The Best Restaurants On Rottnest Island To Book This Spring

9th Oct 2025

Written by: Rebecca Keating

When it comes to dining on Rottnest Island/Wadjemup, good food is as much a part of the experience as the turquoise water and quokka selfies.

From beachside bars slinging local seafood and ice-cold spritzes to laidback spots dishing out woodfired pizzas under the stars, Rotto’s dining scene has seriously stepped up. Whether you’re here for a post-dive lunch, sunset cocktails with ocean views, or a long, lazy feast that stretches into golden hour, the island’s got you covered.

Rottnest best dining at a glance

Dine-In: Where Island Dining Gets Elevated
Casual Dining: Where Bathers And Boardies Are Welcome
Grab-and-Go: Maximum Beach Time

Here’s Urban List’s guide to the best places to eat on Rottnest—because paradise tastes even better with good food and great company.

How we choose: Culinary excellence, consistent service, cultural relevance, sustainability where possible, and real-world buzz from our team and community.

Dine-In: Where Island Dining Gets Elevated

Lontara

McCallum Ave, Rottnest Island (at Samphire Rottnest)

Image credit: Lontara | Instagram

Rottnest’s signature dining destination has entered a new era under Head Chef Zack Fong, who’s reimagining Southeast Asian cuisine through a distinctly Western Australian lens. The refreshed menu at Lontara blends heritage and innovation—think bold, aromatic dishes layered with island soul. It’s all about regional flavour with locally caught chargrilled seafood, sambal-laced side dishes and reimagined classics.

The standout? The Pork Tomahawk with Babi Guling Spice, rubbed with lemongrass and coriander, cooked over charcoal and served with sambal matah. Pair it with something tropical from the bar—a pandan martini, perhaps—and settle in as the light softens over Thomson Bay. It’s refined yet unmistakably Rotto: breezy, generous and full of life.

INSIDER INTEL

Nab a sunset table overlooking the lagoon—it’s peak island magic
Along with the pork, you’re going to want to order the whole West Coast Emperor fish for the table—it’s the dish of the season
Cocktails are where the team flex—start with the pandan martini or a spiced negroni

Isola

Thomson Bay, Rottnest Island

Image credit: Isola | Instagram

Perched right on the edge of Thomson Bay, Isola Bar e Cibo channels pure Mediterranean ease—sea breeze, chilled spritz in hand, and a menu that could have come straight from the Amalfi Coast. Head Chef Andrea Sanesi describes it best: “The name Isola means ‘island’ in Italian—it’s about creating a little escape for our guests.” And that’s exactly what this sun-drenched spot delivers.

The kitchen takes its cues from Sanesi’s Roman roots, reimagining coastal Italian classics with pristine local produce. The taglierini al granchio is the dish everyone talks about—blue swimmer crab folded through tomato, garlic, chilli, basil and a touch of cream, served steaming from the pan. “It’s a true reflection of what Isola is all about: simple, honest Italian food that lets incredible ingredients shine,” says Sanesi. From long, lazy lunches to late-afternoon aperitivo sessions, Isola nails that sweet spot between sophistication and salt-in-your-hair relaxation.

INSIDER INTEL

When ordering the crab linguine, pair it with a glass of vermentino—chef’s kiss combo
Head here for aperitivo hour—the sunset views are unmatched and you might catch sight of a dolphin or two
Book ahead for weekends—tables fill fast once the ferries dock

Sunset Lounge at The Lodge

Brand Way, Rottnest Island

Image credit: Sunsets Bar & Dining | Instagram

At the heart of The Lodge Wadjemup sits Sunsets, the island’s all-day dining bar and restaurant that perfectly balances coastal charm with a real sense of place. Under the direction of Chef Mat Powell, the menu swings Mediterranean but leans deeply into Western Australian produce and dishes like slow-roast duck ragu cavatelli, salt cod croquettes and octopus with nduja are some of what you can expect on the seasonal list. It’s one of those places where every plate feels designed for sharing and lingering, best enjoyed with something cold from the bar as the light shifts over the salt lakes.

“The views turned out to be not just a backdrop, but the crowning glory,” says Graeme Dick, Managing Director of Social Grounds Hospitality Group. With open-air terraces, bi-fold doors and a seamless flow between indoor lounges and outdoor decks, the setting is just as magnetic as the menu. Fireplaces and underfloor heating keep it cosy through winter, while in summer it’s all about that golden-hour glow. Whether you’re dropping in for breakfast, a long lunch or sunset dinner, Sunsets captures everything people love about island dining—easy, elegant, and effortlessly Rotto.

