FOOD WATER

Blue Manna Bistro

Passionate chef and owner Coby Cockburn has mastered the art of infusing fresh local seafood with rich Asian flavours, winning awards along the way. Think sake steamed Shark Bay clams, tempura Moreton Bay Bug Tails with wasabi remoulade and ponzu glaze, XO noodles with Exmouth prawns, and there’s freshly shucked oysters served three different ways. With a seafood supplier business partner, the line-caught fish is straight off the boat and into the kitchen. The extensive drinks list includes cocktails like raspberry chilli margarita and orange old fashioned, as well as a wide selection of regional wines and some imported, including champagne. Situated in the heart of Dunsborough, the buzzing local favourite has a pretty alfresco deck.

Best for: Foodies, couples, special celebrations

When to go: Lunch or dinner, warmer nights to dine alfresco

Yarri

From its name to its interior to what’s on the plate, Yarri’s ethos of place, seasonality, nature, people and produce is evident at every touchpoint. Meaning “Blackbutt” in local Noongar language, Yarri was named after a tree that was on the site that has since been fashioned into bench tops in the restaurant. While the textured and elegant interior is impressive, it’s the perfectly executed and surprising dishes (all served on locally made crockery) that’ll keep you coming back. Head chef and owner Aaron Carr changes the menu frequently, depending on what’s in season. Carr was one of a few local chefs that placed the Margaret River Region on the culinary map during his 21-year tenure at Vasse Felix, which set the benchmark for winery dining.

Best for: Foodies, couples, groups

When to go: Lunch or dinner, warmer nights to dine outdoors

Meelup Farmhouse

Say hello to the alpacas, ducks and chickens on your way into the dreamy coastal restaurant which can be found down a gravel road, minutes from Meelup Beach. Surrounded by trees and lush lawn, you can picnic outside with a hamper, or take a table inside or on the expansive deck. Head chef Dean Williams prepares mouth-watering dishes like sweetcorn fritters, poached eggs with blue swimmer crab, and orange and poppyseed pancakes to delight brunch lovers, and dishes like goldband snapper fillet, saffron labne and chorizo caper dressing have lunch goers searching their diaries to make another booking.

Tip: Book ahead! It’s hugely popular Best for: Families, couples, foodies, Instagrammers

When to go: Brunch or lunch

Spice Odysee

From the south of India to the south of Western Australia, owner and chef Sathish Kumar has a long and esteemed culinary career having worked all over India, at the Marriot in Singapore, and locally at Cullen Wines before going out on his own, first in a food truck and then adding a bricks-and-mortar restaurant. You can taste the passion and care in each dish; this is authentic southern Indian food at its best. Dine in at Spice Odysee Hidden Kitchen in Busselton for an extended menu that includes a variety of dosas or pick up takeaway from the food truck operating across the region on selected days – check Facebook for locations and daily specials.

Tip: Food truck dishes come with rice and naan, making them a complete meal

Best for: Cultural foodies, cheap eats

When to go: Dinner

Shelter Brewing Co

The menu at Shelter Brewing Co on the Busselton Foreshore is a mix of fresh and modern dishes such as kingfish poke bowl, corn poppers (impossible to have just one), glutenfree salt and pepper squid and prawn brioche as well as pub classics. Little ones will love it too with a playground in the beer garden and the massive park and Busselton pirate ship playground out the front.

Tip: Go for breakfast and try the housemade cinnamon scrolls baked fresh each morning

Best for: Families, views

When to go: Breakfast, lunch, dinner or just drinks

Eagle Bay Brewing Co

Walking in, it’s like a tardis, far bigger inside than it seems from the outside, but once you step through, the sweeping views across the farm and to the Indian Ocean command attention.

The kitchen, led by head chef Rupert Brown, prepares wholesome, simple food using their garden-grown vegetables and local produce. Brown adopts old-fashioned cooking principals with no short cuts. The beers are made with only four ingredients: rainwater, hops, malted barley, yeast and sunshine that powers the brewery.

Best for: Families, groups, beer lovers, views

When to go: Lunch

Black Brewing Co

If you’re travelling with a group and there’s indecision around whether you explore a winery, brewery or distillery – wrap it into one visit at Black Brewing Co. The expansive property has excellent craft beer, boutique gin from their Dune Distilling brand, and some of the region’s best wine varietals. Great on a cooler day tucked up by the fire, or taking in the winter sun on the deck overlooking the lake and marri trees.

