Porch and Parlour

When Porch and Parlour relocated from Brighton Boulevard in 2012, it gained better access to the beach. Now it’s perfect for a pre-swim coffee, or a shared bottle of red and pâté board after an afternoon of soaking in the sun.

Artfully distressed walls and elegant tile work give a Mediterranean feel to the interior, while rough wood panelling and the windows – which open wide to catch the sea breezes – nod to the beachside locale.

Food runs all day. Early on there are green pea pancakes with avocado and egg; and hash browns with paprika hollandaise, bacon or smoked salmon. Lunch balances light and hearty with salads, burgers and a steak sandwich.

Dinner takes a different format, with a menu designed for steady snacking. Options include kingfish ceviche with pickled shallot; rice-flour gnocchi with mixed mushrooms and feta; and lamb shoulder with baby carrots and dukkah.

It’s typical to wait a while here, so it’s lucky there’s also a short wine list. It’s heavy on Australian bottles, but you might find the occasional French option too. Beers include Stone & Wood, Young Henrys and Mountain Goat; and there’s a wide range of refreshing cocktails.

Since late 2019, Porch and Parlour has offered a range of wines and cocktails, available from Friday afternoons through Sunday. They're served alongside a range of cheese, snacks and bar food.