With its picturesque beachside location and  charming village ambiance, Elwood serves up exceptional dining and drinking experiences any time of day. Discover quality brunch spots with top-notch coffee, all-day dining on the foreshore, and hidden bars loved by the locals.  There's also a wide range of  globally-inspired dinner options from South American, Greek and Italian, to modern Australian and more. 

On the beach

Elwood Bathers Pavillion

A stylish all-day diner on Elwood beach, Elwood Bathers offers 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). 

Ormond Road and beyond

A globe-spanning range of cuisine is available from diverse cluster of bars and restaurants on and around Ormond Road, and most are within walking distance of the beach. Theere's also hidden gems hiding in the back streets. 

Repeat Offender

Tapas fusion bar Repeat Offender brings together unique Latin flavors, with a menu criss-crossing the globe from Mexico, Central and South America, and beyond. Food loving traveller will relish all the favourites, from beef empanadas, Kingfish ceviche, to an extensive selection of tacos. Margarita lovers are in for a treat with eight different options, including classic, spicy, pink grapefruit and two frozen options.  With wide windows and an outdoor deck providing a beautiful green vista overlooking two scenic nature reserves, the atmosphere is inviting and relaxed. As if that isn't enough - it's also a close walk to the beach. 

Blue Tongue Wine Bar

Blue Tongue Wine Bar is a local go-to offering lunch and dinner seven days a week. It's  leafy alfresco dining area is perfect for after-work catch ups with a modern Australian menu focuses on local produce.  Flame-grilled steaks, featuring the best Wagyu, grain-fed, marble-scored, and Black Angus cuts, are a standout. Freshly caught sustainable seafood is also a house specialty. There's plenty of interesting drinking options on the Eurocentric wine list , plus classic cocktail and local craft and tap beer. Don't miss their generous antipasto platters, overflowing with cheeses, fresh olives, cured meats, and veggies – the ultimate drinking companion. 

Odyssey Restaurant

Just a short stroll up from Elwood beach, Odyssey Restaurant serves delicious Greek fare in an intimate space.  Don't miss specials like slow cooked octopus in red wine and spiced tomatoes with pasta. There's a delicious range of starters and share plates like grilled stuffed calamari, a selection of Gyros and Souvlaki and sensational salads, fries and ‘Homer's epic platters’ to share. Time it right and you might also catch some live traditional music to really transport you to your Greek island fantasy.

Zanini Pizzeria

Stepping into Zanini Pizzeria is like embarking on a foodie tour of Italy, from the Alps to Sicily, passing through the Tuscan hillside and onto Rome. With two locations nestled in the heart of Elwood Village and St Kilda East, this is warm and rustic dining serving authentic plates of pasta, pizza and more with a healthy seasoning of comfort.

Elwood Lounge

Locals love Elwood Lounge, an all-day diner, bar and music venue on Glen Huntly Road. There's always something happening, including live gigs four nights a week, including a weekly open mic night and monthly comedy sessions. Settle onto their comfy lounges and sip original cocktails such as the Elwood Tart (Sparkling wine, Cointreau, Strawberry and fresh lime), and feast on a menu of tapas and pub favourites, or hang in the cute outdoor courtyard - perfect in warmer weather.  

Rosie's Bar, Elwood

A new secret watering hole, Rosie's Bar, has opened behind Johnny's Coffee Roasters in Elwood. Venture through an unmarked door on Ormond Road to discover a leafy beer garden with a relaxed, summery vibe. Expect vinyl tunes, laid-back drinks, and friendly staff.  With no website, and barely any social media, it's the new local you'll want to keep to yourself. Doors swing open Fridays and Saturdays from 3 pm. Hunt them down at the back of 159 Ormond Road

Beyond Ormond Road

King of Tonga

King of Tonga is a quirky neighbourhood bar hiding in plain sight in the middle of Tennyson Street in Elwood. Venture inside for a playful mix of décor includes Tiki and Polynesian stylings, overflowing bookshelves, mismatched furniture and walls covered with vintage paintings. Creative cocktails like the King's Kava Colada and the Watermelon Mojito, play on into the tropical theme. On the food side, there’s an in-house tapas menu or pizzas available to order in. Live music on Sunday afternoons, regular karaoke nights and plus happy hour are popular events. A bar for all seasons, there’s also a crackling fireplace and greenery and succulent filled outdoor courtyard.

Lezzet

Lezzet specializes in modern Turkish Anatolian cuisine, where flavors are expertly crafted over chargrill and wood-fire. Located in a low key spot on Brighton road, it's a great date night place with a dark, candlelit interior. The flavour-packed menu encourages sharing and features a variety of mezze, tempting dips platters and indulgent mains such as Istanbul moussaka and grilled squid stuffed with spicy pilaw. 

Cafes / Brunch spots

Arlo

A  newcomer to Ormond Road, visitors might miss Arlo's narrow shopfront but for locals, the word is already out. For over two months they've been smashing out coffee, breakfast and lunches to enthusiastic crowds.  Step into the inviting wooden interior, bathed in natural light from the plant-covered outside feature wall. The Canadian maple toasted granola, bursting with seasonal fruits, acai, and goji berries, is a flavour-packed brunch option. Or try the bacon benny with toasted thick-cut brioche and sriracha hollandaise.  But you can't go past the smashed avo. Made with a generous serving of avocado, feta, red chilli and pomegranites on sourdough, it's breakfast perfection. The menu caters to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, with adaptability for some dish

Plain Sailing

Sitting on one of the most picturesque stretch of Ormond Road, Plain Sailing offers fresh, thoughtfully crafted dishes paired with excellent coffee and friendly service. The  innovative menu embraces a wide range of flavours and incredients. Start your day right with Niccolo coffee or a Mork hot chocolate, then progress to apple, cinnamon and date bircher or crowd-pleasers such as chilli scrambled eggs on brioche toast. The outdoor area, nestled under trees with views of Ormond Road, provides a charming ambiance complemented by a sea breeze., with the beach just around the corner. 

Jerry's Milk Bar

Jerry's Milk Bar is an Elwood institution known for its eye-catching vintage facade and community-first hospitality.  A  beloved neighbourhood haunt, its bright indoor space and cute roadside tables are filled with an endless stream of repeat visitors.  The menu treads perfect line between comfort food and prime breakfast fare. Think breakfast tacos, housemade waffles with vanilla mascarpone, fresh berries, and chocolate salted caramel sauce. For lunch, indulge in Jerry's signature burger made with grass-fed beef and Jerry's special sauce, or opt for the mouthwatering minute steak sandwich with Swiss cheese and aioli. Sasve room for their famous thickshakes, available in eight delicious flavors.