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Restaurant

Doc Hughes

23 The Esplanade, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia

Recommended by 51 people

Updated

Find Doc Hughes

23 The Esplanade, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 4216 6860
HoursMonday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Doc Hughes

Set directly across from the beach along The Esplanade, this Torquay stalwart delivers elevated coastal dining with serious care for dietary restrictions. Natural and Kilpatrick Tasmanian oysters kick things off alongside crisp calamari and pan-fried barramundi. Travellers winding down from a Great Ocean Road run swear by the relaxed deck vibe, pairing house cocktails like the Doc Remedy or frozen margaritas with ocean breezes. Coeliacs dine without worry thanks to a dedicated gluten-free fryer turning out genuinely safe fish and chips, while an outdoor heated marquee keeps pups comfortable through unruly weather. Outside, an oversized chalkboard keeps young kids occupied before the tiramisu mille-feuille hits the table.

  • Dedicated Gluten-Free Fryer: A separate dedicated fryer ensures safe preparation for coeliac-friendly fish and chips and fried seafood.
  • Weatherproof Dog-Friendly Marquee: Heated outdoor marquee shelter welcomes dogs comfortably across unpredictable coastal weather.
  • Family-Ready Outdoor Chalkboard: A dedicated front outdoor chalkboard and colouring activities keep younger children entertained.
RestaurantRestaurant

What's On at Doc Hughes

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Diners Choose Doc Hughes

From dedicated coeliac-safe prep and all-weather pet dining to sweeping ocean views, here is why diners choose Doc Hughes.

  • Dedicated Fryer for Safe Gluten-Free Dining

    A dedicated separate fryer ensures coeliac guests can dine safely and enjoy fried favourites like calamari and crispy fish and chips without cross-contamination.

    They have a seperate fryer, so all GF food is actually gluten free!! Much to my coeliac tummies delight..

    Lucinda Tyrikos

  • Meticulous Allergen Verification

    Attentive front-of-house staff take dietary requirements seriously, methodically verifying ingredients so diners with allergies feel completely secure.

    The team were able to really meticulously check the allergens in my meal which made me feel well looked after.

    Stephanie Smith

  • All-Weather Heated Pet Shelter

    The weatherproof heated marquee ensures four-legged family members are warmly welcomed even in cold, windy, or wet coastal weather.

    Our dog was made very welcome too. We sat outside in the marquee as the day was cold, windy and wet, but they had the gas heaters on and it was more than comfortable.

    Alex Aitchison

  • Engaging Outdoor Play for Kids

    Families can dine peacefully while young children stay engaged with a dedicated outdoor chalkboard and activity materials.

    Children are well catered to, with appropriate food options, colouring and a large outdoor chalk board to keep them busy while waiting.

    Jessica Barry

  • Oceanfront Dining and Fresh Local Seafood

    Situated right across the esplanade, the venue pairs fresh coastal seafood with panoramic ocean views in a relaxed setting.

    Seafood heaven at Doc Hughes, Torquay! 🦞🦪🍝 If you’re a seafood lover, this is THE spot! We tried: ✅ Fresh oysters 🦪 ✅ Perfectly cooked barramundi 🐟 ✅ Prawn & lobster roll 🦐🦞 ✅ The best seafood pasta 🍝 ✅ Crispy calamari 🦑 ✅ Even a delish vegan burger 🍔🌱 Literally 10/10—we couldn’t fault a thing! The ocean views just made it even better.

    WhereToInTheHood

  • Relaxing Coastal Ambience and Cocktails

    Warm hospitality, crafted cocktails, and a chilled beachfront vibe create the perfect space to unwind and recharge after a long travel day.

    The cocktail was delicious and the whole experience left us feeling very relaxed and happy after a long day.

    Retro Mama

Customer favourite coastal dishes and signature seafood

  • Barramundi

    Best Barramundi I’ve ever had. 10/10.

    Barbara Rudd

  • Oysters

    The fresh natural and Kilpatrick Tasmanian oysters were awesome.

    JessicaYY Chin

  • Seafood linguine

    The steak and seafood linguini and desserts were amazing.

    JessicaYY Chin

  • Fish and chips

    all available gluten free including the crispiest fish and chips!

    Lavanya Naidu

Other favorites

Indulgent desserts and signature drinks to complete your meal

  • Tiramisu Mille-Feuille

    The Tiramisu Mille-Feuille was superb but be warned there is enough for two to share.

    Barbara Rudd

  • Crème brûlée

    the crème brûlée was perfect.

    T Sassinis

  • Doc Remedy

    Lily was so relatable and helpful in helping us choose our new favourite drink — the Doc Remedy!

    Ascha Critch

  • Frozen margaritas

    bloody delicious frozen margs!

    Sammy Williams

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful touches that elevate dining along the Torquay Esplanade

  • Dedicated Coeliac-Safe Fryer & Allergen Checks

    The kitchen maintains a separate dedicated fryer and conducts meticulous allergen checks, allowing coeliac diners to safely enjoy crispy fried items and fish and chips without cross-contamination worry.

  • All-Weather Heated Pet-Friendly Marquee

    The outdoor marquee dining area is fitted with gas heating and weatherproof coverings, ensuring guests and their dogs stay warm and sheltered during cold, wet coastal weather.

  • Outdoor Chalkboard Wall & Kids' Activities

    Families dining with young children have access to a large outdoor chalkboard wall and colouring activities to keep kids happily occupied while waiting for their meals.

  • Off-Menu Gestures & Attentive Hospitality

    Front-of-house staff routinely accommodate special off-menu requests—such as mixing custom cocktails not listed on the menu—and provide attentive, unprompted table touches.

Before you head over

Practical advice for dietary needs, dog owners, and families visiting Doc Hughes.

  • Coeliac & Gluten-Free Dining

    Coeliac diners can eat safely thanks to dedicated preparation methods, including a separate fryer ensuring fried items like chips and fish are truly gluten-free. Ask staff to verify specific allergens.

  • Heated Pet-Friendly Seating

    If you are bringing a dog or visiting in cold, windy coastal weather, heated outdoor marquee seating keeps dining comfortable across all conditions.

  • Activities for Young Kids

    Families dining with young children can take advantage of the outdoor chalkboard wall and colouring activities to keep kids happily occupied while waiting for meals.

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