A Foodies Guide to Rockingham: Where to Brunch, Lunch and Toast the Coast

With its sweep of white-sand beaches, relaxed seaside vibe and easy one-hour drive from Perth, Rockingham is tailor-made for a foodie day trip.

Think coffee by the water, picnic lunches in the vines and a night capped off at a bayfront bistro with cocktails, share plates and a sunset as your backdrop.

Brunch by the Bay

Set on the Rockingham Foreshore, OSTRO Eatery is a great spot to start your day right. Windows frame the bay, while the all-day brunch menu walks the line between comfort and polish – from classic eggs your way and buttermilk hotcakes to new favourites like a breakfast taco and zucchini haloumi fritters. Order a coffee (or try their Bloody Mary’s), nab a window seat and people watch, or sit outside to soak up the sea breeze.

A little further along the same café strip, Chandlers Kitchen pairs ocean views with an unfussy, crowd-pleasing menu. Expect big brekkie plates, omelettes, eggs benny and a solid line-up of cabinet treats. If you’re planning a beach day, grab a takeaway iced coffee and pastry on your way to the sand.

Tucked away in Safety Bay, but well worth seeking out, Bayside Barista has a loyal following for its excellent coffee and 100% gluten-free menu. Everything is an option for those who are gluten intolerant, from waffles, pancakes and French toast to savoury breakfasts and more. The vibe at this seaside spot is relaxed, and 100% inclusive.

The dog-friendly Little Chefies Café is an excellent choice if you’re planning a big day exploring the coast with your canine companions. As well as puppucchinos for the pooches, there’s fresh brews, hearty breakfast dishes (loaded croissants or thick cut French toast anyone?), smoothies and sunny vibes.

Family-friendly Eats & Afternoon Grazing

If you’re visiting Rockingham with little ones, Rowdy’s Cafe is a top brekkie choice. Living up to its name, with a lively atmosphere, Rowdy’s serves up classic brunch faves and offers a kid’s menu. Think smoked salmon bagels, açai bowls, and all the usual suspects. Families love the handy proximity to the beach and ‘Ship Playground’ opposite the cafe, so the kids can run off energy while you finish a second coffee.

By late morning, trade the coastline for the countryside with a detour to Peel Estate Wines. Set among mature trees and vines, this pioneering Peel winery makes a lovely contrast to the coast. Drop into the cellar door to taste your way through their range of crisp whites to fuller-bodied reds, like the Zinfandel. The lawns invite lingering over a picnic-style lunch. BYO nibbles or pre-order a full picnic set up with blankets, and a grazing box under the trees. Kids can roam the open space while adults relax, making this a win-win for multi-generational groups.

Over in Baldivis, Catalano & Co brings an Italian accent to your Rockingham rendezvous. Generous plates of pasta, wood-fired pizzas and robust, homely flavours suit both lunch and dinner. It’s an especially good pick for families; keep your eyes peeled for their kids eat free specials, and the warm, bustling dining room instantly feels welcoming.

Birdie has something for kids and adults, offering up modern, share-style plates, plus pizzas, a polished drinks list and an incredible adventure play space. Grab a balcony table, overlooking the playground and Links Kennedy Bay golf course, while the kids climb up to the huge slide again and again.

Eye Scream Cafe on the Rockingham Foreshore is your go-to for sweet treats and post-beach pick-me-ups. Ice-cream is the star, with a colourful range of flavours, cones and sundaes that kids (and grown-ups) will happily queue for. Their fresh waffles and mega milkshakes make the perfect bribe for good behaviour. Grab a scoop, find a bench with an ocean view and lean into simple, seaside pleasures.

Date Night & Dinner

As the sun sinks over the Indian Ocean and the foreshore glows, Rockingham comes into its own for evening dining. Perched on the waterfront, Latitude 32 is one of Rockingham’s signature date-night spots. Million-dollar views, live music and a menu heavy on fresh seafood and quality steaks give it a special occasion feel without being stuffy. Start with oysters or a seafood platter, and watch the boats bob on the horizon over a wine.

For something more Mediterranean, Rustico Tapas on Rockingham Foreshore serves up lively Spanish-inspired dining. Share crisp patatas bravas, meaty chorizo, spot-on croquettes, fresh seafood and slow-cooked meats and more, all best enjoyed with a jug of sangria. The buzzing dining room and chef’s tasting menus make Rustico ideal for group celebrations and fun, flavour-packed date nights.

Craving something fragrant and fresh? Little Hanoi Restaurant brings Vietnamese flavours to Rockingham. Bowls of steaming pho, crisp banh xeo, vermicelli salads and punchy stir-fries deliver plenty of zest and spice.

Beer lovers should make a beeline for Safety Bay’s Azacca Kitchen, where the food is designed to hold its own alongside quality craft brews. Named for the Azacca hop, it channels a beer-friendly menu: tacos, schnittys, burgers and sharing platters built for grazing. The casual atmosphere is perfect for meeting friends or winding down after a day on the water.

Syren Street: Something for Everyone

The Syren Street precinct at Rockingham Shopping Centre is hard to beat for choice. The street strings together multiple venues, from sushi to pub bites, churros and more, so you can create your own progressive dinner. Cheeky Monkey pours its craft beers alongside a menu of burgers, pizzas and share plates. Start with a tasting paddle and snacks, before exploring more.

The new kid on the block, Betty’s Burgers turns out classic, juicy burgers, fries and indulgent desserts in a fun, retro-inspired space. Perfect for pre-movie eats or a casual bite where you want comfort food done well.

For a polished finish to the evening, Martini & Co offers cocktails and modern dining in a stylish setting. Sip an espresso martini or a fruity gin creation while you graze on share plates or settle in with a main. Dim lighting and plush seating dial up the date-night mood, but it works just as well for a girls’ night.

Come for the beaches and bays, stay for the surprisingly diverse food scene. You’ll be planning your next Rockingham escape before you’ve even reached the Kwinana Freeway on the way home.

Foodies Guide to Rockingham Map