The best winery restaurants in Margaret River

Monique CeccatoBy Monique Ceccato
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From bountiful farmhouse feasts to refined multi-course degustations worthy of a fine art exhibition, consider this your ultimate guide to wining and dining in The Margaret River region.

The Margaret River region’s Mediterranean climate is ideal for viticulture. And since the first vines were planted at regional pioneer Vasse Felix in 1967, wineries have sprung up in almost every direction, from Busselton in the north to Augusta in the south. Today, the local industry numbers more than 200-strong, has close to 100 cellar doors, and has an ever-growing contingent of top-notch winery restaurants that are expressive of the region.

While this idyllic pocket of WA has garnered many a column inch for its wine, particularly chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon, over the last two decades, it’s at risk of becoming overshadowed by the burgeoning local winery restaurant scene.

Now a hotbed for veteran chefs from across the country and abroad, as well as creatively minded up-and-comers, the Margaret River plays host to a raft of critically acclaimed eateries, many of which boast dramatic vineyard views, and, of course, tightly curated wine pairing menus that often encompass both current vintages and harder to find cellared wines.

While you may not be able to get to all of the winery restaurants in Margaret River in just one trip, a few certainly deserve a spot at the top of your holiday to-do list. Read on for details of where to start.

The shortlist:

Vasse Felix

the indoor dining at Vasse Felix, Margaret River
Indulge in a menu that highlights regional flavours and creativity, complemented by the their award-winning wines. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Thanks to Dr Tom Cullity, who decided to become a winemaker in the 1960s, Vasse Felix is home to the oldest vines in Margaret River. Today, the winery continues to raise the bar with outstanding chardonnay, as well as masterful Modern Australian fare. Under the guidance of head chef Cam Jones, the kitchen has gone from strength to strength, showcasing local produce in a truly unique way. Dining here is akin to performance art, with all the meals served on beautiful pottery hand-thrown by local ceramist and master potter Ian Beniston.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Refined

Address: Caves Road (corner of Tom Cullity Dr), Cowaramup

Amelia Park Restaurant

a waiter serving customers outside Amelia Park Restaurant, Margaret River
Relax with a glass of wine on the deck.

Though unassuming when you first arrive, Amelia Park Restaurant is anything but. Opened in 2017 by husband and wife duo Blair and Renee Allen, the sleek dining room is impressive on all fronts. Renee is in charge of the front-of-house, where you can expect impeccable service and panoramic views of the vines, while Blair heads up the culinary side. He’s centred the kitchen around the Jarrah-fired oven and grill and the a la carte menu around Amelia Park’s high-quality beef, lamb, and homegrown heirloom vegetables. Like most regional menus, it changes seasonally, but ordering the Amelia Park lamb is always a good idea.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$-$$$$

Atmosphere: Refined

Address: 3857 Caves Rd, Wilyabrup

Leeuwin Estate

a couple enjoying wine on the outdoor deck of Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River
Savour the art of fine dining in a picturesque setting (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Renowned for its Art Series wines, in-house art gallery, and staging of summer concerts, Leeuwin Estate’s in-house restaurant has five-star alfresco dining with sweeping views over the neighbouring karri forest. The Leeuwin Restaurant menu, driven by head chef Dan Gedge, doesn’t shy away from less quotidian ingredients: indulge in the restaurant’s six-course tasting menu, and you might sample cuttlefish, raw scallop, and Akoya pearl oysters. If you’re looking for an extra special occasion venue for lunch in the Margaret River, this is it.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Refined

Address: Stevens Rd, Witchcliffe

Fishbone Wines

the winery restaurant exterior of Fishbone Wines, Margaret River
Delight in the unique flavours of Japan at Fishbone Restaurant.

In a region climactically similar to the Mediterranean, it’s fair that the wines and menus lean into the flavours and styles of the region. That makes Fishbone Wines and their Japanese restaurant an anomaly. To pair with their fresh, fruit-forward wines, the casual eatery has curated a menu boasting salmon sashimi, beef tataki, and different sushi rolls, even dipping into Korean-inspired cuisine with bulgogi fries and a bulgogi bowl. In a big win for Fishbone, they’re one of the few Margaret River winery restaurants that welcome dogs (on the terrace only).

