There are many, many quality winery restaurants in the Margaret River region. Recently, we tried a winery that’s quite different to the usual south west spot. Fishbone has your classic offering of superb Margaret River wines, but here there’s a little twist – we enjoyed the wines in their sushi restaurant.

The Wine

I always like to begin a winery lunch with a wine tasting, to suss out my favourite drop to enjoy with our meal. The Fishbone cellar door has some cracking wines! Though it’s no surprise, as their Winemaker Stuart Pierce has won many awards, including the prestigious Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy in 2010. My pick is their fruity 2017 chardonnay.

At Fishbone, there’s casual dining outside on the terrace, with a view over the rolling lawns and countryside.

We sat in the modern dining room, by the vibrant fishtanks and artworks.

The Food

The Japanese-Korean fusion menu has so many tasty morsels to choose from and the food is very easy to share. Larger meals like ramen bowls, salad and fried rice sound mouth-watering too. The sushi roll portions come in half (4 rolls) and full (8 rolls). The Bulgogi Barbeque rolls GF ($17/$30) are stuffed with marinated Wagyu beef, lettuce, avocado, and spring onion.

Double salmon rolls GF ($17/$30) are filled with fresh salmon, avocado, onion, spring onion, topped with lightly torched, aburi salmon and sparkling fish roe, with teriyaki sauce, mayo.

The miso pork, with crisp katsu pork was also popular on our table of 3.

On the specials board were Bulgogi fries ($12) topped with the moreish bbq beef, sour cream and spicy mayo. These were bloody delicious and I’m so happy to see they’ve now made it to the main menu.

Desserts are by locals Tucker and co. These all-raw treats are totally guilt free too as they are gluten, dairy and refined sugar free. We shared three. White Choc and Blueberry Cake ($8.50) Cashew and coconut flesh, with white choc and berry. Topped with white choc cream and coconut beetroot sprinkles

My favourite was the orange blossom and raspberry square ($10). A wild orange and vanilla slice on an almond biscuit base, topped with raspberry, lemon curd and dried edible flowers. The peanut butter wheel ($7.50) is also delicious. Simple, raw handmade peanut butter and caramel coated in chocolate. These were scrumptious desserts to enjoy a little something sweet, without feeling like you’ve overeaten.

We loved our light lunch at Fishbone. The friendly, chatty service is really something special, as is the food and wine. Bookings are highly recommended at the popular spot. I’d absolutely go back for seconds (and thirds!).

Find out more on Fishbone Wines here.

When I’m dreaming about my next break in Margs, images of leafy wineries, lush forests and the untouched, rugged beach terrain dance around in my head. The ocean is so popular here, though there aren’t too many spots where you can dine by the sea… which is what makes White Elephant Cafe in Gnarabup so darn popular! The ocean view dining spot in the Margaret River region enjoys stunning views over Gnarabup Beach and serves up healthy and hearty breakfasts, lunches and coffee n’ cake.

We were staying just 5 minutes away at the beautiful air bnb Retreat on Roxburgh. A big breakfast at White Elephant Cafe was in order, before a busy day of wine tastings! The beach side spot is incredibly popular, which is no surprise when you spot that view! The 2 car parks get packed out in Summer. We visited mid-week, and there were plenty of shaded outside tables, there’s also space indoors for when it gets a bit breezy.

The breakfast menu is served until 12 noon and includes bircher muesli, Spanish eggs, Freo sardines and more. Service is minimal but friendly, with orders taken at the window and drinks orders picked up via buzzer from the main serving counter. There’s a good range of coffee, tea, smoothies and juices.

The Food

I loved the smashed pumpkin on toasted sourdough ($19.50), with fresh avocado, feta, runny poached eggs and spiced pumpkin seeds. I don’t mind a veggie dish, but I couldn’t resist a side of bacon.

My Dad chose the brekkie burger ($14.50). It’s usually served on a fluffy toasted milk bun, though he opted for the gluten free option. Brimming with crisp bacon, runny egg, cheddar cheese, aioli and tangy tomato relish.

Here, the food is as delicious as the view. We really enjoyed our brunch and I would absolutely return to White Elephant Café.

