A trip up to Broome is about more than camel rides and breathtaking landscapes. With a vibrant pan-Asian history and ever-evolving mix of cultural influences, the jewel of the Kimberly is a treasure trove of enticing flavours and epic eats that you won’t want to miss.
From laidback cafes and boozy distilleries to romantic restaurants and tropical beach clubs, here’s where to eat and drink in Broome on your next trip.
Good Cartel
Blink and you might miss this hidden drive-through cafe tucked down an unassuming laneway. Once you find the line of cars though, you’ll know you’re in the right spot. Good Cartel does some of Broome’s best coffee, plus loaded burgers and super fresh sushi bowls that go down a treat on those hot days. You can choose to pull up a stool at the cool leafy little outdoor cafe (which is giving big Bali vibes) or grab it to go.
Food Lab
While Broome’s got loads to head out for, there’s definitely no shame in spending a night in with a takeaway Italian feed from Food Lab. The authentic Italian kitchen is a local fave, so you’ll need to get your orders in sooner rather than later. Who could say no to a hearty bowl of beef ragu with silky handmade pasta and a few slices of cheesy pizza after a day out exploring Broome’s best? Not I.
Moontide Distillery
There’s no denying it. We are obsessed with this little distillery. The crew behind Moontide make a fine gin, using none other than the Kimberley’s monsoonal rainwater. Native knowledge and botanicals add the most incredible flavour and we know you’ll want to stock up and bring a couple of bottles home.
The Bay Club At Mangrove Hotel
With stunning beach views over Roebuck Bay, The Bay Club is Broome’s answer to Bali’s beach clubs. It’s the kinda place you can happily smash too many cocktails over a long and lazy lunch, tucking into endless seafood plates or pub classics like burgers, pizzas and fish and chips. Plus, they often have live music and DJs on so it’s got a great atmosphere.
Matso’s Broome Brewery
Obviously a bevvie at Matso’s has to be on the list. Sipping a ginger beer whilst looking out over Roebuck Bay is about as Broome as it gets. The Japanese inspired food is also pretty damn tasty and there’s a heap of cool beers you can try.
The Aarli
We’re devo The Aarli stopped dishing out brekky however we can assure you the dinners here are just as great. The Asian inspired menu calls for sharing and on a balmy Broome night, we recommend going for the fresh options like Kingfish sashimi, Vietnamese chicken slaw and the whole roasted barra. Can’t decide? We don’t blame you. Go all out with the chef’s menu.
Bali Hai Cafe
Walk into Bali Hai and you’ll know you’re in some sort of tranquil retreat. The menu is small as seasonal, local produce is used and you know whatever you eat is as fresh as it gets. The modern Australian food with an Asian twist is delicious and sitting in the outdoor alfresco area is about as relaxing as it gets.
Cichetti Club
Cichetti Club is the romantic Italian restaurant located within the Cable Beach Resort and probably the dreamiest spot for a date night dinner in Broome. Book ahead and come prepared to dive into a seasonal set menu featuring crowd favourites like cheesy arancinis and saucy bowls of housemade pappardelle through to a signature bistecca alla fiorentino designed for two.
Ikigai
If you’re feeling too hot for a big pasta feed, the luxe new Japanese fine diner inside Cable Beach resort will hit the spot. Ikigai offers up Kaiseki set menus featuring traditional dishes ranging from fresh sashimi and nigiri to charred deliciousness cooked over a traditional Hibachi grill.
Little Local and Artigiana Broome
First up is Little Local, our fave coffee spot in Broome where you can grab a cuppa and homemade treat and sit in the outdoor area surrounded by a garden paradise. This spot is also home to Artigiana, a ridiculously good bakery serving bread, croissants and deli produce on Fridays and Saturdays. Weekend brekky sorted.
Zanders
With a prime view of Cable Beach’s sunset it would be rude not to go to Zanders and experience the magic with a huge mango daiquiri in hand. It’s a holiday in a glass and we know you’ll be back for more.
Cable Beach General Store and Cafe
The world’s best barra burger and BYO. Need we say more about the General Store? You can also play mini golf and say hello to Jinx, the store’s resident Kelpie. The brekkies here are hearty and delish too.
Papa Fuego
This South American restaurant and bar serves flame grilled meat and seafood along with street food like empanadas, shark bay scallops and baked cheese. Mouth watering yet? Pair it with a cold beer or tropical inspired cocktail and it’s the ultimate night out in Broome.
Image credit: Cable Beach Club (Ikigai), Food Lab, The Mangrove Hotel, The Aarli