Our Top 5 Dinner Spots in Warrnambool
Where to eat? What do you recommend? These are among the most asked questions we get from guests. And I absolutely love sharing our favourite local eateries.
One of the best things about this list is that most are within walking distance of Warrnambool Retreat’s door.
1. Dart & Marlin
The Dart & Marlin is one of our favourite spots and the place we always take friends visiting town.
Their stone-baked pizza is fantastic, order a few to share, or try their homemade pasta. There is a great cocktail list and lots of boutique wines and beers to choose from. Snuggle up in a cosy booth, or grab your own private room with a group of friends.
There is also a great courtyard out the back which is perfect on those long summer and spring days, or those classic sunny winter and autumn afternoons.
Dine-in or takeaway. Don’t forget to book!
Wednesday - Saturday 4pm - Close
Sunday 12.30pm - 8pm
Monday & Tuesday closed
The Dart & Marlin - pizza, pasta, live music and good times.
2. The Hairy Goat Tapas & Cocktail Bar
Enjoy Tapas made with delicious local Australian ingredients at The Hairy Goat, great to share, which means to get to taste all the amazing dishes on offer. Isn’t that one of the best things about Tapas! The owners and staff are friendly and welcoming and there is a great atmosphere.
The patatas bravas and the zesty pork tacos are my favs… but really you can’t choose a bad dish!
There are also lots of great cocktails to suit your mood and a range of wines and beers.
Dine-in or takeaway. Head online or call to book.
Tuesday - Saturday 5.30 - Late
Monday & Sunday closed
Unbeatable tapas made from locally sourced ingredients at The Hairy Goat.
3. Cattleya Thai Restaurant
I would have to say some of the best Thai food I have ever had. Cattleya Thai’s dine-in experience might not have the most atmosphere but their food more than makes up for it.
And if you can’t bring yourself to leave Warrnambool Retreat’s cosy interiors - Cattleya Thai is a short stroll from our door for take-away pick-up, or you can order delivery, and they are usually pretty quick. If you pay cash you get a bit of a discount.
My top 2 dishes would have to be the Pad Satay Noodle and the Green Curry - but really you can’t make a bad choice.
Dine-in, takeaway and delivery.
Wednesday - Saturday 11:30 am - 02:30 pm
Tuesday - Sunday 05:00 pm - 09:30 pm
You can’t really go past a Pad Thai at Cattleya Thai, Warrnambool.
4. The Whalers Hotel
This classic building, originally built in the 1840’s, it was called the Commercial Hotel. Re-launched as The Whalers in 1967.
It was considered one of the most spectacular heritage hotel renovations in Australia!
The Whalers has all the classic pub fare, but with a premium feel, a great pub atmosphere and great staff.
The Whalers have also opened a new nightclub upstairs called ONDO - this venue aims to elevate the entertainment scene in Warrnambool. We are pretty excited to have a new venue to bring live music and DJs to Warrnambool.
We would recommend booking a table for dinner, esp on a Saturday night, The Whalers can get very busy and booked out.
Open 7 days - 8pm until late
ONDO Club: Saturday - 9pm until late
It’s hard not to order a parma everytime I go to The Whalers.
5. Proudfoots By The River
A bit more of a trek, you’ll need a car to get to this historic restaurant. Located close to the Southern Right Whale Nursery, at the end of the world-famous Great Ocean Road.
Situated in a historic boathouse on the banks of the majestic Hopkins River, Warrnambool’s only on-the-water dining experience, the staff create a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. From your walk in down the creaky stairs the whole venue feels like stepping back in time, which is a nice feeling.
Offering a menu heavily influenced by local Native Australian ingredients you will have a hard choice what to order and might have to steal some of your buddies!
A little bit of history, in 1885, Thomas Proudfoot applied for a jetty licence near the river mouth with the intention to establish a boating business. In 1900, shortly after the boathouse was built, Thomas died suddenly at the age of 44, leaving behind his wife Catherine and their two children, Ivy and Bruce.
Catherine continued to operate the boathouse tearooms and accommodation for over 30 years, before transferring the licence to her son Bruce.
In 1939, the licence was then transferred to Thomas’ granddaughter Ena Hunt, who operated the business with her husband under the name Hunts Boathouse until 1979.
During the 1980s, the licence was held by the Wearne family, before the Warrnambool City Council purchased the building in the 1990s. Restoration works were ordered and an additional building was added to house rowing facilities and a function room.
Today, Proudfoots Boathouse is one of the most historic and recognisable buildings in the Warrnambool region and is known for its unique dining experience as Proudfoots By The River.
BOOKINGS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED as they unfortunately cannot always accept walk-ins.
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 11am - 3.30pm | 5.30pm - late
Thursday 11am - 3.30pm | 5.30pm - late
Friday 11am - 3.30pm | 5.30pm - late
Saturday 11am - 3.30pm | 5.30pm - late
Sunday 11am - 3.30pm
Today, Proudfoots Boathouse is one of the most historic and recognisable buildings in the Warrnambool region.
Fuel Up and Ready Yourself for Coastal Wonders
Travelling from Melbourne to the captivating coastal region of Warrnambool is a journey that promises scenic beauty, cultural discoveries, and unforgettable experiences.
Warrnambool is located approximately three hours by car from Melbourne and offers a delightful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. If you aren’t in a rush go the long way and wander The Great Ocean Road - with so much to see and do!
Both Henna and Merri have off-street parking, and plenty of free street parking if you prefer.
The journey can also be enjoyed via train on Vline, an easy 200m walk from the station to Warrnambool Retreats doors.
Large comfortable beds with soft welcoming linens. Merri welcomes you.
Enjoy your dinner then head back to your luxury accommodation at Warrnambool Retreat
Guests can wake up refreshed after their dinner, knowing Warrnambool Retreat has been created as a refuge from the outside world.
Either stay in and make yourself a cuppa or delish Sticky Chai or you can easily walk to town to get a great cup of coffee at the many amazing cafes. When you stay in a Warrnambool Retreat property, you’ll be surrounded by all the comforts you need and nothing you don’t. One of the biggest comments we get is ‘The host has thought of everything! - what amazing details, it was exactly what we needed.’
Choose from reserving the Henna or Merri properties depending on which mood you are after. The Merri property has two king beds, Henna contains one king and one queen bed. Both properties have an open plan living and full kitchen, plus a courtyard with moody festoon lights, ideal for late-night chats or hosting friends for a bottle of wine. As well as open fireplaces for snuggly warmth and roasting marshmallows.
Freestanding baths in both main bedrooms are perfect for soaking muscles and minds as your body relaxes from your Warrnambool adventures, and vinyl record players give that perfect feel of nostalgia.
Book your next holiday with Warrnambool Retreat today!