Melbourne’s top beachside restaurants

The Pier at Port Melbourne is just across the road from the beach. Diners can enjoy a meal in the dining room or a drink at the bar, both which are done up in neutral tones and soft lighting.

The main menu features starters and shares like Mini Beef Sliders and Caprese Bruschetta. They have several burgers, tacos, pasta, risotto, and wood-fired pizza dishes to choose from too – the Crispy Fried Chicken Burger with slaw sounds good. For main, try the classic Scotch Fillet, served with a decadent Mushroom Truffle sauce. Dessert could be a good old-fashioned Apple Crumble.

The well-stocked bar at the Pier serves a myriad of cocktails, wines, beers, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks. Look out for a classic brick pub building in neutral tones nestled on a street corner, with Art Deco signage.

Dish Cult recommends: The $27 Portarlington Chilli Mussels

Stokehouse is a sleek, high-end eatery overlooking the water has a menu with a strong seafood emphasis, and some classic lamb and steak dishes thrown in for good measure.

Start your meal with some caviar, perfect for that special occasion. Follow that up with some Yellowfin Tuna Crudo with Anchovy. For main, try the Lamb Saddle with Middle-Easter Spice, for a twist. Complete your dining experience with the whisky baba with coconut meringue and pineapple sorbet.

Make sure you ask for a window table so that you can take in the ocean views as you enjoy your meal in beach-luxe surroundings.

Dish Cult recommends: The $54 Cape Grim 4+ sirloin 200g with bone marrow crème fraiche, cippolini onion & salsa verde

Pier Farm is secluded and right on the water – perfect for a romantic dinner. The dining room is furnished with crisp white, polished wood, with hints of ocean blue.

For starters, try the Calamari Fritti or the Hervey Bay Scallops. When the main course rolls around the chicken in herb and cheese crumb sounds divine, as does the Catch of the Day. The Classic Bombe Alaska is a delicate vanilla cake and ice-cream creation covered in meringue – perfect for dessert.

Pier Farm boasts a 150-plus strong wine list; aperitifs and classic cocktails are on offer too. Enjoy a drink on the deck, situated right next door to Williamstown Marina.

Dish Cult recommends: The $40 Kingfish

The Norfolk Cafe is the perfect beach hang-out, if you have spent the day swimming and you just want some hearty cafe-style food to munch on after your day at the beach. We love the colourful, old-school facade of the Norfolk almost as much as the retro menu.

Grab an American Hot Dog, smothered in mustard and cheese, or a New York Deli bagel with pastrami and sauerkraut. Wash it all down with some icy refreshment, like a Thick Shake or a Mango Banana Smoothie.

Or you can just grab a takeaway coffee and a piece of cake or slice if you just need a quick pick-me-up before heading back to the water.

Dish Cult recommends: The $10.80 Tuna Melt Toastie