Where To Eat In Exmouth? 23 Amazing Places You Gotta Check Out!

Most of us plan for the many things to do in the Ningaloo Reef, and after a big day of adventures, feeling hungry but with no idea – where to eat? From food trucks to craft beer breweries, Exmouth thankfully has a lot of choices.

We have explored them all, we lived here for months! Now we are sharing the rundown of where to eat in Exmouth.

You’ll just have to take your pick – a fancy restaurant or a cosy café? A beer or an ice cream to fight the heat? Here’s the inside scoop of them all.

They are in a general order, just depends on what you feel like.

23 Best places to eat in Exmouth

There are many things to do in Exmouth. But when it comes to food, these are the main places you want to consider:

1) Whalebone Brewery ($) Our personal favourite.

Live music. Craft beers. Pizza straight out of the oven. What more could you want?

Test out the local craft beer brewed on-site at the Exmouth Whalebone Brewing Company in Patterson Street. They are open only for lunch and dinner from 12 pm to 10 pm.

The casual outdoor dining includes gourmet pizza options with fresh local ingredients, a full kids’ menu, and a relaxing atmosphere with live music.

It’s one of the best places to sit and relax, especially after a hard day exploring the Ningaloo Reef or swimming with Whale Sharks.

2) The Social Society ($$-$$$ – Vegan). The Best Café

Sitting on Thew Street, The Social Society Exmouth have the best coffees in town. Come here for vegan and vegetarian-friendly breakfast and brunch options. Pretty much anything here is fresh, made with love and delicious.

The atmosphere of the place is relaxed and comfortable, making it a great spot to unwind. Many people also choose to work there for the day as they offer free internet access.

The relaxed vibe and free internet make it a great spot for freelancers, remote workers, or anyone who loves fresh food and a delicious cup of coffee.

3) Froth Craft Brewery ($$-$$$) The bustling bar in town

In the middle of the main shopping area (Ross St Mall), you’ll find one of the best microbreweries in Western Australia – the Froth Craft Brewery. It’s a relaxing pub, with bustling vibes, amazing local craft beers on tap, cocktail slushies, and good food.

It can be pricey, but we have always enjoyed a visit here. There are shared tapas-style meals, mains, and kid’s meals available. Make sure to check out the Chef’s Specials Board for the best buys of the day.

Watch out for their “spin the wheel” option at the bar for some surprises too!

4) Whalers Restaurant ($$$) Vegetarian Options

This beautiful restaurant is in the Exmouth Escape Resort, on Murat Road. Make sure to book beforehand, as it can fill up quickly.

Whalers offers breakfast and lunch from 7 am to 2 pm and dinner from 5 pm to 9 pm. They specialise in local, fresh seafood, with a relaxed atmosphere and live music. You’ll see there’s no shortage of delicious food options.

There’s also a separate vegetarian menu with many options you should check out, even if you’re not vegetarian. E.G. Portobello Mushroom Fries with chipotle coconut yoghurt!

5) The BBQ Father ($$ – $$$) Italian

For Italian cuisine, you can’t go past The BBQ Father on Murat Road (at the Ningaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort). Here you will find wood-fired pizza, ribs, pasta and juicy smoked meats.

If you want large servings, this is the place to go. Their smoked beef brisket and ribs meals are popular options. They also make their own pasta, pizza bases and gelato.

This place offers an authentic Italian experience, and it’s a great spot to end your day with its relaxing atmosphere. You can also get your food to go or request delivery – whatever fits your mood the best.

6) Mantaray’s Restaurant ($$$-$$$$)

This is a hotel restaurant venue in town, situated in the Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort, on Madaffari Drive. It offers a la carte dining, a bar and gorgeous views of the gulf.

They serve breakfast from 6.30 am – 10 am. You can get lunch and a range of light meal options from noon, while dinner is available from 5 pm. You can also enjoy cocktails, beer, wine, or spirits with your meals.

Mantaray’s is best known for fresh local seafood and produce. Proof of this is their Seafood Board and their Seafood Tower (for two). For those who don’t want to share, see the Chilli Crab spaghetti!

