Lobster Shack, Cervantes

A first-time visit to the Pinnacles led to another first – a visit to the famous Lobster Shack in Cervantes.

Everyone must have heard the restaurant’s adverts on radio or on television with the mascot Bobby the Lobby taking centre stage. I had read mixed reviews about the Lobster Shack – it was either a glorified fish and chip shop or the food was great and it was lovely being able to eat overlooking the ocean. Our first impression was how huge the place is.

Long tables and lots of outdoor sofa seating greet visitors on the way in. Then it’s up a slight ramp around Disney style rope barriers to the counters. The ordering counter shares its space with the Seafood Shop that sells souvenir shirts etc.

It’s big inside too with heavy wooden chairs and tables. Décor is minimal with several glass cases fitted into the walls showcasing live fish from the Indian Ocean. Only one case had live lobsters.

Outside is another massive area – some high tables and chairs under a covered balcony as well as many tables and benches fitted with colourful umbrellas. As the Lobster Shack’s steps lead right onto the beach it is ideal for diners looking for a good sea view.

Unfortunately it was very windy, so despite the sun beaming down we regretfully took a table inside. On a calmer day sitting outside eating lunch and gazing at the foreshore would be excellent.

Eating at the Lobster Shack is self-service. Order at the counter and a buzzer lets customers know when their order is ready to be collected. Collect your own cutlery, condiments and napkins. Drinks are ordered and collected at the bar. There is no table service.

I was tempted by one of my favourite dishes – lobster Mornay, which was on the specials board. But at $85 for large and $110 for jumbo, I decided to give it a miss.

My husband and I each settled on the ½ medium lobster with chips and salad ($30). Menu items include fish burgers ($22), battered Spanish mackerel ($22) and a seafood platter at market price. Salads, beef burgers and a children’s menu is also available.

Our lobsters were cooked in garlic butter and were very good. However, a separate sauce, which seemed to have a tomato relish base, was not good and far too overpowering for the delicate lobster. I also indulged in a glass of rose wine – Kylie’s signature wine in fact which went nicely with the lobster.

As it is such a mammoth place, I asked about the restaurant’s capacity, “How many customers can the restaurant serve at any one time?” The answer was “As many as possible. At the weekends it’s bedlam but our longest waiting time is 40 minutes.”

The Lobster Shack also provides tours – factory tours around the live lobster processing plant, seal watching tours and fishing charter tours.

Mascot Bobby the Lobby was not to be seen but maybe next time!

Address: 37 Catalonia Street, Cervantes

Phone: 08 9652 7010

Reservations: Ten people and over, only

Opening hours: Kitchen is open seven days, 11am-3pm

Gluten-free options: Yes

Vegetarian options: Limited

Restrooms: Clean with wheelchair accessible toilets in a separate area

Parking: A lot of spaces inside the perimeter fence and more on the street.

Website: www.lobstershack.com.au

About Hazel Broomhead

My name is Hazel and I am a Perth senior!

Originally from Edinburgh in Scotland, my husband and I moved to New Zealand with our children in 1974. As my husband is in the oil business, we moved to several other countries including the Sultanate of Oman, the Netherlands, Singapore, the Philippines, the USA, Russia and Kazakhstan during the next 36 years before retiring to Perth.

We have six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who live in different parts of the globe – New Zealand, Scotland and Colombia - which makes a great excuse for us to travel and visit.

My career background is in radio and print journalism in Scotland and New Zealand as well as public relations in various other countries.

We love to eat out, walk, travel and enjoy the wonderful lifestyle here in Western Australia.