Why Margaret River should be on your Australian bucket list
Margaret River has been beckoning travellers with its breathtaking landscapes, world-class wineries, and downright dreamy food scene for the last five decades. This once-sleepy town has evolved into a booming wine and food region and has since become an essential pit stop for anyone craving to explore Australia's culinary scene on a road trip around Australia. Aside from its fresh and flavoursome cuisine, Margaret River is renowned for hosting world surfing competitions at its pristine beaches, cultivating some of the state's freshest produce, and contributing to Australia’s specialty wine economy. Margaret River is a perfect addition to any Western Australia road trip itinerary planner, and hiring a campervan to travel this region has never been easier with the Perth maui branch just three hours north!
The top 10 foodie experiences in Margaret River
If you are still asking yourself, ‘which food is Margaret River known for?’ – well, it’s time to venture into our list of the best food in Margeret River. From the most delectable and intimate dinners in Margaret River to the expansive vineyards known for the best winery lunch in Margaret River, the culinary spectrum in the restaurants in Margaret River is as varied as it is rich. Let’s dive in:
- 2. Glenarty Road
- 3. Cullen Wines
- 4. Blue Manna Bistro
- 5. Normal Van
- 6. Vasse Felix
- 7. The Common
- 8. Fishbone
- 9. Chow's Table
- 10. Morries
Image: Tourism Western Australia
1. Miki’s Open Kitchen
Miki’s Open Kitchen is known for its embodiment of the Japanese art of omakase (this roughly translates to ‘I trust you, chef’.) In this culinary method, the chef curates a personalized dining experience for each guest, providing a true adventure that’s hard to find elsewhere! At Miki’s, every dish is crafted meticulously with hand-picked local ingredients, resulting in a brilliant fusion of Japanese methods and Margaret River’s fresh produce. Best of all, the open kitchen layout allows diners to witness the magic unfold as each plate is prepared with precision and flair. This one is an essential addition to every Australia road trip in our book!
2. Glenarty Road
Nestled among Margaret River’s picturesque vineyards, Glenarty Road is an experience that champions the heart of farm-to-table dining. Their commitment to sustainability and seasonality is palpable and reflected in their ever-evolving menu. The restaurant boasts an ethos deeply rooted in celebrating the cycle of farming, as well as prestigious awards like Best Reginal Restaurant, Cellar Door with Best Food and plenty more – you can rest assured that you are in good hands when looking for a spot for lunch or dinner in Margaret River.If the food wasn’t enough, as you indulge in dishes that capture the freshest of each season's produce, you will be treated to panoramic views of lush vineyards, grazing sheep and a vegetable garden - the ultimate foodie dream!
3. Cullen Wines
When planning an Australia road trip to the southwest, Cullen Wines is a no-brainer addition to any campervan itinerary. This is an institution around these parts and stands as a testament to the sublime synthesis of exceptional winemaking and culinary artistry at work here. Beyond its celebrated biodynamic carbon-neutral wines, the estate offers a dining adventure that's both organic and exquisite. Each dish of their 4-course set menu is crafted with locally sourced ingredients (90% of which are grown in one of their own five biodynamic kitchen gardens) and meticulously designed to complement their wine list, resulting in a harmonious dining experience. As you work your way through the menu, it becomes evident that there's a deeper narrative at play - one of respect for the land, sustainable practices, and a commitment to showcasing the pure, unadulterated flavours of the region.This is a clear contender when it comes to the best winery lunch in the Margaret River region.
4. Blue Manna Bistro
If you are looking to indulge in the ocean’s bounty, look no further than Blue Manna Bistro. Here, the day’s freshest catch is transformed into a masterpiece and is enjoyed against the stunning backdrop of Western Australia's coastline. As you enter, the familiar scent of the salt and sea greets you, teasing at the juicy prawns, tender crabs, and freshly shucked oysters that are to come. The menu highlights the bounties of the local waters, ensuring that every meal is, quite literally, as fresh as it gets. Blue Manna Bistro prides itself on sourcing all of its seafood as locally as possible while also being sustainable, with one exception – the Ora King Salmon from New Zealand. With its prime coastal location, diners can enjoy their dinner or lunch in Margaret River with the soothing backdrop ambience of waves.
Image: Instagram - @flynngraham_
5. Normal Van
Don't let the name fool you; there's nothing 'normal' about the gourmet delights that come out of Normal Van. This popular food truck has mastered the art of quick yet delectable meals and is the perfect sport for a quick lunch in Margaret River. Whether it's their signature gourmet burgers or the golden, crispy hand-cut fries that have become a local favourite, Normal Van promises quality with every bite. When you rent a van to travel the region, it's a perfect lunch stop to sample some of the food Margaret River is known for without the time required for a long, formal meal. Best of all, the relaxed vibe and occasional live performances nearby add a touch of local charm to the whole experience.
