Australia’s golden beaches draw visitors from across the country (and the world) every summer. From Tasmania’s windswept shores to Sydney’s Northern Beaches, wherever there are beaches, great restaurants aren’t far behind. Whether you’re after fine dining or relaxed bistros, you can enjoy a sun-soaked meal by the sea at the best beach restaurants in Australia.
Get a taste of the Amalfi Coast on the Central Coast, or head to Bondi for Mediterranean flavours and a Greek atmosphere. The Sunshine Coast features riverside dining close to the coast, while the Gold Coast boasts a pan-Asian restaurant with a panoramic view. In Melbourne, St Kilda and its neighbouring suburbs have laid-back beachfront restaurants, and Hobart’s Blackman’s Bay is home to an all-day dining spot with great vegan options. Manly’s best foreshore bistro is popular with tourists and locals alike, while on the other side of the country, an Exmouth resort is perfect for a romantic dinner on the beach.
In the summer months, the best beach restaurants in Australia fill up fast – book your spot on OpenTable today.
Keep reading to discover the 13 best beach restaurants in Australia
For one of the best Italian restaurants by the beach – check out Amalfi Restaurant and Bar Pearl Beach in NSW
Amalfi Restaurant and Bar Pearl Beach is one of the best restaurants on the Central Coast. Situated right in front of the iconic Pearl Beach, it evokes the feeling of Italian summer on the Amalfi Coast. Little lemon trees and pops of yellow bring this sunny beachfront restaurant to life. Start with some antipasti like creamy burrata and crispy calamari. Move on to pillow-soft gnocchi with napoletana sauce or a tender pan-fried veal cotoletta. Kids under 10 can get classic spaghetti and meatballs or small cheese garlic pizzas. Finish off with a self-saucing Amalfi chocolate indulgence pudding. If you’re planning a big group meal, consider booking one of the set menus, which put together a feast of Amalfi’s best dishes for $70 or $89 per person. With the sea breeze and the classic Italian dishes, this is one of the best spots in Australia to get a taste of la dolce vita.
For one of the best beach restaurants in Victoria – check out Waves on the Beach in Victoria
Waves on the Beach is a hidden Mornington Peninsula gem where the ocean is the star of the show. Glass walls offer picturesque views of Port Phillip Bay, while the outdoor decking area puts you right above the sand. A popular spot for relaxed get-togethers and romantic date nights, everyone will find something to enjoy on the seasonal menu. Start with a seasonal tasting board or some fluffy bao buns filled with soft-shell crab and gochujang chilli mayo. Move on to a seafood chowder pie or split a slow-roasted lamb for two. Add some broccoli tossed in miso butter on the side and finish up with a fudge brownie topped with chocolate ganache.
For one of the best restaurants in Bondi Beach – head to Ikaria in Sydney
Ikaria’s earthy, clay tones transport you across oceans to the Aegean Sea and the island of Ikaria, one of the world’s Blue Zones. Here, friends and family come together over Mediterranean mezes, refreshing cocktails and unobstructed sea views. The Mediterranean feast and Ikarian banquet set menus are a great way to try a little bit of everything on the menu. Start with pita and Greek dips and move on to small plates like fried calamari or creamy saganaki cheese with honey. For your main, dig into oven-baked lamb shoulder and finish off with some lemon gelato with ricotta. The Aegean bottomless brunch features share plates and bottomless prosecco, wine or beer. You can upgrade your drinks to a classic cocktail like a margarita or an Aperol spritz.
For vegan options at one of the best beach restaurants in Australia – book your table at The Beach House in Tasmania
The Beach House looks out over Blackmans Bay Beach and the mouth of the Derwent River. Less than 20 minutes outside Hobart, this is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch during a day trip to the beach. Alternatively, get here early and enjoy breakfast rolls, coffee and pastry in the light, airy dining space. Start by sharing the signature blue swimmer crab and prawn pate with crisp bread and pickles, or try the crispy vegetarian spring rolls. The kitchen perfectly cooks the Scotch and eye fillet steaks on the chargrill and serves them with seasoned fries or crispy potato rosti. Along with vegetarian options, The Beach House also has a dedicated plant-based menu featuring fetta arancini, crispy tofu tacos and a Thai tofu yellow curry. For dessert, try the spiced Huon Valley apple crumble with vanilla bean ice cream from Tasmania’s Van Diemans Ice Creamery.
