Set on the Williamstown esplanade, Sebastian channels the sun-soaked energy of San Sebastian, the Basque coastal town that inspired its name. The menu leans Spanish, with pintxos-style snacks alongside smoky chargrilled proteins and a very popular burnt Basque cheesecake. An impressive selection of vermouth, sherry and local and international wines grace the drinks menu, along with cocktails that suit the seaside setting. The venue itself is sprawling, shifting from formal dining inside to laid-back picnic tables under striped umbrellas on the sand. Its broad views across Port Phillip Bay make you feel like you’re on holiday without leaving the city. 26 Esplanade, Williamstown; sebastianwilliamstown.com.au

Tucked away in Sandringham, Baia Di Vino brings a beachy European spirit to the suburbs. Drawing from coastal Italy and the South of France, the dining room is warm and understated, ideal for both casual lunches and long dinners. The all-day menu spans handmade pasta, fresh seafood and refined share plates that draw on Italian tradition and local produce. True to its name – meaning ‘wine bay’ in Italian – the drinks list is strong, with a focused selection of Italian bottles, supported by a few excellent local picks. There’s also an on-site bottle shop, should you want to take a favourite home. 1 Melrose St, Sandringham; baiadivino.com.au

This Albert Park favourite makes a mean fish and chips at the grab-and-go kiosk – earning warranted praise from locals and visitors alike – but the dine-in offering here deserves equal attention. The short, seafood-leaning menu is pared back but thoughtfully curated, letting the quality of the ingredients carry the meal. Dishes are seasonal, but may include Sydney rock oysters with rhubarb mignonette, salted cod croquettes or Fremantle octopus with romesco and macadamia ajo blanco. Inside, the white-washed dining room suits more polished occasions, while the breezy outdoor tables feel tailor-made for long, lazy summer afternoons by the white, sandy beach. 129a Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park; pipiskiosk.com.au

The central Yarra may get all the attention, but just upstream, you’ll find this tranquil riverside eatery tucked into the forested terrain of Fairfield Park. The heritage site dates back more than 100 years, though a recent refurb brings a fresh sense of energy to the space. For lunch and dinner, the menu leans toward classic pub fare, while a separate breakfast offering suits leisurely mornings. There’s also high tea on Thursday through Sunday, pairing tiered trays of sweets and scones, bottomless tea or coffee and a picturesque backdrop. For the full waterside experience, you can even hire a rowboat. Fairfield Park Drive, Fairfield; fairfieldboathouse.com

Few Melbourne venues tie food and setting together as seamlessly as Stokehouse. Overlooking St Kilda beach, it’s long been a go-to for polished hospitality and ocean-fresh seafood, from iced platters and old-school prawn cocktails to spanner crab doughnuts and whole rock lobster. The dining room is airy and elegant, built with reclaimed timber, low-carbon materials and solar power as part of a broader environmental ethos. The kitchen uses only Australian seafood, much of it Victorian, while pasta takes centre stage at the sibling eatery downstairs. Thirty-six years on, it still stands as one of Melbourne’s defining waterfront restaurants. 30 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda; stokepastaandbar.com.au

Afloat – a floating bar and restaurant moored on the Yarra River opposite sibling venue Arbory – has long been a summer ritual in Melbourne. Now a decade in, it reinvents itself every year with a new theme inspired by a global holiday destination. This season nods to Rio de Janeiro, with a menu shaped by Brazilian and broader Latin American flavours. Expect ceviche, grilled meats, coxinhas (pulled chicken croquettes) and even acai sorbet. Cocktails on tap and an open-air deck are made for long afternoons. If things heat up, there’s even a pool on board – a welcome alternative to the river below. 2 Flinders Walk, Melbourne; afloat.melbourne

On the banks of the Yarra River, this two-level floating bar champions Victorian producers across its beer taps, wine program, cocktail list and almost entirely local and seasonal food menu. From seafood and cheese to olive oil and honey, 90 percent of ingredients are sourced close to home. Woodfired sourdough pizzas, pickled mussels and elevated potato cakes make for easy group ordering. Meanwhile, weekday lunch specials pull in city workers seeking quick midday dining and a bit of ambience. With great views and a laid-back feel, it’s one of the area’s most relaxed spots for a drink with a view. North of 4 Riverside Quay, Lower Wharf, Southbank Promenade, Southbank; yarrabotanica.com.au

A St Kilda institution for nearly 30 years, Donovans is still a benchmark for classic, unfussy Mediterranean-leaning seafood with a postcard-perfect view. The menu covers all the classics, prepared exceptionally – perhaps house-smoked salmon with caviar, seafood linguine crowned with Moreton Bay bug or whole baby snapper served with little more than lemon. There’s also an ‘old-fashioned chicken pie’ with mushrooms and tarragon that remains a cult favourite. Victorian wines are a fixture of the beverage menu, but the restaurant is also known for its Bloody Marys, available in three variations – classic, spicy (‘Scary Mary’) or spiked with an oyster shooter. 40 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda; donovans.com.au

The revamped Hotel Esplanade is one of St Kilda’s most recognisable landmarks, with multiple spaces that make the most of its bay views. The front courtyard is ideal for a casual drink in the sun, while upstairs restaurant Mya Tiger offers a moodier setting with Cantonese-inspired dishes and a sharp cocktail list. The newer Sunroom adds another light-filled vantage point, serving pub classics, share plates and pizzas overlooking the water. And a live music and comedy program means there’s always something happening. Whether you’re after a spritz, a snack or a proper night out, The Espy is a reliable all-rounder. 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda; hotelesplanade.com.au

It doesn’t get much more ‘waterfront’ than Elwood Bathers. Out of the CBD, this classic beachside pavilion champions Victorian produce with a heavy focus on fresh seafood with a subtle Italian accent. 15 Elwood Foreshore, Elwood; elwoodbathers.com