6. Vasse Felix
Vasse Felix is easily one of the best winery lunches in Margaret River for modern Australian cuisine. Renowned as Margaret River's founding wine estate, this iconic restaurant in Margaret River seamlessly marries the sophistication of winemaking with culinary finesse. Even though Vasse Felix is known for their amazing wines, the on-site restaurant is not just an afterthought; it stands as a hallmark of contemporary Australian dining, sporting multiple awards and being noted as a benchmark of its kind by leading critics. Here, meticulously flavoured dishes play in harmony with exceptional wines, all set within the enchanting rolling vineyards – a must-do on an Australia road trip through this iconic wine region.
7. The Common
In the bustling heart of Margaret River lies The Common, a haven for diverse culinary cravings with its classic pub and bistro fare. From smoky wood-fired pizzas to innovative tapas that bring bursts of flavour with each bite, their menu resonates with the pulse of the region. While the food is classic, it’s The Common's comfortable and laid-back ambience, with laughter, chatter, and clinking glasses, that makes this the perfect relaxed joint for dinner in Margaret River. The atmosphere is perfect for catching up with friends or destressing after a long day of travel. This home away from home offers the best laid-back vibes and bistro food Margaret River has to offer, hands down.
8. Fishbone
Fishbone presents a delightful duality that Margaret River visitors adore, perfect for those looking for a unique lunch in Margaret River. On one hand, it’s a gorgeous cellar door with selections that reflect the unique terroir of the region. On the other, it’s a sushi sanctuary where the freshest ingredients are transformed into artful sushi creations. Whether you've settled on their scenic terrace or opted for a sushi takeaway, the experience is undeniably Fishbone—authentic, fresh, and unforgettable. Pair that with their wine offerings, from the crisp whites to the nuanced reds, imported sake, or local beers, and you have yourself a contender for one of the best restaurants in Margaret River.
9. Chow’s Table
Chow’s Table stands as a gateway to the culinary brilliance of the East in the heart of Margaret River.
10. Morries
At Morries, dining transcends the ordinary. Positioned in Margaret River's vibrant heart, it captures the essence of the region while adding its unique tapas twist. The menu focuses on a tapas-style dining experience with options from mouthwatering boas oozing with flavour to gourmet Shark Bay prawns showcasing the freshest local produce. But it's not just the food—Morries shines in the drinks department, too, with their craft cocktails stirred and shaken to perfection. As the sun sets, the ambience shifts with live music filling the air. Morries transforms into a lively hotspot, making it an essential evening experience for both locals and travellers. A top contender for dinner in Margaret River followed by a relaxed night out!
Image: Instagram - @theramblerco
Places to stay in Margaret River
With so many incredible places to check out, there is no better way to experience this region than with a campervan holiday. Here are a few of the best places to park your motorhome while exploring the best food in the Margaret River region:
Margaret River Tourist Park
The Margaret River Tourist Park is located right in the heart of town, allowing for easy access to all of the best restaurants in Margaret River. The park offers wonderful facilities for the whole family, including beautiful shady sites, a swimming pool, barbeque areas, laundry and plenty of playground equipment for the kids.
Cost: A fully powered site for your campervan starts at $29 per night.
RAC Margaret River Nature Park
Located just out of town, the RAC Margaret River Nature Park is the perfect spot to immerse yourself back into nature while exploring the incredible food that Margaret River has to offer. Nestled in the towering timers of the Wooditjup National Park, you can enjoy your eco-stay at a powered site in your campervan while still only being a short walk from the heart of town and all of the incredible restaurants in Margaret River. Best of all, it has plenty of wonderful facilities onsite, including nature playgrounds, a camp kitchen and laundry, campfire pits and even mountain bike hire for the local trails.
Cost: A powered site for your campervan starts at $50 a night.
Riverview Tourist Park
Right on the banks of Warperup Creek, Riverview Tourist Park (as you may expect) gives visitors an idyllic river view. This riverside park is a wonderful place to unwind in your motorhome after a day of exploring wineries and eating amazing food. With plenty of onsite facilities, including barbeque areas, a camp kitchen, and even canoe hire, you have everything you need for your campervan holiday. The park is also within walking distance to the centre of Margaret River, as well as its close proximity to the creek and state forest provides plenty of opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and nature walks.
Cost: Powered campervan sites at Riverview Tourist Park start at $35 a night.
Ready to explore the best places to eat in Margaret River?
This guide only scrapes the surface of the incredible food that Margaret River has to offer. If your senses are tingling with anticipation, book your maui motorhome online today, then all that is left to do is to pick up your campervan from the local Perth maui branch and let the flavourful van travel journey begin. For more tips on diving deep into Australia’s culinary heartland, exploring the best local farmers' markets, knowing what to pack, choosing the right motorhome, and other essential motorhome tips for your gastronomic odyssey, check out the maui blog.