Endless Summer Vibes: The Best Bayside Dining in Melbourne

Melbourne’s bayside dining scene is a summer dream come true, where sparkling coastal views meet fresh, seasonal produce. Picture yourself seated at a charming waterfront restaurant, the sea breeze gently rustling your hair, as you indulge in seafood-leaning dishes that celebrate the best of local catches.

From freshly shucked oysters to succulent steaks, the flavours are as vibrant as the scenery. Whether you’re sipping on a crisp white wine or enjoying a relaxed, long lunch at a sophisticated Euro-style hotspot, these bayside eateries offer a taste of summer in every bite—an unforgettable experience framed by the shimmering waters of Port Phillip Bay.

Malena Cucina & Bar

Malena Cucina & Bar brings a slice of Southern Italy to Brighton, oozing moody, European elegance with just the right amount of old-world charm. Inspired by Monica Bellucci and helmed by Michelin-trained chef Domenico Fazzari, this bayside gem is all about slow Sicilian afternoons and long, wine-soaked dinners. Expect squid ink spaghetti tangled with crab, golden arancini oozing with bolognese, and silky eggplant parmigiana straight from Nonna’s playbook. Sip a Negroni, watch the world go by, and pretend you’re in Calabria—if only for the night.

151 Martin Street, Brighton 

10 Greek Plates

Tucked away in Brighton’s Martin Street, 10 Greek Plates is a love letter to the sun-drenched shores of the Aegean. Here, family recipes are king—succulent souvlaki, golden spanakopita, and the kind of slow-cooked lamb that makes you close your eyes with the first bite. The space hums with warmth, laughter, and the scent of chargrilled perfection, offering a slice of Santorini by the bay. Settle in with a glass of ouzo, let the world slow down, and taste Greece the way it was meant to be.

136/138 Martin Street, Brighton 

Ciao Cielo

Housed in a grand old Port Melbourne courthouse, Ciao Cielo is pure Italian romance—moody lighting, velvet banquettes, and the scent of wood-fired pizza curling through the air. The menu is a love letter to Italy, where golden calamari fritto, house bread served with whipped ricotta and volcanic salt, zucchini flowers, and charred octopus arrive on share plates made for long, languid evenings. House-made pastas twirl around forks, Neapolitan-style pizzas blister in the oven, and spritzes flow like conversation. Step outside to Ciao Cucina, their Mediterranean beer garden, where Portofino dreams meet beachside ease. A place to eat, drink, and never check the time.

115 Bay Street, Port Melbourne

Hotel Esplanade

Hotel Espy needs no introduction. Perched in the heart of St Kilda, Hotel Esplanade, or “The Espy,” offers a playful, vibrant dining experience that blends history with contemporary flair. This iconic venue, standing tall for over 144 years, spans five levels filled with diverse spaces to suit every mood. From the bustling Main Bar serving seaside snacks and stone-baked pizzas to Mya Tiger’s Cantonese-inspired menu with sweeping views of St Kilda Bay, The Espy never disappoints. Louey’s Bar & Kitchen dazzles with its Italian-American vibes, while the newly-launched Sunroom promises laid-back dining and signature cocktails.

Additional vibrant drinking and live music zones include The Ghost of Alfred Felton, where history meets stunning views, while the Basement and Gershwin Room pulse with live music and iconic performances. Whether you’re here for a bite or a buzz, every corner of this legendary, ever-evolving venue offers something fresh and fun.

11 The Esplanade, St Kilda

Winston

Winston’s is one of the dreamiest new bayside dining destinations in Melbourne, where old-world European charm meets modern elegance. This French-inspired bistro offers the art of slow dining, with a menu celebrating ingredient-focused simplicity.

Start with fresh oysters or indulgent chicken liver parfait, then savour mains like pink snapper with globe artichokes or the classic steak frites. Finish with elegant desserts or nostalgic cocktails like the Grasshopper.

Sitting pretty in Black Rock, Winston’s offers a timeless dining experience that perfectly complements the coastal vibe.

Unit 1/300-302 Beach Road, Black Rock 

Pipi’s Kiosk

Pipi’s Kiosk is where laid-back meets luxe. With views of St Kilda’s coastline and a vibe that perfectly captures Melbourne’s bayside charm, this is a top destination for fresh seafood. Think crisp calamari, Goolwa pipis in smoked tomato and Pernod, or a seasonal catch paired with a chilled drink as the sun sets.

