Rottnest Island is a 19-square-kilometre oasis off the coast of Perth known for its white-sand beaches, hidden coves and adorable quokkas.
Beyond its natural wonders, Rotto is also home to a thriving dining scene, with fine dining restaurants and casual cafes and bars to suit every type of holidaymaker. As it’s only a 30-minute ferry ride from Perth, it’s also a perfect weekend escape for Perthians.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a fun family holiday, read on to discover the best places to eat and drink on this awesome little Aussie isle. Get ready to impress your loved ones when you dine on Rottnest Island.
Sip and savour in the sun with your soulmate
Cocktails with a view at Pinky’s
Claiming to have the best sunset views on Rottnest Island, Pinky’s is the perfect place for an evening cocktail on the deck, or a delicious meal inside the restaurant.
The menu celebrates fresh and sustainably sourced local produce, with a focus on seafood. It changes seasonally, with current favourites including abrolhos chilli scallops and local snapper caponata. If you’re in the mood for a refreshing drink, take a seat on one of two shaded decks which look out across the dunes onto Pinky Beach and Bathurst Lighthouse. Nothing beats a stunning ocean backdrop while you relax and indulge the senses.
Every Saturday from 12pm there’s live music at Pinky’s. The drinks flow along with the conversation, making it the ideal place to spend a romantic or fun weekend.
Elegant Isola
For a spot of elegance, book at table at Isola Bar E Cibo. On the shores of Thomson Bay, Isola is a modern take on a classic Italian beachside bar. Guests can enjoy the best of both worlds with a sophisticated Italian wine list and a simple menu focused on fresh WA ingredients.
Start with house-made focaccia and Tuscan style olives, before moving on to blue swimmer crab taglierini, paired with a pinot grigio from Northern Italy. If you’re visiting in the afternoon, try a cured meat platter and a classic Italian cocktail. It doesn’t get more intimate than a private table for two just steps away from the water.
Island escape to Lontara
Lontara is inspired by the rich flavours of Southeast Asia, brought to life using the best produce in WA. Part of the Samphire Hotel, you can book an all-inclusive island escape for you and your beau, where you spend the day relaxing by the pool or participating in mindful yoga, before sitting down to a dinner like no other at Lontara.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, with specially curated dishes designed to be shared. Think pork belly kushiyaki and rendang Sapi, paired with mulled wine in winter or chilled rosé in summer.
On Sundays, you can enjoy a set dinner of small and large share plates to savour with your partner.
Fuel for the family
Frankie’s on Rotto
Frankie’s is a popular venue run by a family, for families. Open from lunch to dinner (as well as breakfast during the summer period), the menus are designed by Head Chef Giacomo Boi. As well as the delish house-made sourdough pizza, there’s a dedicated kids menu with a range of pub favourites, as well as ample gear for colouring-in fun, and trivia.
The children’s playground is located directly opposite the deck, so adults can kick back with a cold bevvie while the kids burn up some of their endless energy with friends.
If you’re hoping to explore the island with the family, keep an eye out for the two cute coffee vans run by Frankie’s near Wadjemup Lighthouse and the West End. Both operate out of renovated campervans, serving coffee, snacks and ice cream.
In November, Frankie’s will reopen its pop-up bar for summer. Just seconds away from the ferry jetty, you’ll find an outdoor bar serving creative cocktails and a BBQ tapas-style menu. Let the kids explore Thomson Bay while you watch the sun set over the water – it doesn’t get better than that.
Duck into Rottnest Bakery
For those on the go after a great bite to eat, you can’t beat Rottnest Bakery. The team makes the bread fresh each day, also serving old school favourites including sausage rolls, meat pies, vanilla slice and jam doughnuts.
The freshly brewed coffee pairs perfectly with a morning treat, while dinner is sorted with chargrilled chicken, chips and salad from the bakery’s Chook Shack window. The kids will be begging for a post-swim snack after trying any of the bakery’s delicious daily offerings.
Sweet treats at Simmo’s
For a cool treat guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth, head to Simmo’s Ice Creamery. This WA institution boasts more than 60 flavours of ice cream, including caramel choc malt, coffee crunch, and apple pie.
Each pint is made using locally-sourced full-cream milk, and combines only a few simple ingredients set to impress.
If you have dietary requirements, no worries, as Simmo’s has a range of vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free treats available as well.
Plan the perfect group holiday
RIGC Clubhouse
When travelling with a group, nothing tops a trip to the RIGC Clubhouse. At Chippies – the on-site fish and chip truck – enjoy battered snapper, hot chips, crumbed prawns and more, dished up with a smile from Thursday until Sunday.
Challenge your mates to a free game of pool or some lawn games, or sign up for a round of golf on the 18-hole course. For fun with a drink in hand, order a cold brew from the bar and step onto the greens for a round of barefoot bowls. There’s no end to the activities at the clubhouse.
After a day of fun under the sun, make sure to watch the sunset over a bottle of wine on the deck.
The local: Hotel Rottnest
Hotel Rottnest was built between 1858 and 1864 as the summer residence of the Governor of Western Australia, becoming a hotel in 1953.
The menu is designed to be shared, combining classic pub grub with finger food that champions fresh local ingredients. There’s always a WA wine to pair with your meal, or you can order a cocktail jug and share a round of dark & stormys or rum daiquiris.
During summer, Hotel Rottnest invites top DJs to perform every weekend, along with local acoustic musicians and other performers.
If you’re on holiday with sports fans, or are one yourself, the hotel is the only venue on the island to stream every game live. Get your timing right and you can watch your team on the giant outdoor screen.
Sunsets Bar & Dining
For a relaxed, exciting evening with mates, head to Sunsets Bar & Dining. From the large outdoor area at the front which looks out across the Rottnest salt lakes, to the relaxed loungey dining venue indoors, you can tailor the vibes to suit your group.
Kick off a day on Rotto with a hearty buffet breakfast, or dine in the evening on shared dishes including duck ragu, juicy cheeseburgers and grass-fed scotch fillets cooked to perfection. Large groups can opt for a Sunsets feasting menu, which includes a selection of the most popular seasonal dishes.
Dietary requirements are catered for, so everyone can enjoy themselves.
Cheers to an island packed with great vibes and fabulous food that celebrates WA produce.
If you can’t get enough of these fabulous places to dine on Rottnest Island, check out our favourite things to see and do.