I love a long lunch at a Margaret River winery. If the kids are well occupied – so much the better! Fishbone Wines pairs top-notch wine with modern Japanese cuisine, creating a unique spot in the heart of the Margaret River “golden triangle” region. Found directly opposite the famous Margaret River Chocolate Factory, the modern cellar door opens onto a patio with farmland views. We stopped by for a late lunch, after working up an appetite playing soccer golf at the Golf Gardens, about 1km down the road.
We’ve been here san-kids, but this time Mr H and I had the full tribe in tow. Last time, I had had just enough wine to have the courage to say hi to the lead singer one of my favourite Aussie bands (Ocean Alley) who had also dropped by for lunch. This time, I was designated driver, so no wine lol. While the wine is excellent (their Chardonnay is a ripper), their fresh and GF friendly food keeps me coming back again and again – this may have been my fifth visit?
The Japanese fusion restaurant is a standout. While there’s plenty to eat for the adults, the kids’ menu is also properly thought out, moving beyond the usual chips etc (though they have those too for those kiddos who are not adventurous with Asian cuisine).
My lot can’t get enough of the crispy chicken karaage (aka “karate” chicken), and the boys like to try the sushi rolls – which come in many fresh fillings.
I’m always torn between the fresh sushi rolls (like salmon and avo) and the bulgogi loaded fries – so I have both *wink*.
And if you try to eat chips with chopsticks – we found they last longer!
There’s no playground here, but colouring sheets should keep little hands from being restless.
It certainly kept Mr 10 busy!
There’s lots of lawn for handstands, and just beyond the back fence, there may be cows in the paddocks.
And of course, be sure to check out the fishtank on the way out!
I suggest booking well ahead for lunch, especially in school holidays and on weekends as Fishbone gets very busy. While it’s not the type of place kids can run riot in a playground, I’d definitely take older kids to dine there, especially if they love their food! Don’t forget to grab a bottle of their wine to take home too.
Find Fishbone Wines at 422 Harmans Mill Road, Wilyabrup.
Get more info on their website.
Find more things to do in Margaret River here.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life” has enjoyed an exciting name change in 2021, as “The Chef’s Ex-wife” embarks on new adventures with Simply PERTHfect. Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA, as well as brunching, tapas or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her son “Little Chef” in tow, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
