This cool new restaurant is opening in beachside Lorne

The opening of Merivale's eatery, Totti's, this weekend gives another great option to refuel before or after a swim.

Food at Totti's Lorne. Picture: Steve Woodburn

By Akash Arora

Updated April 1, 2025, first published March 10, 2023

There was never a dearth of great places to eat and drink in Lorne - the scenic Victorian town located on the Great Ocean Road. But the opening of Merivale's eatery, Totti's, today gives both locals and visitors another great option to refuel before or after a swim.

Housed in the 145-year-old Lorne Hotel, Totti's will dish up delicious no-fuss fare with sweeping sea views to boot.

Food at Totti's Lorne. Picture: Steve Woodburn

Roll in straight from the beach and pick from executive chef Matt Germanchis's menu. Whole crumbed King George whiting with a side of fried zucchini and pickled fennel, say. Or, perhaps, wood-grilled lamb supported by a salad of radicchio, chicory, walnut and orange.

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Whatever you order, don't forget to leave some room for Germanchis's bevy of Insta-worthy desserts - from more-ish tiramisu and banana splits to gelatos in a range of irresistible flavours. Oh, and did we mention the views?

Words byAkash Arora

Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.

My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.

Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.

My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.