Doc Hughes
Torquay, Victoria, Australia
Discover Doc Hughes in Torquay VIC offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with great cocktails, coffee, and seaside dining. Check menu, hours, and reviews.
23 The Esplanade, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia
Doc Hughes
Torquay, Victoria, Australia
Overview
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
Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.
Local favorites
This popular Torquay restaurant combines a casual yet upscale atmosphere with a diverse menu and excellent drink selections, appealing to locals and tourists alike.
A great beer selection, expertly crafted cocktails, and a fine wine list make it a favorite spot for drink enthusiasts.
Rated 4.7 from over 1,000 reviews, diners praise the friendly staff, fresh seafood, and delicious desserts like crème brûlée.
Situated at 23 The Esplanade with views across the water, it offers both cozy indoor seating and outdoor options perfect for relaxing.
Welcoming to groups and children, it features high chairs, a kids’ menu, and a pet-friendly policy to suit all visitors.
Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner available with quick bites, healthy choices, vegan and vegetarian options, plus late-night food.
Enjoy dine-in, takeout, onsite catering, delivery, and accessible parking making every visit hassle-free.
The casual, trendy, and cozy environment suits solo dining, romantic nights, or social catch-ups with friends.
Experience
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
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.
Ideal for solo diners or quick meetups, samples of exquisite coffee and the grazing platter or Kilpatrick oysters make light yet satisfying choices.
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.
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.
For those on the go, Doc Hughes provides takeout and delivery service, allowing guests to enjoy popular dishes at home or while exploring Torquay.
Guest sentiment
A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.
"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"
"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!"
"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."
"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!"
"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%"
"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."
"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!"
"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
Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.
| 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 |
Open daily with extended hours most days, planning ahead is recommended to enjoy a seamless dining experience by the coast.
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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.