Margaret River and the Southwest of WA are known for craft breweries, boutiques, wineries and first-class restaurants. Beaches and surf breaks line the coast, whose waters host migratory whales from June to November.
Serving up a coastal culinary adventure, this is an unparalleled destination for gourmet experiences and unforgettable outdoor adventures. Amid its sprawling vineyards, you’ll find welcoming cellar doors, award-winning restaurants, local providores and distilleries just waiting to be discovered.
Here are three Chef-hatted restaurants in the region we think you have to visit next time you are in WA:
While away an afternoon at Cullen Wines Biodynamic Wine Room (14) on Caves Road in Wilyabrup, gazing across the vineyards and indulging in superb wine and food. Relax alfresco at the only biodynamic and carbon-neutral winery in the region, or join the lively buzz of conversation inside, where stacked stone walls, recycled timber and views of the vines from a full glass frontage await.
Arrive early and enjoy a wine-tasting experience before your meal - the lunch menu has been carefully curated by Head Chef, Ben Day, using produce from the onsite biodynamic kitchen garden and paired with world-renowned Cullen wines. Think plates like lamb rump, heirloom pumpkin, muntries, saltbush and brown rice miso, or Wagyu beef, biodynamic vegetables, onion, watercress and horseradish.
Long one of the great dining rooms in Western Australia, The Cape Lodge Restaurant (14) on Caves Road in Yallingup provides an ingredient-driven menu utilising the finest produce. Situated on a 40-acre property with a pristine vineyard, manicured gardens, lake and bushland, this venue is an ideal destination for guests seeking a luxury base from which to explore one of the world’s finest wine regions.
From a menu curated daily by Head Chef Adam Robson Chew, enjoy Abrolhos Island octopus, satay and almond to start, followed by rolled lamb shoulder, green raisin and rainbow chard, or beef striploin, folded celeriac and cavolo nero; finishing with warm chocolate cake and Jerusalem artichoke ice cream.
Take a moment to check out Frui Momento (13), an award-winning slick new winery restaurant in Margaret River. Located on Caves Road in Wilyabrup, this stunning destination boasts picturesque vineyard views from beautiful surrounds of timber doors, wine racks groaning with bottles and wooden ceiling beams, or dine alfresco and soak up rays on sunny days.
Perhaps pair a glass of Champagne with cured kingfish, kimchi jelly, abalone cream, salted radish and furikake, before mains of Patagonian toothfish, eggplant and ginger, or Futari Wagyu, pickled garlic and baby gem with a side of pork fat potatoes; finish with an exotic dessert of feijoa, pineapple and yoghurt.
