Le Comptoir in Aireys Inlet offers Great Ocean Road travellers an all-day French-style stop, moving from freshly delivered croissants and straightforward sandwiches in the morning to substantial dishes and French cheeses later in the day.
Early visitors can pick up croissants or simple sandwiches before settling on the sunlit deck. Lunches are pared back, with options including pork rillettes scattered with cornichons and served on warm pieces of baguette, alongside a glass of Chablis.
By evening, the restaurant takes on a more indulgent character. Its cassoulet is built for sharing, topped with confit duck tender enough to cut with a butter knife, while a dark chocolate lava cake brings a molten centre to the dessert menu.
The French team running Le Comptoir gives the venue an animated atmosphere, and its warm evening light makes it a prominent stop in Aireys Inlet.
A glass cabinet is stocked with French cheeses, offering provisions for visitors staying in nearby holiday homes. The team has also opened Le Comptoir Bakehouse, a bakery offshoot just down the road.
