Torquay, once a sleepy seaside town, is now an iconic surf destination with a laidback air. As the popularity of Torquay has grown, Torquay restaurants have popped up to meet demand. There are plenty of places to eat in Torquay which can assuage beach bums, holidaymakers, and surfers which frequent the area and explore the top things to do.
Torquay restaurants complement the active lifestyle of its residents and visitors. They are known for serving up healthy dishes in a range of comfortable and modern atmospheres. If you are looking for a spot refuel for the road ahead you will definitely find one here!
The Best Torquay Restaurants
Whether you are after something with a more causal or upscale setting, there is a Torquay Victoria restaurant for you. Try these surf town favourites.
Bomboras Torquay
Thin-crust, wood-fired pizza topped with melting mozzarella, ice-cold craft beers, and a breathtaking view over the ocean define Bomboras Torquay. This brilliant Torquay restaurant is so loved by locals and tourists!
The verdant outdoor area is dotted with benches and umbrellas which complement the interior wooden decor. If you only have time for a quick drink, head to the attached Pop Up Bar to enjoy a pint or a glass of wine. From here, oceans views are aplenty.
It’s a great place for sunset. So, get your camera ready to grab a shot of the rugged coastline during at golden hour!
Ill Matto
For a taste of Italy head to Il Matto. This laidback and authentic restaurant is located on Bell Street close to Point Danger and Cosy Corner beach.
Head there for high-quality wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta. Then top it off with a glass of wine! ll Matto is open every day for lunch and dinner and they have both indoor and outdoor seating.
Pholklore
Pholklore is top amongst Torquay restaurants and as unique and artsy as Torquay itself. It takes up the taste, colors, and culinary traditions of Vietnam.
Here, you can find Pho, Spring Rolls, Ricepaper Rolls, Bun Cha, and Banh Mi. If you have visited Vietnam, this restaurant will transport you back to the land of rolling ricefields! The ocean is only steps away, and the fairy-lit outdoor area is the perfect setting to enjoy a midsummer evening with your partner or friends!
Squires Loft
If you are looking for Torquay restaurants that specialize in steak then look no farther than Squires Loft in Torquay. This modern upscale restaurant is shrouded in rustic decor and offers premium beef cuts, cooked to perfection.
There are a couple of seafood and vegetarian options and each main comes with chips or a baked potato. However, there is a specialized list of steak sauces and sides to complement each main. If you are visiting Torquay on the weekend or during holidays then ensure you make reservations!
The Best Torquay Cafes
If you are anything like us you NEED that hit of caffeine in the morning. Try these Torquay cafes for great coffee and lovely meals.
Ginger Monkey
Arguably serving up the best vegetarian food in town. Ginger Monkey is the perfect place for a Torquay lunch or breakfast. Open from 6 am to 3 pm, this vibrant cafe is frequented by surfers and beach bums.
The decor at Ginger Monkey is simple, airy with lots of greenery. They serve locally sourced coffee supplied by the nearby Proud Mary Coffee Roasters. Take it from us… of all the Torquay cafes, this one should not be missed!
Fisho’s Torquay Fish and Chips
Overlooking the seafront, this Torquay fish and chips shop serves up original takes of much-loved seafood classics. Located a 2-minute walk from the Torquay Foreshore, this restaurant is located in a weatherboard house with a large front patio.
At Fisho’s you can enjoy snapper wings, octopus, chermoula skewers, and Fresh Pacific oysters accompanied by sweet potato cakes or fries. This quirky and upbeat little restaurant has conquered the hearts of locals and tourists, becoming one of the best places to eat in Torquay.
The Salty Dog Cafe
This tiny wooden kiosk by the seashore offers some the best coffee in town and has stellar ocean views. Salty Dog Cafe has one of the earliest opening times of Torquay cafes, it opens at 6:00 am. So, it is frequented by surfers, joggers, and other early risers. Alternatively, many families and Torquay takeout aficionados stop by for a Torquay lunch by the beach!
The food at Salty Dog Cafe is simple and tasty. This Torquay restaurant offers sausage rolls, salads, panko-crumbed calamari, along with juicy burgers stuffed with Angus beef and bacon. If you are just in search of a quick sugar fix, they also offer milkshakes and iced coffees.
Cafe El Nido
If you are not sure where to eat in Torquay, head to Cafe El Nido. Located on Fischer street, they are open for breakfast and lunch every day, and serve stellar coffee.
Head here for coffee, brunch and lunch. You will find food inspired by El Nido in the Philippines and prepared with local Australian produce. This Torquay cafe is obsessed with preparing high-quality fusion food like Bao Buns and Asian street food.
Cafe El Nido puts on events on a regular basis so check their website for the most up-to-date information. Kids and fur babies are welcome!
The Best Torquay Pub
After a long sunny day on the coast head to one of these classic Torquay Victoria pubs for a bite to eat. They are tried and tested by locals – we give them the thumbs up!
4 Pines Brewing Co. and Torquay Pub
For a solid beer garden, flanked by greenery head to the 4 Pines Brewing Co. This pet-friendly venue serves cold beer and tasty burgers. The brewhouse has partnered with Boardriders, and lives above the surf shop just down the road from the Australian Surf Museum.
4 Pines Brewing Co is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. However, you’ll find most people here for a bite to eat and cold drink around lunch or dinner time. Head to the bar to order! Often you’ll find live music and other events happening, so check in often.
Blackmans Brewery
Recently opened in Torquay, Blackmans Brewery offers great eats and even better beer. Their dedicated team brews a wide variety of beers from IPA to Wit to Lager, so there is a beer for every palette. On Wednesday and Saturday brewery tours are offered for those that want to learn more about the art of brewery.
Blackmans Brewery has a buzzing outdoor area and a stylish indoor dining area. In terms of food, their menu is based on sharing plates which has solidified them as our favourite Torquay pub and one of the best places to eat in Torquay.
The Torquay Hotel
Long has the Torquay Hotel been a meeting place for locals. Located on the Esplanade, this Torquay pub has both indoor and outdoor seating. However, recently the Torquay Hotel has been divided into an upscale restaurant area, a beer garden and a public bar area. Choose which is right for you.
The full-serve restaurant has recently gotten a facelift. Now you will find an upscale venue with seafood, well-cut steaks and other parrilla grilled dishes. If you want to keep it more low-key head to the public bar for a meal of classic Aussie grub in the pub or to the beer garden if drinks are on the mind. The Torquay Hotel is known for its live gigs which feature local and international artists. They have a whole host of weekly and special events for people who want to hit the town.
Read Next: The Best Torquay Accommodation and Places to Stay
Whether you are after a low-key evening or an upscale meal, there’s somewhere special for you to eat or drink in Torquay. The restaurants reflect the unique ambience of the town and we can’t wait for you to experience them for yourself.
