The coastline of Western Australia is a trove of quality seafood, and nothing quite compares to the draw of Western Rock Lobster; its sweet, delicate flesh, and rich, buttery flavour, is an indulgence that’s truly west coast.
No matter how it’s prepared, devouring this local delicacy is not just a meal, it’s a celebration of our prized coastal bounty. From waterfront venues to hidden gems in the hills, whether grilled to perfection or tossed in a sumptuous pasta dish, we’re diving deep into the best spots to enjoy Western Rock Lobster across Perth.
Bib & Tucker
Sat out on the deck with a cool ocean breeze and a view over Leighton Beach, this is one of those quintessential Perth experiences. Add one of their lobster tacos, and you’re truly living the dream. Think creamy, spiced lobster with tangy pickled cabbage and fruity Espelette pepper loaded on a crisp taco shell, paired with a spicy pineapple Tommy’s Margarita in the other hand.
If there’s an ingredient that matches the opulence of Gibney, it’s Western Rock Lobster. Here, the brasserie grill, helmed by head chef James Cole Bowen, sleekly plates grilled lobster on a bed of curried buckwheat with vadouvan butter and fried curry leaves. A dish that serves as an ode to sophisticated dining and the best of WA.
The Broken Hill Hotel
Built in 1898, this Victoria Park institution remains a Perth classic with a modern outlook.. Here, you’ll find head chef Sam Labrosciano and his team producing some of the finest pizzas in Perth’s pub scene, all hand-stretched and freshly made to order. The standout? Undeniably the chilli lobster pizza, poached rock lobster piled on a saffron mornay base with Fior Di Latte and topped with fresh chilli and parsley. Perfect to share or devour solo this summer in their Garden Bar.
Within Rottnest Island’s luxurious beachside resort, The Samphire, Lontara boasts not only views of the turquoise waters of Thompson Bay, but a menu of south-east Asian share plates inspired by island food culture. Though their array of small plates may be tempting, save room for their robata grilled whole rock lobster served with Sri Lankan yellow curry, banana blossom and green papaya salad.
Vin Populi
Amongst an ever changing menu of antipasti and handmade pasta inspired by local produce and Italian heritage, Fremantle’s breezy Vin Populi are dishing up Western Rock Lobster with coral butter and tomato brandy, served with freshly made tagliolini. Pair with a crisp white from their extensive wine list, featuring drops from both Italian and small local producers, a true taste of la dolce vita.
Renowned internationally for melding Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, Nobu brings seafood to life. Western Rock Lobster graces the menu in numerous guises. Opt for a half lobster paired with your choice of wasabi pepper or yuzu truffle butter, or go all out with a whole lobster two ways (classic sashimi and sushi) or three ways (Nobu new style, dry miso and tempura). Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
Lobster stands as a luxury, yet Emily Taylor have further enhanced its opulence with local Manjimup truffles creating one of the most lavish dumplings Perth has to offer. Brought together with prawn and sweet aromatic soy, it’s a must before diving into the rest of the flavour forward menu.
Kailis Bros. Leederville
Buttery medallions of Western Rock Lobster, finished on the grill and topped with tartare and chives, are served in a soft brioche bun every Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm at Kailis Fish Market’s street cart. This grab-and-go delight is the perfect weekend treat for just $14
Overlooking the picturesque Roleystone Valley, the menu at Seven Sins builds on an ethos of showcasing the finest West Australian produce and utilising flavours from around the world. Take the way in which the team draw on European flare to prepare Western Rock Lobster. Braised whole in herb and lemon butter and served with sundried tomato and porcini linguini and a garlic cream.
Though most say, “the world is your oyster”, at The Cray, the world is your lobster thanks to the variety in their cray offering, whether it be amongst creamy truffle risotto, simply grilled with a prawn and scallop skewer, or on one of their extensive seafood platters. Struggling to decide? Opt for the signature lobster mornay – a rich yet flavourful affair.
Miss Chows
Dumplings and noodles are the main attraction at this contemporary Chinese eatery and chef Aldren’s artistic whole Western Rock Lobster is no exception. Served on egg noodles, ginger and scallion broth, then meticulously garnished with a nest of saffron-like dried chilli and florals, this dish is one to swoon over.
Hidden below the historic former South Perth Police Station, discover Ludo. A basement of late-night Parisian flare serving an array of refined French inspired share plates. Their house specialty? Lobster éclair with tarragon, celery, and caviar.
Tucked in amongst the hustle and bustle of Murray Street, The Lobster Pier is elevating the CBD lunch game with their lobster roll. Inside a hand-rolled brioche bun, that are baked onsite, there’s succulent rock lobster, gently poached in butter and finished with your choice of sauce – original butter, Singapore chilli or truffle and cheese. The ultimate decadence to get you through the afternoon slump.
To learn more about Western Rock Lobster, where to buy it, or find it on local menus, visit backofboat.com
