Portarlington now has a range of dining places. The town can boast that it is very multicultural with selections of Chinese, Thai, Italian, Spanish, Turkish, and English food.

Fresh seafood like mussels, calamari, snapper, flathead, whiting are available on menus when in season. You can also purchase fresh fish, and mussels from local fishermen. Local produce such as cheese,olives and olive oil are also featured on the restaurant menus.

Cafes/ Restaurants

Thai Palace
98 Newcombe Street Portarlington
Phone 5259 3580
Thai Palace is the latest eatery to offer unique dining. Specialising in authentic Thai cuisine, the restaurant is fully licensed with BYO wine only.
The dishes are a gourmet’s delight, begin with a selection of entrees that cater for the vegetarian as well. If you are a lover of Thai curries then you will have trouble what to select. You can choose the Massaman curry with chicken, beef or seafood, and vegetarian, or you can select from the other 35 meals on the menu. The head chef, Anong uses fresh herbs in all the dishes, and if you like hot chilli dishes, inform the waiting staff when you order, and you will not be disappointed.
The restaurant is open 6 days a week, and offers a comprehensive take way service. It is open 6 days a week, other times as arranged. If you are planning a special occasion, discuss your requirements with the friendly staff...

Mavi Yunus, The Blue Dolphin
Mavi Yunus (The Blue Dolphin) is a cosy café in the main street of Portarlington next to the Post Office. It was established in April, 2004, by Helen and Kamil. Their aim was to create a relaxed meeting place for locals and visitors to the area. The whole community now appreciate the wonderful breakfasts, lunches and snacks made with fresh, local produce and all cooked on the premises. Favourites are the cabbage rolls, spinach and fetta borek, beef pies, frittata, salads and a wide range of vegetarian dishes on a frequently changing menu.
Mavi Yunus has the additional feature of its special Turkish nights. Kamil, who arrived from Turkey in December 2003, is a perfectionist who specialises in authentic Turkish cuisine. He is in demand to provide these very popular evenings which are becoming known throughout the wider community. They are booked out quickly. They provide a set menu of delicious Turkish food, the novelty of a hubble bubble water-pipe (nargile) and belly dancing, both professional and not so professional when customers decide to join in, but a lot of fun! The cafe comfortably seats around 40 people and has some outdoor tables. It is a place to enjoy good company, good food and a glass of wine while taking in the glorious view of Port Phillip Bay .
Telephone 5259 1600 to book, or just pop in.

Indulge
Newcombe and Harding Street
Indulge on Harding is a first class restaurant that uses some of the best produce selected from around the Bellarine Peninsula. As well as the famous Portarlington mussels the menu features local cheeses, tomatoes, greens and herbs, olives, olive oil, fruits and meats, and a huge arrange of seafood. Complete your meal with a selection of prize winning local wines. Indulge is located next to the original Post Office, (now a private residence) and has spectacular views of the Bay, and is within walking distance of the Pier.
Complete with open fire and the daily newspapers, enjoy a coffee or cake, or indulge yourself in the hot chocolate, or choose from the comprehensive menu. Indulge offers one of the best breakfasts on the Bellarine Peninsula, and the dessert menu will make your eyes dance.
(Don't agree to share)
The restaurant caters for that special occasion, and large groups. Contact Andrea the owner if you a planning something special and she will advise you with food selection. Indulge has ample parking right in front, that is also suitable for bus parking, To book, Phone 5259 1999 or email: andrea.n.brown@bigpond.com.au

Port Pier Café
Spanish-Mediterranean Cuisine
The Port Pier Cafe is located on the Portarlington Foreshore, Pier Street .
The comprehensive menu will tantalize many taste buds. The local Mussels (mejillones)feature in several dishes including Paella, and Segundo's. Choose from over twenty different Tapas such as Tortilla de Piñatas, Campinones Marinades, Pollo con Almendras, or my favourite Patatas Bravas (beautiful diced potatoes tossed with a spicy tomato mayonnaise).
Choose from a range of desserts but the Catalan Cream is highly recommended. If you are unsure what to order, John the owner can assist with selection. You will need to visit the cafe several times to enjoy other items on the menu. The cafe stocks a range of local wines as well as Spanish wines and beers.
Being located right on the water's edge the Cafe offer spectacular views right across to City of Melbourne on a clear day. On a summer's night sit outside, enjoy a glass or two of Sangria, then take a stroll along the pier. This is a very popular cafe located in one of the best positions in Portarlington. It can get very crowded in summer, so phone 5259 1080 to book.

Worth a mention

Although not located in Portarlington these eateries listed below have been recommended by several people. They are located within a short drive away and are worthy of a visit.

Mel's Winebar
16a High Street, Drysdale
Bookings 5253 3086

Choose from the comprehensive menu, or enjoy some of the favourites such as, Eggs Benedict, Mels Big Brekkie, or sugar-cinnamon French toast.The café uses fresh local ingredients when available, and features such favourites such as antipasto, linguini, Caesar salad or the popular trio of tips complete with toasted bread. If you are a sweet tooth check out the cakes before you order, as you will need to leave room for the sticky date or crème brulee. The cake menu changes frequently and you can order a cake for that special birthday or wedding. The special dinner menu two courses for a set price and are available Wednesday and Thursdays. This is very popular so it is wise to book. Mels caters for all occasions. Relax after work with a pre dinner drink in the lounge area. Sit back and enjoy the ambience, read the daily papers and unwind to the background music. The café supports local artists by allowing them to exhibit artwork. It also supports the local community by sponsoring selected events. There is amble parking at the rear and has disabled access. If you have a special occasion you want to celebrate, contact Mel and she can remove the stress by planning the event for you.

Bakeries

Wombat Bakery
64 Newcombe Street
5259 2663

The Portarlington Bakehouse
48 Newcombe Street
ph: 5259 2274

Other Dining

Confessions at the Church
A renovated 19 Century Church Bellarine.
For bookings phone 5259 1660.

 
The Grand Hotel
76 Newcombe Street, Portarlington 3223
ph: 5259 2260

The Ol’ Duke
40 Newcombe Street, Portarlington
ph: 5259 1250

St Leonards Hotel
496 The Esplanade, St Leonards
ph: 5257 1408