Cuisine: Japanese

Average price: $$ – $$$

Atmosphere: Casual

Address: 3857 Caves Rd, Wilyabrup

Voyager Estate

the dining interior of Voyager Estate
Everything from the furnishings to the food celebrates the region’s classic wine-country charm. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

The expansive and meticulously groomed gardens at Voyager Estate are much adored, as are this winery’s organically farmed reds, whites, and rosés. But to visit and forego a long lunch at this winery’s restaurant would be regrettable. Besides the grand feel of the dining room, with its lofty ceilings and chandeliers, there’s an equally impressive menu, one which pays homage to the seasons and complements the estate’s grapes. Expect dishes such as cured and smoked local mackerel with deep-fried curry leaf and a medley of sea greens, and seared venison with fermented and fresh rhubarb.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Refined

Address: 41 Stevens Rd, Margaret River

Swings & Roundabouts

friends dining al fresco at Swings & Roundabouts, Yallingup
Enjoy lunch outdoors on the spacious deck. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

For wine and a feed without the five-star finery, book a table at Swings & Roundabouts . Here, they bring casual, brewery-esque fare—think pumpkin and pancetta gnocchi or a garlic-marinated prawn woodfired pizza—to the table, along with approachable Meditteranean-style wines. It’s good, honest food in a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere. Kids even have their own succinct menu to order from and a gelato bar to patronise for dessert.

Cuisine: Italo-Australian

Average price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Casual

Address: 2807 Caves Rd, Yallingup

Glenarty Road

the view of the vines from Glenarty Road
Glenarty Road winery and restaurant is set on a working farm.

A self-proclaimed ‘little farm’, Glenarty Road is much more than the sum of its parts. This Karridale winery has been in the same hands for five generations, and the warm homeliness and hospitality radiate out of the simple timber farmhouse, which sits in the midst of the working farm. Despite the moreish food, impressive cool-climate wines, and fetching rustic chic interiors, which look plucked straight from the pages of Vogue Living magazine, both the restaurant and winery are gloriously devoid of any wine snobbery or culinary pomp. The three- and five-course house feasts are a celebration of the regenerative farm’s bountiful produce, best enjoyed with a glass of the estate’s ‘wild wines’. It’s not just fruit trees and veggie patches supplying the restaurant’s pantry either: owners Ben and Sasha McDonald rear their own grass-fed cattle and sheep, and even the charcuterie is housemade here.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$$-$$$$$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Address: 70 Glenarty Rd, Karridale

Wise Wine

As far as claims to fame go, Wise Wine ’s is monumental; it’s the only Margaret River winery restaurant with a view of both vines and the ocean. Seeing the glistening Eagle Bay from the dining room is reason enough to visit. However, the approachable, modern Australian menu and extensive wine portfolio—directed by Larry Cherubino of Cherubino Wines —only add to the venue’s allure. There’s a wide spread of meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes to order a la carte, changing regularly to reflect what’s in season.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Address: 237 Eagle Bay Rd Eagle Bay, Naturaliste

Rústico at Hay Shed Hill

External shot of Rustico at Hays Shed Hill Margaret River
Rustico at Hay Shed Hill delivers a different kind of winery restaurant experience. (Image: Paris Hawken Photography)

Modern Australian cuisine reigns supreme in these parts, but it’s not the only offering. At Hay Shed Hill , tapas is on the menu instead. Diners at Rustico Margaret River can savour a shared degustation menu that spans ten different dishes across five courses and includes some surprisingly luxe ingredients for the rather reasonable price of $85 a head – think Abrolhos Island scallops, western rock lobster, and duck liver. It’s a seriously indulgent feed.

Cuisine: Spanish

Average price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Casual

Address: 511 Harmans Mill Rd, Wilyabrup

Cullen Wines

Biodynamics is as important as a perfectly balanced wine to the team at Cullen Wines . All grapes are sourced from the winery’s two Biological Farmers Association of Australia-certified vineyards, and 90% of the produce used on the restaurant’s set menu comes from its five separate biodynamically cultivated gardens. The result? A nutrient-rich and unbelievably tasty four-course meal designed by head chef Ben Day that showcases produce in its purest form.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Refined

Address: 4323 Caves Rd, Wilyabrup

Wills Domain

friends dining inside Wills Domain, Margaret River
The menu at Wills Domain is thoughtfully crafted to enhance the wine selection. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

To reach the heady heights of fine dining nirvana, book a table at Wills Domain .