It’s one of the priciest options we went to, and there seems to be some hit-and-miss on the quality. Being a small town with occasional staffing issues this isn’t unheard of.

If you went here recently let us know and we will update this!

7) EGFC Restaurant & Bar ($$ – $$$)

The Exmouth Game Fishing Club (EGFC) Restaurant and Bar is known as a hidden local gem. It’s at the end of Madaffari Drive at Exmouth Marina and opens only from Thursday to Sunday from 5 pm to 8 pm.

It’s a casual atmosphere of outdoor garden chairs, most well known for quality seafood. Local families know this is the place to go for the best fish and chips in Exmouth.

You might meet the locals enjoying a night out here. The friendliness of the staff makes the place even better, not to mention the stunning views of the bay where the fishing boats come in.

8) Cadillacs Bar & Grill ($$ – $$$)

Exmouth has a large US Naval Communications Base and due to this, particularly in the past there was a strong American influence on the town.

If you want an authentic American eating experience, come to this restaurant. The whole atmosphere has cowboy vibes – even the waiters are dressed as such. They play live country music and have a few pool tables too.

Burgers feature heavily on the menu, and the servings are large. It’s an authentic American experience through and through.

The restaurant opens from 12 noon until 8.30 pm, Wednesday to Sunday only, so make sure you book a table beforehand.

9) The Beach Shack ($$-$$$)

Right on the picturesque Bundegi Beach, you can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner here in The Beach Shack. It’s another great place to relax from a day of snorkelling or surfing.

Many don’t know about this spot! But the food is great and the view is too.

Live music sometimes brings the place to another level, with a relaxed atmosphere, most tables are outside. You’ll also find a mini art gallery showcasing a local artist.

Local tiger prawns and mussels in a bucket are one of their most popular options. They also offer great coffee, juices, and ice creams.

10) Pot Shot Hotel Restaurant ($$-$$$) Historic casual hotel/bar

This fully licensed restaurant is on Murat Road. It offers the usual suspects – pasta, pizza, curry, seafood, chicken parmigiana, steak, burgers, and salads.

However, their big drawcard is the new stone grill dining. You order a fresh meal of seafood or steak and they cook it in front of you, on your table’s super-heated natural volcanic stone.

The Pot Shot Hotel Restaurant is open seven days a week from 11.30 am to 2 pm for lunch and from 6 pm to 9 pm for dinner.

11) Blue Lips Fish and Chips ($$-$$$) Takeaway

This is Exmouth’s original takeaway shop, sitting on Thew Street in the town centre, and is open from 5.30 pm to 8 pm every day except Sunday.

They offer all the traditional takeaway foods, including milkshakes and thick shakes. The fish is fresh and perfectly cooked, and the burgers or souvlaki options are always popular.

12) Exhale ($$-$$$) Cafe style

Also on Thew Street, this is one of the best places to go for breakfast or brunch. Their waffles and crepes are Exhale’s most famous dishes. Try the Belgium waffles, or their waffle burgers if you’re feeling adventurous.

And from 5.30 pm, it becomes a Tapas bar. During this time, they have a superb menu with vegetarian options and the cocktails are really good. Come here for your final (or first!) night in Exmouth.

13) Planet Burgers ($-$$)

We were pleasantly surprised by this place and would recommend it!

If you want American-style fast food, come here. Planet Burger is on Payne Street, behind the Pot Shot Hotel, and is open every day of the week. Just check out their Facebook page before going for their opening times, as they change throughout the seasons.

They’re known for their burgers, but you can also get hot dogs, nachos, and souvlaki options. The most popular dessert here is the American-style apple pie bites served with ice cream, you must try them.

14) Ningaloo Bakehouse & Café ($-$$) Town bakery

Found in the Ross Street Mall, the Ningaloo Bakehouse opens from 6 am to 5.30 pm, every day of the week. They offer a great selection of savoury and sweet options, making it an excellent option for breakfast, morning or afternoon tea, or lunch.

You can buy all the usual bread products here too, and get a delicious cup of coffee in the attached café attached. Make sure to try the butter chicken pie and the cheese and bacon pull-apart bread rolls.

