Rottnest is known as the jewel in Perth’s crown and not just for its spectacular natural beauty, magnificent wildlife, rich cultural history, vibrant outdoor fun and laid-back island lifestyle. It’s also got a reputation as a world-class foodie destination, with plenty of choice to satisfy all tastes.
Whether you’re after a luxury culinary experience or a casual bite, this comprehensive guide to restaurants on Rottnest has got you covered. We’ve listed the best eateries so that you can plan ahead and make the most of your time on this unspoilt island paradise.
Rottnest Luxe Island Seafood Cruise
OK, this is just too good not to be included on the list of the best places to eat on Rottnest. In fact, it’s our top pick for the best lunch on Rottnest that delivers a supercharged ‘wow’ factor.
The Luxe Island Seafood Cruise with its seven-course menu is an interactive culinary adventure featuring a smorgasbord of freshly caught seafood – all prepared by your own private chef on board a purpose-built charter boat. Guest numbers are limited to just 30, so your small-group dining experience feels intimate and exclusive, yet relaxed. It’s like an indulgent get-together with your best friends – with friendly and attentive service, premium drinks and exquisite food!
The menu showcases the finest quality seafood including the state’s famous Western Rock Lobster, oysters, scallops, prawns and linefish. But this lunch cruise is about more than just eating exquisite food, sipping on premium beverages whilst seated at a table with crisp white linen and silver service. It’s a hands-on interactive experience where you get to pull up a cray pot (the experienced crew are there to help if you need) and enjoy the live onboard action as your private chef cooks your lobster to perfection.
Expert commentary from the experienced crew adds an extra dimension to the spectacular surroundings from your vantage point in one of the island’s secluded bays, plus there’s the opportunity to chill-out with a refreshing ocean dip, snorkel or gentle float on a giant inflatable.
Book now and see for yourself why this unique culinary experience was recognised as the ‘Best Seafood Experience in WA’ in 2024 and in Australia’s top three.
What we love: The ‘extraordinariness’ of it all. Picture-perfect views, exquisite seafood prepared by an award-winning chef, stylish service, a fun and friendly crew, relaxed exclusivity and a hands-on alfresco dining experience make this a ‘must-do’.
Lontara Restaurant
Lontara is the signature restaurant of the upmarket Samphire Hotel on Rottnest offering diners a culinary journey through the archipelagos of South East Asia. It’s where spice meets style in casually sophisticated surroundings – with the share-style menu featuring an inventive Asian take on some of WA’s finest produce and seafood.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are well catered for through chef Russell Blaikie’s ever-changing menu so whether you’re after a tasty start to your island day, a lazy lunch with friends or a sumptuous dinner feast – you’ll find it at Lontara. The sparkling blue waters and pearly sands of Thomson Bay provide the perfect backdrop to this contemporary beachside eatery where everyone is welcome.
What we love: The welcoming ambience of Lontara’s coastal chic décor and its delectable menu suffused with the rich culinary heritage of South East Asia make this one of the best restaurants on Rottnest.
Isola Bar e Cibo
Is it Capri or Sardinia? Or maybe it’s the Amalfi Coast or the Italian Riviera? No, you’re on Rottnest Island but it’s easy to see how the sensational views and authentic beachside bar vibe of Isola could fool even the most seasoned traveller.
Isola is where Italian culture and flair meet deceptively simple dishes, created with precision and a deep understanding of flavour and texture. The steady thrum of happy guests is testament to the popularity of this sophisticated yet casual beachside bar where you’ll find a wide range of Italian dishes on offer. From antipasti nibbles, charcuterie from the slicer and pasta dishes to meatier mains, tasty sides and tempting desserts – choosing a favourite is tough!
What we love: The rare pleasure of drinking and dining right on the beach. We also love how Isola’s stylishly simple décor and its quintessentially Italian menu make us feel like we’re on foreign shores.
Sunsets
The newest restaurant on Rottnest is at ‘The Lodge Wadjemup’ which recently opened its doors to its first hotel guests. Facing the iconic salt lakes, Sunsets offers all-day bar and dining with a strong focus on locally sourced ingredients served with a distinctly Mediterranean flavour.
A buffet breakfast is available from 7 – 10.30am with a full menu including a variety of small plates, shared platters and kids’ meals available thereafter until late. A shared feasting menu at $79 per person is another fantastic option for sampling some of Sunsets’ popular specials, whilst aperitivo style bites like jamon croquettes and sardines are available from 3-5pm.
What we love: There’s never a dull moment at Sunsets. From their seasonal produce specials (truffle and wine pairings anyone?) and tempting mid-week meal deals to live music events and island aperitivo – we love the food, the vibe and the views at Sunsets.
Hotel Rottnest Bar and Bistro
No list of restaurants on Rottnest would be complete without a mention of the Hotel Rottnest Bar + Bistro.
