Some days, you want more than a quick bite or a singular dining experience - you want a place that delivers from the first morning coffee to your last forkful of dessert. Whether you’re fuelling up after a surf, catching a lazy lunch or settling in for a luxe dinner, these all-day dining spots tick every box. From coastal charm to urban chic, here's where to savour the full spectrum of Modern Australian flavours with a side of atmosphere. Let’s get into it.
Perched right on The Esplanade and exuding quintessential coastal charm, Doc Hughes blends Torquay’s beach-town ease with sophisticated all-day eats. Housed in a beautifully reimagined former general store, the venue pays homage to its namesake with a crisp white fit-out, light wood accents and enough greenery to soften the sea breeze. Whether you're lingering over breakfast or tucking into dinner with a view of Torquay’s best family beach, Doc Hughes serves a warm welcome and serious culinary intent.
Start the day with blue swimmer crab scrambled eggs on a toasted croissant - elevated with crispy chilli, harissa aioli and a flourish of herbs - or come back later for slow-cooked beef cheeks in red wine with smoked bacon and creamy Parmesan polenta. The standout? Doc’s fish and chips: golden beer-battered flathead fillets served with chips, garden salad, tartar and a zesty wedge of lemon - a timeless coastal classic, done right.
Billy Goat Hill Brasserie – Mount Evelyn, Vic
Tucked into the leafy embrace of Mount Evelyn, Billy Goat Hill Brasserie is a rustic gem marrying charm with modern bistro finesse. Think timber touches, floor-to-ceiling windows and a breezy alfresco setup ideal for lazy lunches and sunset dinners. It's a space that invites you to slow down, sip something local and let the day unfold plate by plate.
The menu moves effortlessly through the day, starting strong with a maple pumpkin and sun-dried tomato omelette on a potato rosti, crowned by whipped goats’ feta and basil purée. Later, dive into the Scotch fillet steak sandwich layered with bacon, caramelised onion, lettuce, Swiss cheese and jalapeño crisps - robust, satisfying and just the right amount of indulgent. Add a glass of red and you've got yourself a midweek reward or weekend escape.
Quarterdeck Kitchen + Bar – Coomera, Qld
A front-row seat to marina life, Quarterdeck Kitchen + Bar is your golden-hour go-to. Located within the Gold Coast City Marina, this polished-yet-relaxed venue serves yacht-side views and refined plates with global flair. Whether you're dropping in for breakfast or making a night of it, Quarterdeck is big on atmosphere and even bigger on flavour.
Its reputation for seafood is well-earned - recently crowned ‘Best Seafood Restaurant’ in South-east Queensland - and the dishes back it up. Expect fresh catches daily with a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern twist. From kangaroo tartare with sweet potato purée to Moroccan lamb ragu and seafood-rich pasta, it's a menu that seduces with spice and soothes with sophistication. If you're into surf and turf with soul, this is your spot.
For those who prefer their breakfast barefoot and post-beach, Pond Café offers a sun-drenched refuge just steps from the sand. The café leans into its surfside locale with a relaxed vibe - flowering planter boxes out front, potted plants inside and plenty of recycled timber giving it a grounded, earthy feel. It’s equal parts local favourite and traveller’s treat.
Food here is vibrant and textured. Turkish eggs come bathed in spiced tomato oil and balanced with garlic labneh and grilled peppers, while lunch plates keep things playful. Case in point: pork tacos arabes with housemade salsa, chipotle crema and a hit of coriander. It's bold, fresh and a little unexpected - exactly what you want after a morning in the waves.
In the quiet charm of Metung, Café Chez Joe brings an international twist to the all-day dining scene. The interiors are an eclectic mix of global cues - think colourful cushions, bold artwork and relaxed banquette seating - making it as inviting as it is offbeat. On sunnier days, grab a seat outside and watch the small-town life flow by.
From sambal-spiked chilli prawn scramble to mezze platters that span the Levant, the menu covers serious ground. The real gem here is the beef rendang curry: slow-cooked to melting point, served with jasmine rice and tender vegetables. It’s rich, aromatic and unapologetically comforting. Café Chez Joe doesn’t just serve food - it tells a story, one plate at a time.
All-day dining is more than just convenience - it's about places that evolve with your day, keeping pace from sun-up to sundown with food worth returning for. Whether you’re chasing beach views, regional charm or a little urban edge, these venues serve up a full day of flavour without compromising on quality. Your next great meal? It could be breakfast, lunch or dinner - just don’t be late.
Ready to book? Click on the venue's link now!