This Margaret River winery restaurant’s eight-course ‘chef’s signature’ degustation menu (you’ll want a three-hour seating for it) is overseen by veteran chef and culinary director Jed Gerrard – who steered eminent Perth restaurant Wildflower to critical acclaim – and the talented Sergio Labbe, who heads up the team as chef de cuisine.

Expect a menu littered with sustainable, wild-harvested produce and a who’s who of the finest WA ingredients, such as Manjimup rainbow trout and truffles, Arkady lamb and Wagin duck.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$$-$$$$$

Atmosphere: Refined

Address: 17 Brash Rd, Yallingup

For more insider tips and inspiration, see our ultimate travel guide to Margaret River.

Monique Ceccato
Monique Ceccato is a freelance travel writer and photographer hailing from Perth. Though she now spends most of her time overseas, WA's sandy beaches, jarrah forests and world-class food and wine scene will always feel like home.
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7 Kimberley experiences that need to be on your bucket list

    Australian TravellerBy Australian Traveller
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    From thundering waterfalls to ancient Indigenous art, Kimberley’s raw beauty will take your breath away.

    Wild, pristine, and shaped by nature, the Kimberley Coast is one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. A remote and rugged frontier that remains a bucket list destination for many travellers. Its most breathtaking attractions – including Montgomery Reef, King George Falls and Horizontal Falls – are accessible only by sea or air, making a guided expedition cruise aboard Silversea’s luxury expedition ship, Silver Cloud, the ideal way to explore it.

    From its intricate intertidal zones to ancient rock art, extreme tides and rare wildlife found nowhere else in Australia – or the world – this journey offers an unparalleled exploration of one of Earth’s last true wildernesses.

    Why Silversea?

    Silversea offers a 10-day expedition departing Broome, or an extended 16-day expedition voyage from Indonesia, including landings on the hidden gems of Palopo Sulawesi and Komodo. Accompanied by expert guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and extraordinary biodiversity.

    Silversea offers one of the experiential travel industry’s leading crew-to-guest ratios. Along with all-suite accommodation (80 per cent with private verandah), 24-hour butler service, a swimming pool and four dining options. Silver Cloud also has an experienced crew of multilingual expedition guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology to enhance your Kimberley Experience.

    silversea cruise ship pool deck
    Take a dip in the pool deck.

    1. Koolama Bay

    ​​Before visitors see King George Falls, they hear them – a growing rumble in the distance, steady and foreboding as the Zodiac glides through the gorge, the sound echoing off sheer rock formations. At 80 meters tall, the twin cascades carve through the red cliffs, churning the waters below in a spectacular finale – but Koolama Bay holds secrets beyond its striking scenery.

    Named after a ship that beached here following an aerial attack by Japanese bombers in World War II, the bay may seem desolate, yet it teems with life. With Silversea’s expert guides on their 10-day Kimberley itinerary, guests gain a sharper eye for its hidden wonders – rock wallabies darting across the cliffs, crocodiles lurking among dense green mangroves, and high above, the silhouette of a bird of prey circling the sky.

    King George Falls at koolama bay excursion on Silversea Kimberley Cruise
    Take a shore excursion to see King George Falls.

    2. Freshwater Cove / Wijingarra Butt Butt

    Connect with Country on a wet landing at Freshwater Cove, also known as Wijingarra Butt Butt. Considered one of the most special experiences on both the 16-day and 10-day Kimberley cruises, Silversea guests are welcomed by the traditional Indigenous custodians of the land, painted with traditional ochre, and invited to take part in a smoking ceremony.

    Located on the mainland near Montgomery Reef, Wijingarra Butt Butt holds deep cultural significance to the local Indigenous community. Here, rock formations along the shore represent spiritual ancestors, and guests are guided to a nearby rock overhang filled with ancient art, where traditional owners share the stories and meaning behind these sacred paintings.

    welcome to country on freshwater cove during silversea kimberley cruise
    Take part in a smoking ceremony. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

    3. Vansittart Bay (Jar Island)

    Modern history, ancient culture and mystery converge in Vansittart Bay, which is also known as Jar Island. Here, the first thing to catch the eye is the dented, silver fuselage of a World War II-era C-53 plane – a striking relic of the past. Yet, the true cultural treasures lie just a short hike away where two distinct styles of Indigenous rock art – Gwion Gwion and Wandjina – can be found.

