Whoever said the Margaret River Region was only about wine clearly hasn’t tasted its culinary delights. From acclaimed restaurants to charming beachfront cafes, you’ll be dazzled by the food options. Classics get a contemporary twist, while cutting-edge cuisines push flavour boundaries at these eateries.

 

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Shelter Brewing Co, Busselton

Best for: locally brewed beer and pizza

Just a stone’s throw from the famed Busselton Jetty, Shelter is your go-to for pub-style eats plus a wide selection of greens, all washed down with beer brewed on site. Kick back with a local wine and enjoy a ringside seat for the stunning sunset view.

 

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Inara, Busselton

Best for: dinner with a difference

Levantine cuisine is the new favourite child and Chef Daniel Johnson does it well at the stylish Inara eatery with a menu full of dips, mezze, and proteins charred in a wood-fired oven with cocktails to finish.  I’m going back for a Turkish Delight Martini.

 

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The Goose Beach Bar and Kitchen, Busselton

Best for: breakfast on the beach

Located just a few steps from the beach with panoramic views of Geographe Bay, this much-loved local has been rebuilt after a devastating fire in 2021. The eclectic cuisine at The Goose is fresh and local with wood-fired cooking and plenty of seafood. Picture: Taj Kempe Photography.

 

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The Pav at Busselton Pavilion, Busselton

Best for: gastropub with seafood on the side

Start with the prawn toast and cured scallops at The Pav, head straight into whole roasted squid hot from the grill, then help yourself to the market fish. Believe them when they suggest sharing the oversized sticky date pudding with caramel and ice cream.

 

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White Elephant Cafe, Gnarabup

Best for: surfer-size serves

This local’s hangout has magnificent views of Gnarabup Beach just steps from the sand. The menu is classic café style made with local ingredients for breakfast and lunch.  Bring your pup to The White Elephant and enjoy a swim followed by a Margaret River Co. coffee. I loved the chilled surfer vibe and stole their playlist. Picture: Elements Margaret River.

 

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Stormflower Vineyard, Wilyabrup

Best for: do-it-yourself picnic lunch

What goes better with an organic wine tasting than a make-your-own charcuterie platter?  The cabinet of temptation is filled with European cheese, free-range pork salumi, and pate so you can create your picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds at Stormflower.

 

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South Camp, Dunsborough

Best for: brew house, beer garden, café & providore

All bases are covered at South Camp with a giant sandpit so even the smallest customers are happy.  Start with coffee and breakfast and continue with a house brew teamed with a burger, pizza, or taco. You can even stay next door.

 

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Olio Bello Cafe, Cowaramup

Best for: coffee and cake

Taste the organic olive oils straight or showcased in hand-cooked treats in a rustic farm-to-table experience at Olio Bello. Expect to leave laden with gourmet and beauty product finds, but you might prefer to stay in their luxury glamping tents.

 

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Providore, Metricup

Best for: chocolate tasting

Providore is a foodie’s wonderland filled with good food, wine, and just roasted coffee. Taste your way through the huge range of homemade jams, preserves, olive oils, sauces, dressings, spice mixes, desserts, and award-winning wines and liqueurs. When your day starts with coffee and a Providore Coffee and Chocolate Tasting experience, it’s a hard act to follow.

 

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Wills Domain, Yallingup

Best for: a long lunch

Lunch at the award-winning Wills Domain in the northern end of Gunyulgup Valley, Yallingup was a fitting end to my Margaret River region tour. The restaurant overlooks rolling vine-covered hills with glimpses of the Indian Ocean. It invites you to settle in and enjoy a long, laid-back lunch filled with premium local produce matched by outstanding wines.  The worst part was leaving before dessert to catch a flight and missing the chance to shop the very browsable cellar door art and jewellery.

 

READ MORE:

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6 unforgettable experiences completely unique to Perth

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