Winter is looking cosier at Discovery Rottnest Island after renovations were completed in late June that protect the dining area at Pinky’s Beach Club from the colder elements making the space more comfortable for cross-seasonal dining, alongside the launch of a new warming winter menu.

Pinky’s also recently welcomed back Head Chef Marco Facchinetti. Fachinettti returned to his hometown, Sulbiate, just outside of Milan in northern Italy, at the start of the pandemic but his quality of life on Discovery Rottnest Island drew him back two years later. While in Italy Marco studied at the prestigious ALMA-Scuola di Cucina Italiana with highlights including masterclasses in traditional pasta and pizza making.

The updated menu showcases the best of the islands native produce alongside Marco’s Italian influence. Highlights include oyster tempura with finger lime, fried baby squid with Rottnest saltbush and seared prawns with buttered samphire to start, before moving on to spaghetti with lobster, or market fish on coconut and tomato risotto with blue swimmer crab butter.

These sophisticated additions are served alongside Pinky’s casual beachside classics including burgers and fish and chips and a special children’s menu, with Sri Lankan-style curries and lamb shanks also rounding out the generous menu.

Marco explains what it is about cooking on Rottnest Island that drew him back to Australia: “What I like about Rottnest Island is the tranquillity- the beauty of living here is that you leave your problems behind. I can focus simply on making beautiful food from fresh ingredients, and love going fishing and diving for lobsters.”

After being closed for nearly three months Pinky’s Restaurant has undergone an extensive renovation that has enclosed what was previously an open-air dining space. The expanded dining space is protected from the elements but is specially designed to filter through the winter sun. Overhead heat lamps have also been installed to keep diners toasty during the winter months.