The town of Margaret River itself is charming and offers a great range of eateries and watering holes. However, it’s the Margaret River Region at large that draws tourists. Especially those who like incredible coastlines, wild countryside, and their wine.
But it’s far more than that.
This is the traditional land of the Wadandi (saltwater) people and Aboriginal culture is an important aspect of Margaret River life. The Wadandi have lived in harmony with the land (Boodja) here for 60,000 and their respect for the Boodja informs many of the sustainable practices in place in the area.
So come with us as we guide you through the best restaurants in Margaret River. And maybe a few wineries too.
Location: 85 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River, WA 6285 Ph: (08) 9758 7155
‘Swings’ as it is affectionately known, is quite a set-up.
The primary business is wine production (more on that in a moment), but the team also have a Cellar Door and Restaurant in the town of Margaret River itself. And it’s buzzing.
It’s also a strong companion of all things local. Which includes having their own Swings & Roundabouts Wines on tap, along with a number of WA spirits and Craft Beers. In addition to selling their Wines at the bar, the venue does takeaway Wines at Cellar Door prices and even offers their highly rated Backyard Stories label.
Pleasingly, this love of all things from the area extends to the food as well. The kitchen at Swings & Roundabouts is proud to showcase produce from the region across its menu.
A great example of this is the Woodfired Seasonal Veggies ($19). Baked to sweetness, they come with a vibrant Pistachio Salsa Verde, Edamame, Orange, Dukkha & Herbs. If you wish to sample something from the crystalline waters just off the coast, then the Market Fish ($40) has your name on it. Served with Eggplant Puree, Sauce Vierge, Fennel, Lemon Confit, Green Oil, Fried Capers & Herbs, it’s a delicious spin on a Mediterranean classic.
Aside from wood-firing Veggies, the crew also knocks out some superb Pizzas. We’re really into the Lucifero ($28) – a fiery combination of Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Hot Salami, Basil & Oregano.
The second string to the Swings bow is beautiful winery itself. And it’s a gem.
Set on a stunning stretch of countryside at the centre of the Caves Road wine trail, the views across the property are to die for.
The Cellar Door has a striking stone frontage and plenty to keep wine lovers happy within. Meanwhile, the Restaurant oozes rustic charm and offers both indoor and outdoor seating – though mostly outdoor.
Again, Swings & Roundabouts Wines are front and centre at the bar. Similarly, there is another wood-fired oven permanently on the go, turning out blister-edged Pizzas. There’s no Lucifer Pizza at Yallingup, but the Genova ($31) makes up for it. With a more-ish Zucchini Pesto layer on the bottom and Italian Sausage, Mozzarella, Confit Cherry Tomatoes, Basil & Pecorino piled on top, it’s a winner.
The non-Pizza part of the menu is also different from that at the Margaret River eatery. The Antipasto Board ($40) – Olives, Parma Ham, Focaccia, Asiago, Iranian Figs & more – is perfect with a glass of the Backyard Stories Sangiovese Rose ’25 ($40). Also very wine-friendly are the Roasted Leeks ($28) with Stracciatella, Hazelnut Dukkha, Chilli Honey, Charred Lemon & Herbs.
Whether you stop at Swings & Roundabouts Winery Yallingup, or at the venue in town, we’re sure you’ll agree it’s one of the best restaurants in Margaret River.
Location: 73 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River, WA 6285 Ph: (08) 9757 9234
Apparently, La Scarpetta Trattoria is housed in the oldest building in Margaret River. And it seems a fitting setting for this warmly welcoming, traditional Italian restaurant. This is a rustic eatery, rather than a swanky establishment and every plate brims with love for quality ingredients.
The drawcard here – apart from the cosseting ambience – is the Fresh Pasta, made in-house, on a daily basis. It’s hard to pick a favourite, but the Pappardelle all’Agnello e Cacao ($38) is extremely satisfying. Yolk-bright, Egg Pasta Ribbons tossed with Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder, Cherry Tomato & Cocoa Sauce. If you’re in the region on a cooler day, this is a must.
