Glenn Moore – Destination Broome
Broome’s eclectic cultural mix and abundant supply of seafood & native spices has created a unique fusion of flavours that not only pays homage to the dishes origin but provides a twist of creative local flavour flair.
Broome’s already vibrant Food scene has been enhanced in 2024 by the addition of several new eateries, with over 60 options now available. A staggering number for a small remote seasonal town when you add to that the food vans.
As an ex restauranteur I’m naturally frugal and a notoriously fussy eater, so here’s my Top 15 food experiences here in Broome 2024. I recommend them all.
This is no pompous list of the most expensive eateries. It caters for all occasional dining here in Broome, mostly casual outdoor as is my preference.
#1. Matso’s Broome Brewery
Home to Australia’s original alcoholic Ginger Beer and Broome’s best food. A delightful relaxed and shaded garden setting overlooking Roebuck Bay with heritage listing buildings that exudes ambiance day and night. Always seasonal, the menu always caters for and satisfies everyone. You won’t leave Broome without visiting at least once. It’s #1 for a reason.
Tel: (08) 9193 5811
#2 Ocean Addict Fish & Chip Van @ Broome Fishing Club
Say what you ask? The quintessential Aussie favourite of Fish & Chips with 180° ocean views & cheap drinks in a community coastal setting.
My 28 years in Broome Tourism, the most asked food question is “Where’s the best fish & chips?”
And The Broome Fishing Club’s Ocean Addict Van wins hands down. Friday to Sunday, Broome’s best fish & chips are on the fry and at a reasonable prices too.
Time it with Sunset and you got yourself the most Sea scene sensational sunset seafood experience Broome has to offer. Located on Kabbarli Rd, Entrance Point you can walk them down the beach or stay and have a beer to wash it down at the club.
Enclosed playground for kids, umbrella shaded tables & club priced drinks. Might see you there. Non-Members are respectfully asked to sign in please prior to ordering.
#3 Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm
The setting is serene, seated on The Homestead Restaurant veranda with unobstructed panoramic views over the infinity pool, Cygnet Bay and the Buccaneer Archipelago and beyond, there is no better location to enjoy Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner or Happy Hour (4-6pm) 7 days a week.
Try the local delicacy Pearl meat or from the full seasonal menu.
This is a memorable dining experience in every sense.
Bookings highly recommended.
Tel: (08) 9192 4283
#4 Asian Noodle
Broome Boulevard Shopping Centre wok fried takeaway is absolutely top notch.
This hawker style operation is family favourite because it’s quick, tasty and affordable.
7 days Lunch & Dinner.
Never had a bad feed in 15 years.
Tel: (08) 9192 8977
#5 Mr Saigon
Vietnamese food that just suits our climate, the Banh Mi is a lunchtime favourite of mine but there is nothing on this menu that doesn’t appeal to me.
Lunch & Dinner with fresh, vibrant flavours in a cosy indoor/ courtyard setting in Chinatown’s Dampier Terrace.
Just good food reasonably priced. Highly recommend
Tel: 046 757 8799
#6 Land of the Pharaohs
The best kebab I’ve had outside Turkey. This place is the bomb and the friendliest of venues out front the Paspaley Shopping Centre. Close to Broome’s best hot chips. The only complaint I have about Pharoahs is it closes at 8pm. Sorry, no late night kebabs people.
#7 Oasis Bakery
There’s nothing more Australian than a meat Pie and Broome’s only Bakery does them well.
Sandwiches, cakes & Fresh Bread makes this place hum from early to mid afternoon. Always leave a Chilli Chutney Potato Pie for me.
Coglan St, Opposite Broome Toyota
Tel: (08) 9193 7989
#8 Mangrove Hotel
Situated on Roebuck Bay near its entrance to Dampier Creek, the views over the Bay are simply stunning.
There’s nowhere better than watch the tide ebb and flow in the Palm tree littered gardens facing the Bay. A dreamy spot during the day or night. And when it Staircase to the Moon time then it’s the place to be.
