Broome is one of Australia’s most popular- and most beautiful- beach resort destinations. The charming seaside town, and its renowned Cable Beach, has a lot to offer its visitors, from beach combing and sun basking to exploring its breathtaking natural surroundings of the remote Kimberley Region. However, Broome does have the potential to stretch the average traveller’s budget, and in particular if you are travelling with the whole family and you love dining out and savouring the local cuisine (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?).
No need to despair. As with most destinations, you can still enjoy your holiday without maxing out your credit card! We have put together a list of our favourite dining options in Broome Town and Cable Beach that will not break the bank and still delight your palate! Please read on for our local tips that will satisfy everyone from the young travellers to the most experienced.
Cable Beach
Cable Beach general store & café- corner of Murray Rd and Cable Beach Rd opposite Diver’s Tavern
The deceptively unassuming Cable Beach Store is open daily from 6am to 8pm (good place for early birds to get their coffee before heading to the beach). This place might not strike you as a glamorous dining establishment; however, they actually turn out really great food while deservedly maintaining a strong local custom! In addition to their regular sandwich, burger and pizza menu, they offer a special dinner every night of the week, ranging from good old fashioned roasts to delicious fresh barramundi. You will find their weekly dinner options displayed at the store so make your pick and plan accordingly. Casual seating is available in a quiet courtyard outside the store, or you can take your food back to your resort or to the beach directly opposite for sunset. The store is not licensed; you can pick up cool beverages at the Diver’s Tavern’s bottle shop literally across the road.
Broome Town
Som Thai Restaurant- Napier Terrace, close to the corner of Dampier Terrace
This is one of the more affordable dining options in Broome Town that still delivers great service and food. As you would expect in Broome, many dishes include fresh seafood which is combined with mouth-watering Thai flavours. This restaurant cleverly combines a number of different Asian cuisines, and has a large alfresco dining area perfect for balmy Broome nights. Som Thai is BYO licensed and conveniently placed directly opposite the Roebuck Bay (Roey) bottleshop. Dinner 7 nights a week, 4pm-10pm.
DMK the kitchen- Indonesian/ Balinese cuisine opposite Coles supermarket Paspaley Plaza
When dining at this tiny restaurant right in Chinatown, you will receive nothing but awesome flavours and friendly smiles. You can pick your meal from the baine-marie in authentic Bali “Warung” style, or order straight from the menu. On offer are classic Indo dishes such as Gado Gado and Nasi Goreng, or more exotic options like Oxtail soup. Everything we have ever tried is delicious and very reasonably priced. Vegetarians and vegans have many options here too. It is a very casual setting, so you might prefer to order take away and eat at your accommodation, or choose a nice seating spot in Chinatown. Open Monday to Saturday 11am-8pm.
Town Beach Markets- Town Beach at the southern end of Robinson St
For an affordable and enjoyable alternative to restaurant dining, definitely give the Town Beach markets a try! With a variety of market stalls, most of which are Asian cuisine, however serve up such diverse dishes such as fresh pizza, crepes, ice creams, smoothies and more. There is always something for everyone. If you are lucky enough to be in Broome for the Monthly Staircase to the Moon event, this is one of the best vantage points and great atmospheres to experience this unique spectacle. Thursdays from 5pm and on Staircase to the Moon nights.
One more tip before you go exploring: Broome is not really a late night kind of place, not at all actually. Many restaurant kitchens stop serving food by 8pm, so don’t make the mistake and get carried away with the self- pampering if you are planning to dine out- you might find the kitchen closed by the time you arrive… (yes, its easy to make that mistake on “Broome Time”)
Oh, and one more thing: remember that midgy’s (sand flies) can be a nuisance when dining in Broome Town, as it is situated right on Roebuck Bay with its mud flats and mangrove environments. Don’t let this deter you from enjoying the beautiful Broome nights, but don’t forget to cover up and use repellent if you are dining outdoors!
No matter where you dine in Broome, we are sure you will have a great time! Enjoy!
