Embark on a culinary journey through Margaret River with Harvest Tours’ insider’s guide to the best restaurants in WA’s food and wine paradise.
Margaret River is renowned for its stunning vineyards, pristine beaches, and its diverse culinary scene. As the area gained recognition for its exceptional wine, it also became a hub for food lovers.
Today, Margaret River’s culinary landscape is a testament to the seamless integration of fresh produce, world-class wine, and exquisite dining experiences.
From romantic dining options to family-friendly eateries and trendy hotspots, we’ll explore our top eight picks to help you find the best restaurants in the Margaret River wine region.
Bunkers Beach House
Overlooking crystal clear waters and white sands of its namesake beach, Bunkers Beach House is your go-to for fresh Australian seafood and produce. The award-winning restaurant is one of the few beachfront restaurants in Western Australia, offering picturesque views of the coastline. Its $80pp set menu gives visitors delectable options of starters, mains, desserts, and optional extras, allowing you to just sit back and immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery.
Wondering when’s the best time to visit? Bunkers Beach House can be enjoyed throughout any season as it offers alfresco dining on the deck during warmer months, or a relaxing open fire to enjoy during wintertime.
Vasse Felix
The Vasse Felix restaurant, nestled within its namesake winery that pioneered Margaret River’s wine scene, offers an unparalleled dining experience that is a testament to its heritage and commitment to excellence. The restaurant offers an elegant, yet relaxed setting for visitors to indulge in a Modern Australian cuisine with flavours and textures that are thoughtfully paired with Vasse Felix’s award-winning wines.
If you want to experience a little extra luxury and some fine dining, Harvest Tours’ Premium Wine Tour takes you to Vasse Felix where you can enjoy a wine tasting and a gourmet three-course lunch that’s expertly paired with two glasses of wine. So why not visit Vasse Felix during one of our tours where exquisite wine meets an exceptional dining experience.
La Scarpetta Trattoria
La Scarpetta Trattoria is a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Margaret River. This Italian restaurant stands out as a must-visit destination for food lovers, promising an authentic dining experience that marries traditional Italian recipes with the freshest local produce. Every dish is a testament to the passion of its chefs, from the handcrafted pasta to the wood-fired pizzas, each bite transports you straight to Italy.
The ambience of the restaurant, with its cosy interiors and warm atmosphere, makes it the perfect setting for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a celebration with friends. La Scarpetta Trattoria shines as a beacon of Italian cuisine in Margaret River.
Nookery Cafe
Tucked away in the Woody Nook Winery is the Nookery Cafe which offers a unique dining experience that’s hard to match. The charming cafe has a rustic, cosy vibe that offers indoor and outdoor seating options, as well as a grassy area with swings for children to play.
Their menu boasts locally-sourced seasonal dishes that complement Woody Nook’s award-winning wines. Want the best of both worlds? Join us on our Full-Day Wine Tour and enjoy a two-course lunch, followed by a seated wine tasting. Whether you’re enjoying an energising breakfast, leisurely lunch or a casual coffee, the Nookery Cafe provides a tranquil setting that invites relaxation and indulgence.
Miki’s Open Kitchen
Run by Chef Miki, Miki’s Open Kitchen is an intimate restaurant which showcases a dynamic tasting menu that changes with the seasons to feature local delicacies that are thoughtfully paired with local wines.
The dining experience is further enriched by its open kitchen concept which fosters a connection between the chef and visitors, adding a personal touch to the meal. Visitors are spoiled for choice with three degustation menus that have optional pairing recommendations of cocktails, sake, wine.
Chef Miki’s dedication to culinary excellence and his innovative approach to combining traditional Japanese techniques with WA’s bounty make a visit to Miki’s Open Kitchen a must-do while visiting Margaret River.
Yarri
Renowned for its commitment to celebrating the connection between food, wine, people, and place, Yarri offers a dining experience that is both sophisticated and deeply rooted in the local environment. The collaboration between award-winning chef Aaron Carr and the region’s top producers results in a menu that makes it one of the best restaurants in the Margaret River region.
The restaurant’s interior space was expertly designed, blending Yarri wood, limestone, worn leather, copper and terracotta to reflect the bushland palette of its location. Yarri is an essential visit for those who cherish good food and the way it brings people together.
West Winds Tavern
The West Winds Tavern is regarded as one of Margaret River’s gems. It’s known for its rustic charm and exceptional hospitality, allowing people to unwind and enjoy a slice of local life. Whether you’re visiting to savour the flavours that celebrate local produce, enjoy a pint or glass of its finest, or simply soak up the vibrant live music and entertainment, West Winds is a must-visit on your next trip to Margaret River.
Fancy a wine tour where you can visit the West Winds Distillery and Tavern? Our Premium Wine Tour experience finishes up with a gin masterclass (and a charcuterie board!) at West Winds.
de’sendent
Meet one of Margaret River’s newest restaurants: de’sendent. De’sendent represents the next evolution of the much-loved winery restaurant Arimia Estate. The new 35-seater restaurant is owned by Ann Spencer and Executive Chef Evan Hayter who previously owned Arimia Estate.
After only opening in late January this year, de’sendent has quickly become a popular eatery that offers visitors an intimate dining experience from Wednesday to Saturday nights. The menu celebrates locally-sourced ingredients and features sophisticated dishes that are carefully crafted with complementary flavours and textures.
Elliott’s Steakhouse
Just two months after opening its doors in WA’s South West, Elliott’s Steakhouse has swiftly made its mark as a top-tier restaurant for steak aficionados. The upscale eatery has been a long-time passion and dream of Mr Elliot Doyle who has drawn inspiration from his culinary experience in the UK to showcase flavours and techniques from across Europe.
In a short time, Elliott’s Steakhouse has attracted diners eager to savour its selection of dishes, notably the exquisite range of aged steaks. When you next find yourself in Margaret River, be sure to visit Elliott’s Steakhouse for an unforgettable dining experience!
Conclusion
It’s clear that Margaret River is a haven for wine aficionados and food lovers alike. From beachfront bliss at Bunkers Beach House to the refined elegance of Vasse Felix, the rustic charm of La Scarpetta Trattoria, the cosy Nookery Cafe, the laid-back vibes at The Common Bistro, the unique fusion at Fishbone, the sophisticated Yarri, and the welcoming embrace of West Winds Tavern, Margaret River is a smorgasbord of culinary delights waiting to be explored.
For those looking to fully immerse in what this region has to offer, consider embarking on a journey with Harvest Tours. Our expertly guided tours offer an immersive exploration into the culture of this region that captivates our hearts. So, why not take a look at our wide range of tour offerings? If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact us!