INSIDER INTEL

Another one that’s worth visiting at golden hour—the view and lighting are pure bliss
The rotisserie chicken is an underrated hero; juicy, smoky and perfect for sharing
Stick around for a nightcap—The Lodge’s bar team shake a mean negroni

Casual Dining: Where Bathers And Boardies Are Welcome

Pinky’s Beach Club

Discovery Resorts, Pinky Beach

Image credit: Pinky’s Beach Club | Instagram

Overlooking one of Rottnest’s prettiest stretches of sand, Pinky’s Beach Club delivers the ultimate dose of barefoot luxury. Tucked among the dunes, this coastal all-day bar and restaurant moves to the rhythm of the island—easy, sun-drenched and just a little bit indulgent. Mornings start with strong coffee and a buffet brekky, before rolling into seafood and barbecue as the sun climbs higher. The all-day menu keeps things fresh and crowd-pleasing, with crispy calamari, blue swimmer crab sliders, burrata salad and generous grazing boards to share.

By evening, the barbecue fires up—Fremantle swordfish skewers, pork ribs, crispy chicken Maryland and a share-style tomahawk are just some of what will steal the spotlight. To drink? WA wines, icy beers and fruity summer cocktails that arrive as stunningly garnished as the landscape itself. As sunset hits, fairy lights flicker, live tunes drift through the dunes and the crowd shifts effortlessly from beach towels to bar stools. From October, live music sessions light up every Saturday (and every weekend from November), making Pinky’s the island’s golden-hour hotspot. Ocean breeze, starlit sky and the sound of waves rolling in—this is Rotto’s version of beach-club perfection.

INSIDER INTEL

Check out the specials – Mussel Mondays is a clear winner with 1kg of Yumbah Mussels paired with two glasses of house wine or tap beer for $40
The seafood board paired with a crisp white is a must-do island treat
There’s shade, a kid’s menu and plenty of room for the little ones in tow

Frankie’s on Rotto

Thomson Bay Mall, Rottnest Island

Image credit: Frankies On Rotto | Instagram

A staple for hungry day-trippers and overnighters alike, Frankie’s on Rotto is casual island dining done right. Family-owned and run within the historic settlement, it’s the kind of place where sandy feet are welcome and the service feels genuinely local. The Italian-Australian menu hits all the right notes—woodfired pizzas, house-made pastas, crisp salads and fresh seafood—all overseen by Head Chef Giacomo Boi, who brings his signature Italian flair to every plate. The spicy pepperoni is a crowd favourite, and the dough is made in-house daily for that perfect balance of chew and crisp.

Everything here celebrates Western Australia: Micrology coffee fuels early risers, while the wine list shines with Margaret River and Great Southern standouts. There’s a dedicated kids’ menu, plus plenty of low-gluten and vegan options, making it an easy win for families and groups. True to Rotto’s form, Frankie’s even offers e-bike delivery during peak season on the weekends—because pizza in your swimmers just hits different.

INSIDER INTEL

If you’re travelling with kids, the playground opposite the deck is a lifesaver
Grab a seat on the deck—the people-watching is prime
Keep an eye out for the team’s coffee vans for a post-cycle caffeine hit and ice-cream: Lexi’s on Rotto at the West End and Kalli’s on Rotto at the Wadjemup Lighthouse

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Hotel Rottnest

1 Bedford Ave, Rottnest Island

Image credit: Hotel Rottnest | Instagram

No Rotto trip is complete without a session at Hotel Rottnest—the island’s OG beach bar and the ultimate see-and-be-seen hangout. With its sprawling beer garden, live music and front-row ocean views, it’s the kind of place that blurs the line between lunch and night out. The menu runs modern pub fare—fresh seafood, woodfired pizzas, burgers and share plates—while the drinks list keeps everyone happy with icy pints, WA wines and tropical cocktails that taste like holiday. By golden hour, the crowd spills out towards the sand, drinks in hand, soaking up that endless island light.

INSIDER INTEL

Lock in a beachfront table early—it’s prime real estate come sunset
Keep an eye on the events calendar—DJ sets and pop-up gigs hit regularly
We love anything with Old Young’s pavlova vodka and they’ve slayed this one on the cocktail list

Geordie’s

Geordie Bay, Rottnest Island

Image credit: Sealink | Website

Tucked into Geordie Bay’s quieter pocket, this cafe is one of Rotto’s absolute institutions with its laidback charm, great coffee and food that far exceeds expectations. Breakfasts is a great place to start and covers all the usual essentials, alongside modern twists like an Asian-inspired veggie bowl, spiced beans with halloumi and damn good fluffy pancakes topped with bacon and maple, or vanilla and orange curd (yes, they’re as delish as they sound).

