Inside the Ningaloo coast foodie revolution bringing new flavour to eco-tourism mecca Exmouth

Paying a first time visit to the seaside town of Exmouth last month, I was told to check out the stunning panoramic views from Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, the thriving coral structures of the Ningaloo Reef and the crystal clear waters of Turquoise Bay. But, what really blew me away was something no one spoke about, a completely unexpected highlight; the exploding food scene. A sleepy town with just one pub some five years ago, Froth Craft Brewery co-owner Pete Firth recalled how Exmouth was “stagnant” and the locals needed a place to feel proud of. But strolling through the centre of town just a few weeks ago, this was hardly the case. Restaurants, cafes and breweries were buzzing with activity and featured vibrant menus, from vegan-friendly breakfasts and luxury five-star dining, to creative local craft beers and humble pub feeds. German traveller and owner of The Social Society Anne Roessler took a punt on her cafe, being the first to open an exclusively vegan and vegetarian outlet in what she described as a “bacon-loving” town. But with growing demand and appreciation for something a little different, it’s no surprise the business has seen huge success. I was surprised by the undeniable sense of culture and energy this diversity brought about, from the smiling faces of local kids behind the counter at Ningaloo Bakehouse, to foreign workers playing Latin music from their food trucks at Town Beach. Not to mention the proud identity of having its very own signature flavours, thanks to micro-breweries Froth and Whalebone, which keep even the locals guessing with their experimental recipes like the Mango Milkshake Lassi. These thriving venues also sparked the live music scene in town, offering alternative settings to kick back including Froth’s stunning rooftop lookout and Whalebone’s open-air beer garden, which had me paying more attention to the twinkling stars than my piping hot pizza. So for a town which was once just a pit-stop for swimming with whale sharks, free-diving and hiking gorges, I think its safe to say Exmouth has forged itself another marvellous and sustainable drawcard. And while spending a total of six days in town was not nearly enough to sample everything on offer, I’ve tasted enough to know I’ll certainly be paying another visit. Exmouth has truly stepped up to the plate. Froth Craft Brewery Food: While Froth might be a name most associate with creative craft beer, their expertise is not limited to the brewery. A flavoursome food menu boasts dishes with Asian and Spanish flair, although having only two mains and a few spontaneous specials, guests are not spoiled with choice. The share plate options are diverse, from Vietnamese chicken wings to local prawns with award winning cocktail sauce. Served on a generous bed of tangy lemon aioli, the crispy Spanish Mackerel fritters were a personal favourite, oozing with richness at first bite and pairing deliciously with the sweet potato fries. Beer: Froth’s latest experiment, the Mexican Citrus Lager, is a taco-lover’s delight. The craft brew pours a bright golden corn-colour topped off with a creamy white cap. The funky and slightly sour aroma is incredibly light, with hints of lime and a sweetness which leaves the palette zinging. The subtle carbonation renders it a smooth beer to drink, but the medium body will ensure you savour each drop of this siesta companion. The complex flavour tones within might just have you thinking you’ve eaten a corn tortilla and the aftertaste will certainly leave you hungry for more. If your palette craves a more fruity approach or something a little darker, grab a friend and put a few craft brews to the test with Froth’s tasting paddle. A personal favourite was the Dunkel Weisse, a dark wheat ale with a chocolate, nutty flavour which mimics the taste coffee. Setting: Froth micro-brewery has a vibe as laid-back as the sleepy seaside town it inhabits, with a casual yet strikingly-stylised interior which boasts plenty of space to eat, drink and relax. The wood detailing throughout creates a cosy atmosphere, with luscious hanging greenery in the beer garden sprucing up the alfresco area. The venue is perfect for remote study and work during the day, a casual drink with mates or an intimate date night. Froth is taken to a whole new level by the rooftop deck, which welcomes patrons to sit atop the brewery and watch the sun set over the ocean. Price: $20 Hero drink: The Mexican Citrus Lager Stars: 4.5/5 The Social Society Food: The Social Society boasts an all vegan and vegetarian menu, bursting with colour, variety and nutritious local ingredients. A must have is the vegan banana pancake stack, which is almost too beautiful to eat. A generous serve of sweet berry compote, tangy coconut yoghurt and zesty charred banana sit atop a stack of fluffy, gluten free pancakes. Tied together with a thick drizzle of pure maple syrup, the dish is iced with pistachio nuts for an Instagram-worthy finish. I was told to pair it with an immune boosting Vitamin Sea juice, which packs a medley of fresh carrots, orange, ginger and lemon for a tangy energy injection and is recommended with an extra shot of Turmeric for flu-fighting power. Setting: The Social Society is a paradise for wellness gurus, alternative eaters and lovers of fresh food. Nestled between surf stores in the centre of town, the quirky cafe is speckled with hand-made trinkets, natural skincare and fabrics from local clothing brands which are all available to purchase. As you walk in, a