To start, it’s hard to ignore the Crostino Ricotte e Coppa ($24). This features Ricotta Cheese, Olive Puree & Sundried Tomato with Valtelina Coppa and House Made Sourdough Crostini . That said, the Arancini Di Riso ($20) – Cheese & Spinach Risotto Balls and a Napoli Dipping Sauce – all also pretty memorable.
Whatever you decide to eat, make sure you wash it down with a wonderful Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon.
Location: 2/149 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River, WA 6285 Ph: (08) 9758 8280
If you like the industrial-chic aesthetic and classy Modern Australian food, then Morries should make your list of the best restaurants in Margaret River.
At this polished venue you can dine either within the art-lined dining room or top up your tan outside.
Now whilst the menu champions local produce with pride, it does so in a Tapas-style format. And that’s fine by us as we love to share. OK. Let’s be honest. We like to graze from other peoples’ plates as well as our own!
Anyway, seafood fans really should try the Abrolhos Scallop with Dashi Beurre Blanc & Celeriac ($10). One of the great pleasures in life is a perfectly caramelised Scallop and the kitchen at Morries have it down pat. Similarly memorable is the Shark Bay Blue Swimmer Crab ($24). Sweet and delicate, it is paired with a crunchy Hash Brown and delightful Ginger Pickled Sprout Salad.
We’ve said it before and we’ll no doubt say it again. For us, an eatery lives or dies on its Potato dishes. Thankfully, Morries has a ripper. We have absolutely no notes on their Potatoes, Duck Fat & Charred Spring Onion Mayo ($16) bar Yum!
Location: 35 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River, WA 6285 Ph: (08) 9757 2614
Whilst Margaret River Wines are rightfully known the world over, they aren’t the only excellent drinking option around. In fact, bang in the middle of town, sat alluringly amongst the majestic Karris, you’ll find the incredibly welcoming Margaret River Brewhouse. Offering lots of glorious outdoor seating, it’s always busy on a sunny day, for obvious reasons.
The Brewhouse is the hub of the Margaret River Beer Co. If you’re a fan of an IPA or feel like an English-style Brown Ale, this is your kind of place. If you can’t decide, then the Pallet of 8 ($32) should sort you out. Of course, the bar also pours Glasses of Wine and Soft Drinks.
The food at the Margaret River Brewhouse is pleasingly eclectic. The Prawn Poppers ($16) – Shark Bay Prawns, Sesame Aioli, Gochujang, Chilli & Coriander – are the ideal pairing for a chilled Beer. Those sweet Prawns appear again – along with Pork Belly, Fried Egg, Satay and more – in the Nasi Goreng ($30). Meanwhile, plain old Fish and Chips is given a modern spin with Beer Battered Mackerel ($29) served with Chips, a 3 Cabbage Slaw & Verde.
If you prefer something a little less adventurous, the team also do an array of Woodfire Pizzas.
No wonder this is one of the top restaurants in Margaret River.
Location: 131 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River, WA 6285 Ph: (08) 9758 7673
Australia has a great tradition of regional towns housing a particular cuisine fused (in the best possible way) with peak local produce. And much like the superb Kadota Restaurant in Daylesford, Miki’s Open Kitchen takes Margaret River ingredients and highlights them with Japanese flair and balance.
As the name says, at Miki’s the theatre of food prep and presentation is at the centre of the dining experience as patrons sit around an open cooking space. It’s. terrifying prospect for a kitchen brigade who don’t know their stuff. Fortunately, at Miki’s, you are in the hands of seasoned, caring professionals.
The Japanese restaurant offers 3 Set Menus, plus a Kids’ option.
So chill and give yourself over to the delights of dishes such as Venison Tataki with Red Witlof or Shark Bay Scallop sprinkled with Matcha Salt. Whatever is put before you will be beautiful – to all senses. A recent visit included an incredible Main of Blackwood Valley Beef, Sweet Corn, Local Black Garlic Miso Bacon – salty, savoury, sweet, umami and everything in between – it’s worth a weekend in WA just for that!
Needless to say, the Wine List is good. But so is the array of Sakes and if you’re enjoying exquisite Japanese fare, perhaps you should go with the flow.
