Drink In The Views: Dine Within Sight Of The Ocean

The iconic coast of the Margaret River Region is the ideal background to enjoy a meal.

Let’s go somewhere with a view of the ocean and drink lunch! Jane Fonda gets to say this in the movie Monster-in-Law and it’s one of a handful of my wistful ‘oh, I wish I’d written that!’ line moments. Dining with ocean views evokes a mood many of us have been lucky to experience and most of us want to capture again. Happily, the Margaret River Region is blessed with an abundance of gorgeous coastline and dining locations that inspire.

Reading a menu with your sunglasses on (because of that glare from the breakers, y’know) is just so indulgent somehow. Here’s a go-to guide for the current faves to dine around the coast – but do recommend any of your own you think of via our social pages.

Bunkers Beach House

It would be quite the challenge to get closer to the Indian Ocean breakers than this beachfront favourite. And when the menu and service match the views like they do here, it’s very hard to go past Bunkers Beach House. Many people don’t, and reservations are highly recommended if you want to experience what many locals consider the top spot for a date, a family lunch, a wedding, a party or anything.

A wheelchair glides into the adjacent table, reminding me this front row view is available to everyone. You’ll be asked if you would like to be seated indoors or outdoors (both have beach views). This location is absolute beachfront and faces north. There’s a great boardwalk that runs beside the café across the sand to the beach.

This is a multi-award winning venue, and the wine list and menu reflect the collective care and evident experience of those in charge. From Thursday to Sunday they offer a lunchtime Kitchen’s Choice set menu that is full of sustainable seafood and fresh local produce.

Top tip: boat moorings are available by request – please call ahead.

Other Side of the Moon, Pullman Bunker Bay Resort

If you like your ocean views with a touch of the dramatic, this will match your expectations. This ocean view restaurant is located at Pullman Bunker Bay Resort. It’s named after one of the famous surf breaks nearby, and the design of the resort and the restaurant is very much in harmony with the natural surroundings. The restaurant’s alfresco terrace is its hero and its heart. Come at the right time – September or October – and the whales will too.

There’s a stylish, Mediterranean vibe about the place. From our seat, we look out over young olive trees to the Bunker Bay ocean vista beyond. The menu is a gourmet ode to sustainable local produce from Australia’s south west. Depending on the season, highlights include marron and line-caught fish, locally sourced beef and pork, olive oil, cheeses, and Manjimup truffles. The Pullman also has thoughtfully presented an alternative small plates menu, Tapestry by Pullman, which is available at the adjacent ocean view bar. No doubt Jane Fonda would start lunch here with a cocktail.

Shelter Brewing Co

The only beachfront brewery in the region, Shelter has nailed that combination of relaxed holiday vibes with sharp service and an array of top notch food and beer. It’s one of the best spots to watch the sunset, preferably straight after a dip in the glittering Geographe Bay.

They also open at 7am with great coffee and bagels to fuel up ready for a big day exploring (or relaxing, both are acceptable).

Ocean views at Wise Winery — Ocean views and cheerful service at Wise Wine.

Wise Wine & Restaurant

When we moved to WA, a couple of new friends recommended stopping at Wise Wine, saying it makes a great first impression of the surrounding region. Now, when we have visitors, we often stop for lunch there. It has the perfect balance of elegance and modern – indoor and outdoor tables, wisteria entwined vines, surrounding bushland and a glittering sea.

The menu is thoughtfully designed, with little bites to accompany a journey through Wise’s delightful wines or more comprehensive fare for a lingering lunch. The restaurant is open daily for lunch, and on Saturday for dinner, but you can visit from 9am every day for tastings.

The Sea Garden Café

If there’s a mantra for this establishment, it’s simple things done well. Many locals treat this café an an extension of their living room, accompanied by a pizza and a beverage in true Margs style! The fence made of old surf boards sets up the vibe.

Lounging on the covered verandah looking over to the glittering sea is inspiring and their friendly service and reasonably priced menu and wine list win many friends. The café opens promptly at 8am so you can head here for a post-swim caffeine fix.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Cafe - Ocean View Dining — The homemade scones at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Café are legendary.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Café

As you’d expect from a lighthouse venue, this one does indeed have a spectacular ocean aspect. The views from the big picture windows at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Café are majestic, and after working up an appetite by taking the 176 steps to the top to admire the views from the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia, chillaxing in the café is highly recommended. The building design also means that it’s a great spot in all kinds of weather.

Open for breakfast and lunch, the café serves excellent coffee and the Devonshire teas are not to be missed.

South West Cruises

Sure dining next to the ocean is cool, but for special occasions lets take it to the next level and enjoy a luxurious 7 course progressive dinner ON the ocean. South West Cruises have recently brought their opulent 60ft pleasure craft to the Geographe Bay waters, and your meal prepared by the on-board chef is accompanied by the spectacular scenery of Cape Naturaliste and its pristine coast. There is the opportunity for a sunset swim or snorkel between courses, or for those less athletically-inclined simply sit back and soak it all in. Jane Fonda would definitely approve.

The season runs from January through to April, departing from Quindalup boat ramp, and they offer free pickup from the surrounding area.