Australia’s extensive coastline is renowned for offering some of the world’s most picturesque dining settings. There is something magical about watching the sun dip below the waves while savoring expertly crafted cuisine. Sunset dining at coastal restaurants in Australia is not just a meal—it’s a sensory experience that fuses culinary excellence with natural beauty.
Below, we explore seven standout coastal restaurants where sunset views meet unforgettable menus. Each venue offers its own special charm, promising a unique setting for romance, celebration, or simply an indulgent escape. Read on for an in-depth guide to Australia’s most spectacular sunset dining spots.
1. Stokehouse, St Kilda VIC
Stokehouse in St Kilda is the epitome of upscale beachside dining and has become an iconic destination in Melbourne. Perched above the bustling boardwalk, this venue offers front-row sunset seats overlooking Port Phillip Bay. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the contemporary dining room in golden evening light, ensuring that every table enjoys uninterrupted views as the sun glimmers across the water.
The menu at Stokehouse celebrates seafood, with dishes crafted to complement the breathtaking surroundings. Whether you’re enjoying freshly shucked oysters, a seafood-forward tasting menu, or creative desserts, the atmosphere embodies refined relaxation. The terrace and Stokebar provide a more casual option, inviting guests to sip cocktails alfresco as the sky transforms into a watercolor canvas. Stokehouse effortlessly combines culinary sophistication with that distinct laid-back Australian charm.
2. Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads QLD
Situated right on the sand at Burleigh Heads, Rick Shores has mastered the art of beachfront dining. The restaurant’s open, airy design features panoramic windows that frame the Pacific Ocean—sometimes giving diners a refreshing sea spray through the glass. Watching the sunset here is a feast for the eyes, matched only by an inventive menu inspired by pan-Asian flavors.
Signature dishes like the famous Moreton Bay bug roll and red curry roasted duck with lychee keep Rick Shores buzzing with locals and tourists alike. Sunset is the golden hour when the wash of colors across the sky harmonizes with exceptional cocktails, making for an unforgettable evening. Embracing both style and substance, Rick Shores ticks every box for a sensational Queensland sunset experience.
3. Donovans, St Kilda VIC
Donovans is a St Kilda institution and a beloved spot for those seeking a cozy beach house vibe with unbeatable sunset views. The eclectic decor, from a stone fireplace to shelves of fine wine and playful mini Ferris wheels, echoes the joy of a seaside getaway. With glass balcony doors opening onto St Kilda Beach, every seat is a front-row pass to the captivating twilight transformation.
The Mediterranean-inspired menu features house-smoked salmon, chicken liver parfait with Prosecco jelly, and an irresistible fish and chips. Donovans invites guests to truly relax—order a cheeky cocktail, settle into a plush armchair, and let the sun set on another perfect Melbourne day. The warm ambiance and personalized service create memories well beyond the meal itself.
4. Pipis Kiosk, Albert Park VIC
Pipis Kiosk, found along the Albert Park foreshore, offers an unpretentious and casual take on sunset dining. The beachside setting is understated, but its rattan accents, sandy hues, and large windows deliver stunning views from every angle. Pipis is renowned for focusing on sustainably sourced, local seafood, with each menu item tailored to the season’s finest.
Sip on a briny oyster martini as you watch paddle boarders drift into the sunset, or indulge in specialties like cured rainbow trout and salt cod croquettes. Whether relaxing on the sun-drenched patio or inside the airy bistro, guests are treated to sublime combinations of fresh ocean air and gourmet flavors. Pipis Kiosk is proof that sometimes the best sunset dinners are the ones that feel just like home by the sea.
5. Doyles on the Beach, Watsons Bay NSW
If you dream of dining at Sydney’s edge with toes practically in the sand, Doyles on the Beach is an absolute must. Opened in 1885, it’s one of Australia’s most historic seaside restaurants, balancing a heritage facade with a chic, modern interior. Dine beneath striped blue-and-white umbrellas or inside the elegant dining room, each offering panoramic views of the iconic Sydney coastline as the sun descends.
Doyles is famous for its high-quality seafood—think Kilpatrick oysters, beer-battered prawns, and the legendary fish and chips. Pair your meal with a local wine and watch as the sunset reflects pink and gold across the waters of Watsons Bay. Doyles blends tradition with contemporary luxury, creating a timeless twilight dining experience by the sea.
6. Indigo Oscar, Cottesloe Beach WA
Indigo Oscar brings Latin-inspired flair to Perth’s classic Cottesloe Beach, providing diners with a vibrant, cocktail-fueled sunset. The restaurant’s prime beachfront location means diners have uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, whether on the breezy alfresco terrace or within cozy interiors that echo coastal warmth.
The menu features favorites like swordfish ceviche and wood-grilled lamb, catering to every appetite while showcasing Western Australia’s local produce. Sunset transforms Indigo Oscar into a kaleidoscope of light, with expertly shaken Watermelon Collins or Pavlova Blossom cocktails in hand. The relaxed yet energetic atmosphere cements its place as a go-to for casual gatherings and date nights alike.
7. Sunset Food and Wine, Kangaroo Island SA
On Kangaroo Island, Sunset Food and Wine overlooks the pristine American Beach, setting the stage for tranquil, island-style sunset dining. This modern bistro gained renown as the first restaurant on Kangaroo Island to receive a coveted Chef Hat, a recognition it continues to uphold with seasonal menus spotlighting locally sourced ingredients.
The ever-changing menu is tightly connected to what’s fresh and best on Kangaroo Island—think seafood, fresh vegetables, and artisan produce. Floor-to-ceiling windows harness golden twilight while attentive staff make every meal memorable. Sunset Food and Wine is both a celebration of South Australian flavors and a serene retreat for those seeking peace, beauty, and a touch of culinary magic as dusk settles over the ocean.
Australia’s coastline is brimming with world-class dining destinations that elevate the sunset experience. Whether you prefer elegant fine dining, a cozy bistro, or a vibrant beachside eatery, these seven restaurants promise not just a table with a view, but an immersion in the very best of Australia’s culinary and natural wonders. Each meal is a reminder that, Down Under, the real show begins as the sun goes down.
