Food, drinks and beach views is the ultimate summer trifecta. In Melbourne, there's a heap of fantastic options just a short tram ride away in St Kilda and Southside. This  scenic coastal stretch between Elwood and Port Melbourne has a diverse array of restaurants and bars - and it's just 20 minutes from the CBD. From chic rooftops and fine dining, to pop-up beach bars and historic pubs, these are the best seaside spots to seek out this summer.

Elwood Bathers, Elwood

A stylish all-day diner on Elwood beach, Elwood Bathers serves up upmarket pub fare in laid back, beach-house surrounds. Located right on the foreshore, it has the best views in the area, and you can literally step from the sand to the table. The seasonal menu highlights locally-sourced, sustainable produce with reliable favourites such as fresh market fish, Southern Ranges eye fillet steak and a selection of burgers. Seafood lovers will appreciate the prawn sliders, frutti di mare pasta, and beer-battered fish and chips. Adding to the summery feel is a selection of margaritas and a smattering of tropical concoctions like the Tiki Cocktail (white rum, guava, pineapple, coconut) and Passionfruit Sunrise (gin, St Germaine elderflower, passionfruit). 

Donovan's, St Kilda

One of Melbourne's most iconic dining destinations, entering Donovan's is like stepping into an elegant beachfront home. Since the late 90s, countless generations of Melburnians have flocked here to celebrate their most treasured occasions.  Housed in a historic 1928 bathing pavilion, the restaurant boasts a stunning beach-facing dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows and an inviting outdoor terrace. The extensive menu features Mediterranean-inspired favorites made with the best seasonal ingredients, consistently earning at least one Good Food Guide Chef's Hat annually. Notable dishes, like the whole roast duck,  prawns grilled with oregano and chilli, and beer-battered fish and chips, have remained staples since day one. The curated wine list predominantly highlights local Victorian vineyards alongside an eclectic mix of cocktails.

Stokehouse, St Kilda

With one of the best beachside locations in St Kilda, Stokehouse is a go-to spot for both upscale dining and casual beachside hangs. Its outdoor tables with bay views are highly coveted and fill up fast, but you can snag a walk-in seat at the bar or secure a booking for a table upstairs for a more special occasion. The upper level offers a premium dining experience with unparalleled sea views amidst luxe surrounds of reclaimed timber. Indulge in a menu featuring premium oyster service, wild caught John Dory, kombu lemon butter and Yarra Valley caviar and grass-fed Wagyu sirloin. 

Downstairs at sand level, Stokehouse Pasta & Bar has a relaxed beachy vibe, and a  menu of crowd-pleasers like fresh barramundi, fish and chips, and crab spaghetti. Pasta made in house is a highlight, with signature dishes like the campanelle with pork and the spaghetti with spanner crab not to be missed. The extensive wine list, all priced at $79 per bottle, encourages exploration, while the well-crafted cocktail offering features favorites like the Stokes Martini and the Raspberry Smash. Save a summer afternoon for their weekday express lunch, the perfect combo of pasta, bread, and wine for just $30.

Republica, St Kilda

Located in the iconic St Kilda Seabaths, Republica is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Their beachfront seating area overlooks the ocean, and is perfect for watching the sunset and the passing people parade along the boardwalk. Inside, there’s a colourful courtyard with pub-style seating and a buzzing vibe. Food selection has great options for casual dining including a tasty range of sourdough pizzas. A more traditional sit-down dining space is available inside. Summer beach volleyball sessions, held on the beach directly outside the venue, are a huge draw along with weekday happy hours and live music. Get there early to secure your spot in the sun. 

Captain Baxter, St Kilda

Stylish rooftop bar and dining space, Captain Baxter, boasts stunning views and a refined atmosphere. Soak up the rays at tables outdoors or grab a seat inside, and take in views of St Kilda and Port Phillip Bay. House crafted cocktails, like the Lychee Longtime and the blood orange coconut margarita, are a must try and seafood features prominently in the food offering. Try the hiramasa kingfish or tiger prawns with curry butter. Catch golden hour weekdays with drinks specials including $10 spritzes and $15 martinis. 

