Local View | Best Places To Eat & Drink on The Esplanade, Torquay
Set on the idyllic Esplanade Beach, with sweeping views of the ocean and Torquay’s famous Norfolk Pines, this stretch of seaside offers some of our best dining experiences, whatever the season, no matter the reason… So take a stroll along the Esplanade, and in less than a kilometre you’ll discover nine of the Surf Coast’s best eateries.
Frontbeach Taphouse & Restaurant
16 The Esplanade, Torquay
Frontbeach is one of the best places in town to watch the world go by. You’ll feel the relaxed vibes as their friendly staff make your choice of beverage and engage you in the finer points of their gin or craft beer list. Whether you find a cosy position inside or a sunny spot on the extensive decks, we guarantee you’ll be happy settling in for a while at this venue. Good thing their menu is so yummy, cos’ a ‘couple of drinks’ will likely roll into a meal 😉
Senors
17 The Esplanade, Torquay
Order up! Choose a myriad of dishes from Senors’ share menu, and enjoy sensational food that will please any crowd. Pair this with an extensive drinks and cocktails list, all under the sparkling fairy lights, and you’ve got yourself the recipe for a great night out. Check out their nightly specials, like Monday night famous for – 2 for 1 margaritas, and 2 for 1 paellas! We also love that every month they showcase a local artist, creating a changing gallery on their walls that keeps us coming back.
Growlers
23 The Esplanade, Torquay
Offering live music every weekend, Growlers Torquay has long been one of the Surf Coast’s favourite places to socialise and is described as a “dining and drinking beachfront bungalow.” Kick off your Friday or Saturday night with Happy Hour from 4-6pm. Located on the famous strip of The Esplanade with breathtaking views of the ocean and Cosy Corner, it’s spectacular in all seasons.
Offering a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, Growlers is locally owned and operated and boasts historic local surfing photographs and a ‘sandy beach’ in the beer garden where the kids can play while you enjoy a beverage from the beautiful red gum bar.
Fisho’s
36 The Esplanade, Torquay
At Fisho’s they only sell fresh, locally sourced seafood alongside freshly prepared and house made sides to deliver healthy options and traditional favourites, while looking after the marine environment and supporting local growers and suppliers. Not your everyday ‘fish and chips’, Fisho’s always have an array of interesting salads and more interesting fish dishes such as their fish tacos and popular poké bowl.
These guys are also committed to eliminating single use plastics to further minimise their impact on the environment.
Bomboras
37 The Esplanade, Torquay
Bombora’s Restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere in a renovated 50’s beach shack right on the water’s edge. Featuring a full menu of local produce and a huge selection of coffee, craft beers and wines, Bombora’s is a great place for having a meal with friends and family, and the delicious pizzas are sure to please.
PLUS: 47 The Esplanade, Torquay is Bomboras POP UP BAR open from the Melbourne Cup weekend through to Easter.
Pholklore
38 The Esplanade, Torquay
Pholklore is about enjoying delicious Vietnamese food and chill ocean-side vibes. Their menu is a mix of plates to share, lunch rolls, salads and hearty serves of pho, complemented by a bar that boasts a range of drinks from beer to wine to pho-inspired cocktails.
Pond Cafe
39 The Esplanade, Torquay
Pond Café has reviews that any business would die for. “Wow! So impressed with this place! Super friendly staff, welcoming and accommodating, creative and healthy menu AND the best almond lattes and shredded lamb shoulder I’ve ever eaten! Add in location and views and this place is a must in Torquay!” Enough said, get in there and try it for yourself.
Café Moby
41 The Esplanade, Torquay
Cafe Moby is a local icon, nestled in a quirky converted weatherboard house on the beautiful Torquay beachside. Overlooking the picturesque foreshore, this laid-back cafe captures the essence of the Surf Coast and serves delicious food. They have old-school values with quality fresh food, coffee and homemade cakes to enjoy in a charming space where you are sure to feel at home.
The Moby backyard is kid friendly with a playground, climbing wall and sandpit to provide hours of entertainment. Spacious picnic tables are scattered throughout the backyard so bring the whole family and enjoy their extensive kids’ menu.
The Salty Dog Café
47 The Esplanade, Torquay
The Salty Dog Café invites you to get your morning coffee or a bite to eat at their kiosk on the beach, whilst soaking up the view over Fisherman’s Beach. They serve breakfast, smoothies, juices, coffees, cakes and more. Kids are catered for with a play area, and salty dogs are also very welcome!
With this many great dining options, coffee shops and bars within walking distance along the Esplanade, there’s no doubt why Torquay and the Surf Coast is an enviable location for a sea change or holiday.