13 November 2024
16 mins Read
Multiple waves of immigration from around the world have given Broome restaurants and cafes a flavour all of their own.
While this might be a small country town by the sea, its culinary scene is booming and locals are passionate foodies. A lot of options are packed into this relatively small space, so we’ve rounded up our top picks (with insider help from Broome residents) for your next trip.
You’ve never had a drive-through like this before. Tucked in behind a McDonald’s and a Domino’s, a small shack stands in the middle of an unassuming car park. Out the front is a food truck offering drive-through. This is The Good Cartel.
Solve your hunger at The Good Cartel. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)
It may be small, but it’s mighty. Adorable decor gives it a young and hip vibe, benches and long wooden tables make it the perfect casual setting to chill for a moment, and the food is actually incredible.
Choose from the varied burger menu or opt for something a bit lighter with the sushi and sushi salad menu. This is where locals in the know prefer to get their coffee.
Refuel with all-day meals at The Good Cartel. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)
Opening hours: All day
Price: $$
Location: 3 Weld St, Djugun
Visiting one of the most remote breweries in Australia is undoubtedly a bucket-list experience. Matso’s Brewery & Restaurant began life in 2000 when Martin and Kim Peirson-Jones took over a microbrewery come café come art gallery.
Sink into a cold one at Matso’s Brewery & Restaurant.
Following a 2004 renovation, Matso’s is now famous for its ginger beer, mango beer (aka the best thing you’ll ever taste on a hot Broome day) and ice-hot chilli beer. Live music in the courtyard can be heard on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons with various visiting artists and performances from great local talent.
Take a tour of the brewery then settle in for high-quality, classic pub fare, with the Adobo share taco plate being a particular fan favourite.
Get a glimpse of how they mix their brews.
Opening hours: Lunch and dinner
Price: $$
Location: 60 Hamersley St, Broome
Hidden at the back of The Mangrove Hotel, The Bay Club is a stylish outdoor restaurant reminiscent of Bali’s famed beach clubs. Overlooking Roebuck Bay, lounge in a day bed, curl up in a Cabana or grab a table and while away the hours in tropical surroundings.
Soak up incredible ocean views with a drink in hand at Mangrove Hotel.
Listen to live music, indulge in cocktails, have a cold beer and sample the Kimberley’s best produce, including fresh seafood. The pizzas here are also excellent.
It also makes for the perfect place to view the incredible natural phenomenon, ‘Staircase to the moon’. For two to three days a month between March and October, you can relax with dinner and enjoy the live music as the moon rises over Roebuck Bay.
View the ‘Staircase to the moon’ from the Mangrove Hotel.
Opening hours: All day
Price: $$$
Location: The Mangrove Hotel
Another favourite inside The Mangrove Hotel, Johnny Sausage serves up authentic Italian cuisine, while keeping the atmosphere fun and quirky. Not to mention they boast one of the most raved-about service staffs in town.
The duck ravioli and Crab arancini balls are a particular hit, but you can’t really go wrong. Ask the sommelier for suggestions to pair your dinner with their extensive and unique wine menu.
Try the scallops and other fresh italian-style dishes. (Image: Facebook/ Johnny Sausage)
Opening hours: Dinner, Tuesday to Saturday
Price: $$
Location: The Mangrove Hotel
Sitting along Cable Beach, it’s not just the view that makes Spinifex Brewery Cable Beach such an alluring spot to dine. There’s an energetic atmosphere, whether you’re there for a Friday night party or a relaxing Sunday sesh, perpetuated by friendly staff. It’s also a perfect spot for families, complete with a playground, gubinge (Kakadu Plum) garden and an outdoor stage and screen for entertainment.
Get ready for a tasty modern Australian menu with a side of authentic woodfired pizzas, all crafted with a focus on fresh seasonal produce. Wash it all down with Spinifex Brewery beers, all of the mid-strength products are made right on site and moved straight from tank to tap.
Take your pick from a wide selection of meals. (Image: Boyfrombeyond)
Opening hours: Lunch and dinner.
Price: $$
Location: 2 Challenor Dr, Cable Beach
From classic street food dishes made to share, to hearty mains, the South American food on display at Papa Fuego makes the restaurant worthy of its name.
Dine South American cuisine with a twist at Papa Fuego.
