Pop-up restaurants and festivals come and go, but often leave a significant impact; we’ve gathered a round-up of those we think are unmissable this year. Get your pen ready and block out time for these in 2026 – you won’t regret it!
Jacob D’Vauz is an expert of the slow burn, his Special Delivery popup at Doubleview Bowls Club gradually growing from double to triple-digit covers. So it’s no wonder that Magnolia BBQ has gained the same traction. After his Modus Coffee residency and opening Gwelup Fish and Chips, D’Vauz will be taking his deeply personal pop-up local, national and international this year, getting to the heart of the culinary culture, representation and ingredients of the Malay Archipelago. Follow their IG to get the latest news.
Serving an ever-changing Burmese-leaning menu from a skate park kiosk put Dahl Daddys on the map. Margaret River locals and visitors alike were gutted when they announced closure of their permanent spot last year. While on the hunt for a site for 2.0, they’ve flipped to pop-ups, locally and nationally. Be sure to keep an eye on their socials through the year (keeping fingers crossed for a new permanent address).
Western Australia is never short on culinary festivals. As the weather cools, Plateful Perth will return in June with exclusive dining offers and chef-led experiences, and there’s no better time to get in the mix at Cabin Fever (17–26 July) in the Margaret River region, which is all about open fires, good wine, great beer and culinary collabs that will light up your winter. Pair’d (dates in late 2026 TBC) has cemented itself as one of Australia’s must-visit wine and food festivals. In 2025, the likes of Francis Mallmann, Dave Pynt and Josh Niland were involved in sell-out events.
Whether they’re a part of regional festivals, delighting city diners, or doing their own thing on outback stations, roving dining experience Fervor rivals many of the State’s best restaurants in terms of culinary cred. Chef Paul Iskov utilises his decades-long experience with native ingredients, building collaborative relationships with First Nations communities, to create a series of unforgettable events.
Busselton Pavilion is home to Supper Club, a 30-seat dining room where chef Brendan Pratt (Parker Group Culinary Director and our Regional Chef of the Year 2021) hosts a rotating calendar of special events and one-off collabs.
In Perth, Mane Liquor (Osborne Park) have curated belting culinary pop-ups in recent years. Consider all these your invitation: show up, eat well and be part of what defines the year ahead.