It’s the perfect spot for meeting up with friends or kicking back and watching the world go by whilst you slake your thirst and satisfy your hunger pangs. From pizzas to salads, seafood dishes to sandwiches and wraps, small bites to hearty mains, you’ll find a great selection of uncomplicated yet delish favourites and seasonally inspired creations at this iconic Rotto destination.
A relaxed and inviting ambience coupled with friendly table service and magnificent views over Thomsons Bay complete the picture, making the Hotel Rottnest Bar and Bistro (AKA the Rotto pub!) a fabulous spot for all ages.
What we love: The beach party vibe on a summer Saturday is fabulous, but we also love the reliability of the food at this Rottnest icon. Our tip – rock your roll with their Cervantes chilled rock lobster and local banana prawns on a warm brioche bun with Japanese mayo and pickles. It’s a goodie!
Frankies on Rotto
Under the expert guidance of Head Chef, Giacomo Boi, Frankie’s on Rotto serves patrons Italian-inspired dishes with a focus on local ingredients. Their menu changes regularly to take advantage of fresh, seasonal produce so you’ll always find something new to take your fancy.
Pizzas and pasta are always on the menu, plus you’ll find other delicious items like battered barramundi, seared tuna salad, chicken and bocconcini flatbread on offer.
What we love: Family favourites and seasonal specials with Italian flair keep us going back for more at this relaxed and casual Rottnest restaurant. The kids love the nearby playground too!
The Dome
The Dome has been a Rottnest institution on the island for years and its central location overlooking the main jetty and Visitor Centre is a convenient meeting spot for a quick meal or snack. The restaurant kitchen is open from 8am to 3pm and there’s also an ‘After Dark’ menu on offer on select evenings. Dome classics such as salads, wraps, burgers, pizzas and the fisherman’s catch are always popular, plus they offer seasonal dishes too.
What we love: A decadent cake and coffee at Dome always goes down a treat and a tasty toastie while waiting for the ferry is a must!
Pinky’s
Bathurst Lighthouse makes a picture-perfect backdrop for the newly renovated Pinky’s Bar and Restaurant and its popular sunset deck.
The restaurant feels casual and cosy yet sophisticated and its a la carte menu showcases the best of Rottnest’s native produce alongside seafood-inspired dishes and pub classics – all complemented by an impressive drinks list that includes fine Australian wines.
With a range of innovative dishes delivered with Italian flair and influence from Head Chef Marco Facchinetti and arguably one of the best buffet breakfasts on Rottnest, you’ll be tickled pink when you eat at Pinky’s.
In addition to the main indoor restaurant, there are two alfresco decks which are served by Pinky’s Shack. This is open in the warmer months and serves up all-day casual dining.
What we love: Is there a better way to soak up the island life than sitting on a shaded deck in spectacular natural surrounds, cold drink in hand and the promise of a delicious plate to come?
More Rottnest restaurants
Despite there being only small pockets of development on the island (its total area is only 19kms2), there’s a surprising number of restaurants on Rottnest catering to a wide variety of visitor tastes.
From deluxe culinary experiences like the must-do seafood cruise to casual and contemporary restaurants and cafes, the above list gives you some great options for eating out on Rottnest. But that’s not where it ends.
There are also plenty of options all around the island where you can get a casual meal, quick bite, takeaway, hot coffee, cold drink and sweet treat. Rotto may be small in size, but it delivers big when it comes to foodie destinations.
Here are some of the other casual, café-style and pop-up dining options on Rottnest:
- The Lane Café – Famous for its ‘cray dog’ (a soft bun with a delicious filling of a grilled crayfish, marinated in garlic and olive oil and topped with a zesty jalapeno mayo), this delightful café situated in the Thomson Bay settlement mall also offers a variety of other dine-in and takeaway breakfast and lunch choices. Gluten free, lactose free, vegan and vegetarian options are also available.
- Lexi’s on Rotto – if the red and white striped umbrellas don’t catch your attention, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm muffins will! You’ll find this iconic retro 70s food van at the West end near the Wadjemup Lighthouse and it serves up hot and cold drinks, snacks and light meals such as soup and toasties.
- HAVZA – This seasonal pop-up offers a casual Mediterranean-style tapas experience alongside the shores of the Basin. The daily menu is designed to be shared and blends Greek and Turkish flavours with local produce, plus they do takeaways too.
- Geordie’s Café and Art Gallery – you’ll find 5 senses coffee, freshly made juices, smoothies, cakes and salads as well as a fairly extensive dine-in and takeaway menu at this cute little venue in Geordie Bay. There’s a good selection of vegetarian options here as well.
Whether you’re a day tripper, a weekend visitor or a long-stay guest on Rottnest, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options on the island (or in the case of the indulgent seafood cruise – dining ‘out’ and looking at the island from your luxury boat!). Hopefully you’ll find this list of Rottnest restaurants helpful as you plan your activities and make the most of all that Perth’s favourite playground has to offer.
Note that some Rottnest restaurants such as Havza only open during the warmer months whilst others vary their opening hours according to the seasons, so it’s best to check their websites beforehand.