For riverside dining at one of the best seafood restaurants in Australia – check out Rickys River Bar and Restaurant in the Sunshine Coast
Rickys River Bar and Restaurant is one of the best seafood restaurants in Australia. Situated on the banks of the Noosa River, grab an outdoor table and watch boats and kayakers cross the calm waters. Alternatively, sit in the sleek, modern interior and take in the view through the large, floor-to-ceiling windows. With a seasonal menu that celebrates local produce, this is one of the best spots in Queensland to take in the beauty of the Sunshine Coast. Pair freshly shucked oysters with an aromatic pinot blanc, and share plates of grilled halloumi and cured meats. For your entrée, you can’t go wrong with locally sourced seafood, the roasted Mooloolaba prawns or Queensland scallops. Keep the trend going with a serving of the local white fish fillet with celeriac puree, or try the tender grilled pork loin chop with roast eggplant puree. Rickys is just a 10-minute ferry ride from Noosa Heads Main Beach, with a stop right outside the restaurant.
For one of the best beach restaurants in Melbourne for scenic views – book at Donovans in Melbourne
Donovans is a beach house getaway everyone can enjoy. The eclectic dining space features a stone fireplace, mini Ferris wheels, shelves of wine and, of course, glass balcony doors with a great view of St Kilda Beach. Serving up a Mediterranean-inspired menu, Donovans invites you to make yourself feel at home as you watch the waves roll in. Order the house smoked salmon, sliced to order and served with blini, salmon caviar and crème fraiche. Alternatively, try the chicken liver parfait served with Prosecco jelly and candied walnuts. For a classic seaside meal, opt for the beer-battered fish with crunchy house chips. Pair your meal with a cocktail like the passionfruit vodka and apple juice chop chop charlie or the lemongrass gin and ginger liqueur gingerflorescoi.
For a waterside meal at a Sydney institution – book a spot at Doyles on the Beach in Sydney
Doyles on the Beach is one of Sydney’s best-known restaurants. Originally opened in 1885, its historic facade hides a comfortable, modern interior. Famous for its high-quality seafood and ocean views, you can step right off the outdoor deck and onto the sand of Watsons Bay Beach. Sit under blue and white striped umbrellas or grab a spot in the elegant blue and white dining room. Start with some Kilpatrick oysters served with crispy bacon and Worcestershire cream, or try the signature beer-battered jumbo prawns stuffed with bacon, sultanas, egg and leek. For your main, you can’t go wrong with Doyle’s famous fish and chips made with your choice of fish and served with Alice Doyle’s chilli plum sauce. The seafood paella is perfect for sharing, and the live lobster is a luxury option. Pair your dishes with a glass of crisp Doyles riesling or a Doyles Fishermans cabernet sauvignon with subtle notes of vanilla oak.
For one of the best beachside restaurants in Australia for a family getaway – head to Elwood Bathers in Melbourne
Elwood Bathers is a popular takeaway coffee spot in the mornings, with striped umbrellas out on the deck and a glass-walled interior with relaxed wicker seating. The seasonal menu features sustainable, locally sourced ingredients showcasing Victoria’s best flavours. This extends to the hand-selected wine list, which features wine from the King Valley, Macedon Ranges and the Mornington Peninsula. Try the cold-poached king prawn with harissa aioli and the crispy skin barramundi with confit tomatoes. The beer-battered fish and chips, made with flathead fillets, is an easy go-to option.
For one of the best restaurants near Ettalong Beach – check out The BOX on the Water in NSW
Sydney’s Northern Beaches are home to many excellent restaurants, but The BOX on the Water at Ettalong Beach is among the best of the best. Relax in the stylish glass-walled interior with hanging plants and panoramic views across Broken Bay towards Box Head. Order some fluffy sourdough and house-marinated Sicilian and Kalamata olives to snack on while you peruse the menu of modern Australian cuisine. The Box grazing feast is perfect for big groups with a multi-course menu including grilled octopus with orange salad, miso-glazed eggplant and pinot noir coq au vin. For an extra cost per person, each course comes with a carefully chosen wine pairing.
