Every year we travel the state, searching for the best eating and drinking. We go beyond the hospitality hotspots of Perth and the Margaret River region. We’re on the long road to Broome, or down through the Southern Forests and into the Great Southern. We’re in Wheatbelt towns and taking the drive to Esperance. Thousands of kilometres later and many calories expended, we’re always asking ourselves, ‘can we just add a few more?’ So here’s just some of our review season, ‘ones that got away’, those that didn’t make the lists but we would wholeheartedly recommend.
When heading north from Perth, seafood should be on your radar. Cervantes is home to the famed Lobster Shack, and further north is Finlay’s Kalbarri, a brewpub that has been specialising in fresh WA seafood for over 30 years.
Up in Broome, serious fun is to be had at the Continental Hotel’s fire-driven Papá Fuego with its Latin-leaning menu and vibe. Also see, lively, Italo-focused Johnny Sausage at the Mangrove Hotel.
On the Dampier Peninsula, the café at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm doesn’t just have epic views of the tidal landscape, stained pindan red, but its menu features the freshest pearl meat you’ll ever try. Used by Australia’s most revered restaurants, the delicacy is worth the drive.
Winter may bring you to the Southern Forests, the epicenter of black truffle cultivation in the southern hemisphere. At Hound & Hunter Fine Foods in Manjimup, renowned chef and truffle grower David Coomer creates premium truffle products and gourmet deli items, including everything from chicken liver and black truffle pâté to rillettes, traditionally made miso, and a contender for WA’s best sausage roll.
Heading east, Peaceful Bay Fish and Chips is somewhat legendary (it’s worth timing your trip around their frying times). Passing through Denmark, coffee at Kindfolk isn’t just about getting your ca ffeine fix but soaking up the welcoming community vibes imbued by owner Kaya (formerly of Two Seas Collective in Augusta).
In Albany, enjoy the French charm of Majuba, and check out local beer talent Wilson Brewing Co who’ve taken up residence at the former premises of the historic White Star Hotel. Down on the harbourside Due South excels in solid counter meals, a great beer list and views out over King George Sound.
It’s easy to work up an appetite in Esperance on walks in the Cape Le Grand National Park. Kick back at Lucky Bay Brewing, book dinner at charming Bistro Louis and grab coffee at Downtown Espresso Bar. For baked goods (a cinnamon scroll for the ages) head to Little Local, an offshoot of home bakery Bread Local. In a state this vast, the distance is part of the flavour, and arriving hungry makes that first bite all the better.