The Arab , 94 Mountjoy Parade. An original beatnik hangout, which opened two weeks before the Olympic Games in 1956 and has been going strong ever since. It now sports minimalist decor but is still good for daytime snacks and fancier meals at night.

Kafe Kaos , 52 Mountjoy Parade. Huge, delicious, healthier-than-thou sandwiches, salads and wraps with extensive (and much less healthy) breakfast options.

Kosta's , 48 Mountjoy Parade (tel 03/5289 1883). A popular, Greek-style bar and eating place, decorated with Surrealist wall paintings. Licensed or BYO.

Lorne Hotel , 176 Mountjoy Parade. Best pub meals in town, and has a dining room overlooking the ocean.

Lorne Pier Seafood Restaurant , on the pier at Point Grey. Excellent seafood. Licensed or BYO.

Mark's , 124 Mountjoy Parade (tel 03/5289 2787). A modern restaurant with a menu featuring a large variety of dishes, from marlin steak to home-made potato gnocchi. Licensed.

Moon's Espresso Bar , 108 Mountjoy Parade. A little taste of city life by the sea, this ultramodern establishment serves excellent coffee and Mediterranean lunches and even has an attached cocktail bar.

Qdos , Allenvale Rd (tel 03/5289 1989). Tucked away in the eucalypt-clad hills above Lorne, this art gallery-cum-cafe serves light lunches, dinners and tasty home-made cakes and coffee in a relaxed atmosphere. Bookings advisable.

Reifs Restaurant & Bar , 84 Mountjoy Parade (tel 03/5289 2366). Serves a wide range of dishes, including seafood and vegetarian, with Asian and Mediterranean influences. A large outdoor area overlooks Loutit Bay. Licensed.