Boasting a long wine menu and priding itself on its cocktails (the espresso martini has a killer reputation, for those who partake), it still all centres around the food. The pork belly is a big hit, as is the ceviche, but be sure to save room for churros.
Even the decor is fire, with bold, bright colours and patterns coming together along with upbeat staff and pumping tunes to create an eclectic dining experience.
Opt for an eclectic dining experience at Papa Fuego.
Opening hours: Dinner, Tuesday to Saturday
Price: $$
Location: 2 Louis St, Broome
You don’t have to stay at Cable Beach Club Resort to enjoy its restaurants, and honestly, each of them is so good the whole resort got a mention.
Cichetti Club is the place to go for modern European dining fare – from handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and unexpected flavour twangs from around the world. Come together to bond over small share plates, a glass of wine and modern Italian food big on both heart and flavour. You’ll also find a simple breakfast menu.
Go for modern European dining fare. (Image: Facebook/ Cable Beach Club Resort)
Opening hours: All day
Price: $$$$
Location: Cable Beach Club Resort
If you’re looking for a more casual spot to watch the sunset (or rise) over Cable Beach, head to Sunset Grill. It happens to have one of the best buffet breakfasts, anywhere, period. While breakfast options vary day to day, you’d better hope their smashed dukkah avocado is available. Or discover an incredible fresh seafood menu for lunch and dinner.
Dine with a view at Sunset Grill. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)
Opening hours: All day
Price: $$$$
Location: Cable Beach Club Resort
Cable Beach Club’s most recent offering is Ikigai, meaning a reason for being, and offering a Kaiseki menu (multi-course Japanese). When I tell you the whole of Broome is buzzing about it, it’s no word of a lie. Discover fresh sashimi and nigiri, dishes cooked over a traditional Hibachi grill and more, all curated by Chef de Cuisine Sean Kim.
Opening hours: For dinner
Price: $$$$
Location: Cable Beach Club Resort
It’s not just the food scene having a renaissance in Broome, craft alcohols are on the rise. Opened in 2020, Moontide Distillery is leading the way in craft liquor, even boasting a few awards for their unique gin flavours – like The Pearler’s Gin, crafted with actual oyster mantle. Moontide aims to keep its ingredients locally sourced, including local oysters and working with a local Indigenous company for their native botanical ingredients.
Take a tour to see the behind-the-scenes action and be inspired by the enthusiasm of the lead distiller, Andrew Davidson. Then settle in for a tasting, accompanied by a hearty cheese plate.
Swing by Moontide for a quick buzz. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)
Opening hours: Friday to Monday, 11.30am to 5pm
Price: $$
Location: 17 Gwendoline Crossing, Bilingurr
Broome’s historic pearling boom fuelled a mass migration in the late 1800s that was almost as epic as the Australian gold rush. Japanese, Filipino, Chinese and Malay pearl divers arrived in droves seeking their fortune – and they brought the cuisines of their homelands with them.
To this day, restaurants and diners alike are reaping the benefits of this Asian-fusion influence on the culinary scene in Broome. One such restaurant is The Aarli. Located in the heart of Chinatown, come for the share plates and stay for the renowned atmosphere and friendly service.
Sit down to this delicious Asian-fusion cuisine. (Image: Facebook/ The Aarli)
Opening hours: Lunch and dinner
Price: $$
Location: 2/6 Hamersley St, Broome
Named for the owner’s son, Jack’s Restaurant & Bar inside Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat is a consistent hit, and a truly unique remote dining experience.
With tables set up quite literally on the beach, you’ll get stunning views of Eco Beach all day long. They keep things casual for breakfast and lunch, but it turns from a cafe into a restaurant come dinner time.
The menu is crafted from fresh local produce wherever possible, in fact, much of it comes from their onsite produce garden which guests are encouraged to take a stroll through. The menu is varied, but for something truly unique try the Taste of Kimberley platter, featuring crocodile, kangaroo and barramundi.
Dine on the beach at Eco Beach Resort. (Image: Tourism WA)
Opening hours: All day (April-November)
Price: $$$
Location: Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat
With free entry and an open invite to the general public, it’s hard to beat a classic RSL like Broome’s. This is a place for locals, by locals, but the staff are so friendly and welcome anyone can belong.
While they offer the classic fare, they’re not afraid to throw in a contemporary menu item like the pulled pork and apple sauce pizza. Not to mention the drinks are particularly well-priced. The best part is, while the quality means the place should be backed, you’ll never feel crowded, and you can sit and relax with your food.
