Esperance is paradise on the WA coast, with white sandy beaches, rocky coastlines and a pink salt lake.
However, this stunning town also has plenty to offer foodies. Check out the best places to eat and drink in Esperance for an experience like no other.
Esperance Distillery Co
After launching as Australia’s smallest distillery in 2020, Esperance Distillery Co has since grown into a small-batch company producing gins infused with native botanicals. The father and son team work closely with local botanists and Indigenous elders to utilise the unique powers of Australian flora.
This has resulted in a range of high quality spirits with flavours of Lemon Bush, Rosella, Eucalyptus and more. Be sure to visit them on site, as you can join a gin school and distil your own mini bottle using the flavours you like best.
Aurelia’s Ice Creamery & Cafe
In Esperance, the summer heat can rise to scorching levels. That’s why Aurelia’s sells traditional scooped ice cream all day long, to help locals and tourists alike cool off and enjoy a sweet treat.
Along with ice cream, the team here also make their own pies, sausage rolls and pasties, which they bake fresh daily. Thanks to the convenient location right near the water, Aurelia’s is the perfect place to stop for a coffee on your morning stroll, or fuel up after a long day in the sun.
Fish Face
Fish Face is the home of fresh seafood in Esperance. From Tuesday to Friday, they make delicious, crispy fish and chips, while on Mondays the restaurant transforms into a Sri Lankan takeaway, sharing authentic flavours and dishes.
Fish Face also offers daily specials to make the most of the fresh morning produce, with previous dishes including marinated octopus and bass cod rillettes. The seafood is always made fresh to order using the best quality ingredients.
Yirri Grove
A short drive from Esperance on the southeast coast of Western Australia is Yirri Olive Grove, a farm and restaurant popular for their range of home-grown olives and oils.
At the restaurant and farm shop, you can choose from a range of local gifts, or sit down for a delicious morning coffee. The restaurant prioritises the paddock to plate experience, with fresh vegetables from the garden and home baked goods taking the lead. We recommend trying the sourdough bread, which is baked daily, or the homemade scones with fresh clotted cream and strawberry jam.
Each year, Yirri Grove produces around 500 litres of oil and 500 kilograms of table olives from their Kalamata trees. All bottling and packaging occurs on site.
Bread Local
For hand shaped, slow fermented bread, it doesn’t get better than Bread Local.
This bakery is located four kilometres from the centre of town, decorated with tall gum trees and a firepit in winter. Each day, the team bake an array of sweet and savoury treats, sandwiches, salads and wood fired sourdough loaves. In fact, we suggest getting in early as the goodies here sell out quickly.
While the menu changes daily, local favourites include sticky cinnamon buns, spiced carrot cake and spinach and ricotta rolls
Taylor St Quarters
Taylor St Quarters is a family-owned restaurant specialising in contemporary Australian cuisine.
The restaurant buys their produce from local artisans and producers, ensuring everything is fresh and delicious. The menu is constantly changing to make use of seasonal ingredients, placing the food centre stage.
Taylor St Quarters also hosts many WA wines on its list, as well as craft beer, cocktails and several non-alcoholic options. The regular calendar of events includes Mother’s Day high teas, multi-course degustations and harvest dinners
Lucky Bay Brewing
Locally crafted beer is the name of the game at this popular brewing company. In fact, Lucky Bay Brewing is the only brewery in WA to use raw barley direct from local farmers, which creates a unique taste and helps them to reduce their carbon footprint.
The award-winning range of beers are inspired by the natural wonders surrounding Esperance. Cyclopsis an Indian Pale Ale in tribute to the legendary wave, delivering a strong wall of flavour and a dry bitter finish.
When you visit the brewery, you are welcome to sign up for a tour of the facilities, including a tasting of some signature Lucky Bay beers. Every Friday and Saturday, the venue also hosts live music.
Cloud 11
Cloud 11 is your go-to for specialty coffee and delicious Japanese-influenced food. This popular morning spot roasts all their own coffee beans, and hand packs a collection of tea leaves.
The menu offers an extensive range of coffee options, whether hot or cold, as well as breakfast classics, filled bagels and soba noodle salads.
If you love these top places to eat and drink in Esperance, check out how to have the perfect summer holiday in this coastal town.
