Night Time Dining

Where once it was the norm to simply cruise down Busselton’s Queen Street to check out what was open by night, there are now more than a few favourites worth beelining for.

• Amelia Park Lodge & Tavern in Vasse sees no expense spared in styling. The Tavern has the “wow” factor for its Euro fit out and twist on classic pub food, but won’t break the bank. Exhibit A: Seafood special every Friday.
• Spice Odysee Hidden Kitchen – everyone’s favourite food van has a restaurant too. Enjoy Sathish’s delicious southern Indian curries, dosas and desserts from 5pm to 8.30pm Tuesday to Saturday. There’s daily specials and takeaway also available, and keep an eye out for their food truck parked up at Old Dunsborough Boat Ramp and Rotary Park in Margaret River.
• Equinox Restaurant & Bar is famous for their glittering bay and jetty views, but their specialty lies in solid upscale pub classics like a next-level crab spaghetti that makes for essential eating.
• Tonic By The Bay is a friendly and relaxed spot on the beach side of the Broadwater Resort: go for snacks and starters, hearty main courses, pizza, regional wine, beers and cocktails.
• Shelter Brewing Co is open 7 days until 10pm, and you can wash away the salt of the day with a cold beer and a big feed in their airy venue with views to the bay.
• Origins Market is the home of gourmet local produce in Busselton, and on Friday and Saturday nights you can eat your way around the world from their selection of international eateries. From Italian to Korean to good old fish and chips, everyone will be happy. The on-site Tavern is also open and serving up local beer, wine and spirits.
• The Esplanade Hotel is centrally located in Busselton, and offers classic pub food in a relaxed setting with indoor and outdoor seating areas. Come here for their Roast of the Day, or a classic Parmi with chips and slaw.

A couple of new arrivals over the past few years means holidaymakers now struggle to fit in all the great dinner venues on offer in Dunsborough. It’s well worth trying, though.

• Blue Manna Bistro is a haven for fresh seafood under the direction of talented chef/owner Coby Cockburn, who’s Asian fusion style menu is a treat. Portions are generous and flavours bold and delicious.
• Yarri has brought sophisticated and understated dining to Dunborough, with a versatile offering that runs the gamut from bar snacks to fine chef’s menu dining. Heading up the kitchen is WA chef icon and part-owner Aaron Carr (of Vasse Felix acclaim), who’s designed a menu honouring nature, seasonality and the South West.
• Clancy’s Fish Pub is home to a selection of honest seafood fare, a terrific selection of south west craft beers on tap, a serviceable wine list and friendly service. Hosting regular live music and with plenty of space, this is a great spot for fun nights with the family or large groups.
• Palmer Wines is on Dunsborough’s doorstep and open for dinner Saturday nights offering solid modern Australian cuisine. You’ll be among the locals here!
• Occy’s Dunsborough is a great place for tummy filling plates and an experimental range of brews. With 18 tap points behind the bar, there’s bound to be a local or guest beer that will hit the spot.
• Bungalow Neighbourhood Social is a great place to head for upscale food and a lively atmosphere. The courtyard is perfect for groups, or for something more intimate grab a table for two in the wine room for vino, vinyl and small plates.
• Southcamp is a new village with a relaxed beer garden, giant kids sandpit, great wine and cocktails, tasty food and a cruisy, down south vibe. Head here for a bite, kitchen is open to 8pm Mon – Fri and late Sat & Sun.

It might not have a town centre, but Yallingup bats above its weight when it comes to great night time dining options.

• Lamont’s Smiths Beach serves icon Kate Lamont’s signature food – fresh, simple, elegant dishes paired with a great wine-by-the-glass list as well as bottled wines and boutique beer.
• Caves House Hotel is one of Yallingup’s best known landmarks, not least for their decent wine and beer lists, solid pub food and heritage charm. This spot is a locally loved hub for live entertainment and Sunday sessions that extend well into the evening.
• Cape Lodge is another Yallingup gem located off Caves Road, and this lakeside spot offers refined dining in a seriously serene setting. Dinner served daily from 6pm.

Margaret River’s main strip has a collection of night time dining options that will take you right around the globe.

• Morries is a must when in Margaret River. Open Tues – Sat ‘til late for relaxed evening dining, service here is slick, and cocktails are the drink of choice thanks to the talented bartenders. Note: sharing is the name of the game.
• Mikis Open Kitchen is a Margaret River experience in its own right. Chef Miki’s non-traditional Japanese degustation dinner is a wonder – both to behold and to digest. Break up your wine adventure here and opt for something from the sake list. Reservations are a must for the 2 nightly seatings at 6pm and 8.15pm, Tuesday to Saturday, in which diners opts for one three menus – Miki’s Trust, Miki’s Complete and Miki’s For Kids.
• Swings & Roundabouts Margaret River  is dishing out signature pizza and share plate options in a friendly, laid-back environment with Swings & Roundabouts wine on tap – available by the carafe. Perfect for a casual night time dining option with family and friends.
• Settlers Tavern has families covered for dining. Think American BBQ, burgers, steaks, salads and pub favourites proudly using local ingredients wherever possible, plus 400+ local, Australian and international drops to choose from on one of the country’s most acclaimed wine lists.
• Brewhouse is Margaret River’s only in-town craft brewery, open until 7pm Mon – Thurs and until 9pm Fri – Sun nights. Make no mistake: this food is designed around the beer, so pair it up.
• Pizzica is as close as you’ll get to Italy in Margaret River. It’s hard to go past the pizza menu, but it’s worth the diversion to enjoy something hearty from the charcoal grill, or signature dishes. Bookings tend to be essential.
• La Scarpetta Trattoria is situated directly above Pizzica and extends Margaret River’s love affair with Italian cuisine. It’s all about the antipasti and the pasta here.
• The River Bar & Restaurant is open 7 days ‘til late for casual dining and the enjoyment of a menu well beyond standard pub fare. It’s also where to head if you are looking for some live music.
• Burger Baby is a great stop for a relaxed meal, with a solid menu featuring local produce. There’s also a mighty fine drinks list.
• Normal Van should come with a warning: food is highly addictive and will have you dreaming of the American style burgers all made from scratch by chef / owner Rob. Smack bang in the middle of main street is their newly opened bricks and mortar restaurant, and they can also be found around town in their food van, check their Instagram page for locations.

Good old fashioned country hospitality and hearty fare is on the dinner menu in Augusta and Karridale.

• The Colourpatch is open for dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday, serving up a menu featuring lots of fresh seafood to reflect its prime position right on the banks of the Blackwood River. There’s also an extensive list of pizzas with all the favourites.
• Karridale Tavern is just a short drive out of Augusta and serves traditional pub food with a Middle Eastern twist. Daily dinner sees an array of specials, all accompanied by friendly service.
• The Augusta Hotel is an institution and a trip to this charming town would not be complete without a meal inside these heritage walls. Grab a spot by the open fire and enjoy dinner with a cold beer or local wine and one of the region’s best views – straight out over the Hardy Inlet, where the Blackwood River meets the Southern Ocean.