Eat like a local: Williamstown

Lisa is a registered nurse and diabetes educator who has recently returned to Williamstown from Utopia, a remote community north east of Alice Springs where she was working as a rural nurse. While the experience was amazing, she is glad to be back in Williamstown and keen to share where she thinks you should eat and drink.

Where do you go for your morning coffee?

“I go to Kodama because the coffee’s good and I really love the chilli scrambled eggs. The people are really friendly and I like that they know my name and my order.”

What about your favourite fast lunch?

“I would go to the sushi place opposite Coles [Wasabi Warriors]. It’s not fancy but the nori rolls are fresh and the service is quick.”

Good fish and chips?

“Depends on what you want, but I love the fish and chips at Hobsons Bay Fish and Chips on Ferguson Street. The fish is super fresh and the chips are not oily. You don’t feel sick after you eat them.”

Drinks after work?

“I would go to the Lower West Side Wine Bar on Douglas Parade or to the Steam Packet Hotel. The wine bar is great because there’s lots of wines and you can have a little plate of something, and the Steam Packet is another Williamstown institution – where you would go for an icy cold beer with the locals.”

You’ll find me shopping for food at…

“Many people still don’t know about Gem Pier Seafood. It’s a little fishing boat on Gem Pier with the freshest fish. They also have amazing lobster rolls and oysters ready to buy.” [Ed’s note: Gem Pier Seafood closes for the winter but will be open again on September 2.]

Also, Napoli’s is really good for fruit and veg, but I actually drive a short way out of Williamstown to Second Ave Grocer in Altona North. I used to go there with my nonna – you will find all things Italian, an excellent deli, a great cheese selection, and very friendly staff. Pick up a cannoli, they have the ones from Cavallaro in Footscray, and on the weekends they have a bbq out the front and the sausages are great.”

A cheap and cheerful spot is…

“Routleys is a Williamstown institution – pies, pasties, sausage rolls and good old snot blocks aka the classic Aussie vanilla slice!”

Out for dinner with a group?

“Monzarella is classic Italian food – it’s affordable and delicious. Great for everyone in the family too, there’s something for kids and they’re really welcoming. Also, the pasta carbonara is to die for.”

Where would you take a date?

“Probably Porters. They do excellent steak, but it’s not particularly romantic. However, eat there and then go and get an ice cream from the Ice Cream Shoppe in Nelson Place [Ed’s note: this is currently being refurbished] and then cross Commonwealth Reserve and go for a walk down Gem Pier and enjoy the city views and the romantic vibe.”

Williamstown’s secret gem is:

“The Kiosk by d’Asporto at Williamstown Beach! It’s open at 7am so it’s perfect for your morning walk. Everything is really good. Coffee, pastries and nice Italian boys to talk to – especially Marco!”

Williamstown is a great place to eat because…

“I love Williamstown – I have lived here all my life and I am always happy to come home. Everything is local, the people are locals, they put their heart into what they make and there are a lot of choices.”

Your Williamstown address book:

Kodama Coffee: 69-71 Stevedore St, Williamstown VIC 3016

Wasabi Warriors: Shop 5, 19/21 Douglas Parade, Williamstown VIC 3016

Lower West Side Wine Bar: 73-83 Douglas Parade, Williamstown VIC 3016

Steam Packet Hotel: 13 Cole St, Williamstown VIC 3016

Hobsons Bay Fish and Chips: 61 Ferguson St, Williamstown VIC 3016

Gem Pier Seafood: 1 Syme St, Williamstown VIC 3016

Napoli’s Fruit & Vegetable Market: 68 Ferguson St, Williamstown VIC 3016

Second Ave Grocer: 62-76 Second Ave, Altona North VIC 3025

Routleys Bakery: Shop 4/17 Douglas Parade, Williamstown VIC 3016

Monzarella Italian Restaurant: 231 Nelson Pl, Williamstown VIC 3016

Porters: 49 Nelson Pl, Williamstown VIC 3016

Williamstown Ice Cream Shoppe: 199 Nelson Pl, Williamstown VIC 3016

The Kiosk by d’Asporto: 94-98 Esplanade, Williamstown VIC 3016

Want more Eat like a local guides? Check out where to go in Coburg or maybe St Kilda is more your speed.