The Wharf

Where the Outback Meets the Ocean

The Wharf Restaurant stands as a beacon of Broome’s vibrant culinary scene, offering a dining experience that is as visually spectacular as it is delicious. Located at the edge of the historic Port of Broome, the venue serves as a bridge between the rugged wilderness of the Kimberley and the refined flavours of modern Australian coastal cooking. It is a place where the salt air mingles with the aroma of sizzling garlic prawns, creating an atmosphere that is uniquely and undeniably "Broome."

Visitors are drawn here not just for the food, but for the rhythm of the bay. As the massive Kimberley tides ebb and flow beneath the deck, guests can watch the pearling luggers and fishing boats go about their work. This connection to the working port gives the restaurant an authentic edge, making it a favourite for locals celebrating milestones and travellers seeking the definitive North West sunset experience.

Tropical Elegance and Open-Air Charm

The interior design of The Wharf Restaurant embraces a philosophy of "barefoot luxury" and environmental harmony. The architecture is intentionally open, featuring high ceilings and vast timber bifold doors that blur the line between the indoor dining room and the Great Outdoors. Natural materials like weathered wood, corrugated iron, and nautical accents pay homage to the town’s pearling history, while the blue-on-white colour palette reflects the striking hues of Roebuck Bay.

Lighting plays a crucial role in the atmosphere, with soft amber glows reflecting off the water as night falls. The layout is designed to maximise the view from every angle, ensuring that whether you are tucked into a cozy booth or seated at the rail of the deck, the horizon remains your primary backdrop. It is a space that feels sophisticated enough for a wedding yet comfortable enough for a relaxed lunch after a day at Cable Beach.

Signature Flavours: The Top Three Dishes

The Ultimate Seafood Platter

The crowning glory of the menu is the Seafood Platter, a towering celebration of the Indian Ocean's bounty. This dish typically features a decadent array of chilled and grilled delicacies, including King prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, local oysters, and salt and pepper squid. It is designed for sharing, embodying the communal and celebratory spirit of Kimberley dining.

What sets this platter apart is the freshness of the sourcing. Diners can taste the quality in the sweetness of the crab and the delicate flake of the fish, often caught only hours before reaching the kitchen. Accompanied by house-made tartare and fresh citrus, it remains the most photographed and requested item on the menu.

Kimberley Wild-Caught Barramundi

No visit to Northern Australia is complete without Barramundi, and The Wharf treats this iconic fish with the respect it deserves. Pan-seared to achieve a perfectly crisp skin while maintaining a moist, buttery interior, the Barramundi is typically served with seasonal greens and a light, zesty salsa. This dish highlights the clean, distinct flavours of the region’s most famous freshwater-to-saltwater inhabitant.

The chefs often incorporate native ingredients such as lemon myrtle or finger lime to elevate the dish, providing a contemporary twist on a local staple. It is a masterclass in simplicity and execution, allowing the natural quality of the Kimberley produce to shine through without being overshadowed by heavy sauces.

The Legendary Kimberley Chilli Crab

A messy, magnificent, and essential Broome experience, the Chilli Crab at The Wharf is a masterclass in balance. Locally caught mud crabs are wok-tossed in a rich, spicy tomato-based sauce that carries a hint of ginger and lemongrass, reflecting the town’s deep Asian maritime roots. The succulent, sweet meat of the crab provides a perfect counterpoint to the heat of the sauce.

The dish is served with crusty bread or steamed mantou buns, specifically designed to mop up every last drop of the fragrant gravy. It’s a sensory experience that encourages diners to roll up their sleeves and dive in, perfectly capturing the relaxed, hands-on spirit of Kimberley dining.