What it is
The Kyn is a restaurant and bar at 41 The Esplanade, on the beachfront strip across from Torquay's foreshore. The food is Middle Eastern-inspired and built for sharing: lots of plates in the middle of the table, a decent wine list and a cocktail list to go with it. It's one of our own favourites.
The building's the interesting bit. According to the restaurant, it used to be the Kyndarlin Torquay Library, and the original white weatherboard outside has been kept, with a modern dining room fitted out inside. RACV's RoyalAuto mentioned it in its February 2025 Torquay guide for Middle Eastern-inspired shared dining, cocktails and an extensive wine list, with indoor and outdoor seating.
The head chef is James White, who the venue credits with the share menu. This is an independent guide; menus, prices and hours change, so check The Kyn's website before you go.
Photo: Cameron Murray Photography for The Kyn,
used with permission 
Photo: Cameron Murray Photography for The Kyn,
used with permission What's on the menu
These are from the menu on The Kyn's website in October 2026. Prices change, so think of them as a ballpark.
Small plates to start
Mt Zero olives ($9), Zeally Bay Sourdough focaccia with stracciatella and rosemary dukkah ($19), natural oysters with pomegranate vinaigrette, leek and feta croquettes, school prawns with chilli salt and harissa mayo, and pan-fried haloumi with honey and black chilli. Easy to order a few and keep going.
The bigger plates
Manti, Turkish beef ravioli with aleppo butter and yoghurt ($27). Fremantle octopus with harissa and preserved lemon ($31). Torn beef cheeks with hummus ($38). A grilled half chicken with muhammara, rock flathead with whipped fava and mussels, and, at the top of the list, an overnight lamb shoulder with leek and lentil pilaf ($46).
Vegetables
Plenty here for vegetarians: a beetroot and radicchio salad with Persian feta, roasted mushroom and farro tabbouleh, cauliflower with tahini and pine nuts, pumpkin with braised brown rice and chermoula, and sides like roasted brussels sprouts and shoestring chips. The menu says all the seafood is Australian except the king salmon, which comes from New Zealand.
Dessert
Poached quince with hibiscus jelly, a warm chocolate pudding with pistachio and halva ice cream, a cheese plate, or house-made sweets like nougat and rosewater marshmallow.
Feed Me
If you'd rather not decide, there's a chef's selection: $69 at lunch, $89 at dinner. It's not optional for bigger tables. The bookings page says all lunch and dinner bookings of six or more get the Feed Me menu.
Surcharges
The menu listed a 10% surcharge on weekends and 20% on public holidays.
Photo: Cameron Murray Photography for The Kyn,
used with permission 
Photo: Cameron Murray Photography for The Kyn,
used with permission 
Photo: Cameron Murray Photography for The Kyn,
used with permission Hours and bookings
When it's open
When we checked, the website had it closed Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm, and Friday to Sunday from midday. On those Friday to Sunday days the kitchen does lunch from 12 to 2pm, closes, then reopens for dinner at 5pm. So a 3pm late lunch won't work. Hours shift with the seasons, so check before you go.
Booking
Book online through the website or call (03) 5261 2370. You can change or cancel through your confirmation email. The Kyn told us walk-ins are welcome whenever there's room, but they recommend booking in busy periods and for bigger groups. On a summer weekend we'd book.
Groups
Groups of 10 or more book by email (hello@thekyn.com.au) rather than online, and the menu says it can't split the bill for tables that size. Groups of 20 or more pay a non-refundable food deposit a week ahead. For a bigger do, the functions page lists a back dining room seating up to 50, a sheltered back courtyard seating up to 80 in the warmer months, and exclusive use of the whole venue.
Kids and dogs
There's no kids menu, but the team told us they're happy to point you to the kid-friendly dishes and can tweak some dishes to suit little ones. Dogs are welcome in the front courtyard (not the back one), so the pooch can come along if you sit out the front.
Getting there and nearby
From Holyday House in north Torquay it's about 5 minutes' drive to The Esplanade. Parking along the beachfront is busy in summer, so leave a few extra minutes to find a spot. If you're sharing a bottle or two, a lift home is the smarter plan.
The Kyn's in good company. On the same stretch of The Esplanade you've got Pond Cafe and Bomboras for daytime coffee and food, the Surf Hotel for a bistro dinner, and Ela a little further along for modern Greek. Go early and walk the foreshore first, or head out to Point Danger for the view before you sit down.
The Kyn FAQ
Where is The Kyn?
41 The Esplanade, Torquay, on the beachfront strip. It's in the old Kyndarlin Torquay Library building, a white weatherboard. About 5 minutes' drive from Holyday House.
What kind of food is it?
Middle Eastern-inspired share plates: things like manti, beef cheeks with hummus, octopus with harissa and slow-cooked lamb shoulder, plus plenty of vegetable dishes.
What's the Feed Me menu?
A chef's selection, listed at $69 for lunch and $89 for dinner. Bookings of six or more get it automatically.
Is it open for lunch?
Friday to Sunday, with the kitchen open from 12 to 2pm. Wednesday and Thursday it opens at 5pm, and it's closed Monday and Tuesday. Check the website for current hours.
Can I just walk in?
Usually, yes. Walk-ins are welcome when there's a table, but book in peak periods and for larger groups.
Can I bring the kids or the dog?
Yes to both. There's no kids menu, but staff can suggest kid-friendly dishes and adjust some. Dogs are welcome in the front courtyard, not the back.
Can I book for a big group?
Yes. Email for 10 or more. Groups of 20 or more pay a non-refundable food deposit a week before, and there are function spaces for up to 50 or 80 seated.
The rest of the town's dinner options are in our Torquay restaurants guide. If you're after a glass from the source, try the wineries guide, and the Torquay beaches guide sorts out the morning after. Coming down with a group? Check dates and send us an enquiry.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 14 October 2026. Opening hours, patrols, rules and closures change — check with the source before you go.