Hamilton Island—the holiday place of the nation’s rich and famous and if you're lucky, you and yours. You take a break from lazing around on the stunning beaches and in the luxe hotels, only to find you’ve worked up a hunger—perhaps from that full body massage, you got earlier. Well no need to stay that way, we’ve done the legwork and scoped out the best restaurants Hamilton Island has to offer, so get that online booking forefinger ready.
If you're yet to book your accomodation, you'll also find Hamilton Island's best airbnbs right here.
Coca Chu
Resort Drive, Hamilton Island
Who would've thought, south-east Asian cuisine in the Whitsundays? That's exactly what you’ll score at waterfront restaurant Coca Chu, not to mention a simply stunning cocktail to match. A glassed-in show kitchen and dining area await you, as well as panoramic views of Catseye Beach from the outdoor poolside lounge bar and cocktail waiting lounge.
Romanos
Front Street, Hamilton Island
Image credits: Hamilton Island | Website
Waterfront again but in a different way, Romanos dishes up modern Italian cuisine in a relaxed setting. Lull yourself into total and utter relaxation watching the boats come and go from the marina. That is, until you're snapped back into reality by the sight of absolutely mouthwatering dishes like the tagliatelle with fresh Queensland prawns, picked crab meat, white wine, chilli, garlic, lemon butter, and herbs.
Bommie
Front Street, Hamilton Island
Built into the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, Bommie has earned a well-supported reputation for being ultra-luxe. You can see this in the hoards of five-star reviews and awards they’ve won, not to mention the actual service and calibre of food they’re dishing up. Views of the sunset over Dent Island pair with some of Australia’s best fine dining to create a truly unbelievable affair. The Flinders Island lamb rack was a standout for us, as was the Szechuan crème brûlée. Seriously unreal.
Clubhouse Restaurant
Hamilton Island Golf Club, Dent Island
With stunning views of Passage Peak and the Coral Sea, the Clubhouse is the perfect location for a laid-back lunch, or light refreshments after a game of golf (fancy). Hop on the boat to get over to Dent Island to reach the Clubhouse and be rewarded with magnificent views out over the Whitsundays and Passage Peak and maybe even a humpback whale or two during their migratory season in July to September. With all the water surrounding you, the daily market fish is simply a must to order.
Manta Ray
Front Street, Hamilton Island
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Image credits: Hamilton Island | Website
You may be at Hamilton, but you’ll soon be transported to the Aegean sea as you park up at Manta Ray. It’s pretty hard not to come out totally refreshed by the zingy Mediterranean dishes like sautéed gnocchi, artichoke, charred zucchini & roasted pepper sauce for lunch. Meanwhile, seafood gets a new lease on life in the barramundi with nduja butter and garden leaves, or prawn linguini with confit garlic, chilli, and sundried tomatoes.
Popeye’s Takeaway
Front Street, Hamilton Island
One thing about us Aussies—if we are at a beach, we instantly crave some crispy fried fresh fish and some chips in the classic paper bag wrapping. Popeye’s Takeaway is where you head for this at Hamilton. All the classics are on offer here, from fresh battered or crumbed fish to fisherman’s baskets with the works like prawns, squid and fish and chips.
Pebble Beach
20 Whitsunday Boulevard, Hamilton Island
Image credits: Hamilton Island | Website
Ok so Pebble Beach may be exclusive to Qualia guests, but we figure what's one more reason to splurge. Overlooking Qualia’s private beach, the restaurant Pebble Beach is literally out of this world. Their degustations are up there with the best in Australia with the six-course tasting menu spectacularly balancing produce, flavours and presentation. Every item on the menu can be paired with one of the many premium Australian and imported wines from the restaurant’s superb sommelier-compiled wine list.
If you’re heading further north, here are the best restaurants in Cairns.
Image credit: Zomato, Hamilton Island, Qualia