A Guide To Eating (And Drinking) Your Way Around Rottnest Island

It’s that time of year once again. The flowers are blooming, the days are getting longer, warmer and – let’s face it – more adventurous. Spring has sprung and with it comes the perfect time to head on over to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) for some fun in the sun. But when you’re not busy exploring pristine beaches and admiring smiling quokkas, there’s some incredible eateries to visit that will be sure to top off your island experience.

Here’s your guide to eating (and drinking) your way around Rottnest Island:

Frankies On Rotto

No matter the time of day or where you are on the island, you can always count on Frankies to keep you fed. Serving up sourdough pizzas, pastas and other classic pub fair, including a seriously good no-nonsense parmi, Frankies is the home of simple dishes that hit the mark every time. The busy, family-owned eatery offers delivery on weekends between 5pm and 7pm from Geordie Bay through to Kingston Barracks. You can also find Frankie’s vintage caravans around the island, namely Kalli’s at the Wadjemup Lighthouse and Lexi’s on the West End serving hot beverages, snacks and ice cream.

Rottnest Bakery

There’s a reason that they’re on every best ‘insert any type of bread or pastry here’ list around WA and that’s because they’re…simply the best. The Rottnest Bakery has been an island institution for decades, selling huge assortments of pies, sausage rolls, croissants, doughnuts and they’re famous loaves of sourdough bread. If you’re new to the island and aren’t sure where to find them… simply follow your nose.

Geordie’s Café and Art Gallery

Looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Thomson Bay Settlement? Head on over to
this Geordie Bay staple. Serving up comforting and tasty meals from breakfast through to dinner, this little eatery also champions local creatives with walls covered in stunning works of art. Geordie’s is home to some of the best eats on the island served by some of its friendliest faces. Whether you’re looking for a tasty way to start off the day or an evening drink to cap off a day on the water, Geordie’s has you covered.

Lontara

Nestled within the luxurious Samphire Rottnest Hotel, Lontara offers a modern take on south-east Asian cuisine with class, colour and a whole lot of heart. The swanky eatery prides itself on championing the best of WA seafood and native Australian ingredients to celebrate the essence of not only Rottnest, but that of the tropical South-East Asian Archipelago. With a menu full of fruity island cocktails as well as complex and spicy share plates, Lontara feels otherworldly yet right at home in front of the crystal clear waters of Thomson Bay.

The Lane Café

Located on Maley Street in the Thomson Bay settlement, The Lane Café is the perfect spot to enjoy that first morning coffee or load up for a day of exploring. Featuring a variety of freshly made smoothies, sandwiches and tasty treats, The Lane Café is arguably most well-known for its Craydogs that pop up during crayfishing season. Think grilled cray, marinated in garlic and olive oil, with mesclun and fruity jalapeño mayo on a soft, chewy hot-dog bun. Have you really had the full Rotto experience without having one of these bad boys?

Hotel Rottnest

No matter if it’s your first or 50th visit to the island, at some point you’ll find yourself at the Hotel Rottnest. The Thomson Bay bar and eatery combines the best of classic pub favourites with your favourite local beers on tap and world class views of the pristine strait and mainland. A non-negotiable stop when visiting Rotto, the Hotel Rottnest is the ideal spot to catch up with mates and have a yarn about the day’s adventures and shenanigans.

Isola Bar e Cibo

Are you looking for a beachfront venue that makes you feel as if you’ve been transported to the Amalfi coast? Then Isola is the place for you. The last piece of the Samphire puzzle, Isola serves up stunningly simple and delicious Mediterranean dishes complimented by an exceptional Italian led wine list and Campari laced cocktails. Zesty, aromatic and full of flavour, Isola really is something special. The perfect spot to enjoy that afternoon Aperol spritz or that romantic four course dinner by the beach.

Editor’s Pick:

Pinky’s Beach Club

For a real beachside, island life dining and drink experience, popping into Pinky’s Beach Club is a must. Just like sister (or brother?) venue Thomsons, the menu is fairly light, breezy and packed with cocktails perfect for sipping by the pool. You’ll be swatting seagulls away in no time with the delicious Fried Baby Squid, while the Sri Lankan Goat Curry is a bit of a secret weapon amongst the delicious seafood offerings when it comes to mains.

More Rottnest:

The Best Things To Do On Rottnest Island

Wadjemup/Rottnest Island: Everything You Need To Know

Header Image: Rottnest Island