Taste your way around this gourmet paradise at these five incredible eateries.
Not only is Margaret River a surfer’s paradise and wine-lover’s dream, but it’s also a gourmet hotspot. From hidden gems to lauded restaurants, the region boasts a plethora of foodie experiences that make use of some of the finest seasonal and local produce. Honestly, there are so many fantastic places to choose from you could spend a solid month wining and dining your way around Margaret River. Sounds tough, we know. However, we’ve managed to narrow it down to our top picks ‒ you know, if you don’t have a spare month up your sleeves.
Want to take your palate to new culinary heights? Then lunch at the Vasse Felix Restaurant is a must. One of the original dining establishments in Margaret River, the two-hatted, multi award-winning restaurant at the celebrated Vasse Felix winery remains a regional pioneer in food and fine dining.
With views overlooking the estate’s original vineyards, the stylish dining offers a spectacular setting to discover the flavours and textures of the region, paired with some of Margaret River’s preeminent wines. A stunning example of Modern Australian dining, the menu combines cutting-edge techniques with the region’s local, produce, which changes as frequently as new ingredients become available. Guests can choose their own adventure with the a la carte menu ‒ try some of the best broccoli of your life, served up with fig leaf, wakame and curd. Or allow the chefs to take you on a culinary journey with the tasting menu and optional paired wines. It goes without saying that the wine list is superb, featuring current and museum wines from the iconic Vasse Felix range.
Cullen Wines was one of the first wineries in Margaret River to offer visitors a taste of the local fare, putting together simple soups, pastries and cheese platters. Today, the offering has evolved, however the emphasis on homegrown, agri-dining remains unchanged. Housed in Cullen's impressive Biodynamic Wine Room, the restaurant overlooks the historic vineyard. The elegant decor evokes a connection to the earth, with a pared-back granite and timber farmhouse aesthetic, making for a truly immersive dining experience.
Like the winery, the restaurant incorporates biodynamic practices, serving up food that is deeply connected to its source – vegetables are harvested daily from the restaurant's biodynamic kitchen gardens, and lovingly prepared by head chef Charlie Chen’s. The tasting menu is one of the most imaginative out there, showcasing the best of Margaret River over four incredible courses, with dishes like confit fennel and goat’s cheese, regional wagyu beef and celeriac puree and honey mousse made with help of local bees. Level up your lunch with the wine-pairing option, with a selection of current and museum release wines that highlight the vineyard’s characteristically fresh, rich whites and subtle, deep reds that result from Cullen’s low-yielding vines.
