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Doc Hughes in Victoria

Discover Doc Hughes in Torquay VIC offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with great cocktails, coffee, and seaside dining. Check menu, hours, and reviews.

4.7 1,083 reviews $20–60 Restaurant American · Southern

23 The Esplanade, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia

FoodPlacee Passport Australia · Victoria · 63088
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Doc Hughes

Torquay, Victoria, Australia

Coffee Calamari Seafood Linguine Latte
Rating★ 4.7 / 5
Price$20–60
CategoryRestaurant
Today 08:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Overview

About This Food Place

Doc Hughes is a highly regarded restaurant located at 23 The Esplanade in Torquay, VIC. Known for its casual yet upscale atmosphere, this dining spot offers a diverse menu that highlights great coffee, cocktails, beer, and a carefully curated wine list. The welcoming interior and scenic location near the beach make it an attractive choice for locals and tourists alike.

With a solid rating of 4.7 based on over a thousand reviews, the venue delivers a memorable experience for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whether enjoying a quick bite or a leisurely meal, guests appreciate the range of healthy, vegan, vegetarian options, and indulgent desserts. The combination of cozy, trendy vibes and attentive table service creates a perfect hub for groups, solo diners, and families.

Gallery

Photos from Doc Hughes

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

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Local favorites

Why People Come Here

This popular Torquay restaurant combines a casual yet upscale atmosphere with a diverse menu and excellent drink selections, appealing to locals and tourists alike.

Outstanding Drinks

A great beer selection, expertly crafted cocktails, and a fine wine list make it a favorite spot for drink enthusiasts.

Highly Rated Dining

Rated 4.7 from over 1,000 reviews, diners praise the friendly staff, fresh seafood, and delicious desserts like crème brûlée.

Prime Seaside Location

Situated at 23 The Esplanade with views across the water, it offers both cozy indoor seating and outdoor options perfect for relaxing.

Family & Group Friendly

Welcoming to groups and children, it features high chairs, a kids’ menu, and a pet-friendly policy to suit all visitors.

Flexible Dining Options

Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner available with quick bites, healthy choices, vegan and vegetarian options, plus late-night food.

Convenient Services

Enjoy dine-in, takeout, onsite catering, delivery, and accessible parking making every visit hassle-free.

Welcoming Atmosphere

The casual, trendy, and cozy environment suits solo dining, romantic nights, or social catch-ups with friends.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

Designed to suit various dining preferences, Doc Hughes adapts effortlessly from relaxed breakfasts to lively dinners, making every visit special.

Enjoy fresh seafood or hearty mains complemented by carefully crafted cocktails or a rich cup of coffee—what stands out is the blend of quality, ambiance, and accommodating service that suits both solo visitors and groups. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Breakfast by the Beach

Start the day with favorites like vegan breaky wraps or pancakes while enjoying the scenic esplanade view. Early arrivals benefit from the peaceful morning vibe and excellent coffee selections.

Casual Coffee and Small Bites

Ideal for solo diners or quick meetups, samples of exquisite coffee and the grazing platter or Kilpatrick oysters make light yet satisfying choices.

Group Dinner or Celebration

The trendy, cozy atmosphere paired with dishes like pork ribs and seafood linguine make it great for groups or special occasions. Reservations are recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Late-Night Enjoyment

Open late most evenings, the restaurant offers healthy options alongside wine and cocktails ideal for unwinding after a long day or a casual night out.

Takeout and Delivery Convenience

For those on the go, Doc Hughes provides takeout and delivery service, allowing guests to enjoy popular dishes at home or while exploring Torquay.

Best for

Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Groups Family Friendly Reservations Recommended Great Coffee

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

RM
Retro Mama 2 week ago

"A wonderful spot for a quality meal by the sea. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance — relaxed yet vibrant — making it just as ideal for a romantic night out as it is for catching up with friends. It’s also family and pet friendly, with a fun chalkboard wall out front that the kids can scribble on. The cocktail was delicious and the whole experience left us feeling very relaxed and happy after a long day. Thanks guys xx"

TS
T Sassinis 2 week ago

"We loved this place. Great atmosphere with wonderful staff, impeccable service and the food was amazing. The salt and chilli squid was amazing and the crème brûlée was perfect. But the view across the esplanade was even better. We will be back!"