Come lunchtime, things shift into fresh salads, local seafood and hearty plates designed to refuel post-swim. Totally ideal if you’ve been pedalling around the island for a little while. As the evening starts to set in, dinner features rotating seasonal specials scrawled across the blackboard as well as a set menu from Thursday to Saturday that’s well worth checking out. Inside, local artwork fills the walls (and it’s all for sale), giving the café a creative, community feel that’s pure Rotto soul.

INSIDER INTEL

Grab a toasted focaccia and take it down to the beach for a properly relaxed experience
Stop in for a sunset cocktail post-dinner — it’s quiet and chilled
The crew here can also whip up a catered feed for your island functions

The Mezz Rottnest

Thomson Bay, above Frankie’s on Rotto

Image credit: The Mezz On Rotto | Instagram

If you’re chasing sunset drinks with a side of share plates, head straight to The Mezz. Sitting pretty above Frankie’s, this open-air pop-up terrace bar serves Mediterranean-style small plates, cocktails and local beers from November right through till the end of summer.

With knockout views over Thompson Bay, the vibe is electric (and pure Rotto)—it’s all breezy afternoons that roll straight into golden-hour sessions under festoon lights with epic tunes and everything the island is known for. It’s walk-ins only, so come early, claim a spot, and settle in for a few drinks—or your last one before hopping back on the ferry to the mainland.

INSIDER INTEL

Arrive just before sunset for the best seats—no booking system means timing is everything
If the charred prawns and flatbread with whipped feta is on the menu—it’s a no brainer
The vibe peaks Fridays and Saturdays with sunset DJs

Havza Turkish Café

The Basin, Rottnest Island

Image credit: Havza Rottnest | Instagram

Bringing a taste of Greece and Turkey to Rotto, Havza is a seasonal summer pop-up delivering the kind of warm, soulful comfort food that hits just right after a long beach day (or even mid-way through). The menu is simple, fresh and full of flavour with house-made pitas, chargrilled meats, seafood and vibrant salads loaded with herbs and spices.

Everything’s made to order and the portions are generous, meaning you can while away the afternoon with a glass of wine or head there for an easy feed if you’re looking for something before an afternoon swim. Don’t skip the Turkish delight or baklava for a sweet finish—they’re made with love and best enjoyed with a strong, cardamom-spiced coffee.

INSIDER INTEL

The gozleme is the real deal and should not be skipped
The views are phenomenal and you can go for a multi-course option to extend out your afternoon
We recommend sharing so you try as much as possible

Grab-and-Go: Maximum Beach Time

Rottnest Bakery

Thomson Bay Mall, Rottnest Island

Image credit: Rottnest Bakery | Rottnest Website

Few places are more iconic than the Rottnest Bakery—it’s just about as legendary as the island itself. From steaming sausage rolls to those jam-filled doughnuts that define every childhood Rotto trip, this is the pit stop that fuels beach days and ferry waits alike. But beyond the nostalgia, there’s real craft here. The bakery’s bread—especially the sourdough—has visitors queuing out the door thanks to its distinct flavour, created from the wild yeast collected at the Rottnest salt lakes. It can take up to a month to be ready, bubbling away and slowly taking on the essence of the island, giving every loaf that unmistakable Rotto character you’ll never find back on the mainland.

Grab a pastry for a beach picnic, swing by post-swim for a pie and iced coffee, or perch under the huge Moreton Bay fig trees outside and savour a jam doughnut the way you always have. Next door, The Chook Shack keeps it classic with roast chicken, chips and fresh salads—perfect when you can’t face cooking after a long day in the sun. Comforting, familiar and perfectly unpretentious, this duo is island dining in its purest form.

INSIDER INTEL

Get there early—the jam doughnuts are famous and often sell out before noon
Grab extra bread rolls for an impromptu beach sandwich bar
For extra nostalgia, a rainbow sprinkle iced finger bun is sure to do the trick

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The Lane Café

Thomson Bay Mall, Rottnest Island

Image credit: The Lane Café Rottnest | Instagram

Right in the centre of the settlement, The Lane Café is the island’s morning ritual, serving some of the best coffee on Rotto. While you can sit down and spend a little longer over brekky, we reckon this one’s ideal for grabbing something on the go, particularly if you’re in need of a post-ferry feed before hitting the bikes and getting into that turquoise blue water.

The food keeps things fresh and unfussy: açai bowls, toasted wraps, bacon-and-egg rolls, and house-made muffins that somehow always sell out by mid-morning. What else could you possibly need?

INSIDER INTEL

The breakfast wraps and green smoothies are a firm favourite
Get there early for muffins or banana bread—they disappear fast
The Lane caters to a heap of dietary requirements so you should be able to find something for everyone