The Warrnambool food scene may seem small when compared to bigger cities like Melbourne or Sydney. However, this small coastal city has some true gems when it comes down to eating, drinking, and enjoying life.
Warrnambool restaurants offer an assortment of specialties and some of the best spots to watch the sunset with an ice-cold drink in your hand!
The Best Warrnambool Restaurants
Whether you for looking for somewhere to grab a quick bite or you want to make a reservation for a special occasion, there is a Warrnambool restaurant for you. Try these seaside favourites.
Simons Waterfront Restaurant
Nice decor and incredible ocean views
Simons Waterfront Restaurant should not be missed. This super trendy bistro feels like something out of a magazine with its modern decor and floor-to-ceiling windows that look out towards the ocean. The chefs pride themselves on using only high-quality products in their deliciously crafted breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu.
This Warrnambool restaurant is famous for its seafood crowder and gourmet burgers. However, they can also accommodate a quick coffee or drink in their panoramic beer garden. It is located on Pertobe road and overlooks Lady Bay and the Southern Ocean.
Logan’s Warrnambool
Come for a quick lunch or big dinner
Logan’s Warrnambool is a popular eatery in the city center which is open for lunch and dinner. There is a wide range of classic dishes on the menu ranging from gourmet salads to pasta and steak. The dinner menu has a large vegetarian section, alongside local seafood, beef and chicken.
Logan’s has been a staple of the Warrnambool food scene for the last decade and it doesn’t seem like they going anywhere. Come here for a big dinner, quick lunch or take-away. You can order online via the website, where delivery is also an option.
Bohemia Cafe & Bar
Locals spot with seasonal lunch and breakfast menu
Bohemia Cafe & Bar is known for serving up great coffee and a seasonal lunch and breakfast menu which keeps visitors coming back time and time again. The unassuming building has a lively indoor space and large outdoor patio.
Located just off the main street but still within the city centre, this Warrnambool cafe is where you will find the locals. Drop in for a coffee, cake or glass of wine. It’s dishes are beautifully presented and they they are vegetarian friendly, too.
Warrnambool RSL and Saltwater Bistro
Budget-friendly pub classics with a view
You’ll find the Warrnambool RSL overlooking Lake Pertobe, just down the road from the Warrnambool Art Gallery. Their causal Saltwater Bistro doubles as one of the best Warrnambool pubs, so ensure you make time for a visit.
Saltwater Bistro is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. They serve classic, homemade dishes, like chicken parm and avo on toast, as well as offer free WiFi to their guests. It is the ultimate place to meet friends for a budget friendly meal.
Dart & Marlin
Buzzy location with excellent pizza and drinks
Celebrate the end of your Great Ocean Road journey with dinner and drinks at The Dart & Marlin. There is always a good vibe here. Try local grub while you sip on natural wines or creative cocktails. Tucked away in a 19th-century building, the pizza is of particular note – it’s thin-crusted, light and with fresh ingredients.
You can order takeaway online or stay and enjoy the ambience at The Dart & Marlin. There is always something going on here. Live local DJs and bands are a regular occurrence.
Clovelly Restaurant and Bar
Low key dinner option close to Flagstaff Hill and Maritime Museum
This low-key Warrnambool restaurant is a great place to visit in the winter. The warm wood, fireplaces and skylights add to the cozy ambience of the Clovelly Restaurant and Bar. They serve breakfast and dinner here. Although it’s most well known for its large portions of classic dishes like steak, lamb, seafood and pasta at dinner time.
The waitstaff are known for their friendly, efficient service and add to the charm of the place. It is located just across from the famous Flagstaff Hill and Maritime Museum, and part of the Best Western Olde Maritime hotel.
Read Next: The Best Warrnambool Accommodation and Places to Stay
Kermond’s Hamburgers
The best burgers in Warrnambool
The historic Kermond’s Hamburgers should undoubtedly be on your list of places to eat in Warrnambool for a cheap and cheerful meal. Since it first opened in 1949, this retro dining room has been an icon in the city.
Everything is done by hand here including the patties which are made on site. Add any combination of egg, onion, tomatoes or a range of speciality toppings to your burger and then pair it with one of their delicious milkshakes or thickshakes.
Fishtales Cafe
Colourful early morning cafe with great breakfast
This Warrnambool cafe is the ultimate place to go for an all-day breakfast. The Warrnambool Fishtales Cafe opens at 5:30 am and serves up every possible kind of breakfast combination you could think of. From avocado to muesli, sausages and hashbrowns – the menu is huge. Afterwhich they continue the day with a lunch, happy hour and dinner.
This colourful cafe was opened in 1994 as a fish and chip spot but has reinvented itself many times over the years. We love their breakfast, but their lunch and dinner are also pleasant. There is a large outdoor area for warmer days.
Parkers Fish and Chips Warrnambool
No frills fish and chips
Parkers Fish and Chips Warrnambool was open in 2014 and has since become a local institution. They serve all sorts of local, freshly caught fish and some of the best potato cakes and chips we’ve had.
Located on Timor Street, we are sure you will agree this no-frills eatery serves the best fish and chips Warrnambool has to offer. Visitors can dine-in but instead we would encourage you to takeaway to the beach or the Logan Whale Watching platform.
The Liebig
Causal option for delicious Asian dishes
For excellent Asian-style street food, head to The Liebig in Warrnambool. This restaurant has no frills, delicious Japan, Vietnam, Singapore and Thai food, with fast and friendly service. There is a long list of dishes on the menu which includes curries, Pad Thai and laksas.
It is appropriate for couples, family and friends. The restaurant can accommodate all sorts of dietary restrictions including gluten-free options, and vegan and vegetarian food. As the name suggest it is located on Liebig Street in the town centre.
The Hairy Goat Tapas and Cocktail Bar
Great upscale dinner option for groups
Located in the town centre, the Hairy Goat specializes in Spanish-style tapas and shared plates which make this Warrnambool restaurant a great choice for friends or date night. It also has a long list of cocktails and martinis to take advantage of.
The sleek decor interior is made up of red leather upholstery and dark wood, which adds to the ambience of the restaurant. The staff are very accommodating and part of the reason people keep coming back. They are only open for dinner.
The Fresh Market Warrnambool
Great coffee and homegrown food on Sunday
Warrnambool restaurants and cafes have something to offer to everybody, but if you prefer buying your own ingredients, head to the Fresh Market. It only happens on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, but if you are in Warrnambool, you should not miss it!
The market is set close to the beach and perched on the banks of Lake Pertobe. Here you can find, as the name suggests, fresh products! Just-out-of-the-oven bread, coffee, milk, and vegetables are sold by the local vendors. The fresh market is a fair that brings together the whole town.
Read Next: The Best List of Things to Do in Warrnambool
Warrnambool is a year-round destination with a great culinary scene. If you are new to town or want to try something new you can’t go wrong with these restaurants, pubs and cafes.
