If you still have room, or haven’t over indulged in a long lunch at one of the region’s winery or brewery restaurants, head to one of these places for delicious night out in Margaret River, in Western Australia’s south west.
In alphabetical order…
Celebrations – Book Ahead
de’scendent
Opened in early 2024, de’scendent is an elegant fine diner at the top end of town. Owned by the duo behind the shuttered Arimia Estate, chef Evan Hayter and Ann Spencer, this restaurant is simply first class. The kitchen is open and many of the dishes are cooked over coals. Find friendly, snappy service, delicious dishes made with local and ethically-raised produce, and a very generous degustation offering, which is what I’d recommend. If scallops are on the menu, order them and thank me later. It’s the opposite of a cheap eat, and worthy of your hard earn cash for a special occasion, or because it’s a day ending in ‘y’. Book ahead for a birthday celebration, anniversary, or just because you deserve it.
Patagonian tooth fish at descendent. Photo: Dianne Bortoletto
.
La Scarpetta
This is one of WA’s great Italian restaurants in the heart of Margaret River town. A trattoria where all the fresh pasta is made inhouse daily, just as they make their grissini breadsticks and cannoli shells. Leave room for dessert, the tiramisu is worthy and the made-to-order cannoli is perfect, filled with lusciously smooth ricotta cream. Traditional rustic style food that comes with warm Italian hospitality and when the temperature drops, the hearty winter dishes are like a big Nonna’s hug. We always feel like returning friends when we go to La Scarpetta. Be sure to book, it gets busy.
La Scarpetta tortelli ai funghi. Photo: Dianne Bortoletto
.
Miki’s Open Kitchen
Miki’s Open Kitchen is an experience no foodie should miss. The tiny kitchen creates an incredible amount of delicate and delectable dishes with flavour combinations you won’t find in Japan. Chef Miki takes local produce and executes dishes with Japanese techniques resulting in an impressive dining experience. Dishes change daily on both menus, the ‘trust the chef’ degustation and the Miki’s complete seven-course degustation. To watch the kitchen theatre, opt for a seat around the kitchen bench when you book, and book well in advance.
Miki’s Open Kitchen. Photo: Dianne Bortoletto
.
Morries
Cocktails and a few bites or a tapas dinner with fine wine, taste buds are forever satisfied at Morries. Owned by a young and hospitality-experienced couple, it’s a happening place, with a cool vibe. I can’t stop thinking about the silky and rich housemade duck liver pate. I’ll keep going to Morries just for that. A staple on the menu that has become iconic is the Thai caramel pork belly – there’d be a riot in Margaret River if it was ever taken off the menu. Book ahead for a table, walk in for cocktails.
Morries. Photo: Facebook
.
Pizzica
Step down underneath La Sparpetta into Pizzica (a separate business) and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a pizzeria in Puglia. The traditional crockery imported from Puglia just adds to the charm. Using the best Italian flour, canned tomatoes and ingredients, the woodfired pizzas are thin, crisp and come with a red tomato base or a white base. To start, order olive ascolane – deep-fried, meat-filled olives -you’re welcome. Pizzica, pronounced pitsi-ca (not pizz-eeka) is always buzzing. There’s a heap of other wood fired dishes too. This is one of our go-to places.
Pizzica plate with traditional Pugliese design. Photo: Dianne Bortoletto
.
Swings & Roundabouts Margaret River
The urban cellar door and restaurant in the heart of Margaret River serves the same great pizzas that the Yallingup winery is famous for. The Swings Taphouse deck is lovely spot to sit and watch Margs life while devouring a woodfired pizza such as the classic Margherita, the white-based Norcina, the fiery Inferno and more. There’s also woodfired rosemary focaccia, olives, croquettes, chorizo and a selection of mains. Swings and Roundabouts wines are on tap and takeaway wine is available at cellar door prices.
Swings & Roundabouts Margaret River. Photo: Facebook
.
Teddi’s Big Spoon
The unassuming Teddi’s Big Spoon packs a punch with authentic and tasty Korean dishes. Find dumplings, kimmari fried seaweed roll, kimchi rice, marinated beef noodle, hot pots and a Korean BBQ to cook yourself at your table that includes options such as premium wagyu, Berkshire pork, freerange chicken, seafood and vegetables. A surprising find. BYO, and book in advance.
