With its innovative fine dining modern Australian menu, Wild Swan at Mandoon Estate has become known as one of the Swan Valley’s chicest after-hours dining choices. The menu marries native ingredients and seasonal produce for symbiotic flavour pairings, in an approach that head chef Anthony Power says reflects the multicultural influences of modern Australian cuisine.
“We love using native ingredients in inventive ways, often mimicking classic pairings with a modern twist. This fusion of tradition and innovation allows us to create dishes that surprise and delight our guests, showcasing the best of what Australia has to offer on the plate,” says Anthony.
Wild Swan has gained a reputation for its creative use of ferments, with the technique on display in the restaurant’s newly introduced Rankin cod dish. The Pilbara-sourced fish is complemented by a fermented tomato water, made by repurposing offcuts from a tomato dish, and combining them with roasted fish bones, kombu and katsuobushi to create a flavourful dashi. It’s clever cooking that speaks to Anthony’s ability to employ creativity and technique to extract great depth of flavour.
“To elevate our flavours, we incorporate fermentation techniques that imbue depth and complexity into each dish. Additionally, we pay meticulous attention to creating a diverse array of textures, ensuring a delightful sensory experience with every bite.”
Perhaps better known as a day-time spot for early-rising brunchers, after-dark Padbury’s Cafe Restaurant transforms into a chic wine bar that invites intimate conversation over a heady glass of vino. Owners Michael and Helana Tran intended the space as a romantic option along Guildford’s main street.
From the creepers climbing the red brick exterior of the heritage-listed Padbury’s Store and Residence building to the chandelier adorned ceilings, the space is thoughtfully curated and artfully presented. This attention to quality carries through to the menu, evident in small touches. The Padbury’s team describe its menu as traditional Australian, a collection of “delicious, fresh and wholesome meals”, with options including a house-made gnocchi and a date, sundried tomato and feta stuffed chicken.
Visit padburys.com.au
Offering one of the Swan Valley’s best night-time dining experiences, alongside incredible wine and gorgeous vineyard views, is Black Swan Winery & Restaurant. From the comfort of the timber homestead, guests are offered an incomparable view over the estate’s vineyards and wineries, alongside an impeccable meal.
The menu combines Australian, French and Mediterranean cuisines using fresh and seasonal local produce in a bid to champion the best of the region. Director Robyn Meloury describes the dishes as friendly and uncomplicated, but ultimately sophisticated. She recommends the seafood dishes to visitors, in particular the squid ink pasta or seafood platter.
“With freshness being the key element, the crayfish are brought in alive. We use Exmouth prawns, Albany oysters, and local squid,” says Robyn, describing its seafood platter.
Visit blackswanwines.com.au
From the red check cloths adorning the tables to the bottles of wine lining the walls, Kappy’s Italian brings rustic Italian charm and cosy bistro vibes to Guildford’s main strip.
Being a family-run business, the menu speaks to tradition, using recipes handed down through generations. These classic dishes and techniques are elevated by the freshest, local Swan Valley produce. The result? Meals that are hearty and flavourful, refined, and full of love.
With a lengthy list of antipasti, pasta, meat and seafood dishes available, you’d be remiss to come without an appetite. The authentically made desserts are a truly decadent taste of Italy. Select from a diverse array including a mascarpone-based tiramisu, lemon custard profiteroles, and an ice cream cassata speckled with candied fruit and chocolate. Alongside a glass of locally made wine, it’s the perfect way to cap off a day in the Swan Valley.
Visit kappys.net
Renowned for its high quality service and high-class menu, The Sandalford Bar and Restaurant is the ideal spot to take someone special. As evening falls and the sun begins to set, it casts a soft glow across the 185-year-old vineyards as guests indulge on a European inspired, modern Australian menu with fine wines.
Awarded 2023 Western Australian Restaurant of the Year, you can expect some delicious seasonal dishes at this sophisticated venue. In autumn, we recommend the honey roasted Genoa fig and almond tart to start.
“Fresh, in-season Genoa figs are glazed with honey and roasted, served on a puff pastry and almond tart, with a smooth whipped goat’s cheese and lemon zest curd. A beautiful dish that when eaten with every element, hits all the senses: sweet, acidic, aromatic, smooth and textured,” says executive chef Alan Spagnolo.
The quince trifle is fantastic to finish, layered with vanilla custard and Marsala jelly. As the seasons turn, expect something different but equally as delightful.
Look out for their evening degustations, hosted regularly throughout the year.
Visit sandalford.com
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