15) Yardie Café ($$-$$$) Casual family style

There can be pizza nights and live music nights here keep an eye on their signage from the road!

This café is at the Yardie Homestead Caravan Park, 30 minutes from Exmouth. It’s the best place to go after you spend your day in the National Park.

They have coffee and snacks from 7 am to 10 am, and dinner from 5 pm. It’s a decent option for dinner after a full day of 4WD exploring the area.

16) Tropicalia Juice Truck ($)

This smoothie truck is absolutely top-notch. Fresh-made, fruits and other wellness foods.

Tropicalia Juice Truck is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to cool off and refresh themselves while visiting the Ningaloo Reef. This food truck is located at the famous surf beach called Hunters and specialises in offering delicious and healthy acai bowls and juices.

17) Amba Falafel ($)

This food van sits in Town Beach, offering fresh Middle Eastern-style street food. It’s one of the best places in town for vegan and gluten-free options. Check their Facebook for opening hours!

18) Adrift Café ($$-$$$)

This Café is a fully licensed restaurant on Huston Street. Breakfast and lunch options include the usual – eggs benedict, toasts, salads, burgers, and a variety of homemade baked goods.

The dinner options are more varied, with a good selection of steak, seafood, and vegetarian choices. We recommend booking ahead.

19) Earlybird Café ($$-$$$)

This place in the Ross Street Mall is exactly what it sounds like – the perfect place for coffee and breakfast. It also offers a delightful lunch menu, smoothies, juices, and tasty homemade cakes for the perfect morning or afternoon tea. It is a very small café with limited availability so book ahead.

20) Café Muiron ($$-$$$)

This coffee shop is at the local information centre and the Ningaloo Aquarium and Discovery Centre. It has a lovely selection of gourmet teas and coffees, with blends available to buy to take home too.

There’s also a wide range of milkshakes, delicious cakes, and sweet treats like ice cream or locally made fudge – no wonder why it’s a local favourite.

You can buy breakfast, lunch, and snacks at Café Muiron, with a selection of sandwiches and toasties to tempt you. Few will go past the scones, served with fresh cream and jam.

21) Bamboo ($-$$)

This is the place for those craving a taste of Asian cuisine. Right in the town centre, you can come here to treat yourself to a healthy breakfast or a savoury lunch.

It’s a popular option for locals wanting a change from the usual burgers or general café fare.  Come here for great sushi, a hearty ramen bowl, and delicious gyozas.

22) The Short Order ($)

This food truck in Town Beach offers a delicious breakfast and a variety of baked goods. It’s the perfect way to start your day, not to mention the view. The Short Order is a family-owned truck that opens Monday through Saturday, from 6 to 11 am.

23) Sweet ($)

The best ice cream in town, with homemade gelato and sorbets. Tucked away behind the Froth Craft Brewery in the shopping area, you’ll find the cutest little shop if you follow the colourful signs to Sweet.

The shop is relatively small, but there is a lovely outside sitting area with tables, chairs, lounges, and a swing chair. There are some toys and a play area for the little ones, too.

Top Tips

The information centre has a list of all restaurants and places to eat, including their opening times, phone numbers, and addresses. You’ll see there are dozens of places listed, and some options are incredibly tourist-based. The real gems are where the locals go, so, ask them!

Ask those who live and work in Exmouth for their favourite local restaurants. They’ll share with you the best (and often the cheapest) places to enjoy high-quality food. 

Related: 7 must-do activities in Exmouth

Did You Know?

Exmouth was developed around the 60s because the US government needed a place to communicate with its submarines. The US service members and their families lived there to operate the Naval Communication Station Harold E. Holt, near Bundegi Beach.

Fast forward to 1999, cyclone Vance destroyed most of the town and the locals rebuilt. This was a more robust tropical cyclone than Cyclone Tracy, which decimated Darwin.

FAQs

The Bottom Line

From fancy restaurants to food trucks, it’s not a problem to decide where to eat. Exmouth offers plenty of options to choose from. This town offers meals for every taste and every budget.