The best restaurants in Busselton
Your next trip down south will be made even better with a visit to some of the best eateries in beachside Busselton – from no frills pubs to flavour-packed Indian and classic burgs:
Ooze and Tang
Located between Busso and Dunsborough, Ooze and Tang flies a little under the radar – but it just might be one of the region’s hidden treasures. Opening at the end of 2022, the slightly French, mostly Australian bistro is lead by a team of hospo guns, with an impressive combined CV that includes spots like beloved pop up Fervor, Dunsborough’s Yarri, and OG Perth small bar Helvetica. Aiming for “elevated neighbourhood joint” rather than schmick fine diner, they’re nevertheless serving up a selection of seasonal share plates that would hold their own amongst the state’s premier dining – think Margaret River wagyu beef tartare with oyster emulsion and heirloom onion salsa, perfectly charred roast cabbage with bread sauce, scotch fillet with black garlic tarragon butter or (the snack that’s finally getting the recognition it deserves) a mesmerisingly golden, jammy-yolked Scotch egg.
1/20 Monaghans Way, Abbey
Alberta’s
Alberta’s… Need we say much more? Alberta’s was one of 2022’s buzziest openings, in no small part because the eatery is helmed by two Noma alumni – Kirsty Marchant and Ben Ing. While the dedication to quality and produce remains, they’ve taken on a much more cosy, accessible approach to this venue – you can expect to find excellent coffee, home-baked delights and nourishing, seasonal plates at lunchtime, along with summer dinner service on Friday and Saturday nights.
55 Queen Street, Busselton
The Banksia Tavern
Opening in the winter of 2023, the Banksia Tavern walks the impressive tightrope between approachable, unpretentious tavern and a refined approach to both eating and drinking. Records spinning, vintage-ish fit out… It’s the type of place you could bring both a conservatively-palated parent or a sceptically snobby east coaster and they’d both leave satisfied – think Denmark smoked boerewors with onion rings, swordfish schnitties or skewers threaded with frills of golden beetroot, a few rotating taps of local beers and a tight cocktail menu of classics plus some native ingredient twists.
43 Prince Street, Busselton
The Goose
After being destroyed by a fire two years ago, The Goose is back, baby! Overlooking the Busselton Jetty (It’s so close to the beach you can practically dip your toes into the Indian Ocean), the restaurant is a favourite amongst locals – whether popping in for some tom yum fried rice for brunch or unwinding at the end of a day with a sunset cocktail and some of that wood-fired flatbread.
15 Foreshore Parade, Busselton
Busselton Pavilion
The paint’s barely dried, but Busselton Pavilion is already looking like the hot ticket for summer bevvies down south. From the same brains as well-loved Perth venues including the Royal, the Standard and Dandelion (amongst many more over the years), Busselton Pavilion’s got a sure-fire recipe for a killer spot: a space that balances good design with an easy-breezy approach, tap beers from independent brewers, a cocktail list expertly crafted by the Parker Group’s Spirit Director Elise Godwin, local and imported wines curated by the group’s Wine Director (and Busso local) Cyndal Petty and a menu overseen by Brendan Pratt, fine dining maestro turned chook roll expert and Parker Group Culinary Director.
Busselton Central, 30 Kent Street, Busselton
Inara
Inara’s elegant dining room is pared-back – but the flavours sure aren’t! Celebrated chef and owner Daniel Johnson is dishing up a menu inspired by the flavours of the Levantine: you can expect to find pillowy flatbreads, succulent lamb belly shawarma with tarator, enticingly charred Exmouth octopus served alongside za’atar potato crisps, or oyster mushroom souvlaki with walnut skordalia, preserved lemon and parsley.
We haven’t even told you about the breakfast menu, which similarly takes a trip through the Levant with Turkish eggs, spinach and feta-stuffed brik served with sumac-cured salmon, saffron-infused bircher or the requisite, always popular shakshuka!
Busselton Central, 30 Kent Street, Busselton
Al Forno
Delicious, hearty mediterranean meals served straight from the oven with love, Al Forno’s pizza and pasta options are molto bene! Part of the southwest’s charm is the hospitality you’ll find in the right places, and Al Forno is filled with friendly faces – and as a result, full tables, so make sure you book ahead!
1/19 Bussell Highway, Busselton
Fire Station
If you’re chasing some more metropolitan, neighbourhood small bar vibes then slide down the pole and straight into the Fire Station – it’s a red hot fave of just about everyone down south. With a focus on craft beer and natty wines, they’ve got a ripper food menu that’ll lock you in for hours. We recommend one of their huge pizzas or a few sneaky bao buns, enjoyed best in the sun or their shaded courtyard area.
68 Queen Street, Busselton
Albies
Another no frills Busselton bar and bistro, Albies is the place to go if you like to watch your sport while bending the elbow. They’re no slouch when it comes to food either, with some great daily lunch specials and a secret weapon that locals and visitors swear by – the Seafood Pie.
117 Queen Street, Busselton
Shelter Brewing Co.
Smack-bang across from the iconic Busso Jetty, Shelter Brewing Co. has fast become a favourite for locals and visitors alike – and with a capacity of over 650 people, there’s plenty of room for both! As well as delightful brewskis, just thinking about their share-friendly (and beer-friendly) food is making our tummies rumble.
11 Foreshore Parade, Busselton
Navratna
While Busselton has a fair few southeast Asian options throughout its relatively small town, if it’s Indian you’re chasing then it’s worth seeking out the hidden gem that is Navratna. Their serving sizes are huge, while the prices are definitely not down south-sized.
174 Bussell Highway, Busselton
Thai Lemongrass
There’s no shortage of great Thai options around Busso, but Thai Lemongrass is a strong contender for best on ground. They don’t hold back on flavour or spice, and they might just be rocking the best Pad Thai in the southwest.
3/1 Albert Street, Busselton
Spice Odysee
We mentioned Spice Odysee‘s nifty Dunsborough curry van, but if you’re in Busselton, why not go straight to the source? Their cosy brick and mortar restaurant is tucked away off Bussell Highway, but the flavours are larger than life.
Unit 5, 17 Bussell Highway, Busselton
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Burger Bones
Make no bones about it! Burger Bones is a must-visit for any Busso burger lovers. With a long-lauded history in various food truck incarnations, since opening their permanent location in 2020 they’ve truly mastered the classic burger (as well as a few more boundary-pushing specials to watch out for).
55 Queen Street, Busselton
Curry Port
Another one of Busselton’s premium Indian eateries, Curry Port is dishing up some classic curries, with a particular focus on Punjab and northern specialties, like fried Amritsari fish or chicken lababdar.
72 Causeway Road, Busselton
Cover image credit: Shelter Brewing Co.