Get more info on their website: www.whiteelephantcafe.com.au/

There’s a new burger joint in Margs! Burger Baby is found on Bussell Highway – right in the heart of town. The casual eatery has an eclectic, vintage vibe. At Burger Baby you can dine inside, where there’s lots of tables, as well as comfy sofas. The alfresco area, which overlooks the main street, looks pretty special at night with its fairy lights all lit up.

The table service is small-town friendly. The chatty staff gave us helpful suggestions, as we decided which burgers to choose from the menu, which also features chicken burgers, pork belly burgers (yum!), lentil burgers and more.

Chef chose the Everything Burger ($19) on a buttery brioche bun. As the name suggests, it’s a massive burger, brimming with beef, bacon, caramelised onion, tomato, greens, pickles, melted cheese and mayo. The 70% grass fed beef patties are finished with wagyu, just to add a little extra fat content. You know, fat = flavour after all.

I chose the “everything burger” too. The gluten free bun was totally stuffed with so much tastiness. It’s a delicious burger, and the GF bun was one of the best I’ve had!

Little Chef wolfed down a mini beef cheese burger ($9). There is also a mini chicken n cheese kid’s burger available. We shared a piping hot serve of chips. There are plenty of sides, like loaded chips, corn and salads available too.

For families who love a game night there’s a pile of board games (Guess Who, Cluedo etc), as well as a pool table and foosball table. Little Chef found a few friends and had a great time playing foosball.

Burger Baby’s fresh and tasty burgers are well worth checking out for a delicious and great value family meal in Margaret River town.

Find Burger Baby at 1/115 Bussell Highway, Margaret River, WA.

Bina Maya Yallingup Escape is a must for your next getaway in the Margaret River region. We were invited to stay in the shiny and new two bedroom villa, for a blissful two nights, by owners Sara and Tim. I had a ball looking around the luxury Adrian Zorzi built villa – let me show you…

The luxe Bina Maya, which opened early in 2108, has a secluded bushland feel. Saying that, it’s only minutes from the conveniences of Dunsborough and Yallingup. Not to mention the amazing local wineries… 

Offering a two bedroom “Villa” or four bedroom “Residence”, both spots at Bina Maya feature uninterrupted bushland views, open plan living, luxe bathrooms and stunning design features like a floating dining table, Italian leather sofas and big, comfy beds.

Outside, you’ll find landscaped gardens and a deck for alfresco dining. Bina Maya is set in 7.5 acres of native bushland. It’s a magical place at dawn – Bina’s meaning is “light of the morning” and Maya means “our hut” in Aboriginal. There’s bush tracks to walk around the property where you’re likely to see kangaroos, and a creek flows in winter. The local roos love to nibble on the lawn, we spotted one with a joey at dusk. Little Chef was so excited!

Once we’d settled in at our villa, I poured myself a glass of wine and found a spot to read by the window – I felt a million miles away from anywhere.

A Foodie’s Paradise

The state of the art kitchen is well equipped with pretty much anything a Chef could need. Trust me – he checked out all the cupboards and draws! From a well-stocked pantry with basics like herbs, EVOO and flour, to an essential Nespresso machine and lots of utensils and appliances – you’ll be able to cook up a storm at Bina Maya.

Chef loved cooking in the kitchen, what better way to make the most of the fantastic local produce. He threw together some easy “Posh Dawgs” with locally made Beef and Bootleg Brewery Stout sausages, Margaret River Kimchi and local cheese. And BBQ’d lamb cutlets with a beet and quinoa salad for me. So tasty!

The stunning kitchen also has some cool features like a ultra-mod tap, that clicks out to be used like a hose in the sink. There’s even a dedicated wine fridge, to pop your wine bottles in, keeping them at the perfect drinking temperatures – red or white. And the practical laundry is cleverly hidden away behind cupboard doors. And of course there’s a BBQ on the deck for cooking in the great outdoors.

Indulge

A retreat is the perfect time to focus on yourself and do those things you don’t have time to do at home – like take a long bubble bath with a glass of wine! The custom-made bath caddys are so handy – with spots for your wine glass, candles, even your iPad!

