10 of the best restaurants on Rottnest Island

Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
hero media
Chow for now: the best places to eat and drink while exploring Rottnest Island.

After spending lazy, hazy days on your favourite patch of sand, hunt down the best spots for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. Our pick of the best places to eat and drink on Rottnest Island spans a dinky bakery known for its jam doughnuts to a low-key wood-fired pizzeria and a cool beach club hideout.

Ready for a feast? Here are the best Rottnest Island restaurants.

1. Lontara at Samphire Resort

Chef Russell Blaikie is known as a master of seafood and his menu at Lontara, part of the Prendiville Group, is dedicated to tracing the maritime spice routes that have influenced Southeast Asian food culture. The restaurant is located in the heart of the Samphire Resort, which along with the quokka, has caused Rottnest Island stocks to soar. Expect world-class produce such as charred Fremantle octopus, Albany rock oysters, and chilli salt soft shell crab tempura.

Food at Lontara Rottnest Island
Lontara offers sophisticated beachside dining. (Image: Rottnest Island Authority)

2. Hotel Rottnest Bar and Bistro

Spend the day snorkelling off the coast of Rottnest Island, one of the top things to do here, and then come ashore to the Hotel Rottnest Bar + Bistro in Thomson Bay when the afternoon sun is slanting low in the sky. Drop anchor on the deck and order crisp Shark Bay calamari, Albany rock oysters, and grilled northwest snapper from the seasonally inspired menu while admiring the eternal blue of the Indian Ocean.

Hotel Rottnest
Hotel Rottnest is a local landmark.

3. Frankies on Rotto

Oh to be a castaway on Rottnest Island and have to survive on food from Frankie’s On Rotto! The casual restaurant welcomes all comers – including quokkas, who have been known to make cameos on the deck. The eatery is also popular with families who nudge their children toward the nearby playground while waiting for their meals to arrive. Order bruschetta for breakfast, loaded fries for lunch and pepperoni pizza for dinner.

Pizza and pasta at Frankies On Rotto
Thrive on food from Frankie’s On Rotto! (Image: Rottnest Island Authority)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

4. Geordie Cafe & Art Gallery

The Geordie Cafe & Art Gallery is a good place to sample seasonal southwest Oz cuisine. While away an afternoon here and you will get a serve of art on the side: the licensed cafe doubles as a gallery where diners sit and sip espresso (or something stronger) surrounded by artworks of the island. Pick up some paninis to take away for a picnic on Geordie Bay or colonise a corner of the café to enjoy oyster po’ boy sliders.

The Geordie Cafe & Art Gallery
The Geordie Cafe & Art Gallery is a good place to sample seasonal cuisine.

5. Pinky’s

Set below Bathurst Point Lighthouse, Pinky’s has views over Pinky Beach and is the ultimate wind-down destination after a day of sun, sea and sand. Keep it simple and seasonal with a toasted cheese and mushroom sanga or level up with lobster with smashed cucumber and green goddess dressing.

Pinky’s Beach Club.
Local catch at Pinky’s Beach Club.

6. Havza Rottnest

The eatery, Havza Rottnest, brings the flavours of the Mediterranean to Rottnest Island. Positioned alongside the shores of The Basin, you’ll enjoy a relaxed tapas experience with dishes such as crayfish borek with bechamel and dill, spanakopita, and spotted cod with charred green beans. Keep in mind that Havza is season-dependent and re-opens in November each year.

7. The Lane Cafe

Anchor your mega yacht and shimmy ashore in your best-bejewelled sandals and nautical stripes for breakfast at The Lane Cafe. Sip on freshly squeezed juices, smoothies and acai bowls at The Lane, which is located in Sommerville Mall. The menu riffs on classic mod-Oz comfort cuisine such as red wine-braised beef cheeks with celeriac puree and roast heirloom carrots (a winter dish) and Lane lunch bowls such as halloumi and roast pumpkin salad.

The Lane burger
The Lane provides classic mod-Oz comfort.

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

8. Isola Bar & Restaurant

Island time calls for relaxed, aperitivo afternoons sipping on spritzes, and Isola Bar e Cibo is the best spot to do it. The Italian-inspired venue boasts a breezy coastal aesthetic to match the tasty Italian menu (Think: burrata with heirloom tomato and basil oil, calamari fritti, and tiramisu), all to be enjoyed while taking in the South Thompson Bay views.