For one of the best beachside bistros in Australia – book a spot at Pipis Kiosk in Melbourne
In between Middle Park and Port Melbourne Beach, Pipis Kiosk is one of the best seaside bistro experiences in the country. While many people line up on the sand to order takeaway from the kiosk window, it’s well worth booking a spot in the relaxed, airy dining room with views of the beach and the pier. Start with light bites like the cured rainbow trout with horseradish yoghurt or the crispy salt cod croquettes with aioli. For something heartier, order the tender roasted magra lamb rump, and for something sweet, try the fluffy symphony of lemons chiffon cake with Buddha’s hand gelato. For something to drink, try a twist on a classic cocktail like the raspberry negroni or the briny oyster martini.
For a romantic evening at one of the best beachside restaurants in Australia – visit Mantaray’s Bar & Brasserie in North West WA
Part of the 4.5-star Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort, Mantaray’s Bar & Brasserie is one of the best romantic restaurants in Australia. The exclusive romantic beach dinner for two has just one reservation available each evening. Hosted at an intimate spot on Sunrise Beach, couples can enjoy a seafood degustation menu served by a private waiter. With sparkling wine, a shared dessert and special decorations, this is the perfect splurge for an anniversary. Alternatively, book a table in the relaxed dining room (or out on the deck) and enjoy the picturesque views of Exmouth Gulf. If you’re there at the right time of year, you might just witness a whale calf jumping out of the water. The tasting menus are the best way to try a little bit of everything. There are three different options: carnivore, pescatarian and vegan. Try tender braised beef cheek, wild-caught fish or crispy chickpea fritters.
For pan-Asian flavours at one of the best beach restaurants in Australia – book at Rick Shores on the Gold Coast
The seafood pan-Asian menu at Rick Shores is Gold Coast dining at its best. Situated on the Burleigh Heads coastline, be sure to head here in the evenings for picture-perfect sunset views. The best way to start your meal is with some oysters, freshly shucked or battered and fried with ginger caramel and umeboshi jellyfish. Share seafood dumplings and small plates like the lobster xiao long bao and the fried Moreton Bay bug roll. For something larger, try the braised beef cheek panang curry or the tender honey-glazed pork rack. If you want to let the kitchen take charge, order one of the set menus, which both finish with a refreshing Manjari chocolate parfait.
For one of the best restaurants near Manly Beach – head to Hemingway’s Manly in Sydney
Hemingway’s Manly brings a Montmartre-style bistro to the Manly coastline. Founded by French restauranteurs Sonia and Emmanuel, this hotspot does it all: morning coffee, leisurely lunches, lively dinners and creative cocktails. Situated right across the road from Manly Beach, you can be sure tables here fill up fast, so be sure to book on OpenTable to secure your spot. Savour bistro classics like the croque madame and the steak frites made with Angus flank steak. Signature cocktails include Ernest’s Nightmare with French cognac, Italian amaretto and watermelon liqueur and the smoky cucumber land with apricot brandy and cucumber juice.
With miles and miles of picturesque coastline, Australia has plenty of wonderful beachside restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re down south in Tasmania, relaxing on the Gold Coast or exploring Western Australia’s shores, you’re bound to find a memorable dining experience. With modern Australian cuisine, ocean views and a welcoming atmosphere, the best beach restaurants in Australia are waiting for you.
Don’t miss out – book your spot at the best beach restaurants in Australia on OpenTable today.
Looking for more great restaurants across Australia, from Melbourne to the Gold Coast? These are a few of the top picks to book now:
- 12 restaurants that show the culinary best of Australia
- 12 special occasion restaurants in Melbourne for any celebration
- Announcing the Good Food Guide hatted restaurants for 2024
- Celebrate your special occasions at these 12 top Sydney restaurants
- The 10 best restaurants in Melbourne everyone should know about
- 10 of the best restaurants on the Central Coast to book this summer
- The 10 best restaurants in Sydney to visit right now
- The 10 best restaurants in Bondi Beach no one should miss this summer
