A Guide to Kangaroo Island’s Best Fresh Seafood

Sensational Kangaroo Island Seafood — 6 great places to find a feast

1. The Oyster Farm Shop, American River

The Oyster Farm Shop is a multi-award-winning family-run business that showcases Kangaroo Island’s vast aquaculture and sustainable seafood industry. They sell both fresh and frozen seafood, including seasonal fare such as:


  • Native angasi and Pacific oysters

  • Abalone and abalini (baby abalone)

  • Wild marron

  • King George whiting

  • Southern calamari


Recipe cards for seafood products are available so you can cook up a storm and enjoy them at home.

The Oyster Farm Shop makes a modest range of smoked produce, delectable sauces and creamy butter that feature in their Local Produce Tasting menu. Enjoy a free tasting and sample their very own Kilpatrick sauce, made using Ildoura wild fruits and tomato sauce. The Kilpatrick sauce is a total winner and popular with both locals and travellers—buy your own bottle (or two!) to take back home with you.

The shopfront is located opposite a working oyster farm owned by the business, where oysters are harvested, graded and packed for sale on the American River wharf. Daily 30-minute oyster farm tours are offered during the oyster season, between April and January. Each tour includes a shucking demonstration, plus you get to taste a freshly shucked oyster! One of many Kangaroo Island food outlets, The Oyster Farm Shop has plenty for everyone.

2. Vivonne Bay General Store and Bottle Shop

More than just a convenience store, the Vivonne Bay General Store and Bottle Shop is popularly known as ‘the home of the world-famous whiting burger’ made from locally-caught King George whiting. The whiting burger consistently receives rave reviews made by satisfied customers from all over the world! The store’s food menu also features items such as lamb burgers, spicy wings, hotdogs, fish and chips, sandwiches, baked treats and coffee—check in store for what’s new on the dine-in and takeaway menus. The general store also stocks daily essentials like milk, bread and eggs, as well as fishing gear and petrol. Stop by to try the famous fish burger, while you enjoy a delicious meal and drink in a friendly, laid-back environment.

3. Rockpool Cafe, Stokes Bay

Located near the entrance to hidden Stokes Bay beach, Rockpool Cafe sports the look and feel of a classic beach kiosk and features a fantastic menu with restaurant-quality meals and à la carte service. This casual cafe caters to a variety of tastes with a menu that can include local seafood, salads, hot chips with sauce, cakes and coffee—check directly with the cafe for what’s on offer. There's plenty of seating indoors and outdoors, with views of the sparkling crystal clear waters of Investigator Strait waiting to greet you outside. This kid-friendly cafe on Kangaroo Island has a well-equipped and secure outdoor play area that keeps the little ones entertained. Rockpool Cafe closes temporarily during winter, usually from mid-May onward, so be sure to check their social media pages for updates on opening times and closures.

4. Aurora Ozone Hotel Restaurant, Kingscote

The Aurora Ozone Hotel is located on Kingscote waterfront and boasts picturesque views of Nepean Bay. The Zone Restaurant and Bar is part of the hotel complex and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at specified times. The menu has a wide range of choices focusing on international cuisine, seafood and local produce, and offers gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian options. The seasonal seafood is prepared in many different ways and includes:


  • Calamari

  • Prawns

  • Kangaroo Island oysters

  • Kingfish

  • Abalone


There’s also a local catch-of-the-day dish prepared either crumbed or grilled.

The restaurant pays tribute to its heritage, with walls displaying newspaper articles and photographs of its history and legacy, and colourful artwork created by local artist Neil Sheppard. The Zone Restaurant and Bar offers a fantastic culinary experience featuring Kangaroo Island food—with seafood at its heart—in a more formal setting, with great-tasting wine and impressive sea views.

5. Penneshaw Hotel

Penny’s Restaurant at Penneshaw Hotel is passionate about Australian cuisine and fresh local seafood. From Kangaroo meat to King George whiting, you’re spoiled for choice with many local favourites available. The seafood options feature a Fish of the Day special, as well as seasonal ocean delicacies including:


  • Hake

  • Prawns

  • Oysters

  • Mussels

  • Squid

  • Scallops

  • King George whiting


The restaurant is conveniently located a short distance from the ferry terminal. The rustic charm of the bar and dining areas make it a welcoming place to spend the afternoon relaxing, catching up with family and friends, or waiting for your ferry to the mainland in a comfortable setting while enjoying freshly-prepared local seafood. Look out for the many seabirds in the area on your way back to the ferry.

6. Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge, American River

For a high-quality dining experience, make a reservation at Reflections, the in-house restaurant at Mercure Lodge, where a seasonally-inspired menu specialises in local produce and freshly-caught seafood. Indulge in world-class dishes using ingredients such as Kangaroo Island oysters, smoked salmon and whiting, and taste a selection of hand-crafted wines, liquors and spirits.

Choose whether you want a cosy meal indoors or an alfresco dinner—both options promise a memorable experience. This award-winning restaurant prides itself on using quality ingredients and unique, artistic food presentation. Treat yourself to stunning views of the bay while savouring some of the finest seafood on the island. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available as well as a separate kids menu.

Kangaroo Island Food: A Delight for Seafood Lovers and Foodies

When it comes to Kangaroo Island food, the seafood scene has so much to offer that a single trip isn’t enough to discover and taste it all. Whether you’re on a budget, keen to splurge, enjoying a family outing or looking for the freshest catch to prepare at home, Kangaroo Island is the go-to destination for top-class seafood. Plan your visit by mapping out the easiest and quickest routes to get around the island. Preparing will help you maximise your time so you can taste and experience the island’s abundant seafood to your heart’s content.