Broome is the pearling capital of Australia and boasts a diverse food and drink scene. From multicultural hawker food at the Courthouse Markets to small-batch breweries and unique gins made from rare bush botanicals, there’s something for every taste.
Try an Asian-inspired share plate at The Aarli under the giant frangipani tree. The pank’d egg, sriracha hollandaise and lap cheong are just a few of the delish dishes to try here.
The Aarli
When you’re visiting Broome, Western Australia it’s a good idea to try the city’s best lunch spots. This coastal town has a distinct food culture, shaped by its multicultural heritage and tropical weather.
You’ll find a wealth of diverse cuisines in Broome ranging from Indonesian, Malay, Thai and Filipino to Chinese and Japanese influences. These are all represented on the menus at restaurants like The Aarli, which has forged a reputation for innovative modern Australian dining in tropical surrounds.
A casual and smart restaurant on Hamersley Street, The Aarli is tipped by locals to be the place to go for a tasty bite – whether you’re after a sweet and sour lamb ribs or crisp eggplant with fish fragrant sauce. The menu is a blend of contemporary and traditional with a focus on Vietnamese, Thai, Singaporean flavours.
If you’re after a more sophisticated breakfast, The Aarli also has a great selection of menu options including smashed avo on bircher muesli and miso scrambled eggs with shiitake and oyster mushrooms. Or choose a Man Bun, described as “filled with meat, gluten and dairy” which includes bacon, sausage, mushroom, cheese and tomato on a milk bun.
You’ll also find some of the best woodfired pizza in Broome at Mango Place. You can enjoy a slice with a glass of wine and watch the world go by from the bar on top of the Mango Place building.
The Continental Hotel
The Continental Hotel is located in Centerville, a historic town with stunning natural beauty such as Bradely Park and Rathbun Lake. The city also boasts cultural highlights such as Shoppes at Bradley Hall and Appanoose County Museum.
The hotel is owned by a nonprofit foundation that gives grants in Appanoose County and owns and operates The Majestic Theater. It was purchased in 1997 and rescued from disrepair and now serves as the city’s landmark.
There is a restaurant at the hotel, Lucile’s Steak & Spirits, that serves lunch and dinner six days a week. Alison Fraser, CEO of the foundation, said that guests have been raving about the Reubens and salads.
Aside from the restaurant, there are two swimming pools and a fitness center at the hotel. You can also relax at the spa, which offers massages and body treatments.
All rooms feature free WiFi and a flat-screen TV with cable/satellite channels. The bathrooms are fitted with showers and hairdryers.
The Continental Hotel is a luxury hotel with 136 rooms and a swimming pool. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Broome and the surrounding area. It is just a short walk from the city centre and Broome Visitor Centre. The hotel offers complimentary parking on site.
Ginreab’s Thai
Often regarded as the gateway to the Kimberley region, Broome is a super holiday-friendly hub. It has something for everyone, from low-key local takeaways to fine dining favourites.
One of the best lunch spots in Broome is Ginreab’s Thai, which serves up fresh food that’s made to order. The place is run by Jitsopin (Air) Long, who has experience in both the dine-in and takeaway industry.
Air uses her own unique blend of Thai flavours to create a range of dishes that are sure to leave you wanting more. She takes her time to ensure that all the meals are made to a high standard, so they’re healthy and packed with flavour.
The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also order a range of different takeaway options, including curries and stir-frys.
In addition to serving up some of the best Thai dishes in Broome, Ginreab’s also has a range of hot drinks, cold drinks and wine. The place also features an outdoor cafe and a large frangipani tree overhead.
Another great place to grab a bite is Aarli, which is a popular restaurant that serves modern Australian fare in tropical surrounds. They also serve an impressive drink menu, featuring Vietnamese martinis and more.
Other restaurants you shouldn’t miss include Sydney Cove Oyster Bar, which serves some of the finest seafood in Broome. In addition to their extensive menu, they offer half-price oysters on Saturdays.
The Coffee Van
Originally opened in Sydney’s Circular Quay, this stylish pop-up restaurant relocated to Broome and is quickly becoming one of the best lunch spots in Western Australia. With a menu that changes seasonally and dishes like grilled octopus with smoked butter sauce, pickled cucumber and grilled peach, it’s not hard to see why.
With a history rooted in pearling, Broome is a multicultural town that’s influenced by Asian, South American, Indian and Australian cuisines. It’s the perfect place to try an array of flavours and find your favourite, with a diverse range of restaurants, bars, cafés and food trucks offering everything from award-winning craft beers to unique gins made from bush botanicals.
To get to know the city better, jump on a foodie tour and try some of its iconic flavours. You’ll sample Matso’s ginger beer, local gin and oyster shots and learn about the different cultures that influence Broome’s culinary scene.
You can also visit the historic Broome Museum to learn about its fascinating past, including the story of nine Japanese aircraft attacking flying boats in Roebuck Bay during WWII. The museum is open daily and you can find it on Robinson Street, opposite Seaview Shopping Centre.
The journey from Perth to Broome is an inland one, so you’ll need to pack plenty of fuel stops, snacks and drinks. There are plenty of places along the way to stop and check out the sights.
18 Degrees Cafe
Broome is a popular tourist destination in Western Australia, with the town’s most famous landmark being the 22km-long Cable Beach. Its white sands are a great place to relax and take in the views of the Indian Ocean.
There’s a wide range of places to grab lunch in Broome, but if you’re looking for something truly unique and tropical, then 18 Degrees Cafe is the place to go. The restaurant features three show kitchens that provide guests with a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
The staff here are friendly and the food is delicious. They also offer a variety of drink options, including Komunity Brew kombucha and Crema Coffee beans.
A great spot to grab a quick bite to eat in Broome, this café offers tropical flavours and an excellent view of the city. It is a family-friendly spot and has an indoor and outdoor seating area.
Its menu includes 38 dishes, so you can choose from a selection of vegetarian options. The cafe has a relaxed atmosphere and is open all year round.
You can also get a curated cheese board or ice-hot chilli beer from Moontide Distillery, which uses monsoonal rain water from the Kimberley region. The brewery has won a silver medal at the London Beer Competition.
Another good option is the SSJG Heritage Centre, which has a restaurant that serves breakfast and brunch. They also have a bar, so you can grab a beer or cocktail after your meal.
The Bao Shed
The Bao Shed is one of the best lunch spots in broome western australia, with its soup dumplings a clear winner. Almost a dozen varieties are on offer here, but we’re partial to the salty egg yolk and pork one that popped up in our top five list.
While it’s not as well-known as some of its rivals, The Bao Shed’s cleverly curated menu taps into the multicultural food scene of Broome with items such as chilli scrambled eggs and lap cheong, a Chinese take on the traditional English dish of roti bread. The restaurant also boasts one of the town’s most spectacular outdoor settings under a giant frangipani tree.
You’ll find The Bao Shed on Saint Marks, one of the main arteries of the city’s thriving foodie scene. It’s a nifty little place that feels more like a locals’ spot than a tourist trap, and serves some of the best coffee in town.
It’s not uncommon to see people sitting in this tucked away spot with their laptops and laptop bags open, as it serves as both a pub and a bar. It’s not as big as some of the other bars in this area, but it still manages to be a bit of a buzz. It’s the kind of place that will keep you coming back for more. The best part is that it’s one of the most affordable restaurants in the town, and you can even get a drink if you’re not feeling up to a full meal.