We could wax poetic about Pipi’s for days, but it’s best for you to try it yourself. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing a bite to go from their takeaway kiosk window in summer, this coastal gem is an unmissable spot for those seeking elevated, casual dining by the water.

129a Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park

Stokehouse 

Stokehouse is quintessential bayside dining in Melbourne, a St Kilda icon where coastal charm meets relaxed luxury. The sun-filled dining room boasts breathtaking sea views, creating the perfect setting for long lunches and sunset dinners. The menu showcases the finest regional produce and seafood, ideal for sharing over a glass of wine. The beachy-luxe ambiance invites you to indulge in fresh oysters and exceptional dishes while soaking up the laid-back vibe of the bay. 

30 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda

Stokehouse Pasta Bar

At sand level sits Stokehouse’s charming younger sibling, Stokehouse Pasta & Bar, serving up glistening beach views and Euro-inspired dishes, plus some of the city’s best desserts. With natural timber and abundant sunlight, the coastal vibes are unmistakable. The menu stars handmade pasta like crab, garlic, and chilli spaghetti, and pork and fennel campanelle. Alongside seafood starters, rib-eye steaks, and crispy veal cotoletta mains, rotating specials keep things fresh.

Don’t miss the decadent desserts, including a delightful carrot cake sundae and a tiramisu-inspired bombe. Pair it all with cocktails or spritzes for the perfect beachside feast.

30 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda

Ellora

Ellora is the ultimate bayside spot for vibrant vibes and unbeatable views. Set across two levels, the bar offers a chic, expansive rooftop with sweeping views of the bay and skyline—perfect for sunset gazing. Whether you’re here for bottomless brunches, Tapas Thursdays, or cocktails with friends, Ellora caters to all. With an impressive menu featuring antipasto boards, truffle fries, salt and pepper calamari, and more, it’s the perfect place for a casual catch-up or a lively celebration. 

1 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

Captain Baxter 

Perched on the St Kilda Sea Baths, Captain Baxter is all about stunning views and a relaxed, beachside atmosphere that invites you to unwind. With the sparkling bay at your feet, it’s the perfect spot to indulge in fresh seafood, expertly prepared modern Australian dishes, and refreshing cocktails. The unparalleled views and laid-back vibe make Captain Baxter a must-visit for your next long, lazy lunch or to sip drinks by the water as the sun sets. 

St Kilda Sea Baths Complex, 10/10-18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda 

Donovans 

Donovans on St Kilda Beach feels like stepping into a stylish coastal home, where the vibe is effortlessly relaxed yet elevated. With breathtaking bay views and a menu of refined, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, it’s perfect for long lunches or indulgent dinners.

Charcoal-grilled options are a highlight, such as Otways porchetta, Queensland leader prawns with oregano and chilli, and whole baby snapper with fresh lemon. Other favourites like the iconic Bombe Alaska for two and comforting old-fashioned chicken pie showcase the warmth and creativity of the kitchen.

With impeccable service, a stellar wine list, and dreamy sunset vistas, Donovans epitomises Melbourne’s bayside dining.

St Kilda Beach, St Kilda Marina & Surrounding Foreshore, 40 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda

Chiki Chan & Hiki Bar

Chiki Chan is a new favourite in Mordialloc; an electric fusion of bold Asian-inspired flavours and Melbourne cool, set against a backdrop of vibrant neon lights. Think dishes like silky burrata draped in Szechuan chilli oil or Malaysian roast chicken that’s packed with punch. At the bar, eco-conscious cocktails steal the show—imaginative, sustainable, and packed with character, like martini slushies and bamboo-infused riffs.

Tucked within, Hiki Bar adds a sultry edge to your night, serving bold drinks in a sleek, energetic setting that begs for good times.

2/6 Centreway, Mordialloc

Bang Bang

Bang Bang in Mordialloc brings bold Pan-Asian flavours to Melbourne’s bayside dining scene. This vibrant spot fuses hawker-style street food with contemporary flair, serving up dishes like crispy pork belly, spicy curries, and zingy salads that pack a flavour punch. With its laid-back atmosphere, stylish décor, and creative cocktails, it’s a perfect choice for a casual catch-up or celebratory feast. Just steps from the beach, Bang Bang offers a bayside dining in Melbourne experience that’s as lively and colourful as its menu.