As the lights dim and the guttural sound of the Didgeridoo resonates around you’ll be transfixed as the Moon rises from the horizon to reveal its golden staircase. Broome’s Town Beach is also a wonderful viewpoint but they can’t dim the lights and there’s no didgeridoo.
With two restaurants, The Bay Club open all day inside & out whilst Johnny Sausage , bookings recommended, is Italian smart casual dining in the evening.
Again, you won’t leave Broome without visiting here at least once.
Carnarvon Street
Tel: (08) 9192 1303
#9 Tongs Chinese Restaurant
A Broome institution. It’s traditional Chinese restaurant with lanterns & dragons and plastic tablecloth’s. It’s impeccably clean and unbelievably satisfying.
The classic don’t judge a book by its cover, this gem.
Napier Tce
Tel: (08) 9192 2080
#10 Cable Beach House
Home to BroomeCam, Cable Beach House is brand new for 2024. With a sublime view over Cable Beach, the bright and airy surroundings promise every bite comes with a side of sea breeze.
Serving Breakfast (to 11:30), Lunch & Dinner in a tabled environment and a kiosk serving to the shaded lawned area offers all dining ambiance options from a bucket of chips and a drink to a seafood platter and cocktails.
The Mushroom, confit garlic & truffle oil pizza $28 is divine.
An Espresso Martini ($19) in this setting is always a great idea.
Booking recommended
Tel: (08) 9193 5090
#11 The Food Lab
Our own little Italy, this tiny little kitchen pumps out authentic hand made pasta and pizza to its adoring faithful in a box to takeaway and you eat where you choose.
This place should be hatted it’s so good. The tiramisu is elite.
From 5pm
Tel: 0474815925
#12 STK Beach Bar & Grille
Now I haven’t eaten here yet but the newly opened STK has undoubtedly Broome’s biggest menu and the word about town is it pretty good for food and value.
Billed as a 7 day a week late night venue open from 7am to late.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner with fully licensed bar facilities.
And if transports an issue they’ve got a courtesy bus that will pick up and drop off by prior arrangement. Robinson St, Town Beach opposite Museum.
Tel: (08) 9185 6888
#13 Spinifex Brewing Co Cable Beach
Broome’s newest addition to the Cable Beach precinct. Spinifex Brewery’s focus is food & beers infused with native Australian flavours. Indoor/outdoor dining options, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner this family oriented space is equipped with a shaded children’s playground and a huge outdoor LED screen & stage. Check website for each nights specials from Sunday to Friday. Wood fired pizza & beer for me every time. Sanctuary Road, Cable Beach
Tel: (08) 6154 0866
#14 Ocean View Bar – Broome Surf Lifesaving Club
High above Cable Beach the lawns in front of the Surf Club is unquestionably the best Sunset viewing location here in Broome.
Food vans provide the sustenance while you blow the top off a cold frothy as you watch another sublime Broome sunset. Again non members need to sign in.
Tel: (08) 9157 1925
#15 Broome Courthouse & Night Markets
Every Saturday, Sundays in season the Courthouse Markets fill the Courthouse grounds until 1pm.
Thursday night markets at Town Beach & one night of the Staircase to the Moon, dozens of food vans offer their delights.
Lumpa’s are highly recommended, Lekker Yummy’s poffertjes are a treat, The Bao Shed’s a personal fave. Mango lovers don’t miss The Mango Place stall. You might even run into Roger, Broome Trike Tours and chat about his Bush Tucker and Bush Liqueurs Tour on his 3 wheel Harley. It’s an institution the Markets so go down and have a wander and chat to some locals. Broome Courthouse
And for something a little different and not included in the Top 15 Broome Restaurants because it’s not actually “in” Broome, The Roebuck Plains Roadhouse 30 odd km’s up the Broome Highway is the go to venue for a big trucking feed. The servings are enormous and the service is speedy. Tel: (08) 9192 1880
So there you have it. And there’s an additional 45 eateries to choose from not mentioned here.
There’s nowhere I’d advise to avoid completely but there’s just a few places where I question the value for money, so please check the menu before you’re seated or order to ensure you’re comfortable with the pricing.
You’re in for some amazing food here in Broome in 2024. So enjoy!