Isola Rottnest Island
Enjoy tasty Italian fare made with quality WA produce.

9. Lexi’s on Rotto

Lexi’s is as redolent of Rotto as the island’s rugged landscape. Park on the red-and-white striped deckchairs outside the e mobile food van – located at West End – to enjoy hot and cold drinks (chai lattes or an iced long black) – and snacks such as muffins, protein balls, toasties, pies and soup. Open every day from 10 am to 3 pm, the van is the little sister to Frankie’s on Rotto and is now as much a part of the landscape as the nearby Wadjemup Lighthouse.

Lexi’s on Rotto
The magical mobile cafe and coffee van on Rottnest Island.

10. Rottnest Bakery

Be sure to arrive early at Rottnest Bakery, one of the best places to eat on Rottnest Island, to get your hands on a sticky jam-filled doughnut. It’s well worth making the pilgrimage to pick up everything from fresh pastries for a family picnic or a round of hot coffees and croissants to go. The bakery, which is also known for its pies, has also opened the Chook Shack which sells a beautifully basted bird with hot chips.

Beachside pie from rottnest bakery
Be sure to arrive early to Rottnest Bakery.

This article was originally written by Carla Grossetti and updated by Rachael Thompson

Unlock more of Rottnest Island before you visit with our travel guide.

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti has written across print and digital for Australian Traveller and International Traveller for more than a decade and has spent more than two decades finding excuses to eat well and travel far. A prestigious News Corp cadetship launched her career at The Cairns Post, before a stint at The Canberra Times and The Sydney Morning Herald gave way to extended wanders through Canada, the US, Mexico, Central America, Asia and Europe. Carla was chief sub editor at delicious and has contributed to Good Food, Travel & Luxury, Explore Travel, Escape. While living in London, Carla was on staff at Condé Nast Traveller and The Sunday Times Travel desk and was part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK.
View profile and articles
Hiking on Rottnest Island in spring
Rottnest Island

WA’s best-kept travel secret is visiting this summer hotspot in spring

Everyone knows Rottnest Island in summer, but almost nobody knows Rottnest Island in spring.

Read more
the lodge wadjemup rottnest island's new swimming pool
Rottnest Island

The Lodge Wadjemup: What it’s like to stay at Rottnest Island’s newest resort

This family-oriented stay integrates with Rottnest Island’s landscape and heritage, offering a laidback vibe with year-round appeal.

Read more
Rottnest Island Accommodation
Rottnest Island

The best Rottnest Island accommodation for a coastal getaway

We have cherry-picked a few of our favourite places to stay when you’re visiting Wadjemup / Rottnest Island in Western Australia.

Read more
Quokka selfie Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island

How to get the ultimate ethical selfie with a quokka

The do's and don'ts of scoring that photo with Rottnest Island's star attraction.

Read more
hero media

Australia’s second-oldest wine region is also one of its best, but you may not have heard of it

(Image: Tourism Western Australia)

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
    Continue
    A 25-minute drive from Perth is all you need to be amongst generations of grape growers. 

    You might not know Swan Valley, but the vines here twist through almost 200 years of history. Today, plump grapes are still plucked, pressed by juice-stained hands and fermented into wine – a journey led by the same families who will pour it into your glass. And with that first taste, you’ve unknowingly become part of a generations-old tradition. 

    So, sit back and take a sip of a crisp white under that sun-speckled pergola and listen to the warbling of magpies – here’s what makes the Swan Valley so special. 

    Western Australia’s oldest wine region 

    Mandoon Estate bathed in the warm glow of sunset.
    Sip your way through Swan Valley’s rich wine heritage. (Image: Tourism WA)

    In 1829, the very year Europeans settled in Perth, the first vines were planted in the Swan Valley. Later, Croatian and Italian migrants blended their southern European winemaking traditions into the local viticulture, a combination that works so well in the Mediterranean climate here. 

    The result today is crisp, tropical Verdelho, dark, fruity Shiraz and plenty of Chenin Blanc – a third of the country’s Chenin Blanc is crushed here. 

    So where to start uncorking? Mandoon Estate has an Aboriginal art gallery and a sculpture trail, where you can taste an Indigenous food platter of smoked crocodile and emu sausages. 

    For a taste of the valley’s Italian heritage, head to Pinelli Estate Winery. Or, for something indulgent – and a little unusual, considering the inland location – RiverBank Estate Winery serves lobster straight from tanks, paired with that Chenin Blanc. 

