The votes are in: This is WA's BEST lobster restaurant
In a strong field of over 40 nominated venues across Western Australia, the Lobster Shack was a convincing winner from the almost 900 public votes - a standout result in a competition that has been led in recent years by The Cray Belmont, a consistent favourite with a strong following. While The Cray Belmont and The Cray Currambine placed second and third respectively this year, the Cervantes favourite took a well-earned place at the top of the podium.
For General Manager Nikki Thompson, the win is a reflection of deep roots, community pride, and the shared experience of enjoying a world-class seafood resource.
'Lobster Shack all started from a love of fishing,' Nikki said. 'It's a way of life that's been passed down through our family since the 1960s, back at the old shacks in Green Island/Grey. We wanted to share our passion for lobster and fresh seafood with everyone, somewhere relaxed, welcoming, and family-friendly - where anyone can come and taste some of WA's best seafood, straight from the ocean.'
Since opening in 2010, the Shack has grown from humble beginnings into a must-visit destination, now serving around 65,000 lobsters each year. Its location in Cervantes, one of WA's iconic coastal towns, underscores how vital the lobster fishery is in underpinning local economies and livelihoods.
'The ocean shaped who we are,' Nikki continued. 'We've brought fishing, processing, tourism and hospitality together under one roof to deliver the full pot-to-plate lobster experience. It's about creating jobs, supporting other local businesses, and putting Cervantes on the map.'
The Western Rock Lobster fishery, which is recognised globally as a leader in sustainability and aquatic resource management, plays a vital role in ensuring that this premium product remains accessible and available to the local community, not just export markets. Restaurants like Lobster Shack serve as a direct link between the fishery and the public, sharing the resource in a way that is both engaging and inclusive.
'Lobster Shack isn't just family run - it's community run,' Nikki added. 'We're raising our kids here. We're part of the footy club, the schoolyard. Our team are locals, and our customers often become part of the story. We couldn't do it without them.'
This year's win is a celebration not just of a restaurant, but of the wider community, fishery, and coastline it represents. Lobster Shack's success is a reminder that when you combine passion, place, and purpose—you serve up more than just a great meal. You serve a connection to something bigger.
Four lucky winners from the public who voted in this year's competition will receive a $150 voucher to their nominated restaurant plus a $100 voucher for Back of Boat sales, to be used for this year's peak Christmas period. Winners will be published this Friday on the backofboat.com website and mentioned on the Back of Boat Lobsters Facebook page.
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