November 12, 2020 | 4 minute read
When Europeans first arrived in this sunny seaside spot, they named it after Scotland’s Marquess of Lorne as a wedding present (he was marrying Queen Victoria’s daughter, after all!) The town’s reputation as a tourist destination really took off after the Great Ocean Road was extended to reach Lorne in 1922. Today the Gunditjmara people are the traditional custodians of Gadubanud lands, including Lorne.
Lorne is a magnet for surfers, bushwalkers and weekend sea-changers. If you need a break from all that activity (or chillaxing), there are plenty of great spots to grab a bite. Like in many seaside towns, Lorne life is pretty laid back.
Most cafes do all-day breakfast, meaning you can get your eggs after a sunrise surf or well into the afternoon. And dinner options go far beyond your traditional seafood basket at the pub - but that’s pretty great, too. Here are my top picks.
* At the time of writing, activities and places mentioned in this guide are at varying stages of recovery from COVID-19. Please check government and business websites for specific details on opening times and any restrictions before you travel.
Lunchtime options start with your basic Cheeseburger, graduate to the Hawaii (pineapple!) and peak with the Grandmaster (pretty much double everything). There’s even a kids-only burger. Look for the bright yellow-and-white-striped brollies out front.
One of the most exciting recent developments on the Lorne foodie scene is Frank Camorra’s decision to expand his MoVida empire to the coast. Camorra tested the waters with a pop-up in January 2018, and the reception was so warm he’s taken over the bottom bar of the Lorne Hotel for keeps.
MoVida Lorne aims to capture the spirit of Spanish beach restaurants known as ‘chiringuitos’, and with magnificent views of the bay to enjoy with your tapas, it’s not far off (if a little fancier).
This coastal outpost is mainly about fresh local seafood, but MoVida classics like bomba and patatas bravas have made the journey down the Great Ocean Road. Keep it casual at the bar or take it up a notch in the dining room. And pack your esky to stuff full of cheeses, pickles and preserved seafood from onsite deli, Alimentaria. Buen provecho!
The boys have put a modern spin on some Greek classics, like chargrilled cuttlefish with chickpeas, wilted greens and chilli and roasted beetroot in labna, pistachios and mint. Leave room for karithopita (walnut cake with halva crème anglaise) and some heart-starting Greek coffee.