Where to find & eat the best Fresh Seafood on Kangaroo Island

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.

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.

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.

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.