Tech Savvy

Though you might want a retreat to get away from the bright city lights and digital world, handy WiFi is available at Bina Maya. There’s also a Sonos smart wireless speaker to stream your phone’s music playlist to. I had a bit of Oasis and 90s rock in the background while we enjoyed our dinner on the deck. Streaming services are also available to watch on the TVs. Perfect for binge-watching in the king-sized beds!

Comfort

Sara really has thought of everything, no expense has been spared. From slipping in-between the indulgent organic cotton sheets, or wrapping yourself in a fluffy bathrobe, to underfloor heating in the luxury bathrooms – essential during those South West winters!

Another winter must is their designer European Morso fireplace, which I bet will be so cosy. All the quality organic toiletries are locally sourced and contain no nasties. The Enliven botanical mint hand wash smells divine. I literally couldn’t stop smelling my hands!

Yoga

Massage treatments or private yoga and Pilates sessions are available at Bina Maya. I can’t recommend Daphne from Solas enough. She had mountains of patience working with me, a yoga virgin, and I totally loved it.

Last year I took time out to focus on my health. I wasn’t feeling great and came to the conclusion that a lot of it was attributed to gluten. Now that I’ve ditched the bread and pasta, I feel much better and moving into 2018 I’ve looked at ways in which I can feel even better by adding more exercise and movement into my daily life, which is largely spent chained to my laptop. This yoga lesson is a positive little step in this direction!

And thank you Daphne for my natural Solas Essentials goodies. More on Solas here.

Need Something a bit larger?

The neighbouring “Residence” was having the finishing touches put to it when we stayed at Bina Maya. If you think the Villa is breathtaking, just wait till you see this…

The four bedroom, 2 bathroom residence features a huge open plan living area, one of the most stunning kitchens I have seen (imagine cooking in there!), which opens out to a large deck with day beds and huge entertaining area.

The larger house is perfect for a family getaway, a group of couples or a girly weekend (many of the king beds can be split into singles) or even a small wedding.

What’s Nearby?

Bina Maya is sooooo close to some fantastic spots… there’s pristine bushland and beaches (my favourite has to Meelup). The villa is just a few streets from Yallingup Woodfired Bread. Their bread comes hot out of the oven each afternoon. Head there about 4pm to pick up a fresh loaf, Little Chef loved their rustic fruit loaf.

One of my favourite wineries of all time Happs is close by. I’ve long been a fan of pretty much all their wines, their rosé and preservative free range in particular. Their Dry rosé is new to me and I loved it. Simmos Icecreamery is also just around the corner, where we headed for goofy golf and a scoop or two.

Cape Naturalise Lighthouse, is a short drive away and a tour to the top of the lighthouse is definitely recommended! Want to indulge even more? I headed to the award winning Bodhi J Indjinup Spa Retreat for a relaxing massage, in a treatment room with a view!

Where to Eat

In the Bina Maya handbook, Sara (a self-confessed foodie), has listed some great places to dine at in the local area, including newbie Yarri by acclaimed Chef Aaron Carr. Here’s a few of my picks…

Aravina Estate is the perfect all-rounder in the Dunsborough area. Great food, plus lush gardens, a mini motor museum, big playground, gift shop – oh and there’s wine too! This time around, we enjoyed a lazy winery lunch at Xanadu, a long standing favourite of ours (blog coming soon!). Though it’s at the southern end of the Margaret River region, it’s well worth a drive to.

Not a wine lover? That’s OK! The south west has several spots where beer drinkers will enjoy. Eagle Bay Brewing Co is a short drive away and has good food too.  And if you want to put that beautiful Bina Maya kitchen to good use, we suggest you head into Dunsborough and grab some local provisions from Merchant & Maker. We got Kimchi, gourmet salad, and more! The neighbouring Dunsborough butcher is also excellent.

Hidden away in peaceful bushland, the Scandi-chic Bina Maya villa feels a world away from the daily grind. We could see a lot of love and thought has been put into Bina Maya by Sara and Tim, to make sure each and every guest finds their happy place here (mine was sitting at the window nook).

Bina Maya is truly stunning. Book yourself a relaxing retreat there – you’ll love it.

Find out more on the Bina Maya website.

And a special mention to B Directory, who arranged this amazing weekend for us. They’re a local Perth company who bring West Aussie businesses and bloggers together.

Thanks Elsa and Kristy! X