9 Food places that may surprise you on the Great Ocean Road

Cafes and restaurants on the Great Ocean Road are constantly evolving and changing to deliver the best possible food experience.

They’re serious about staying on-trend and ahead of the game. They favour local, fresh produce and seasonal menus. They curate quality local and regional wine and craft beer. And, you’d be hard up to find a place without a view of the beach or lush forest.

So, if you’re an avid foodie looking to escape the city for a weekend (or longer) in big nature, get down to the Great Ocean Road, just a couple of hours away.

Here are my top 10 eateries that you should head straight to:

TORQUAY

Mavis Mavis

A relatively new kid on the block but already a favourite local cafe by many. With amazing coffee and absolutely epic toasties, the tuna melt is a must try. Plus you can head down and enjoy on the beach.

Bomboras

As the food landscape in Australia changes, Bomboras is the best at keeping on top of trends, however an old favourite lamb salad has been on the menu for years – and for a very good reason! I also like to sit outside to enjoy the vast beach view.

The Pond Cafe

If you feel like a traditional English breakfast loaded with sausage, or something lighter like seasoned chicken breast over fresh greens, this cute little cafe is where you need to be. Note that there’s also some delicious gluten-free dishes on the menu, too.

LORNE

The Bottle of Milk

Contrary to the name, believe it or not, you’ll find the ultimate hamburger at The Bottle of Milk! The master minds behind the menu wanted to create the ‘ultimate hamburger on the Great Ocean Road’. Large outside tables mean you can sit in the sun and indulge in a juicy burger and a side of fries. Or, grab your meal to go and chill out on the beach.

OTWAYS

Prickly Moses Brewery – Barongarook

When you’re travelling along the Great Ocean Road, make sure you drive through the beautiful lush rainforest in the Otway National Park. This is where you’ll find the Prickly Moses Brewery as part of the Otway Estate; a food and drink destination also with a cidery, winery and soon a distillery! The on-site cafe offers great lunch options to fill your tummy while enjoying a little road trip.

APOLLO BAY

Great Ocean Road Brewhouse

We’re proud to say we have the biggest and best selection of local craft beers. The beer garden has a laid back and relaxing vibe (dogs welcome!) where you can meet other travellers and some of the locals. Our restaurant menu includes dishes made from local ingredients, as well as some pub fare favourites like the Mexican parma and nachos. Feel good that when you drink and eat with us, you’re also supporting local community groups and charities with various fundraising events throughout the year. Right in the middle of town.

ANGLESEA

Fish by Moonlite

This is so much more than your standard fish and chip shop. Want to sample some of the freshest local seafood? This is the place for you.

PORT CAMPBELL

12 Rocks Beach Bar

This restaurant is right on the beach, overlooking the town’s beautiful port. With traditional pub fare and classic Australian dishes on the menu, it has something for everyone, including the kids. The family-owned business has created a relaxed place to relax and take in the beach vista, from inside, or outside on the covered deck.

WARRNAMBOOL

Pavilion Cafe & Bar

Overlooking the Lady Bay and Breakwater, the popular Pavilion Cafe & Bar is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and everything in between. I like its choice of vegetarian and vegan dishes. You can sit inside on a cool or windy day and watch the crashing waves out back at Middle Island (from the movie Oddball), or sit outside on a fine day and watch the world go by along the Promenade.