On any given morning in Torquay, there’s a gentle hum coming from Sticks and Stones Café. It’s the sound of milk steaming, plates landing, conversations flowing and a room full of people lingering just a little longer than planned. A local favourite and a must visit for anyone exploring the Surf Coast, Sticks and Stones has built its reputation on food that’s generous, thoughtful and full of flavour, served in a space that feels both creative and comfortably familiar.
Where: 61 Surf Coast Hwy, Torquay
Keep up to date with the latest in food and drinks across regional Victoria here.
View this post on Instagram
The menu is unapologetically big and built to satisfy. Burgers form the backbone of the offering, stacked high with succulent fillings, dripping sauces and crunchy coleslaw that require two hands and a good appetite. It’s hearty, indulgent and exactly what you want after a morning at the beach. Breakfast lovers are equally spoilt for choice, with eggs taking centre stage in all their glory. Expect classic benedict’s, fluffy omelettes and smashed avocado crowned with a perfectly poached egg. Buttery croissants filled with soft scrambled eggs offer a more decadent start, while loaded waffles and pancakes bring a touch of sweetness to the table. For those craving something lighter, a vibrant super green salad balances things out, and the cabinet tempts with cookies and cupcakes that rarely make it home.
Coffee is a serious affair here, and it shows. Sticks and Stones has become something of a cult destination for its latte art, where lions, florals and intricate patterns appear in the foam like miniature works of art. They’re undeniably Instagram worthy, but the flavour delivers just as strongly as the visuals, rich, smooth and expertly brewed.
View this post on Instagram
The space itself is as much a drawcard as the food. A raised dining area is softly defined by glowing orange pendant lights, while hand painted butterflies, flowers and an owl bring bursts of colour to the walls. Fairy lights are scattered throughout, adding warmth and charm. Long timber tables encourage communal dining and shared moments, while the covered outdoor alfresco area welcomes you in with greenery winding around the beams and lights hanging like a fairy garden beneath the veranda.
Relaxed yet polished, creative without being pretentious, Sticks and Stones Café captures the spirit of Torquay beautifully. It’s the kind of place where meals stretch into catch ups, coffee turns into lunch plans, and locals return again and again because some places simply feel right.
To keep up to date with Sticks and Stones Café, head here.