On the Hopkins River a short walk from the town centre, Proudfoots Boathouse is the most atmospheric dining spot in Warrnambool. The verandahs over the river suit long lunches and the menu is heavy on local seafood — flathead, crayfish, and whatever is freshest on the day. The setting is more important than the cooking, which is reliably good without being exceptional, but this is a town where you eat for the location.