Teddi’s Big Spoon Korean BBQ restaurant. Photo: Dianne Bortoletto
.
Casual Eats
Normal Van Main Street
Normal Van Main Street started as a Normal Van food truck. Now overlooking life on the main street of Margs, the American-style burger joint uses fresh Margaret River produce, supporting local merchants, farmers, and businesses. The meat patties are juicy and the American yellow cheese is just so good. Tip: don’t wear white when trying to wrap your mouth around a bacon cheeseburger. The sauces, patties and buns are made from scratch. Check Facebook for specials.
Normal Van bacon cheese burger. Photo: Dianne Bortoletto
.
Margaret River Brewhouse
The Brewhouse, officially renamed to Margaret River Beer Co, is a local favourite for three good reasons: it’s close to town, it has a great vibe, and the beer and food are always good. The crisp and gooey-filled cheeseburger roti is a hundred times better than its fast-food chain namesake and the Vietnamese inspired squid salad draws diners back time and again, some reportedly driving hours just to have it. Playground for the kids tucked a little back from the main dining and it’s dog friendly. Check Facebook for specials and updates.
Squid Salad at Margaret River Brewhouse. Photo: Facebook
.
Riversmith
This cafe is now fully licensed that offers a tapas menu Thursday to Sunday and happy hour 4.45pm-5.45pm with $10 pints. Tapas include patatas bravas, proscuitto sliders, calamari, and cauliflower popcorn. There’s a good selection of local wines on the list. It’s open Monday to Sunday for breakfast/brunch. Check their website for more.
Riversmith. Photo: Facebook
.
Settlers Tavern
In the centre of Margaret River’s main street is the iconic Settlers Tavern. The pub, music venue and bistro has a proper ‘low and slow’ American Yoder smoker that’s fired up daily at dawn. ‘The Tav’ serves a taste of the US-of-A with ‘Texas Smokehouse’ beef brisket, slow cooked lamb ribs, four different burgers with the option of adding American cheese, a brisket steak sandwich, buffalo hot wings and more. It’s cosy in winter and the alfresco terrace is packed in summer. It’s won best pub wine list in Australia a number of times. Book ahead on weekends.
Lamb shank in front of a cosy fire at Settlers Tavern. Photo: Dianne Bortoletto
.
The Common Bistro
One of my local faves – you can often find me perched on a stool on The Common deck watching the sunset over the ocean, a pint in hand. 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, and on the lighter side, there’s fish tacos and salads. Located in Gnarabup, about 10 mins from Margaret River town, happy hour every day from 5pm-6pm is a favourite with the locals where you can grab cheap pints, wine and bites. Check Facebook for events and live music.
Fish Tacos at The Common at sunset. Photo: Dianne Bortoletto
.
The River Hotel
Open 7 days ‘til late, this casual diner offers the classics along with dishes like miso roasted eggplant, yellow fish curry, and masala lamb ribs, along with kids meals. It’s probably better known as a live music venue and puts on a rollicking party. Book a room and won’t have to travel when the party ends. More here.
Inside The River Hotel in Margaret River. Photo: Facebook
.
The Sea Garden Cafe
In Prevelly, licensed The Sea Garden Cafe is open for dinner on certain nights of the week, which varies with the seasons. Burgers and tacos always go down well, and they do some of the best chips and aioli around town. Great ocean views from the front terrace, perfect for sunset lovers. It’s also open for breakfast and lunch most days. Check Facebook for daily specials and opening hours.
Sunset views from Sea Garden. Photo: Facebook
.
Spice Odysee Food Van
The best dahl and roti I’ve ever had is from Spice Odysee Food Van, parked up at Margaret River Rotary Park every Wednesday and Friday evening. Using locally sourced ingredients, the curry van menu includes samosas, masala potatoes, beef vindaloo, lamb rogan josh and crowd favourite butter chicken. Spice Odysee also has a restaurant in Busselton. Check Facebook for locations around the region and nightly specials.
Spice Odysee Food Van. Photo: Facebook