Enjoy classic pub grub at Broome RSL. (Image: Facebook/ Broome RSL)
Opening hours: Late lunch and dinner.
Price: $
Location: 14 Robinson St, Broome
For those wanting a more casual affair, you can’t go wrong at the Broome Courthouse Markets. While only small, it’s a popular market with a good bang for your buck. Stop by for breakfast or lunch with fresh fruit, doughnuts and even Filipino-style empanadas on offer for your snacking needs as you wander through the local arts, crafts, clothing, pearls and more.
Saturdays are a given, but other opening times vary throughout the year so be sure to check the website before you go. Get there early, like the locals, to avoid the heat.
You can’t go wrong with a meal at the Broome Courthouse Markets.
Opening hours: For breakfast and lunch on the weekend, and dinner on Thursdays
Price: $
Location: 8 Hamersley St, Broome
Just a stone’s throw away from Dampier Creek, you can dine on wicker chairs at Dragonfly Cafe under a huge, street-side rotunda or escape the heat inside this country-style cafe for a cold brew (or hot) coffee catch-up with friends.
This cheerful community cafe, renowned for its friendly service, offers sumptuous breakfast options with a subtle focus on healthy meals and plenty of icy drinks to keep you hydrated in the heat. Begin the day with the Dragonfly Burger or their Eggs Benedict twist. You’ll also find a good range of options for different dietary requirements.
Enjoy Dragonfly Cafe from breakfast to dinner. (Image: Facebook/ Dragonfly Cafe)
Opening hours: For breakfast and lunch
Price: $$
Location: 3/6 Carnarvon St, Broome
The Green Mango Cafe is everything you want from modern cafe-style cuisine: an all-day breakfast menu featuring staples like Eggs Benedict, plus salads, burgers and a few items out of left field for lunch.
While the cafe decor isn’t anything unique, you can sit inside or outside and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff.
Settle at the table for some pica pica. (Image: Tourism WA)
Opening hours: Breakfast and lunch
Price: $
Location: 2/12 Carnarvon St, Broome
For something completely different, head to Cairo Cafe for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. It may look basic from the outside, but when they say authentic, they mean it – the owners were classmates together in Egypt before deciding to opt for a sea change and bring theory culture to Broome.
Be sure to try the handmade falafels and lamb shawarma, and be prepared to line up for it if you show up on a Friday or Saturday night.
Head to Cairo Cafe for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. (Image: Facebook/ Cairo Cafe)
Opening hours: Lunch and dinner
Price: $
Location: 7/16 Frederick St, Broome
At first, it doesn’t look like much – a ramshackle collection of plastic chairs and wooden tables in the red dirt, beneath a canopy of fringed palms and multi-coloured lanterns – but this mango farm (which makes its own mango wine, port, jam and more) does the best woodfired pizza in Broome, or technically just outside of it.
It also presents a range of mango-themed menu items, like beef and mango pie, mango smoothies and mango liqueur cake.
To get to the Mango Place, drive north from Broome towards Derby until you come to a sign called ‘12 Mile’ – it’s a satellite suburb 12 miles north of Broome.
Start your day with a smoothie bowl from Mango Place. (Image: Facebook/ Mango Place)
Opening hours: For breakfast and lunch
Price: $$
Location: Lot 4, 12 mile/120 Kanagae Dr, Broome
Every town needs a decent takeaway kebab spot, and in Broome, Land Of Pharaohs fills that position.
Tooted by locals as the best kebabs in the Kimberley, there’s no denying the ingredient quality here is much higher than your average kebab in the big cities. The meat is tender, the salad is fresh and the bread is deliciously soft.
Don’t be fooled by their lack of web presence, they’re still alive and kicking.
Taste the best kebabs in town. (Image: Facebook/ Land Of Pharaohs)
Opening hours: Lunch and dinner, Tuesday to Saturday
Price: $$
Location: 20 Carnarvon St, Broome
It didn’t take long for Little Indian Restaurant to become a regular for the locals – the food is absolutely phenomenal.
Not only do they proudly boast the best authentic Indian food in Broome (with main portion sizes so large they could feed two people), but they also claim the best quality ingredients, best preparation and quality and friendly service. Homemade masalas and homegrown fresh herbs are just par for the course.
