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5 of the best restaurants in Hamilton Island

Global Team

10 Mar 2025 - 5 min read

Nothing says seafood like a tropical island escape, and Hamilton Island delivers. Whether you're looking for fresh Aussie eats or bites with a Mexican flair, here's our guide to the best dining experiences on Hamilton Island. From stunning waterfront views to mouth-watering local delicacies, these restaurants offer the perfect combination of ambiance and flavor to enhance your Whitsunday Islands getaway.

1. Bommie Restaurant

Location: Hamilton Island Yacht Club, Front St Opening Hours: Dinner from 6:00 PM, Tuesday to Saturday Price Range: $$$-$$$$

For a fine dining experience, Bommie is the crown jewel of Hamilton Island's culinary scene. Located at the iconic Yacht Club designed by Walter Barda, this restaurant serves high-quality Australian cuisine with fresh, local ingredients. The striking architectural setting provides a sophisticated backdrop for an unforgettable meal.

What to Try: The tasting menu is a highlight, offering a curated journey through Australia's finest seasonal produce. The signature coral trout with native bush herbs and the locally sourced Wagyu beef are must-try specialties.

Insider Tip: Request a table by the window at sunset for spectacular views across the Whitsundays. Booking 2-3 weeks in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.

2. Coca Chu

Location: Resort Side, Hamilton Island Opening Hours: Dinner from 5:30 PM, seven days Price Range: $$-$$$

If you're craving Asian flavours, Coca Chu serves up delicious modern South-East Asian dishes in a relaxed setting by Catseye Beach. Drawing inspiration from street food throughout Asia, the hawker-style menu encourages a communal dining experience that's perfect for groups.

What to Try: The betel leaves with seared scallops offer an explosion of flavor, while the caramelized pork belly with chili caramel sauce is a crowd favorite. Don't miss their signature cocktails infused with lemongrass, ginger, and native Australian ingredients.

Insider Tip: Arrive before sunset and enjoy pre-dinner drinks on the deck overlooking the Coral Sea. The banquet menu is excellent value for parties of four or more.

3. Manta Ray

Location: Front St, Hamilton Island Marina Opening Hours: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily Price Range: $$

Manta Ray is a laid-back spot with a diverse menu ranging from wood-fired pizzas to fresh seafood and vibrant salads. Its prime location overlooking the marina makes it perfect for boat-watching while enjoying a casual meal at any time of day.

What to Try: The seafood platter for two is a showstopper, featuring Moreton Bay bugs, local prawns, and freshly shucked oysters. Their gourmet pizzas with unique Australian toppings are also crowd-pleasers.

Insider Tip: Happy hour runs from 3-5 PM daily with great deals on beverages and appetizers. For breakfast, their Aussie Big Brekkie with a side of barista-made coffee is the perfect start to a day of island exploration.

4. Mariners

Location: Front St, Hamilton Island Marina Opening Hours: Lunch and dinner daily Price Range: $$-$$$

Mariners is the island's premier seafood destination, with a menu that showcases the bounty of the surrounding waters. The restaurant has a warm, nautical-themed atmosphere and sits right by the water, making it a fantastic choice for both lunch and dinner.

What to Try: The seafood chowder is renowned across the island, while the catch of the day is always a reliable choice, prepared to highlight its freshness. Their Queensland mud crab, when available, is an indulgent treat worth the splurge.

Insider Tip: Ask your server about the daily specials, which often feature unusual local catches not on the regular menu. The outdoor seating area offers the best views but books up quickly.

5. Tako

Location: Resort Side, Hamilton Island Opening Hours: Dinner from 5:00 PM, six days (closed Tuesdays) Price Range: $$

Tako brings a slice of Mexico to the tropics, serving authentic street-food-inspired dishes in a vibrant, colorful setting. The fusion of Mexican techniques with Australian produce creates a unique dining experience that's casual yet memorable.

What to Try: The soft-shell crab tacos with mango salsa offer a tropical twist on a Mexican classic, while the tequila-cured kingfish tostadas showcase local seafood with Mexican flair. Their extensive tequila and mezcal collection makes for excellent margaritas.

