Must visit eateries: a regional food map

Passionate chef and Blue Manna Bistro 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 are 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 a raspberry chili 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: Seafood enthusiasts, couples, special celebrations
When to go: Lunch or dinner, warmer nights to dine alfresco

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 benchtops 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 who 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

Say hello to the alpacas, ducks and chickens on your way into the dreamy coastal restaurant Meelup Farmhouse which can be found down a gravel road, minutes from Meelup Beach.

Surrounded by trees and a lush lawn, you can picnic outside with a hamper, 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 poppy seed pancakes to delight brunch lovers, and dishes like goldband snapper fillet, saffron labne and chorizo caper dressing have lunchgoers searching their diaries to make another booking.

Best for: Families, couples, groups
When to go: Brunch or lunch

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.

Best for: Cultural foodies, belly-filling eats
When to go: Dinner

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), gluten-free salt and pepper squid and prawn brioche, as well as pub classics.

Pair your choice of tasty dishes with some brews and ocean views after a hot day and feel all your senses satisfied.

Little ones will love it too with a playground in the beer garden and the massive park and Busselton pirate ship playground just out the front.

Best for: Families, views
When to go: Breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a cold bevvie at any time

Walking into Eagle Bay Brewing Co 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 principles with no shortcuts. The beers are made with only four ingredients: rainwater, hops, malted barley, yeast and the sunshine that powers the brewery.

Best for: Families, groups, beer lovers, views
When to go: Lunch

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 varieties. Great on a cooler day too, tucked up by the fire, or taking in the winter sun on the deck overlooking the lake and marri trees.

Best for: Families, dog owners, large groups
When to go: Lunch

The acclaimed Vasse Felix winery restaurant has been at the top of the culinary game for decades, and for over 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.

Best for: Foodies, special occasions, wine lovers
When to go: Lunch

The woodfired pizzas at Swings & 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 & chips and a picnic platter.

Few wineries 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 a great nature playground for the kids. It’s hugely popular and always busy.

To top it off, 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, doggos
When to go: Lunch

It’s more than the menu that keeps approximately 160,000 visitors coming back to Aravina year after year.

As well as the a-la-carte restaurant, the Estate boasts a Riviera Bar with casual picnic table dining, woodfired artisan pizzas, a Surf Gallery and 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 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 wines are authentic and classically styled, setting a benchmark for the Margaret River Region.

Best for: Discovering hidden gems
When to go: Lunch

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 anything from a fast-food chain and the Vietnamese-inspired squid salad draws diners back time and again, some reportedly driving hours just to have it.

Add a playground for the kids tucked a little back from the main dining, and the venue is dog-friendly. Hurray!

Best for: Families, casual dining
When to go: Lunch or dinner

Voyager Estate’s philosophy is intimately tied to its unique place in Stevens Valley. Their team works first and foremost with what they can find and forage from the stunning Estate. What they can’t grow in their very own organic Kitchen Gardens, they source from like-minded local producers who share their deep respect for this land.

Head Chef Travis Crane’s approach is “to source thoughtfully, prepare simply, cook respectfully and present beautifully”, and this is reflected in every single dish.

Definitely opt for the wine pairing, as each unique course of the 5-course degustation menu is inspired by and paired with one of their organically farmed wines.

Best for: Special occasions, foodies
When to go: Long lunch

At just over a year old, Ooze & Tang is already the foodie go-to for local chefs, wine-makers, and hospitality insiders. Located halfway between Busselton and Dunsborough, it’s a hidden gem of a French-inspired bistro owned and operated by a local chef, a somm and a bartender.

Expect eclectic vintage style, warm friendly service, and a buzzing cocktail-wine-bar-esque atmosphere. The extensive beverage offering complements the outstanding food chef prepared from scratch. The menu is small and ever-changing utilising quality local ingredients. There are some staples on the menu – the house made bread is a must, as is finishing the feast with a creme brulee.

Ooze means richness, and tang means acidity. Ooze & Tang is one of the many flavour/ texture combinations Chef Isaac uses to make sure his dishes are next level delicious.

Best for: Couples, foodies
When to go: Dinner

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 minutes from Margaret River town, happy hour is a favourite with the locals with cheap pints and bites.

Best for: Families, groups, casual dining
When to go: Happy Hour 5 pm-6 pm daily

Nestled in the heart of the Gunyulgup Valley overlooking the estate’s picturesque vineyards, Wills Domain offers an out-of-this-world culinary experience.

No other restaurant in the entire state received 18 out of 20 in the prestigious Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat Awards.

Wills Domain boasts a dynamic offering of award-winning wines and contemporary Australasian cuisine from their executive chef Jed Gerard. Indulge and be inspired by Jed’s fine dining creations, with a focus on locally sourced seasonal produce. Whether you visit for a tasting, a relaxed bottle of wine, the cellar snacks menu on one of their comfy couches or spoil yourself with a decadent 7-course tasting menu, you’re invited to sit back and enjoy the Wills Domain experience.

Best for: Special events, couples, groups
When to go: Lunch

Glenarty Road has to offer one of the best value, high-quality lunches in WA.

The regenerative farming practices on 240 acres include 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. Simply divine.

Best for: Long lunches, food and wine enthusiasts
When to go: Lunch