On a hot day in Melbourne, there’s nothing quite like a day at the beach. And if you’re staying in Melbourne instead of exploring beaches around Victoria, why don’t you swing by one of the brilliant beach bars and restaurants around town? Whether you’re after a refreshing beverage, a casual seaside bite, or more sophisticated waterfront dining, there’s so many ways for you to enjoy your time by the sand. As you can guess, there’s heaps of places around St Kilda, but we’ve found some great bars and restaurants by the beach in other areas of Melbourne. So be sure to visit this list the next time you’re craving some ocean views.
1. Pipi’s Kiosk
Nestled against Kerferd Road Pier, you’ll find Pipi’s Kiosk. Pop by the takeaway kiosk window for a quick drink and some fish and chips. Or, head inside the restaurant and dine on seasonal seafood. You can eat in the main dining room, or take in views of the bay from the glass-walled outdoor terrace. Pair your meal with a refreshing cocktail, wine, beer or something else from their lengthy drinks list. See more here.
📍129a Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park VIC 3206
2. Sebastian
Feel whisked away to San Sebastian in Spain with a trip to Sebastian in Williamstown. Look out over the water at Williamstown Beach, and dive into their menu of share plates inspired by Basque cuisine. There’s also wide selection of Australian and European drinks to try, including wine, cocktails and vermouth. During the warmer months, they open up the Beach Bar for lighter snacks and cold drinks. More info here.
📍26 Esplanade, Williamstown VIC 3016
3. The Sandbar
This beachside eatery is a great spot for a casual bite by the water. The Sandbar is open for breakfast and lunch, with popular cafe choices like an eggs benny or a ham and cheese croissant. There’s tea, coffee and lots of non-alcoholic choices, but if you’re keen for something stronger, you’ll find beer, wine and cocktails too. See more here.
📍175B Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park VIC 3206
4. West Beach Pavilion
Spend a sun-kissed day sipping on drinks at West Beach Pavilion. Head to this beachfront venue for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and unwind with heaps of cocktails, beer, wine, jugs and more. During the warmer months, they also have a Beach Club, where you can lounge on a sunbed or book a cabana for your day by the sea. Find out more.
📍330A Beaconsfield Parade, St Kilda West VIC 3182
5. Captain Baxter
Take in sweeping views of St Kilda Beach from the rooftop of Captain Baxter. This restaurant and bar has everything you need to keep the good vibes going, with an extensive drinks menu of cocktails, spritzes, spirits and more. Take in the view and unwind over a long lunch, or get moving on the dancefloor when the DJs hit the deck. Find out more here.
📍10/10-18 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182
6. Republica
Sip on a spritz and relax by the beach at Republica. There’s plenty of refreshing cocktails to try, and if you’re hungry, you’ll find plenty of crowd favourites like pizza to satiate your appetite. From Fridays to Saturdays, you can also expect DJs and live music. More info here.
📍1A-1D, 10-18 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182
7. Stokehouse
Swing by the Stokehouse precinct in St Kilda for a great combination of seaside views and food. On the ground floor, you’ll find a dreamy mix of pasta and European mains at Stokehouse Pasta & Bar. Head upstairs to Stokehouse for relaxed fine dining menu alongside an award-winning wine list. Or, sit out on the terrace without worrying about a booking, and enjoy drinks and bites at Stokebar. Find out more.
📍30 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182
8. Donovans
Take in beachfront views from Donovans in St Kilda. Treat yourself to one of their popular charcoal dishes, which involves meat cooked over charcoal and served with chips and lettuce. Otherwise, you’ll find plenty of Mediterranean flavours and seasonal produce. Pair your experience with a glass of wine from Australian and international producers, or go for one of their margaritas or Bloody Marys. See more here.
📍40 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182
9. Hotel Esplanade
The Espy is an iconic part of St Kilda, and there’s heaps of corners for you to explore. Find plenty of pub classics in the main bar area, or pop into Mya Tiger for Cantonese flavours or Louey’s Bar & Kitchen for Italian-American bites. Find a cocktail bar on the secret top floor, and get ready for seaside dining in the Sunroom, which is set to open this summer. There’s also a regular schedule of live music and DJs for you to have fun. Find out more.
📍11 The Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182
10. Elwood Bathers
Treat yourself to beachside dining for either lunch or dinner at Elwood Bathers. This stunning restaurant has a seasonal menu, packed with locally-sourced and sustainable produce. Think freshly-shucked oysters, seafood platters and more. There’s a hand-selected wine list for you to peruse, as well as plenty of other drinks to try. See more here.
📍15 Elwood Foreshore, Elwood VIC 3184
11. The Baths Middle Brighton
The Baths Middle Brighton has a few great options the next time you feel like waterfront dining in Melbourne. Pop by the kiosk for some fish and chips, or visit the cafe on the ground floor. This cafe has an indoor area, a back deck with views of the sea baths, and a front deck with views of the city skyline. For more stunning views, head upstairs to the restaurant and feast on modern Australian cuisine while looking out at the bay. Keep the good times flowing with espresso martinis, mojitos, margaritas and more.
📍251 Esplanade, Brighton VIC 3186
12. Baia di Vino
With a name like Baia di Vino, or Wine Bay, you can be sure of having a lazy drink or two near the seaside. Feel transported to the Mediterranean with a rotating menu of simple yet delicious flavours. Unwind with a tipple from local and European winemakers. Find out more.
📍1 Melrose St, Sandringham VIC 3191
13. Cerberus Beach House
In the beautiful Half Moon Bay, you’ll find Cerberus Beach House. There’s a takeaway kiosk if you’re after a classic fish and chips on the beach, as well as burgers, pastries, coffees and cool drinks. Otherwise, wander inside the restaurant and indulge in locally sourced seafood. As you take in the view, sip on local and international wines, beers and spirits. More info here.
📍Boat shed, 16 Cerberus Way, 212 Half Moon Bay, Black Rock VIC 3193
14. Winston’s
Opposite Black Rock Gardens, not too far away from the beach, you’ll find the sleek bistro, Winston’s. Pop in for an aperitif, then stick around for delicious European dishes, like steak frites, scallop ceviche and charcuterie. Find out more.
📍Unit 1/300-302 Beach Rd, Black Rock VIC 3193