Beachcombers, St Kilda

A sprawling day-to-night eatery within the St Kilda Seabaths complex, Beachcombers has expansive alfresco dining areas and a handy location right next to St Kilda Pier.  Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and takeaway,  you can literally come and go all day. Breakfast options range from bruschetta and chilli scrambled eggs to pancakes and Nutella Belgium waffles. Seafood specialties like Atlantic salmon, saltwater barramundi, grilled prawn salad, and lemon pepper calamari are highlights for lunch and dinner. There's also Greek-inspired crowd pleasers like beef moussaka, chicken souvlaki, and char-grilled octopus. Beyond the food, one of its biggest drawcards is its pop-up beach bar. This sought-after spot is right on the sand, and is the ideal destination for impromptu celebrations and end-of-sunny-work-day drinks.

Stavros Souvlaki

An insta-perfect Greek taverna by the beach, Stavros Souvlaki is small but mighty.  Pick up mouth-watering souvas, made with perfectly seasoned lamb and chicken, freshly spit-roasted daily; dolmades, moussaka and house-made tzatziki, eggplant and tahini dips made made from family recipes. Their blue and white umbrellas is the prize spot to linger over beer, wine or ouzo. Or indulge in sweet treats including ice-cream or Greek sweet treats like baklava and risogolo (Greek rice pudding).

West Beach Bathers Pavilion, St Kilda

West Beach Bathers Pavilion, housed in a historic 1920s bathers hub, seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern beachside culture. Nab a spot on their outdoor deck overlooking the sparkling sand of St Kilda West Beach to watch airbourne antics from local kite flyers and an adorably cute parade of dogs and their owners. The adjacent Beach Club offers bookable cabanas, sun lounges and deck chairs right on the beach. Visit on weekends for DJs and live music. The food continues the coastal theme with favourites like include salt and pepper calamari and King Reef Barramundi. And it doesn’t get beachier than the cocktail list. Don’t leave without trying the Bikini Martini, Hair of the Dolphin (their signature Bloody Mary) or The Hemsworth, a coconut margarita that is, ‘sweet, spicy, and strong, just like the man himself’. 

La Baia Bar and Cucina, Albert Park

La Baia Bar and Cucinca has an unbeatable combination of stunning waterfront views and authentic Italian cuisine.  Housed in a grand heritage-style building, its covered outdoor area sets the stage for sunset drinks, while the intimate interior frames beach-and-palm-tree views through arched windows. The extensive menu boasts a myriad of mouthwatering options, including pasta, grass-fed steak, and a variety of oven-baked pizzas. Must-tries include the four-cheese gnocchi, 12-hour braised beef cheek lasagna and classic desserts like tiramisu and Italian cinnamon doughnuts.

Bleakhouse Hotel, Albert Park

Bleakhouse Hotel is rare gem among Melbourne's inner-city pubs - an historic hotel with a beachfront view. Tables outside provide the perfect summer setting, and a glimpse of the striking heritage architecture dating back to 1883. Inside, the modern ground-floor public bar, dining room, and courtyards strikes a balance between contemporary design and old-world charm. A beautiful light-filled terrace upstairs  makes a stylish function space. The menu boasts a produce-driven selection of elevated pub fare, like Louisiana spiced calamari and Black Angus rump from the grill. Wash it down with classic cocktails, Victorian craft beer on tap or choose from the extensive 100+ bottle wine list.

Pier Port Melbourne 

Pier Port Melbourne is an idyllic place for waterfront dining and drinking. The venue boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, providing uninterrupted views of the Melbourne skyline from both its restaurant and bar areas. The menu leans into seafood, with fresh seasonal fare made for sharing including Portarlington chilli mussels and blue swimmer crab linguine. There’s also plenty of pasta and woodfired pizza to choose from. Wine on offer includes plenty of Victorian options including Yarra Valley, Geelong and the Mornington Peninsula.