    If you prefer something stronger in your glass, Talijancich Wines knows a thing or two about fortified drops: try its aged tawny, Muscat and liqueur Verdelho. 

    Sensational dining 

    A beautifully presented dish paired with champagne.
    Pair great food with a scenic winery setting. (Image: Tourism Caversham)

    The Swan Valley follows that great Australian wine-country tradition, with everything from unfussily fantastic pub meals and beer gardens to unexpected fine dining at cellar doors. 

    Start at Edgecombe Winery, which does brunch as well as drops. Their brioche French toast with raspberry and rhubarb coulis, poached pear and roasted pistachios will taste best when you’re perched at a table outside. Don’t forget to explore their orchard and wetland afterwards. 

    Pick up a box of freshly baked macarons from Maison Saint-Honoré (bien sûr) before heading to Valley Social for a North American barbecue-inspired feed. Chow down on beef brisket burnt ends and wash them down with a hemp-infused craft beer. 

    Baskerville Tavern is brewing beer again in the former Feral Brewpub. Order their Monday special – a classic chicken parmi – and try Slumdog Brewing’s regular range, including a tart blueberry sour made with fresh and freeze-dried berries. In winter, it’s time for their seasonal seven-malt stout, with notes of dark chocolate, coffee and caramel. 

    An unbeatable visitor’s centre

    In Guildford is the Swan Valley Visitor Centre in a restored 1866 courthouse. Its award-winning staff know everything about anything happening in the Swan Valley. Pick their brains (and pick up a free map) before setting off. But, check out the centre’s Welcome to Country mural by local Whadjuk artist Chloe Caylon first. 

    Scenic drives 

    Use that handy Visitor Centre map to get a bit of everything on the Swan Valley’s 32-kilometre scenic loop, which connects over 150 attractions. Think roadside produce stalls, art galleries and historic buildings. Just remember to organise that designated driver if you’re extra keen on the vineyard stops. 

    Other drops 

    If the thought of wine makes your temples pulse, there are plenty of other tipples to tickle your fancy. Txoko Brewing in Baskerville takes its name from a Basque gathering place for cooking, drinking and socialising. Work through its rotating beers and plates of Spanish croquettes and sardines, then settle on the grass while the kids let off steam in the playground. 

    AmberChes Spirits Distillery uses locally sourced botanicals and fruit to make saltbush gin, lemon myrtle gin and Gincello, a twist on limoncello. Try its award-winning sloe gin, which was named Australia’s best at the 2025 Gin Guide Awards. Better yet, have a go at making your own in a hands-on gin-blending and distilling class among the vines. 

    Historic architecture and an arts scene 

    Traditional art celebrating First Nations culture.
    Explore the stories behind the Swan Valley. (Image: Tourism WA)

    Next: Guildford. It is one of WA’s earliest colonial settlements – but the history here goes back much further. The Whadjuk Noongar people are the land’s Traditional Custodians, whose Dreaming tells of the Wagyl serpent creating the gum tree-lined Swan River. Today, Guildford’s original town layout remains largely unchanged. Follow one of four heritage walks past 19th-century buildings, galleries and James Street’s antique shops. 

    Take home pantry staples 

    The display counter at Margaret River Chocolate Company.
    Treat yourself to a chocolate-filled detour. (Image: Tourism WA)

    Sometimes the little stops are just as good as the big hitters. Pull over at Margaret River Chocolate Company for free tastings of white, milk and dark chocolate. Then stop by Harvey Cheese Swan Valley for Lemon Myrtle Ash Brie or St Duke’s Red. End at The House of Honey, where you can sample local honey and get buzzy on honey ice cream pancakes. 

    Nature and wildlife 

    A close-up of a koala in its natural habitat.
    Add a little wildlife adventure. (Image: Tourism WA)

    If the kids have had enough of winery lawns, save the bottles for later and head to Caversham Wildlife Park. Here, you can hand-feed kangaroos and meet koalas and wombats. Catch working sheepdogs and sheep-shearing demonstrations at the Farm Show. Elsewhere in Whiteman Park, hop aboard a vintage train or tram, or cool off in the splash pool. 

    Finish at Bells Rapids, where fuchsia grevillea, crimson bottlebrush and yellow wattles bloom each spring. 

    Start planning your culinary escape at swanvalley.com.au.