    The Wandjina figures, deeply connected to Indigenous traditions, stand in stark contrast to the enigmatic Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, which date back more than 12,000 years. Significantly different in form and style, the two different styles create a striking juxtaposition, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s rich and complex past.

    aerial view of Vansittart Bay, See it in you Silversea Kimberley Cruise.
    Explore ancient Gwion Gwion rock art at Vansittart Bay. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

    4. Horizontal Falls

    Part illusion, part natural phenomenon, the Kimberley’s much-lauded Horizontal Falls aren’t a waterfall, but a tidal and geographic spectacle that visitors have to see to comprehend. Known as Garaanngaddim, the phenomenon occurs when seawater rushes through two narrow gaps- one just twenty metres wide, and the other seven metres in width, between the escarpments of Talbot Bay.

    With each tidal shift,  the force of the water creates whirlpools, furious currents and the illusion of a horizontal cascade as thousands of gallons of water are pushed and pulled in through the gap every six hours with relentless movement, making this one of the Kimberley ’s most mesmerising natural wonders.

    Horizontal Falls are described as "One of the greatest wonders of the natural world". They are formed from a break in-between the McLarty Ranges reaching up to 25m in width. The natural phenomenon is created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, creating a waterfall up to 5m high on a King tide.
    Watch whirlpools and furious currents collide. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

    5. Montgomery Reef

    As the tide turns in Montgomery Reef, magic happens. With the Kimberley’s legendary tides varying up to ten metres, at low tide the submerged reef almost appears to rise from the depths: exposing up to four metres of the sandstone reef.

    The impact is otherworldly: as the water drains, waterfalls cascade on either side of the channel,  turtles left exposed scramble and dive, and fish leap in search of sanctuary in shallow pools. Meanwhile, the dinner bell rings for the migratory seabirds dugongs, reef sharks and dolphins that scavenge and feast in the area.

    Using zodiacs, guests cruise through one of the world’s most significant inshore reef systems navigated by experienced guides, exploring the most intricate and fascinating parts of a 300-square-kilometre-wide biodiversity hotspot.

    aerial view of boat going along Montgomery Reef
    Witness seabirds, dolphins and reef sharks on the hunt.

    6. Mitchell Falls by Helicopter

    Experiencing the Kimberley by sea allows you to feel the power of the tides, but travelling by helicopter reveals the sandstone tapestry of the Kimberley, a landscape geologists believe is over 1.8 billion years old.

    One of Silversea’s most popular optional excursions , guests who opt to fly into the interior from the onboard helipad soar up above the rust-coloured landscape of the Mitchell plateau, taking in one of Australia’s most scenic waterfalls: Mitchell Falls, a series of four emerald-coloured pools gently cascades into each other, before plunging down to the river below.

    Seeing the landscape from above reveals a landscape weaved and shaped by the power of the freshwater wet season, juxtaposed to the constant lapping of the relentless and powerful tide on the coast.

    aerial view of mitchell falls on silversea helicopter excursion
    See emerald pools cascade into the river below. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

    7. Indigenous Art Caves, Wandjina Art

    The Kimberley Region of Western Australia is home to some of the most striking and significant

    Indigenous rock art in Australia. Dotted throughout the landscape are caves, cliffs and rock overhangs depicting the striking, ethereal image of Wandjina, the rainmaker spirit and creation being central to many of the Dreamtime stories in this region.

    Some of the paintings are regularly repainted by traditional custodians, while others are believed to be over 4,000 years old. Each artwork serves as both a cultural record and a living connection to the past, offering a rare opportunity to engage with the enduring traditions of the Kimberley’s Indigenous communities.

    Freshwater Cover Rock Art the kimberleys
    Walk among cultural records preserved in stone. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

    See the best of this incredible part of the world on a Silversea Kimberley cruise. Book your 10- or extended 16-day expedition voyage at silversea.com