If your just driving into town and your wanting to pick up some quality, nourishing and yummy take away you can't go past:
Chow (08) 9757 9000, in town
I reckon the best takeaway in Australia. The meals are cooked fresh and, with a Chef and Cooks wearing white hats! The big surprise is that they are affordably priced. The idea is to get their number on your phone, and when driving down from Perth, give them a call, check out the specials of the day, give them your E.T.A, pick it up on your way through town and when you get to your destination, all you have to do is find yourself a knife and fork, pour a glass of wine, put your feet up, and relax with your yummy Chow!
Last year I bought some dinner vouchers for my friends who had helped me out with the dogs. It went down really well.
Blue Ginger (08) 9758 7619, on Station Rd
http://www.bluegingerfinefoods.com/index.php
These guys also have some yummy things on offer for a pick up and takeaway. They have also got some great ideas for a picnic at the Cape Mentelle Winery Movies in the Vineyard, outdoor cinema.
 |
| Blue Ginger Deli |
http://www.larder.biz/
I haven't tried their take away nosh, but know others who have, and love it. I am wanting to try the Dhal.
Breakfast Favourites
Urban Bean
One of my most favourites. Great coffee. Organic produce and dog friendly. Its at the top of the main street (Bussell Hwy Margs) on the eastern side.
 |
| V Yummy Local Eggs + Local Olive Oil @ Urban Bean |
At the bottom of the street, (Bussell Hwy, Margs) as you are driving into town from Busselton. Great coffee. Good food. Quirky and comfy. The biggest, most tempting meringues you have ever seen. My favourites are the pastry Snails and I love their cakes.
 |
| The Margaret River Bakery |
31 Station Rd, Margs. Good coffee, good food. I love the deli and the fruit and vege shop that is attached.
 |
| Blue Ginger |
The White Elephant
(Currently, opening at 8am on the weekends until 10 and then they are staying open longer, weather depending)
Another one of my favourites. On the beach at Gnarabup. Only open in the warmer weather. Great coffee. Good breakfasts, lunches. Sensational location. Not so dog friendly, you have to tie the dogs up, outside the cafe area, which is ok when it's cool. Don't forget to check if they are open. And, I think BYO.
 |
| The view from The White Elephant |
Lunch
Cafe's:
Urban Bean
The Bakery
Blue Ginger
The White Elephant (currently closed for winter)
Are all great for lunch, I have enjoyed a wine at Sea Gardens and The White Elephant over looking the sea and spotting whales, lovely!
Restaurants:
It's always good practice to book the restaurants.
Watershed Restaurant and Cafe *****
One of my favourites...read more
Olio Bello***
Noofie took us there this week (June 2012). Freshly made pasta's and pizza's. BYO. Everyone else's lunches looked amazing as well. I think they are only open for lunch. Delish. Good for kids. A lovely setting amongst the olive trees. I dare you to go and not buy any of their products. I am going back with a shopping basket... must try the mandarin oil!
 |
| Olio Bello Prawn Pasta, made fresh that day |
http://www.oliobello.com/shop/
 |
| Olio Bello Shop, great produce and lovely branding |
Cullens *****
I love Cullen's. Mum and I always head up there for a bottle of Mangan and a beautiful lunch.
 |
| Lunch @ Cullens rated in my top 5 |
Leeuwin Estate *****
 |
| Mary Q's Birthday lunch with Noofi & I @ Leeuwin Estate |
 |
| Leeuwin Estate rates in my top 5 |
 |
| The Leeuwin Estate restaurant deck, Melbourne Cup 2011, they held a pony race on the grounds below |
Voyager Estate ***** South of Margaret River
(currently going through some renovations, seems to everything, the website, cellar door and restaurant, they have put a marquee up and are open for tastings and afternoon teas, not sure about lunch, might head out there this weekend.)
From the moment you drive into Voyager Estate, you know you have arrived some where special. Their attention to detail, from the largest Australian flag, to their clipped and coiffed gardens. I love their architecture, its inspired from another place but lives comfortably in our landscape. You can't help but want to try their wines at the cellar door. And, then it would be hard to go past enjoying a fabulous meal in their plush restaurant. Very comfortable.
 |
| Voyager, great flag, great wine, great food |
Clairault Restaurant and Winery
Big changes here. At the moment I have heard that the restaurant and winery are closing as they change hands (read more here from the The West)
Pubs
I confess to being a bit of a pub girl. Don't get me wrong, I love fine dining, I love any dining, I have been to some of the finest restaurants in the world, I still possess a card which has the number of the duck that was pressed at La Tour d'Argent in Paris. That was many life times ago. But, the good thing about a pub, is that it is casual. And, sometimes they get it right with the kitchen and the beverage list. Also, you can be anyone, you can be the kind of person who is there to enjoy just one beer and this is your social event for the week. Or, you can be a famous wine maker enjoying local produce and perhaps trying someone else's wine (which I witnessed the other day). There are only 3 pubs in Margaret River and each offer something good and different.Settlers Tavern*** In the main street, Bussell Hwy Margaret River
Settlers Tavern is a lunch time favourite of mine, I often take visitors there when they are looking for something casual. All their meals are made from local produce and are of good quality. I have had a mushroom soup so thick you could stand your spoon up in it. Summer, I have been enjoying the chicken satay with their homemade satay sauce. The fish is often from Augusta and fresh. They have won awards for their wine list. They are definitely worth a visit.
 |
| Settlers nosh |