Order the best authentic Indian food in Broome. (Image: Facebook/ Little Indian Restaurant)
Opening hours: For dinner
Price: $$
Location: 3/16 Frederick St, Broome
Very much considered the best Vietnamese in Broome, Mr Saigon is loved for the large, tasty meals and fast service.
The rice paper rolls and beef Thai salad are popular choices when you’re in the mood for something lighter, while the phở and stir fry varieties really hit the spot when you’re after something more hearty.
Taste dishes like wild barramundi with Asian herbs and vegetables. (Image: Instagram/ Mr Saigon)
Opening hours: Lunch and dinner most days
Price: $$
Location: 5/19 Dampier Terrace, Broome
The beachfront location makes Cable Beach House a spectacle for both tourists and locals alike as they all crowd to watch the sun sink into the ocean. Having formally been a local drinking spot, Zanders, this new life seems to bring with it a huge menu change (and improvement).
The new dinner menu features meals designed to be shared, featuring fresh seafood and elevated pub grub favourites. Early risers can indulge in everything from chilli scrambled eggs with prawns to a pancake stack on the breakfast menu, or grab a coffee and grab-and-go meals from the kiosk to takeaway.
Soak in a stunning beachfront location.
Opening hours: All day
Price: $$
Location: Cable Beach Rd W, Broome
A local favourite, head over to Broome Fishing Club to find the popular fish and chip food truck parked outside from Friday to Sunday. With views over beautiful Roebuck Bay, the menu is kept classic and simple. Think potato scallops (or cakes, depending on which state you’re from), fish and chips and burgers.
Chow down on classic fish and chips dishes.
Opening hours: Fridays from 4pm, weekends from midday
Price: $
Location: Lot 956 Kabbarli Rd, Broome
Not only is Bali Hai on our list of top accommodation options in Broome, but it also has a super tasty restaurant. The vibe here is relaxed fine dining, with Western cuisine peppered with Asian flavour influences. Think pan-seared barramundi with Thai red sauce and Thai basil salad, Chinese dumplings, and surf and turf with truffle and thyme mash. The result is some of the best food in Broome. They use locally sourced produce as much as possible, and put a lot of effort into their wine and cocktail lists.
A top tip on a hot day is to try and bag a window seat though, the aircon can be a little spotty.
TReat yourself to elaxed fine dining, peppered with Asian flavours. (Image: Facebook/ Bali Hai Cafe And Restaurant)
Opening hours: Lunch and dinner Friday to Saturday, dinner only Wednesday to Thursday
Price: $$
Location: 6 Murray Rd, Cable Beach
Another gem from Cable Beach Club, this lively restaurant brings a fun and contemporary take on your favourite Thai cuisine. Dishes like the Thai-style tuna crudo with passion fruit, coriander, puffed rice and coconut nam prik are a real crowd pleaser, despite the unexpected combination. While the Feed Me set menu is a popular dining option.
As with most Cable Beach Club offerings, the service is friendly and prompt (that last one isn’t always a given in small towns). There is a smart casual dress code, so be sure to swap out those thongs for something more substantial before wandering up from Cable Beach.
Opening hours: Dinner Friday to Tuesday
Price: $$
Location: Cable Beach Rd W, Broome
This small little restaurant in a shopping mall opposite Coles might not be an obvious choice. But for something different, and mouth-watering, DMK – The Kitchen offers up a delectable offering authentic Balinese cuisine. Experience fresh flavours and plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options, with everything from traditional dishes and roadside favourites, to those with a modern and creative spin.
This small restaurant packs a big flavour punch.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11am – 2pm & 5pm – 8pm, Saturdays 5pm – 8pm
Price: $$
Location: Shop 24 Paspaley Plaza, 8 Short Street, Broome
For those with Italian on the brain, you’ll find a pizza and pasta fix at The Food Lab. The fact it’s headed by two Italian chefs should tell you all you need to know, but in case it’s not, this artisanal kitchen focus on authentic, fresh pizza and pasta the way Nonna made it. That is, generous portions, reasonable prices and always served with a smile.
Let two Italian chefs make you a feast.
Opening hours: For dinner, seven days a week.
Price: $$
Location: Unit 2a/63 Robinson St, Broome
Drag yourself away from the beach for the day on a Broome tour and you’ll be rewarded with some truly amazing experiences. This seaside country tow...
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