Tip: Keep an eye on their events, as they regularly have live music

Best for: Families, dog owners, large groups

When to go: Lunch

Vasse Felix

The acclaimed winery restaurant has been at the top of the culinary game for decades, and for the past six years, has been led by head chef Brendan Pratt, alumni of The Fat Duck and The Ledbury. Pratt was named 2021 ‘Regional Chef of the Year’ in the WA Good Food Guide and the restaurant was awarded ‘Best Regional Restaurant’ in the same awards. The vineyard is farmed using organic practices and the wines need no introduction, simply sublime.

Tip: Indulge in the five-course tasting menu

Best for: Foodies, special occasions, wine lovers, views

When to go: Lunch

Swings and Roundabouts

The woodfired pizzas at Swings and Roundabouts in Yallingup have a cult following - thin, crisp and cooked the traditional Italian way. The menu features salads and for little ones there’s pasta, fish and chips and a picnic platter. There are few wineries that offer casual dining, which makes Swings stand apart and a great choice for families. There’s a large lawn where you can stretch out on a rug and great nature playground for the kids. It’s hugely popular and always busy. There’s an urban cellar door and restaurant in the heart of Margaret River too serving the same great pizzas.

Best for: Families, pizza lovers

When to go: Lunch

Aravina Estate

It’s more than the menu that keeps approximately 160,000 visitors coming back to Aravina year on year. As well as the a-la-carte restaurant, the Estate boasts a Riviera Bar with casual picnic table dining, a pizza bar with three Italian pizza chefs delivering servings that they’ve learnt from their Nonna, a Surf Gallery and Sports Car Gallery full of history, as well as the winery Cellar Door and ‘8 Waves Brewing’ boutique brewery with taphouse. The food itself though has a strong emphasis on sustainable and organic produce, with the West Australian’s Rob Broadfield giving it a thumbs up by comparing the location to a ‘Vogue Living’ photoshoot.

Best for: Full day eating excursion to take in the museum and gallery as well

When to go: Lunch

Clairault Streicker

Clairault is a magical little gem often missed when looking for restaurants. But it’s a beautiful option all year round, with spring and summer perfect for perusing the Protea Farm and vineyards, and autumn and winter offering cosy fireside dining. Book a long lunch and sit down to three courses during a ravenous moment. Clairault Streicker food and wine is authentic and classically-styled, setting a benchmark for the Margaret River Region.

Best for: Discovering hidden gems

When to go: Lunch

Margaret River Brewhouse

The Brewhouse is a local favourite for three good reasons: it’s close to town, it has a great vibe, and the beer and food never disappoint. The crisp and gooey-filled cheeseburger roti is a hundred times better than its fast-food chain namesake and the Vietnamese inspired squid salad draws diners back time and again, some reportedly driving hours just to have it. Playground for the kids tucked a little back from the main dining and the venue is dog friendly.

Best for: Families, casual dining

When to go: Lunch or dinner

La Scarpetta

This is one of WA’s great Italian restaurants in the heart of Margaret River town. A trattoria where all the fresh pasta is made in-house daily, just as they make their grissini breadsticks and cannoli shells. Leave room for dessert, the tiramisu is worthy and the made-to-order cannoli is perfect filled with lusciously smooth ricotta cream. Traditional rustic style food that comes with warm Italian hospitality and when the temperature drops, embrace the hearty winter dishes.

Best for: Couples, cultural foodies

When to go: Dinner, especially in winter

The Common

The Common deck with sunset views is the perfect place to perch with a pint. Head inside for tasty pub food and TexMex inspired dishes. Californian owner Tony Breen serves up a worthy chicken parmi and big juicy burgers that are lip-smackingly good. Located in Gnarabup, about 10 mins from Margaret River town, happy hour is a favourite with the locals with cheap pints and bites.

Best for: Families, groups, casual dining, cheap eats

When to go: Happy Hour 5pm-6pm daily

Glenarty Road

Glenarty Road has to offer one of the best value, high quality lunches in WA. The regenerative farming practices on 240 acres includes a few thousand roaming sheep, 250 fruit trees, a hop garden and vines that produce high quality wine. There are three-course or five-course set menu lunches that are generous, nourishing and incredibly delicious – things like house made labne and succulent roast grass-fed lamb.

Tip: Book in advance

Best for: Long lunches, food and wine enthusiasts

When to go: Lunch wa.gov.au/rsc

Arm yourself against fatigue.

Regularly get 7.5 hours sleep a night. On long drives take a break every two hours and swap drivers if you can.

Make every journey safe.