It’s easy to work up a hunger on Hamilton Island, even if you’re doing nothing but lounging by an infinity all day. Luckily this small island is dotted with restaurants, from Italian to beachside shacks, and world-class culinary delights. Unsurprisingly, most command dreamy ocean views.
If you’ve worked up a hunger after snorkelling or lounging by an infinity pool, head directly to Hamilton Island’s best restaurants. Keep an eye out; one might be inside your hotel or resort.
Pebble Beach
Inside the award-winning resort, Qualia, is, you guessed it, a highly awarded restaurant. Pebble Beach is the island’s gold standard of fine dining, and it’s pretty hard to beat. The dinner format is a six-course tasting menu celebrating local seafood and produce. It’s a modern Australian restaurant with international inspirations shining through the flavours, including Asian. The menu consistently changes, but in the past, it has featured cuttlefish choux, marron with porcini and fired seaweed, and a 6+ score tajima wagyu, dressed in qualia botanicals. The matching wines hail from Australia, Italy, and France and are highly recommended.
Coca Chu
This waterfront restaurant blends spicy and sweet Asian flavours with modern Australian produce and style. Commanding waterfront views over Catseye Beach, Coca Chu is a popular place for a long lunch or sunset dinner. The menu is fun and fresh, with a hawker-style street food ethos. Although, the plates are still well-presented and highly colourful. Diners will find the plates are ample enough to share and can range from crispy chicken wings to massaman curry with braised beef. The dry red curry pork belly is always a winner, as is the salt and pepper squid with nahm jim.
Bommie
Dine with island views inside a striking yacht club. Bommie offers modern Australian cuisine with an iconic upscale yacht club feel. The menu is split into three courses, with starters featuring fresh local fish and prawns. There’s a kangaroo tartare that is also a big hit. The second-course options include seafood risotto, lamb rack, or market fish, and for dessert, choose from a passionfruit souffle, creme brulee, or an Australian cheese plate to graze on.
Tako
Head to Tako for a taste of Mexico. This bright, colourful waterside restaurant is a more casual affair, but the flavours will leave you wanting more. Everything is designed to share, so you can sample a few different dishes. The popular choices are the spiced cauliflower and fried barramundi with a pineapple hot sauce. Although the menu is extensive, so you’re guaranteed to find something everyone will love.
Clubhouse Restaurant
Dine with incredible views over Passage Peak at Clubhouse Restaurant. The dress code is smart casual, and they take it pretty seriously. After all, it’s connected to a golf course, so that should tell you everything you need to know. Whether you’re here for a laid-back lunch or a sophisticated dinner, the Clubhouse Restaurant is one of the island’s best. The menu channels elevated pub fare, with chicken breast served with Jamon croquette, chicken jus, and a classic rump with a medley of vegetables. From July to September, island visitors congregate at the restaurant to watch the humpback whales swim by during the migratory season.
Pizzeria and Gelato Bar
Island living is all about the laidback lifestyle. At Pizzeria Gelato Bar, diners will find themselves in the heart of Marina Village. There’s nothing fancy about the restaurant. There are water views, barista-made coffee, and beers on tap, but the pizza here is why you will see its tables packed with families, couples, and friends. There are over 20 thin-crust pizzas on the menu, topped with everything from seafood to veggies. After munching on a slice, grab a gelato to lick on the way home. There are over 30 rotating flavours, and it’s open until late—a rarity on the island.
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