What it is
Point Danger Beach House is a bar and restaurant at 16 The Esplanade, at the southern end of the beachfront strip, between the town centre and Point Danger. If you've been to Torquay before, you may know it as Frontbeach Taphouse and Restaurant. It was renamed in November 2025 under the same owners, with a new executive chef, Diego, and a bigger focus on the food.
"We wanted to create a casual venue that had an enhanced food offering for the Torquay community," owner Nick Cogger told the Surf Coast Times. In practice that means you can drop in for a drink and some oysters, or stay for a proper lunch or dinner. Search for the new name; the old Frontbeach website is still up, with out-of-date hours and drinks.
The menu
Prices are from the all-day menu in October 2026.
With a drink
Freshly shucked South Australian oysters with mignonette ($5 each), Brine Barons olives ($9), Noisette focaccia with garlic and bone marrow butters ($11), anchovy toast, and pickled mussels from Portarlington on the Bellarine ($15). Order two or three and a bottle and you've got an easy late afternoon.
Starters to share
Crispy calamari with aioli and tzatziki ($23), barbecued octopus skewers with taramasalata, cured yellowfin tuna, scallops baked in the half shell with 'nduja butter, and slow-cooked lamb ribs with a saltbush glaze. Truffled mushroom croquettes and filo-wrapped halloumi with spiced honey cover the vegetarians.
Mains
Seafood leads: grilled market fish with tomato and olive tapenade ($43), linguine vongole with New Zealand clams ($40), and a crumbed rockling burger with fries ($30). For the meat eaters there's a wood-fired 300g porterhouse ($48), roast porchetta, slow-cooked lamb shoulder and a chicken schnitzel, and spinach and ricotta tortellini with sage butter for the vegetarians. Pistachio and chocolate cannoli or a crema catalana to finish. The menu marks vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes, and the ones that can be made that way.
For the kids
An under-12s menu at $15 a dish: a cheeseburger, a schnitzel or house-made fish fingers, each with chips and fruit, or pasta Napoli. There's a $5 mini cannoli for afters. With Front Beach across the road, it's an easy lunch with kids.
Weekend breakfast
On Saturdays and Sundays it opens at 8.30am for breakfast. The breakfast menu has eggs on sourdough, porridge, a tiramisu French toast and a big breakfast, with coffee, juice and milkshakes, and breakfast cocktails if it's that kind of weekend. It's a good stop before or after the walk out to Point Danger, which is just down the road.
Hours and bookings
When we checked in October 2026, the website listed:
- Monday to Friday: 11.30am until late
- Saturday and Sunday: 8.30am until late
You can book a table on the website or call (03) 5261 9752. Book ahead for a summer weekend or a bigger group.
Nearby
It's at the Cosy Corner end of Front Beach. Walk north along The Esplanade for Surf Hotel, Bomboras and Fisho's, about five minutes away, or head up Gilbert Street to Torquay Wine Store. South is Point Danger and the Surf Beach. Our beaches guide covers the stretch.
Point Danger Beach House FAQ
Is this the old Frontbeach Taphouse?
Yes. Frontbeach Taphouse and Restaurant became Point Danger Beach House in November 2025, with the same owners.
Where is it?
16 The Esplanade, Torquay, at the southern end of the beachfront near Cosy Corner.
Does it do breakfast?
On weekends, from 8.30am. On weekdays it opens at 11.30am.
Is there a kids' menu?
Yes, for under-12s, with dishes at $15.
Can I book?
Yes, online through its website or on (03) 5261 9752.
For more places to drink, see our pubs and bars guide, and for dinner, our Torquay restaurants guide. Staying in north Torquay? Check dates at Holyday House.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 21 October 2026. Opening hours, patrols, rules and closures change — check with the source before you go.
- Point Danger Beach House — Point Danger Beach House (official)
- All-day dining menu — Point Danger Beach House (official)
- Weekend breakfast menu — Point Danger Beach House (official)
- Contact and bookings — Point Danger Beach House (official)
- Beach House's fresh food focus — Surf Coast Times