large glass cabinet teases a range of vegan delights to make the mouth water, including pastries, cakes and savoury snacks. The alternative vibe is complimented by the light, wooden interior which is furnished with miss-matching tables and chairs, low-hanging lights and colourful paintings that line the walls in all shapes and sizes. The venue offers the perfect place to sit and study, catch up for a post-gym coffee or enjoy a casual meal with friends and family in a relaxed and eye-catching setting. Price: $22 Hero Dish: The Vegan Banana Pancake Stack Stars: 4.8/5 Whalebone Brewery Food: Exclusively serving fresh wood-fired pizza, the air surrounding Whalebone Brewery carries the scent of rich tomato sauce and succulent baked dough. Their kitchen serves up more than 10 varieties, from the humble Margherita to more complex creations and experimental toppings. A sophisticated alternative to the traditional meat lovers, the Moby Dick features a cheesy mozzarella base, sprinkled with spicy Bullara beef mince, leg ham and crunchy red onion. A personal favourite, the Beached As layers Exmouth wild prawns and crispy pepperoni atop a golden layer of mozzarella cheese, fresh tomato and fragrant basil. Beer: Whalebone’s new summer quencher, the Berliner Weiss Watermelon and Strawberry Sour, is a season show-stopper set to stick around. The German craft brew is a light and fruity concoction, with a zinging aftertaste to leave you salivating. The high carbonation of this aromatic beer mimics pink lemonade, but the creamy, frothy head is a notable give away. With watermelon and strawberry tones, the irresistible lightness of this tasty refresher makes it perfect to pair with food; this is one you could drink all day. Setting: A five minute drive from town, Whalebone Brewery is a graveyard oasis, featuring an open-air beer garden decorated with giant whale bones, keg drums and beautiful string lights. The perfect spot to kick off your boots - or thongs, guests can relax with friends in the outdoor area, with couches inviting couples to cosy up under the stars and a stage area welcoming guests to munch on their pizza to the strum of a live guitar. Make sure to set up early as the sunset here is not one to be missed. Price: $18 Hero Dish: The Berliner Weiss Watermelon and Strawberry Sour Craft Beer and the Beached As pizza Stars: 4/5 Ningaloo Bakehouse & Cafe Food: It would be un-Australian to travel to a regional town without sampling the one dish which could ultimately make or break its reputation, the meat pie. With a selection of hot pastries to choose from, the Bakehouse meat pie stood out from the crowd, with a crispy golden lid stuffed full of juicy flavoursome mince which oozed out at first bite. The thick base made eating relatively easy, although the mince to pastry ratio required a slight tilt of the pie to prevent a slop over. Packed with a punch, the temperature was bang on, just cool enough to dive into while maintaining the crucial heat needed to create that ‘fresh out of the oven’ feel. Setting: The family friendly bakehouse is somewhat of a hub in the centre of town. The outdoor seating sprawls across a large area of shaded public space, a perfect post-beach hang out, with ample space to hang out wet towels, chuck bags down and safely tie up the pooch. The on-site barista whips up a pretty convincing cappuccino too, with small tables great for a quick coffee catch-up. Price: $6 Hero Dish: The meat pie Stars: 3.5/5 Mantaray’s Bar and Brasserie - Ningaloo Beach Resort Food: My evening at Mantaray’s began by sampling Coffin Bay oysters. The spicy Tabasco sauce of the Bloody Mary style was quite overpowering, but the French-inspired Mignonette style balanced subtle vinegar and shallot tones to amplify the natural flavour of the seafood. Later, I took a punt on the Fish of the Day and was treated to a juicy Red Emperor fillet and creamy garlic mash. The zesty avocado salsa and delectable citrus buerre blanc sauce had me licking the plate clean. Next up was the 250g Eye Fillet, served with a bearnaise sauce and red wine jus. Despite being a visually small element on the plate, the medium rare steak was succulent and surprisingly filling. Setting: Nothing says fine dining quite like Mantaray’s at the Ningaloo Beach Resort. Listen to the sound of gentle waves lapping the shore as you enjoy your meal in the outdoor alfresco area, which overlooks the large resort pool. Glowing lanterns speckle the grass, creating an atmosphere perfect for a romantic evening by the sea. Inside, the stylish dining room features high-ceilings, decorated tables and ample seating, with large windows overlooking the beautifully maintained gardens. Price: $45 Hero Dish: Fish of the Day - Red Emperor Stars: 4.2/5 The Beach Shack Food: After a big morning at the beach, fill your belly with banging Korean Crispy Chicken Burger from The Beach Shack. This scrumptious sandwich slaps spicy fried chicken, homemade kimchi and tangy mayo between a moist sesame seed bun. The salty and seasoned burger is served alongside a generous helping of chips, which you’ll have to fight off your friends to finish. Setting: Nestled in the sand dunes of Bundegi Beach, surrounded by popular snorkelling spots, The Beach Shack certainly lives up to its name. Take a seat on the deck chairs and lap up the sunshine as you ponder how such delicious food could come out of what is literally a small corrugated iron shed. Situated far up the cape, this shack makes a great pit stop for lunch, to break up your journey to the Cape Range National Park. Price: $25 Hero Dish: Korean Crispy Chicken Burger Stars: 4/5