Top spots to dine during the Pro

TORQUAY’S dining and coffee scene reflects its surf culture: it is relaxed, confident and quietly refined.

Whether you’re chasing a quick caffeine hit before a dawn patrol or settling in for a long lunch and cocktail, the Surf Coast delivers.

Here’s where to start.

EASE INTO THE DAY

Torquay Larder

Gilbert Street, Torquay

A long-time local favourite, this deli-style cafe pairs a cosy interior with a prime Gilbert Street address. House-made pastries, fresh salads and toasted sandwiches lead the menu, alongside consistently excellent coffee.

After a 221-day closure following a fire in 2024, the Larder has returned to form – and remains one of the town’s most reliable spots for a quality start to the day.

 

Ocean Grind

Sawmills Way, Torquay

Tucked away in the North Torquay industrial estate, Ocean Grind is a destination for serious coffee drinkers. The team roasts its own beans on site, with a focus on quality and sustainability.

The warehouse-style space offers a quieter alternative to the beachfront bustle, with a rotating selection of sweets on the counter. Bring your own cup – or borrow one – as single-use isn’t part of the model.

Mortadelli

Gilbert Street, Torquay

Part deli, part pasta bar, Mortadelli brings a European feel to Torquay. Now spread across two adjoining spaces, it’s known for loaded sandwiches, house-made pasta and shelves stocked with Italian specialties.

The coffee holds its own, whether you’re grabbing a quick espresso or settling in for something slower.

 

The Salty Dog

The Esplanade, Torquay

Few spots match this for a casual, dog-friendly coffee with a view. Set in the Fisherman’s Beach car park, The Salty Dog leans into its laid-back setting with outdoor seating, light breakfast options and fresh juices.

It’s a favourite for a sandy-feet-welcome pitstop.

Doc Hughes

The Esplanade, Torquay

With sweeping ocean views, Doc Hughes moves easily from morning through to evening. The menu covers brunch staples through to more refined dinner options, while the expansive outdoor area is made for long afternoons.

It suits both a quick breakfast and a drink as the swell rolls in.

 

WHERE TO SETTLE IN

Samesyn 2.0

Bell Street, Torquay

One of the Surf Coast’s more considered dining experiences, Samesyn 2.0 combines a chef-led approach with a strong sustainability ethos. The menu draws on local produce – much of it through Feed Me Surf Coast – alongside native ingredients and a zero-waste philosophy.

Led by Graeme Jeffries, the venue has built a reputation for both its food and its purpose, with profits directed to charities focused on food security.

The Sands

Sands Boulevard, Torquay

Set within the Sands resort and golf course, this is dining with space and scale. The restaurant and bar overlook rolling fairways and coastal dunes, offering a relaxed but polished setting.

It works just as well for a post-round drink as it does for a long lunch or formal dinner.

 

Roku Den

Bell Street, Torquay

This intimate Japanese restaurant delivers precision and atmosphere in equal measure. Expect fresh sushi and sashimi alongside creative shared plates, with a focus on high-quality seafood and local produce.

The moody, timber-lined interior sets the tone for a more refined night out.

The Beach Hotel Jan Juc

Stuart Avenue, Jan Juc

A true local institution, the Jan Juc pub remains a go-to for a relaxed meal or post-surf drink.

The menu covers the classics – parmas, burgers, seafood – backed by a solid selection of beers, wines and cocktails.

With a spacious deck and glimpses of the ocean, it’s a dependable place to settle in and take in the coastal setting.