Ask anyone where to eat in Geelong and the waterfront comes up first. The stretch from Cunningham Pier to Eastern Beach has the bay views, the promenade and the sunsets that make an ordinary dinner feel like a night out. Here's how to plan a sunset dinner by Corio Bay, and why we think Eastern Beach is the best spot to watch it. If you're choosing where to eat, see our Geelong waterfront restaurant page.
Why Eastern Beach is the bay's best-kept secret
The busiest part of the waterfront is around the pier, but walk ten minutes east and you reach Eastern Beach: the art deco bathing enclosure, the lawns, the children's pool and the quiet end of Corio Bay. Eastern Spice sits right here, at 1 Bellerine Street, with every table looking out to the water.
Plan your evening around the sunset
The best time for dinner by the bay is about an hour before sunset. In summer that means a later booking; in winter you'll be watching the light go over the water by 5:30pm. Ask for a window table when you book. They're limited, and popular on Friday and Saturday nights.
A walk before or after dinner
Park once and make a night of it. Walk along the promenade to the Carousel and Cunningham Pier and back, or stroll around the Eastern Beach enclosure. In the cooler months, come back inside to a slow-cooked curry by the fireplace.
What to order at sunset
Our coastal dishes suit an evening by the bay: Scallop Coconut Curry, Malabari Fish or Prawn Curry and crispy Prawn Koliwada. For a bigger group, the Chef's Table Banquet ($69 a person, four or more, with a veg and vegan option) brings samosa, chicken tikka, butter chicken, daal, palak paneer, rice, naan and gulab jamun to the whole table.
Bring your favourite bottle
We're BYO wine at $5 a person (two bottles per table), and we also have a bar with Victorian wines by the glass, beer and cocktails. See the drinks list.
Good for date night, birthdays and family dinners
Couples come for the sunset; families come because there's something for everyone, from mild butter chicken to vegan curries and gluten-free roti. For birthdays and larger groups, call us on (03) 5221 9544 so we can set up the right table.
Book your sunset dinner
See our waterfront restaurant at Eastern Beach, browse the menu, and book a table. We're open Monday and Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm, closed Tuesdays.
Plan your visit to Eastern Spice
Book a table · Order pickup by phone (10% off) · Catering · Party trays · See the full menu and current prices →
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