SL
Sebastian L. 1 month ago

"A great, modern café with outstanding breakfast dishes. Everything we tried was excellent—from the Eggs Benedict to the chili omelette and even the breakfast burger. Unfortunately, the service was a bit slow, and there were quite a lot of dogs inside the café, which might not be for everyone. The coffee itself was excellent as well, slightly on the acidic side but very well made. The chai latte with almond milk was particularly good. We really enjoyed the experience, especially the outdoor seating, which is perfect for relaxing. The interior is also beautifully designed. Overall, a very cool café, and they also offer a wider selection of dishes for lunch and the afternoon."

TS
Tanya Stoianoff 2 month ago

"We had a lovely dinner at Doc Hughes, I thoroughly recommend this restaurant if you're in Torquay. Terrific food from this young and highly talented 28 yr old chef who created delicious meals for us to devour. And front of house under the leadership of co-owner Tanya, together with her team made our evening super enjoyable with friendly and efficient service. A great location opposite the beach. 5 stars all around. We loved it so much we came back for breakfast!"

MH
marina hung 2 month ago

"The food was delicious. My daughter and I had the Pork Ribs. It fell off the bone. The chargrilled lettuce was a surprise but also so tasty. My husband had the Duck, this also was super tender and delicious. The service was friendly and efficient. I will be recommending this place 100%"

AC
Arran Colbourne 2 month ago

"Excellent dining experience here. Popped in on the way back from great ocean road. My partner and I were impressed and satisfied by the food and service here. Also right next to the beach."

VU
Vini U 3 month ago

"Really enjoyed our visit to Doc Hughes Place. The chilli scrambled eggs were the highlight — full of flavour and cooked perfectly and really nice smashed avocado with perfectly poached eggs. The coffee was amazing. Bonus points for the lovely view overlooking the water, which makes the whole experience even better. Would be coming back again!"

DP
Dipa Padmakumar 3 month ago

"We had a great meal overall. The steaks, pork ribs, barramundi, and beetroot salad were all well done and enjoyable. The grilled chicken that came as an extra with the beetroot salad was tasty on its own, but it didn’t quite complement the vibe or flavours of the salad. A special mention for the service — they were kind enough to offer a Bloody Mary even though it wasn’t on the menu, which was a lovely gesture. The drink itself, however, was fairly average. All in all, good food, thoughtful service, and a pleasant dining experience at Doc Hughes."

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Open now · until 10:00 PM
Weekly hours
Monday 08:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday 08:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Thursday 08:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday 08:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 08:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 08:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

Open daily with extended hours most days, planning ahead is recommended to enjoy a seamless dining experience by the coast.

Brunch & dinner reservations recommended Typically spend 30 min to 1.5 hr per visit Late-night dining available Fri–Sun until 10 PM Ideal for groups, tourists, and family outings Enjoy happy hour drinks and cocktails daily

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to Doc Hughes in Victoria .

Address 23 The Esplanade, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia
Phone +61 3 4216 6860
Area Victoria
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about Doc Hughes restaurant to help plan your visit and dining experience in Torquay.

Doc Hughes is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM, and Wednesday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Hours may vary during holidays or special events.

The menu includes vegetarian and vegan choices such as the Vegan Breaky Wrap, along with a variety of healthy options to suit different dietary preferences.

Yes, Doc Hughes welcomes children with a kids' menu and high chairs available. Pets, including dogs, are allowed both inside and outside the venue, ensuring a friendly atmosphere for all guests.

The restaurant supports dine-in, takeout, delivery, onsite services, and outdoor seating, accommodating various preferences for enjoying meals.

Free parking is accessible with both a parking lot and street parking options nearby for visitors driving to the restaurant.

Highlights include the Seafood Linguine, Veggie Burger, Pork Ribs, coffee, and cocktails. The establishment is known for its great beer, wine, and dessert selections.

Reservations are accepted and recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner to ensure seating, especially during busy times.

The restaurant is equipped with wheelchair accessible entrances, parking, and seating areas to provide comfort and convenience for all guests.

For owners

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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.