4 Best Restaurants in Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Seafood fresh from its own trawler, the Tambo Bay, is the reason to visit this long-standing fisherman's co-op, located in Apollo Bay's working harbor. Flathead and snapper are regulars on the menu, and scallop, octopus, giant crab, squid, and even abalone make an appearance, but their signature is the southern rock lobster. Regular fish-and-chip shop fare, such as calamari, flake, and burgers are always on the menu, the lobster and abalone are charged at market price—just check the specials board for the day's catch.

This former mechanic's garage is now a hub for the Irish village of Koroit, 10 minutes' drive from Port Fairy. Drop in to explore Noodledoof's exciting range of craft beers—anything from a mango sour to an iced coffee stout—and stay for the light bar menu of toasted sandwiches and soups. Otherwise, the short menu includes a robust meal of slow-cooked beef cheek, a Reuben or a savory, vegetarian tart. Gin drinkers should try the koroit gin, inspired by the dormant volcano near the town and flavored with herbs gathered by hand from inside the volcanic crater (you can buy their liqueurs, beers, and gins to take away).

Churning out reliably good coffee, Moons is a stalwart on the Lorne café scene. This vegan-friendly spot is the place to pull up for big breakfasts or a pastry and juice while sitting in the sun, or take your bounty just across the road for a picnic at the beach.

This relaxed main-street eatery with a spacious sundeck and friendly staff is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 6 am. Order the vegetarian big breakfast, the fish-and-chips, or maybe an Asian-style chicken Maryland. Waves also has self-contained rooms, including some with spa baths.