Top 5 Great Ocean Road Food & Drink: A Tasty Tour

The Great Ocean Road. It’s not just about awesome views, is it? This famous drive actually has a surprising array of tasty spots that are just begging to be discovered. That means you will find cool little cafes to awesome restaurants with menus featuring all sorts of great seafood, as well as craft breweries. Planning that special road trip, is that it? Or, maybe you’re local and searching for some new ideas? So, let’s explore the top five places where you can have both memorable eats, but also memorable scenery while traveling.

1. Brae Restaurant, Birregurra: Farm-to-Table Deliciousness

First stop? Brae Restaurant in Birregurra. It’s not exactly on the coastal strip of the Great Ocean Road. Actually, it’s found a little further inland, a very cool place that is considered a real culinary destination for foodies, is that right? The drive is gorgeous in itself. Winding roads cutting through farms where cows might actually cross. Brae’s approach is genuinely “farm-to-table.” This place is where they focus on using the produce which they harvest directly from their organic farm.

When dining here, you’re in for, well, quite the experience, so too it’s almost like an education. The menu celebrates seasonality with innovative dishes. Plus, they don’t neglect sustainable practices. Tasting menus often change to feature fresh ingredients. Dishes might actually feature unique ingredients. Stuff like, say, for instance, local mushrooms or maybe some foraged herbs, as I was saying? You want atmosphere, is that the reason you’re here? Then you are in for a treat because the setting of this place is pretty special too. The modern dining room offers great views, is that the intention? If you want to stay, there are luxurious accommodations available.

Looking at the building you might think “A glorified shack?” But don’t let its casual look fool you. You will find they take dining quite seriously here. Not to mention the presentation is rather incredible. That alone may justify the hefty price tag, as a matter of fact.

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2. The Lorne Hotel: Pub Fare with a View

Looking for something maybe a bit more casual? Then the Lorne Hotel, located in the heart of Lorne, provides more or less a classic Aussie pub experience. It does have one pretty awesome addition though, namely a stellar view of the ocean.

You are at a pub. You know exactly what to expect here. Menu classics, such as fish and chips. Perhaps a solid chicken parmigiana, is that what you want? All of the dishes, well, you will find they are executed nicely. Nothing revolutionary at the pub grub level, but well-made is a decent descriptor, as I was saying? Of course, you cannot beat the outdoor seating area. It is quite amazing. It delivers beautiful panoramic ocean views. The venue gets very lively on weekends and during holidays. So it might actually pay to show up earlier rather than later to get a good spot, might it?

The Lorne Hotel is actually fantastic to have a relaxed meal and a cold beer. All that while taking in that picture-perfect coastal vista.

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3. Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op: Fresh Seafood

Let’s face it, can one travel the Great Ocean Road and not indulge in some local seafood? Seems kinda criminal if you ask me, alright? So when you visit Apollo Bay, the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op is a place to check out, for example.

This actually very casual spot provides that guarantee of the freshest possible seafood. Local fisherman, too it’s almost like they, themselves supply the catch of the day. The menu seems like its always being dictated by what’s been hauled in. What’s actually on offer might just change based on that day’s catch, that’s right.

Visitors frequently love the simple and tasty preparations. A patron can sample fish grilled, or perhaps they are battered. There is always calamari, too, in some respects, as well as even some scrumptious flake. This isn’t fancy fare by any stretch of the imagination, basically. You get great, fresh seafood prepared perfectly in a no-frills, seaside setting, is that so? So, if you’re into enjoying top-quality seafood without the crazy, ridiculous prices, then you should love this spot!

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4. Great Ocean Road Brewhouse, Apollo Bay: Craft Beer and Good Times

If one is into locally brewed beer, well, it should be noted, that one must head to the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse in Apollo Bay. With a good selection of craft beers, as a matter of fact, featuring their very own brews, there will probably be something that tingles your fancy.

Their selection actually includes pale ales. Don’t overlook their lagers as well as maybe something a touch darker like an IPA, or even stout for the particularly adventurous drinker, alright? You want a tasting paddle so you might just get to sample a range of styles? Then, they probably have that option available, just so you know. Oh, yes, this pub also boasts a kitchen that dishes up some really tasty meals. Meals which complement, that’s right, compliment all the great beer rather wonderfully. So too, it’s almost like, why not chow down on a hearty burger or possibly maybe something local? They make sure you are enjoying them with a tasty brew. The Brewhouse offers a relaxed, and casual atmosphere, is it?

Great Ocean Road Brewhouse is perfect if you fancy some cold beer. Great food, it’s also a fun time, honestly!

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5. Dooley’s Ice Cream, Apollo Bay: Sweet Treats

One really cannot forget about dessert, is that it? I think people tend to generally agree with that point, too, you know? Therefore, you must swing by Dooley’s Ice Cream in Apollo Bay, must not you? The place offers something wonderfully cool to cap off your tasty adventures of the day, or perhaps start your day early with something sweet, like your, is that possible?

This pretty famous ice creamery sports an, in some respects, amazing variety of ice cream flavors, more or less, as well as sorbets. Of course they have some classic selections such as vanilla, possibly something wild such as salted caramel. Maybe you’ll discover something entirely you like. A bit unique even. This spot uses local ingredients. It certainly seems like it has assisted them to achieve legendary status over in Apollo Bay.

One has many options. Whether you love cups or maybe prefer cones, Dooley’s could be an actually ideal pit stop when one is just in search of a sweet treat when traveling the Great Ocean Road, arguably!

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