REVIEW
Caves Road is Margaret River’s golden mile, a scenic route studded with prize wineries (Vasse Felix, Cullen, Pierro) and Cape Lodge, a hinterland estate offering upscale accommodation and dining to match. Chef Michael Elfwing and his floor staff do much of the heavy lifting in a dated dining room beside a pretty lake. His innovative menu might stray to Sardinia for a pitch-perfect amuse-bouche of crisp carasau bread smeared with chèvre and truffled honey, then romp home to Western Australia (via Spain and North Africa) in an inspired offering of grilled Busselton octopus with Padrón peppers and a hot lick of harissa. Service is suave and continental, from the Italian barman mixing crisp Martinis to the French maître d’ prescribing from a wine list brimming with local and Old-World potential. The culinary flourishes extend to desserts, where luscious hazelnut moelleux partners with avocado ice-cream. Fortune favours the bold.
Phone:
(08) 9755 6311
Website:
Bookings:
Bookings essential
Features:
Licensed
Bar
Vegetarian-friendly
Wheelchair Access
Outdoor dining
Private room
Impressive Wine List
Accepted card types:
American Express
Diners Club
Eftpos
MasterCard
Visa
Chef(s):
Michael Elfwing
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide’s reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.
Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide
Wine: ★ ★
Gourmet Traveller’s star-ratings, which range from zero to three stars, reflect reviewers’ first-hand experiences. The best-rated restaurants form our national Top 100. Our wine ratings, from zero to three stars, are made by wine editor Max Allen on the strength of the quality of the restaurant’s wine list. View our rating key here.
