the high season. A top spot for an ale and meal after a round of golf or tennis session, The Peak has all the classics covered like steaks, parmas and fish and chips and a kid’s menu for the little ones. A strong beer and wine list of local favourites seals the deal.
The Peak overlooks the ocean. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Address: 2 Holliday Rd, Lorne
7. Mexican Republic
Craving tacos and margaritas? This summer hotspot is where to get your fill of Mexican classics like beef enchiladas, pulled pork tacos, black bean burritos and charred street corn topped with queso and lime. Wash it down with a Tecate lager or two and you’ve got the perfect way to cap off a day by the beach. Close your eyes and you could almost convince yourself you’re in Baja.
Get your fill of tacos and margaritas at the Mexican Republic.
Address: 1A Grove Rd, Lorne
8. Captain Hooked
Some would say that no beach trip is complete without at least one seafood feast. Captain Hooked has all your deep-fried seafood needs covered with calamari, fish burgers, seafood baskets and, of course, good, old fish and chips served with tartare sauce. Since swimming, surfing and hiking are thirsty work, order a glass of house white or crisp tap beer to wet your whistle too.
Enjoy your crisp tap beer in the al fresco dining area.
Address: 94 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne
9. Raas Leela
A top choice for vegetarians and vegans, this Indian restaurant brings the flavours of the subcontinent to the Victorian coast. Open for eat-in and takeaway, the menu has plenty of plant-based dishes, as well as a good selection of regional favourites from across India, like Bengali tiger prawns cooked in coconut and a fragrant Kerala-style fish stew. When it comes to dessert be sure to try the Gajar ka halwa, a traditional North Indian sweet pudding that is India’s answer to carrot cake.
Address: 116 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne
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