The city of Albany is the oldest European settlement in Western Australia and the major centre of the Great Southern region. Known for its idyllic landscapes and a huge variety of fresh produce, Albany provides the perfect ingredients for eateries worth travelling for.
Here are some of our favourites to whet your appetite!
Majuba: French-style bistro
Location 123 York Street Albany, WA
Elegant and sophisticated in the heart of Albany, Mojuba serves delicious European inspired bistro food with locally sourced ingredients.
The menu comprises of French bistro classics, with hints of Spanish and Italian influence; a true European fusion. Not forgetting the wine list, filled with Great Southern local drops from Rockcliffe, Oranje Tractor, Shepherd’s Hut, Duke’s Vineyard, The Lakehouse, Castelli Estate and more!
And the fit-out…like something right out of the pages of a Vogue Interiors magazine. The space features dark timber throughout; from the bar to the floor and complemented with a pitch-black ceiling. Laze back on the plush velvet high-back bench seats, whose rouge shade would entice even the most reluctant of dinners. Enjoy meals on a stunning rich marble tabletop, with striking charcoal veins marking the marble. Framed photo prints adorn the walls, adding warmth and character to the luxurious space.
Majuba is truly a feast for both the eyes and belly!
Liberte restaurant, Albany. Picture: Jasmine Ann Gardiner.
Liberté
Location: 16-162 Stirling Terrace Albany
Continuing with the European influence is Liberte, a Parisian inspired bar located inside the historic London Hotel, Albany. A hit amongst locals and travellers alike looking for mouth-watering fusion cuisine.
The menu boasts French/Vietnamese influence. Think Albany rock oysters served with rice wine vinegar, lemongrass mignonette and local desert lime; Chilli Crab and Garlic Noodles (winner of Gourmet Travellers Critics best choice dishes of 2016); and Steak Tartare with quail egg, fried shallots and sesame cracker. Yum!
The wine list boats Great Southern favourites, such as Silverstream Wines, Express Winemakers and Forest Hill Wines.
Garrisons
Location: National Anzac Center. 7 Forts Road, Mount Clarence, Albany.
Striving to excel in their offering of local food and wine, and creating a welcoming and friendly environment nestled amongst the backdrop of King George Sound, Garrisons truly honours its location.
Garrisons offer a relaxed, casual dining experience, with world-class food designed to be enjoyed and shared with others. Guests are encouraged to experience a wide variety of dishes, alongside select wines from Zarephath Wine, Duke’s Winery, and Rockcliffe Wines.
Rat’s Bar Middleton Beach
Location: 18 Adelaide Crescent, Middleton Beach, Albany
Vibrant and relaxed, Rat’s Bar resides in a historic cottage that is adapted to weather Albany’s unpredictable forecasts. Just a short stroll from Middleton Beach, it’s the perfect pit-stop after a day of sun and surf.
Offering a unique Great Southern experience, the veranda and alfresco areas provide the perfect spot to while away the day with a cold beer or quality local Great Southern wine. Hint: if you’re a lover of Riesling, Rat’s Bar offers an incredible range of Great Southern Rieslings, such as Plantagenet Angevin 2017, Duke’s Single Vineyard 2019, and Shepherds Hut 2019 Riesling.
Monty’s Leap
Location: 45821 South Coast Hwy, Kalgan WA 6330
Monty’s Leap has arguably some of the best views for lunch in the whole of Albany. Enjoy a wine tasting and then relax with lunch overlooking the vines. They do a range of wood-fired pizzas, vegan and vegetarian options and chef’s choice menus. The champion fresh regional and Great Southern produce and aim to create a diverse menu – sourced and served from the “blue paddock” off the coast and the “green paddocks” of the Great Southern region. This really is wine, food and views worth travelling for!
Oranje Tractor
Location: 198 Link Road Marbelup, via Albany
Oranje Tractor Wines is a small, organic vineyard near Albany on the pristine and amazing south coast of Western Australia. Their 8-acre grounds include a vineyard, plus a mixed fruit orchard and potager garden. Whilst Oranje Tractor doesn’t have an everyday restaurant, they do a range of gastronomic experience every month. These range from seasonal dinners, harvest days, pizza nights and parties. On Sundays, the team pair their wine selection for the flight with some local organic cheeses and other tasty morsels from their farm for your sensory pleasure. Check out their website to find out what’s on and book yourself in for a very special treat next time you’re in Albany.
Istanbul Kebabs Turkish Bakery
Location: 189 York Street, Albany. Western Australia
What’s a round-up of top eateries without an authentic Turkish bakery? Serving homemade falafel, superb Turkish bread, fresh hummus, and authentic Baklava, this eatery will rival those in Istanbul.
Located on the historic York Street in Albany, stop on by after a morning exploring the port-city. With bellies full of essential carbohydrates, you’re primed for an afternoon visiting local cellar doors such as Monty’s Leap, Oranje Tractor Wine, Wignalls Wine, and Parish Lane (appointment only).