Arab Restaurant & Espresso Bar

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The Arab

This is where in ‘58
In a summertime of fun
We scattered cushions on the floor
Then sat upon our bum
This is where the action was
The coffee strong, the best
Where plans were hatched for conning birds
Then practised with much zest.
This was there the “Spinning Wheels”
Having played “Wild Colonial Club”
Relaxed by eating bowls of spag
Too weary to stand up.
I live at Lorne all year through
And write and pound the beat
I try to pass the Arab’s door
But can’t control my feet.

Written by local poet Hayden Rickey and printed in The Geelong Advertiser Wednesday 27th August 1997.

An original beatnik coffee hangout, which opened two weeks before the Olympic Games in 1956 has been going strong ever since.

The Arab, which is open all year round has a menu to suit all needs. The aroma of many different styles of coffee flow freely through the air. It is famous for it’s fresh pasta & chicken Kiev, but you can also tuck into dishes such as the fish of the day or chicken schnitzel. The apple crumble is sensational.

Cuisine - INTERNATIONAL (daytime snacks and fancier meals at night.)
Hours - Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 8am-11pm, Sun 7:30am-10pm
Reservations recommended.