Industry giant Only Hospitality runs more than 30 cafes and restaurants around Melbourne. Pavilion (formerly The Beach House), which it took over in 2022, was its first foray into Geelong and the Surf Coast. And what a foray. Located right on Eastern Beach, this is probably the best spot in the city.

Downstairs a spacious dining area serves everything from prawn and kimchi omelettes to roasted macadamia and white-chocolate French toast. A kiosk on the front footpath sells potato cakes, dim sims, fish’n’chips and takeaway coffee made with beans from Inglewood, Only Hospitality’s coffee-roasting arm.

The first floor holds Caledonia Shores, a pan-Asian restaurant. By night, it serves the likes of DIY beef brisket bao, and corncobs slathered in coconut-sambal butter and finished with curry salt, curry leaves and finely grated cheese. For something a little lighter, look to the kingfish sashimi with nahm jim, coconut and lime.

Looking out over the Geelong waterfront, the restaurant also makes a gorgeous function space that can be booked upon request.