Top places to eat and drink around the Eyre Peninsula

By Carla Grossetti

On offer on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula is seafood of the highest order, from Port Lincoln’s bluefin tuna to world-class oysters in Coffin Bay. Australia’s ‘Seafood Frontier’ is also renowned for its staggering beauty. Get a taste of this foodie paradise at the peninsula’s best restaurants, cafés and cellar doors.

For lovers of good coffee

Join locals jumping off the Town Jetty before jump-starting the day with a cup of Eyre Roasted coffee at The Rogue and Rascal, which is housed in the old Art Deco Civic Hall on the Port Lincoln Esplanade.

Coffee connoisseurs will appreciate a cup of carefully roasted specialty coffee at Boston Bean Coffee Co., the only specialty coffee roastery and coffee bar in South Australia.

You can also enjoy a cup of Boston Bean Coffee at The Pink Door Co. in the country town of Cleve, a 1.5-hour drive from Port Lincoln.

Brekkie and Brunch

A trip to the Eyre Peninsula means every meal is special – breakfast included. Head to Alicia’s Café to enjoy a carefully engineered toasted baguette in a bright and leafy courtyard.

After visiting Mount Wudinna, one of Australia’s largest granite monoliths, pop into the no-frills Wudinna Bakery. Here you’ll find Aussie classics like meat-and-veg filled pies and sausage rolls. 

Be sure to arrive with an appetite at Bayfunktion Café in Streaky Bay, located on the west coast of the Eyre Peninsula. This cute corner café is known for its Wakey Wakey Eggs and Bakey, which showcases quality Eyre Peninsula produce.

Seafood straight from the source

Streaky Bay Fish Fix van draws droves of dedicated food lovers to its curb-side locale. Order the region’s most famous fish – King George whiting. Fish Fix will batter and fry for an unbeatable crunch.

For a hands-on seafood experience, wade into the water with Experience Coffin Bay to learn how oysters are harvested. Then, sit at a table knee-deep in the waters of Coffin Bay to scoff the molluscs straight out of the sea.  

You can also buy sublime Spencer Gulf king prawns fresh from the boat from the Prawn Store, a modest family-run storefront in Port Lincoln. 

The Fresh Fish Place is run by ex-commercial fisherman Craig McCathie, and he knows good seafood when he sees it. This fish and chip shop is dedicated to celebrating Eyre Peninsula seafood such as scallops and squid. 

A great blend of cellar doors

The Eyre Peninsula produces some brilliant wine, but pair it with epic scenery and it becomes something truly memorable. Make your first cellar door stop at Boston Bay Wines on the Lincoln Highway, where you can sip sauvignon blanc while spotting resident dolphins. 

Call ahead for a visit to Coomunga Wines, a boutique vineyard dedicated to sustainable practices. The winery is located on a tributary of the Big Swamp wetland, home to dozens of species of water birds. 

As well as sampling the riches of Lincoln Estate Wines, visitors can hand-feed kangaroos, enjoy a walk in a bird aviary or explore the vineyard by Segway. Enjoy your wine tasting on the expansive deck overlooking the vineyard. 

Meals with an ocean view

Sarin’s Bar and Foreshore is one of the most sought-after breakfast, lunch or dinner spots on the Eyre Peninsula. Give the Spencer Gulf prawn and vongole linguine a twirl at the eatery, which boasts views over Boston Bay. 

Love eating local? Then take a look at Del Giorno’s menu, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients. Alternatively, if you’re after a more casual spot, take a seat at The Marina Hotel for delicious dishes served with water views. 

For the ultimate epicurean experience, head to 1802 Oyster Bar overlooking Coffin Bay to enjoy local oysters served seven different ways, including au natural and topped with smoked butter and sourdough crumb.