Winter warmers: where to eat and drink on the island

Enjoy an abundance of places to dine and drink during the cooler months. Whether you’re after takeaway bites or a sit-down experience, here's what's open.

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Enjoy an abundance of places to dine and drink on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island this winter, serving up epic ocean views, sensational seasonal produce, and memory-worthy meals.

As the seasons change, so do our tastebuds. The cool weather calls for cups that can be clasped for warmth and big bowls with rising clouds of steam. Below is your guide to all the places where such winter delights can be discovered around the island.

GRAB AND KEEP GOING

Wherever your winter adventure takes you, rest assured a snack and a warm cup of coffee are never far away.

The Lane Cafe

Start your day of exploration in the idyllic surrounds of the settlement at The Lane Cafe. A warm, barista-made coffee or sweet hot chocolate are essential for any wanderer, best paired with one of the many takeaway options that cater to different dietary requirements, including breakfast wraps and toasties.

Open for: Takeaway breakfast and lunch (daily)

Must try: Cray dog

Rottnest Bakery

Savour a steaming treat from the iconic Rottnest Bakery. Daily winter offerings include sausage rolls, meat pies, doughnuts, coffees, plus hot chicken and chips or roast veggies, which are available from the Chook Shack window.

Open: 8 am to 4 pm (daily)

Must try: Doughnuts

Kalli’s on Rotto

For those taking in the historic energy of Wadjemup Hill and Wadjemup Lighthouse, keep the winter chill at bay by sipping on a hot beverage from the comfort of a deck chair at Kalli's on Rotto. The 360-degree views that encompass the area are a sight to behold, particularly when the winter weather gives way to ever-changing scenery.

Open: 10 am to 3 pm (daily)

Lexi’s on Rotto

Heading over to the wild West End? This retro caravan of Lexi's on Rotto is open to reward all those who wander in winter with a hot drink, best enjoyed with a warm toastie or muffin while you observe the natural spectacle of Wadjemup’s west.

Open: 10 am to 5 pm (daily)

Subway

Whether you’re gearing up for a big day of adventure or winding down for the evening, there’s plenty on offer to curb everyone’s appetite at Subway. Choose from classic sandwiches, toasted subs, warm cookies, and pizza.

Open for: Breakfast, lunch and dinner (daily)

Must try: A Subway pizza (the only branch in Australia to offer this)

Cray Dogs from The Lane Cafe

Rottnest Bakery

Kalli's on Rotto

Lexi's on Rotto

Subway

FAMILY FAVOURITES

The atmosphere is relaxed, and the meals are moreish. These family-friendly favourites are filled with all the staples you know and love.

Frankie’s on Rotto

After hours spent exploring the wonders of the island, come back to the gentle hum of the settlement and reconnect over comfort food at Frankie's on Rotto. Whether you’re visiting as a family, with friends, or as a couple, the hearty spread will keep everyone content. Choose from their famous handmade sourdough pizzas and garlic bread, plus cosy pasta dishes.

Open for: Lunch and dinner (daily)

Must try: Frankie’s BBQ sourdough pizza

Geordie’s Cafe & Art Gallery

Feast your eyes upon an eclectic collection of local art (see if you can spy your favourite bays and beaches) before you delight your tastebuds at Geordie's Cafe & Art Gallery. Re-energising after a surf in the brisk winter waters or a walk along the nearby Karlinyah Bidi is more satisfying with a plate of belly-warming spiced beans or a boatie’s big breakfast in front of you. Later in the day, hunger-busting burgers are an island favourite. Little ones will love the nearby playground that’s close enough for you to keep a watchful eye while savouring every moment spent sipping from a steam-curled mug.

Open for: Breakfast and lunch (daily) and dinner (Wednesday to Saturday)

Must try: Pancake stack, cheesy caramelised beef burger, crispy pork belly

Dome Cafe

The team at Dome know what’ll hit the spot on a cool winter’s day, with hot breakfasts, chocolate-y cappuccinos, and crispy chicken parmigiana making our top picks for the season. Stop by for a fast, revitalising meal out of the winter chill, or spend a few hours dining and admiring the views of Thomson Bay and the daily ferries that glide to and from the island.

Open for: Breakfast and lunch (daily) plus dinner on select Saturdays

Must try: Chicken parmigiana

Pizza from Frankie's on Rotto

Pancake stack from Geordie's Cafe & Art Gallery

Dome

SIT, SIP AND STAY A WHILE

Gather those nearest and dearest to you for a wonderful winter’s afternoon or evening on Wadjemup.

Pinky’s Rottnest Island

Relax, take pause and relish the views of Bathurst Lighthouse and Pinky Beach during a different season. Alfresco dining is available at Pinky's Rottnest Island so you can bathe in the sunshine that often presents itself during winter. Stop by for sizzling steak sandwiches, crispy pork belly, and four cheese gnocchi.

Open for: Breakfast, lunch and dinner (daily)

Must try: Lamb shoulder served with mash potato

Hotel Rottnest

Come for the pub classics, stay for the views. The fire will be roaring inside Hotel Rottnest so you can keep warm and take in Thomson Bay while dining on favourites like fish and chips, roast chicken souvlaki, plus slow-cooked lamb.

Open for: Lunch and dinner (daily)

Must try: Beef scotch fillet

Bayside Bar

Choose from bespoke cocktails, warming wines, beer, and mocktails to enjoy around the firepit outside of Bayside Bar. Here, you can rug up and relax while taking in the last light of the day by the sands of Thomson Bay.

Open for: Drinks (daily)

Must try: Mulled wine

Hotel Rottnest

Pinky's Rottnest Island

Cocktails at Bayside Bar

DECADENT DINING

Celebrate togetherness in the stunning natural surrounds. All dining areas are fully enclosed and heated to keep the chill out and great atmosphere in.

Isola Bar E Cibo

Dine and drink on sophisticated Italian flavours as you enjoy the views of Thomson Bay from the warmth of Isola Bar e Cibo. Here, an afternoon apéritif turns into hours of lively conversation, and an intimate meal extends long into the winter evening. Treat yourself to a tipple from the drinks list that features Mediterranean wines and an extensive spritz menu. Best served with a steaming bowl of pasta and fresh focaccia.

Open for: Lunch and dinner (Wednesday to Monday)

Must try: Taglierini blue swimmer crab pasta

Lontara

After a long day cycling in the cool air or taking to the island’s trails, let the flavours of South East Asia's archipelagos warm you from the inside out at Lontara. These share-style eats focus on fine ingredients and fiery flavours, with sensational curry, seafood and dumpling dishes on the menu.

Open for: Breakfast (daily), lunch (Friday to Sunday) and dinner (Tuesday to Saturday)

Must try: Javanese-style beef cheek rendang

Lunch at Isola

Dinner at Lontara

MEALS MADE BY YOU

If you plan on whipping up a winter meal yourself, the ingredients you need are already here. Rottnest General Store will deliver your grocery order to your accommodation at no extra cost this season when you spend $30 or more online. You can always stop by either store in Thomson Bay settlement or Geordie Bay to pick up any groceries as you need them.

The menu items featured in this article are based on the most current information available at the time of publishing. Please be aware that each restaurant’s offerings may change over time.