Feast & Sip in Style: Mandurah’s Top Culinary Delights
by Alexandra Casey for SoPerth.com.au
From trendy breweries to lunchtime river cruises and wild seafood experiences, Mandurah boasts an array of top places to eat, including award-winning restaurants.
From yachts to tinnies, lobster to fish and chips, life is laid-back and leisure centres around the water. The destination is characterised by jovial dolphins, big friendly giants, mouth-watering seafood, and Christmas lights on the canals. So, it’s little wonder that the traditional name, Mandjoogoordap, translates to “meeting place of the heart”.
After its humble beginnings as a tiny fishing town, the effervescent coastal community of Mandurah has grown to become Western Australia’s largest regional city, and with it has come a bounty of eateries and bars to enjoy. Whether you’re on a romantic weekend away, holidaying with the kids, or a day out to visit the Giants of Mandurah, here are the best places to feast and sip on culinary genius.
Cafes
Wood and Stone Cafe
The foreshore location in the heart of Mandurah isn’t the only drawcard enticing punters from far and wide. The family-run Wood and Stone Café puts friendly service and quality food and drink at the forefront.
Think inner-city vibe coupled with boutique breakfast options like Caprese baked eggs, signature waffles, and brekky burgers, paired with premium coffee. The café also won ‘Best Breakfast’ at the coveted 2022 and 2023 WA Gold Plate Awards.
Mataya Eatery
Guided by an ethos that “variety is the spice of life,” Mataya Eatery sports a mission to create fresh, seasonal, and wholesome food that delights the senses and satisfies the grumbling tummy we all know too well. From acai bowls to baked goods and raw slices, Mataya boasts a range of vegan, gluten and dairy-free options so no one is left behind.
La Belle Patisserie & High Tea House
“Serving all things special” is the motto of this French provincial-inspired patisserie which has grown from modest beginnings as a small custom cake business. La Belle translates to “the beautiful” and guides the store’s focus on impressive French pastries. If you’re passing by, their high tea is a must. Expect a spoiling fit for royalty with four savoury snacks and three delightfully decadent desserts, along with two rounds of tea or coffee.
Breweries
Boundary Island Brewery
After a game of golf and six beers, the Boundary Island Brewery concept was born. Overlooking the water at Mandurah Quay Resort, it’s unsurprising the vibe is laid back, when all business plans are made on a napkin. Boundary Island Brewery is a relaxed breakfast venue, lunchtime local, and dinner tradition.
There are eight different beers at any one time, from the German pilsner and sweet and spicy ginger beer to the tropical IPA. And if you need further reason to convince you, they won the 2023 Best New Exhibitor trophy along with six medals at the Australian International Beer Awards.
Thorny Devil Brewery
From a frustration with beers that seemed all head and no body, the Thorny Devil Brewery was born. The brewery has since transformed into a contender in the craft beer world after winning numerous awards at the Australian International Beer Awards, Australian Craft Beer Awards, and Perth Royal Beer Show.
Located on the shores of Lake Clifton — home to the thrombolites — the brewing process incorporates rainwater, traditional German techniques, and fresh ingredients sourced from around the globe. Let the kids run free while you do the hard yakka drinking and dining at the BBQ restaurant.
Restaurants
Brewvino
If you’re looking for somewhere to wind down and revel in refreshments or a tasty bite, Brewvino might just be the place.
Overlooking Mandjar Bay, these guys are known for serving up the best steaks in town, among a range of delicious lunch and dinner options.
There’s something for all with a menu inspired by local produce, a selection of craft beer and tap favourites, as well as an extensive wine list and cocktail menu if you’re that way inclined. Word to the wise — the steak sandwich is worthy of a whirl, or tuck into the selection of share plates like salt and pepper squid, whole boneless crispy chicken, pork belly bites, or 12-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder.
Flics Kitchen
Flics first opened its doors in 2016 and has been popular with locals ever since. The restaurant plates up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a menu that is designed to be shared.
Get stuck into the Western rock lobster and prawn on brioche with avocado creme, wood-roasted spiced cauliflower, crab croquettes, burrata, and house-made ricotta gnocchi with wild mushroom and truffle. And rest assured, you can expect vegetarian, vegan, paleo, and gluten-free options.
Redmanna Waterfront Restaurant
From blue manna crabs and crayfish to prawns, scallops, and line-caught red emperor, Redmanna is known for its local seafood. Situated near the Mandurah Bridge, you’ll find unobstructed estuary views through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Mandurah’s most awarded restaurant. The seafood menu changes weekly, but if you’re in the market for something special, we recommend their signature seafood tower.
Cruises
Murray River Lunch Cruise
Allow us to paint a picture — a delicious buffet lunch and dessert to devour while soaking up scenic Murray River vistas. Tempting, right? Operating on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the popular 4.5-hour Murray River Lunch Cruise is tailored towards people looking for a leisurely and picturesque waterside dining experience.
It’s an opportunity to observe the diverse birdlife and catch a glimpse of a dolphin or two in the water, while admiring the surrounding wetlands. You’ll also gain an insight into the local area, thanks to the knowledgeable staff and informative commentary onboard.
Wild Seafood Experience
Cast the net and reel in the best of the sea! Home to an abundance of crabs, fish, and crayfish, Mandurah is known for its century-old history as a West Australian seafood hotspot.
There’s not much that tastes better than fresh seafood, especially when you catch it yourself and a chef cooks it. Mandurah Cruises offers a Wild Seafood Experience where guests can enjoy a taste of this thriving marine world onboard a 60-foot pleasure boat. The 3.5-hour interactive seafood lunch cruise includes a seven-course menu balanced with a selection of world-famous Margaret River wines. Sign us up!
Discover these and more culinary delights in Mandurah. Experience the rich flavours, embrace the natural beauty, and bask in the warm hospitality that collectively contributed to Mandurah’s recognition as Australia’s Top Tourism Town 2023.
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