576 Main Street, Mordialloc 

True South

Modern Argentinean tapas, craft beers, and signature cocktails set the tone at True South, where Black Rock’s laid-back beach vibe meets exceptional food. With sweeping bay views, this vibrant hotspot is perfect for everything from sunset drinks to weekday lunch specials. Sipping refreshing cocktails or tucking into char-grilled delights, True South seamlessly merges coastal relaxation with lively energy.

Black Rock Village, 298 Beach Road, Black Rock

Baia di Vino

Baia di Vino channels Mediterranean elegance with stunning views of Melbourne’s bayside. With its literal translation to ‘Wine Bay’, this coastal gem offers a relaxed yet refined dining experience, serving dishes like fried sardines with fennel cream and scampi brodetto, each expertly paired with a selection of European and Australian wines. The venue boasts vaulted ceilings and a marble bar, exuding sophistication. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a chic bayside dining escape.

Sandringham Village, 1 Melrose Street, Sandringham 

Elwood Bathers

Elwood Bathers invites you to kick back with a view in one of Melbourne’s most relaxed beachside spots. Embracing the best of Victorian produce, the menu shines with fresh, vibrant seafood—think kingfish crudo, spaghetti vongole, and crisp fish and chips, all made for sharing.

Pop in for a laid-back breakfast or unwind with an intimate dinner, where the effortlessly cool vibe flows seamlessly from the terrace to the beach, complemented by a curated wine list and some of the best views of Port Phillip Bay. 

15 Elwood Foreshore, Elwood 

Cerberus Beach House

Cerberus Beach House offers a relaxed, coastal dining escape with sweeping views of Half Moon Bay. Known for its modern Australian fare, this waterfront gem serves up sustainably sourced seafood in an atmosphere that radiates beachside bliss. From crispy fish and chips to indulgent seafood platters, every dish is a celebration of fresh, local produce. Perched on the deck or soaking in the view, this is the place where great food and ocean breezes come together seamlessly.

Boat Shed, 16 Cerberus Way, 212 Half Moon Bay, Black Rock

Best Bayside Dining: Western Suburbs

Sebastian

The vibes are high at Sebastian in Williamstown, where the beach bar and expansive deck are open once more for the summer season. With sand beneath your feet and a view of the sparkling bay, this vibrant spot serves up Spanish-inspired fare, from Basque crispy mussels to Arroz De Primavera.

Enjoy live music, refreshing cocktails, and a laid-back atmosphere as you indulge in fresh seafood, or a sizzling steak special on Thursday nights.

Whether you’re lounging on the deck or grabbing a bite from the Beach Bar, Sebastian is the ultimate summer destination by the sea, and one of the top restaurants for bayside dining in Melbourne. 

26 Esplanade, Williamstown

Pier Farm

All aboard Pier Farm’s restored wooden boatshed, where you can indulge in modern seafood and pasta dishes crafted to perfection. The nautical charm and breathtaking bay views create the perfect setting for an unforgettable dining experience. Think oysters with champagne vinaigrette, crab ravioli in prawn bisque, and calamari fritti. Don’t skip dessert—their Bombe Alaska is a must! Inspired by Mediterranean flavours, Pier Farm’s menu highlights fresh, local, and seasonal produce, making every bite a celebration of coastal dining.

34 The Strand, Williamstown 

Feeling like a seafood feast after reading our guide to the best bayside dining in Melbourne? Be sure to check out our favourite oyster bars and explore the best restaurants for a long lunch. 

Writer

Kelsey Harrington

17 March 2025

Kelsey Harrington is a Melbourne-based writer with a sharp eye for the city's ever-evolving food, wine, arts, and culture scene. Her journey into the creative industry took the scenic route—what started as a passion for capturing Melbourne’s energy through a camera lens led her to Sitchu, where she worked her way up to Melbourne Editor. With over four years in the industry, she’s all about uncovering the best places to eat, drink, and explore. Off the clock? You’ll find her diving into a platter of fresh oysters and crudo, gallery-hopping, or sipping an extra dirty martini while plotting her next adventure.