Clock by the Bay

It’s pretty rare that I would say “wow” with every bite through every course of a meal. Very impressed with the quality of food and service! Would love to come back when I’m next in Portland.

Having driven quite a distance from Hamilton Victoria to explore Portland, we were actually lucky to get a seat for a late lunch. Time kind of ran away from us as we did a bit of sightseeing. After a quick bit of phone R&D, we called the Clock by the Bay with literally 10 minutes before closing. But the kind lady told us to come on down and we did. I'm so glad they let us in. The food was delicious! The Clock by the Bay is a really pretty location on the corner of Cliff Street and Bentinck Street, overlooking the waters of the Bass Straight. It was the town's former Post Office built with a rusticated stone exterior and big, imposing sash windows. A side garden area provided a fresco seating. On the inside, it had a really comforting, neutral modern feeling with lots of space. The late afternoon was chilly, but we sat by one of the windows which was warming, if not too bright. Luckily one of the waitstaff came quickly to the rescue and lowered the blinds. I opted for the Prawn and Squid Hotpot with stir fried prawns and squid, leeks, garlic, chilli, tomato, garlic, spinach, pearl cous cous and lemon broth, accompanied with grilled house loaf. Perfect for a cold day.

Not being locals to Portland once again I was relying on Google to recommend somewhere nice to visit. The local guides and reviews did not let us down, called the restaurant and booked in at short notice. Upon entry we were seated quickly and presented with menus. The dining room was bustling as we'd arrived later that standard dining time, once we'd ordered we were offered complimentary bread. The main meals were exquisite as the photos will tell a story, along with well balanced desserts to finish off the two course meal and end the experience dedicantly.

Historic building which has been beautifully renovated - such a warm welcome from front of house , wine list small but excellent choice available, winter menu excellent choices and the food was just delicious Chef Matthew is just a superb chef - every mouthful of the wild mushroom risotto was savoured, we went back the next night for the lamb shoulder for partner and beef cheeks for me - wow ! Eating at Clock by the Bay was absolutely the highlight of our stay in Portland

Abalone risotto was absolutely delicious alongside the lamb arancinis! I had the market fish (coral perch) with a nice dark chocolate brownie but my partner ordered the Beef wellington with the apple tart which were both phenomenal! Highly recommend if in Portland !

Beautiful meal and service with a sweet view of the bay. The restaurant was comfortable and the wait staff attentive. Went for the 3 course special, it did not disappoint. Pina coladas were nice and refreshing. Would be great to enjoy the outdoor seating area, something for next time.

Beautiful views of the bay, gorgous building. dinner al a carte, 2 or 3 course... I loved it, lovely sunset views! entree abalone delicious, fish main! great cocktails too! shame no Rose, but regardless worth a visit

Booked for 6 people at 7pm on a Thursday and when we arrived (on time) I had just been told my client (2 out of 6 of us) were not going to join us. After informing the waitstaff, I got told that we should called ahead to let them know as they turned people away tonight. After I apologised, she doubled down, berating me and saying that she had turned multiple people away tonight for US (mentioned multiple times). Now there was not one, or two, or three but FIVE tables of 2 empty behind our group and remained that way from 7pm to kitchen closure at 9pm. So what was this mystery group that we denied entry? Who did she turn away for the sake of my two guests? A party of 16? Which they could not have sat anyway? A group earlier in the evening which has nothing to do with us? In the time we were there, all 5 tables sat empty for the entire time. More embarrassingly, the kitchen than made a mistake and didn't bring out of my guests meals until all the others has finished our meals. So to reprimand me for only 4 out of my 6 guests eating and drinking multiple beers and wine (we still spent $380, with her constantly trying to upsell), when there was empty tables and the service and kitchen was sub-par made for a pretty lame experience and I won't bother recommending or returning.