Insider Tip: The restaurant doesn't take reservations, so arrive early or be prepared to enjoy a drink at the bar while waiting for a table. Taco Tuesday promotions offer great value with discounted tacos and specialty cocktails.

Local Cuisines Not to Miss in Hamilton Island

These local dishes offer a taste of Hamilton Island's best flavours. Whether you love seafood, steak, or something sweet, there's plenty to enjoy during your stay.

Fresh Barramundi: A popular Australian fish, barramundi is often grilled or pan-fried, served with a squeeze of lemon and a side of seasonal veggies. Bommie Restaurant offers a sophisticated take with native bush herbs and finger lime.

Moreton Bay Bugs: Despite the name, these are delicious lobster-like shellfish. Usually grilled with garlic butter or served cold with aioli, they are a seafood lover's dream available at Mariners.

Whitsunday Prawns: Locally caught and served fresh, these sweet, plump prawns are best enjoyed chilled with a side of cocktail sauce or tossed into a seafood pasta. Look for them on almost every menu on the island.

Australian Wagyu Steak: Known for its rich marbling and tender texture, Wagyu steak is a must-try for meat lovers, often served with a red wine jus. Beach Club Restaurant serves a particularly notable version.

Mud Crab: A Queensland speciality, mud crab is typically steamed or stir-fried with a tasty chilli sauce, making it a messy but rewarding dish. Mariners offers this seasonal delicacy when available.

Tropical Fruit Platters: With an abundance of fresh mangoes, pineapples, and papayas, a tropical fruit platter is a refreshing breakfast option at Island Bar or Pool Terrace Restaurant.

Coral Trout: Another local favourite, coral trout is a delicate white fish often grilled or baked with herbs, lemon, and olive oil. Bommie Restaurant's version with native coastal herbs is exceptional.

Kangaroo Fillet: A lean and flavourful meat, kangaroo fillet is usually cooked medium-rare and served with a native pepper berry sauce. Try this Australian specialty at Wildlife Hamilton Island Restaurant.

Coconut Prawns: Prawns coated in shredded coconut and fried until golden, served with a tangy dipping sauce—crunchy, sweet, and savoury all in one bite. A popular appetizer at Manta Ray.

Lemon Myrtle Cheesecake: This native Australian ingredient adds a citrusy twist to a classic creamy cheesecake, making it the perfect dessert to finish a meal. Look for it at Bob's Bakery or as a special at various restaurants.

Tips for Dining on Hamilton Island

Reservations: For fine dining venues like Bommie, booking well in advance is essential, especially during peak tourist season (June-August and December-January).

Dress Code: While Hamilton Island is relaxed, some upscale restaurants like Bommie and Beach Club have smart casual dress codes. Pack at least one nice outfit for special dining experiences.

Dietary Requirements: Most restaurants cater well to dietary restrictions, but it's advisable to call ahead if you have specific needs.

Island Time: Dining is an experience here, so plan for leisurely meals, especially dinner. Most high-end restaurants suggest allowing at least 2 hours for a full dining experience.

Seasonal Variations: Menus change seasonally based on available produce, so check current offerings when planning special meals.

Package Deals: Some restaurants offer dining packages that include transfers, especially for the more remote venues. Ask your accommodation about these options.

Best Time to Visit for Culinary Experiences

The annual Hamilton Island Race Week in August brings special dining events and pop-up restaurants to the island. Many celebrity chefs make appearances during this time, offering unique dining experiences alongside the sailing festivities.

For seafood lovers, visiting during the Queensland mud crab season (roughly April to October) ensures you'll get to taste this local delicacy at its freshest.

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Mon, 26 May 2025

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Sydney (SYD) to Hamilton Island (HTI)

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Sun, 18 May 2025

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Sydney (SYD) to Hamilton Island (HTI)

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Ready to savor these incredible Hamilton Island flavors? Plan your perfect culinary getaway now! Use Traveloka for booking hotels with ocean views, finding great deals on flight tickets to Hamilton Island, renting a car to explore the Whitsundays, and purchasing attraction tickets for unforgettable experiences between your gourmet meals. Your tropical food paradise awaits!