Top Spots to Dine at Night

Whether it’s a rustic pizzeria ensconced among gardens, fine dining in a vineyard, lazing fireside with a craft ale or cider, or sharing a tapas plate of the freshest local produce, this historic region has it all.

BY DANIELLE COSTLEY

Funk 2.0 OPEN FOR DINNER on Friday and Saturday nights, casual cidery Funk 2.0 prides itself on being a little bit ‘funky’ and out of the ordinary. Whether it’s a tipple of Sex Machine cider, or its alcoholic hybrid tiramisu that’s made from a coffee and honey-infused black IPA, all drinks are made by the Funk Cider team and Michael Brothers. The drinks are unpasteurised, and free from preservatives, added sugars and sulphites. And the core range ciders are all gluten-free.

Sandalford Wines

On the menu, there’s pulled pork croquettes; lamb chorizo and grilled octopus; cider battered and fried cauliflower with vegan aioli; braised duck waffles; charcuterie and cheese boards for those wanting to share their meals. If you are after something more substantial, try the tropical salmon with pineapple, melon and mint, paired with a glass of pineapple cider.

Finish with a s’mores inspired tart, or indulge in either a cider or beer tasting paddle.

As you would expect from an establishment that is owned by farmers, all produce on the menu is sourced locally and is as fresh as possible. Everything is made on-site, including the bread, on this modern Australian menu that is packed with flavour. funkcider.com.au

Sandalford Wines has undergone a recent transformation in the restaurant and tasting room that is sleek and stylish. Dine outside on the terrace among the 100-year-old grapevines that have their roots firmly entrenched in this historic wine region.

The signature hand-rolled egg pasta (rotolo) is served with globe artichoke, buffalo mozzarella and soft egg yolk to whet the appetite. Celeriac is woodfired with seed crumb and served with cherries, apple, walnuts and grapes, or there is the golden beetroot with stracciatella. Good vegetarian and vegan options are also on the menu, alongside woodfired pizzas, succulent seafood and generous servings of ‘Pitch Black’ premium Angus beef and Futari wagyu.

Try the Experience Sandalford minidegustation menu, which consists of five courses created from its seasonal menu, thoughtfully paired with wines. sandalfordwines.com

Kappys Italian is an institution in Guildford. This family-owned Italian trattoria is warm and welcoming. The meals are large and flavoursome, and the atmosphere is fun and casual. The wine list is vast and the cocktail list, although small, is spot on.

A ceiling of twinkling chianti bottles greet you as you walk through this establishment, that has been serving traditional Italian fare since the 1980s. The menu is classic, with a

TWILIGHT There are ample options to explore at night when it comes to food and drink in the Valley and Guildford.

combination of traditional recipes and fresh Australian produce.

Begin your Italian love affair with a selection of bruschetta, arancini, olives and crusty Italian bread, followed by grilled calamari with chilli and garlic, fried cacciatore sausage with olives, and breaded Fremantle sardines. And that’s just for starters.

Work your way through some classic pasta dishes such as gnocchi with blue cheese, walnuts and spinach, or chilli crab linguine. If room permits, there is chilli mussels, fillet steak with fiery pepper sauce, and a mushroom risotto. Sate your sweet tooth with a tiramisu or slice of cassata ice cream.

Kappys is open for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday. kappys.net The Henley Brook is the family-friendly establishment you’ll go to when you’re looking for a hearty pub meal in casual surrounds. Find a bar stool on the verandah, a table in the beer garden where you can watch the kids unwind in a nature playground, or settle down on a couch by the fire.

There’s beer battered stuffed jalapenos, cauliflower tacos, chicken parmigiana, fish and chips, steaks, grazing plates, barbecue ribs and burgers.

From Tuesdays to Saturdays, you can enjoy a casual meal with a great selection of local brews and wines in this barn-like complex that is affectionately dubbed “The Hen” by the locals. On weekends, there is also live music. thehenleybrook.com.au

Louie’s Pizzeria is situated in the beautiful Gardens of Guildford, offering lovely indoor and outdoor spaces where kids, dogs and adults are free to roam the grounds. This charming BYO establishment is in demand, only opening on Fridays and Saturdays from 5.30pm for a few hours.

The chef, Louie, is renowned for his authentic Italian pizzas that are made in an Italian copper pizza oven. The toppings

are generous and chunky, fresh and flavoursome. His wife, Elaine, may also play some tunes on the piano accordion while you’re dining. This place is simple and unpretentious. The food is packed with flavour, and the ambience is idyllic. 104 Swan Street, Guildford Phone 0417 941 429 or check socials to confirm opening times.

One of Australia’s oldest operating hotels, the Rose and Crown’s origins date back to 1841. Located at the entrance to the Swan Valley wine region, the historic Guildford hotel has three restaurants, open seven nights a week that cater for everyone – think bar snacks, share plates, hearty meals, or à la carte dining.

Posh Convict bar and lounge exudes style and intimacy and is perfect for a quiet dining experience. Its elegant fireplace, spacious lounge chairs and low tables combine to create a subtly exclusive experience. The menu is refined and is complemented by an impressive list that features many locally crafted Swan Valley wines.

The 1841 Restaurant is classically inspired with old wooden floors and open fireplaces, making it an ideal spot for the cooler months.

The Garden is a beautiful spot for casual dining outdoors in this picturesque beer garden, whether it’s a large meal or some bar snacks. Immersed among the roses and a rare dragon tree, you can unwind on the decking areas by the bar to local music.

Whether it’s a casual get-together, a formal gathering, a romantic evening or a festive family affair, this establishment will cater for your individual requirements. The menus change regularly, with daily specials including a constantly evolving tasting plate and home-made soup of the day, served with crusty local sourdough. roseandcrown.com.au

Located behind the historic Guildford Hotel, you’ll find modern Italian restaurant Locale Mio, which focuses on bringing food fresh from the farm to your plate. There is an extensive food selection, with ample tapas options, cold, hot or fried.

Some of the fried tapas include zucchini patties with tomato chutney, deep fried mozzarella balls with basil pesto, or savoury donuts served with a Napoletana dipping sauce.

Or among the cold options, there’s beef carpaccio, cured kingfish with cucumber, crumbed taralli and tomato gazpacho, La Delizia burrata and prosciutto with garlic focaccia.

Try to resist the traditional pasta dishes such as gnocchi tossed with pomodoro sauce, wild mushroom pappardelle with white wine sauce, spaghetti meatballs served in Napoletana sauce, or pasta with broccolini, capers, anchovies, crumbed breadcrumbs and chilli – they are comforting and satisfying.

Its diverse woodfired pizza selection is also a firm favourite with locals and little ones. localemio.com.au

Although not a twilight option, stop at the Swan Settlers Market from 9am to 5pm over the weekends, to stock up on your local produce, pickles and preserves for a decadent and fresh meal at home. But don’t forget to snack along the way…

Taste the award-winning gozlemes at Mama’s Food Connection; locally roasted coffee beans at Black Moustache Coffee; jams, pickles and preserves from Elli Dom Produce; and authentic American-style barbequed meats at Gryphon Smokehouse. This Smokehouse is run by two major barbecue enthusiasts, who have competed across the United States in barbequing and are renowned for their ribs and brisket.

For premium meat to take home, chat to the local butchers at Meat to You, who will deliver a wide range of locally grown farm fresh meat to your door, or you can order at their stall.

Add your local fruit and veg to your basket when stopping at Charlie Koala Healthy Eating, where 100 per cent of profits goes towards helping veterans, current servicemen and women.

Complete the essentials with a stop to Holy Mary Cellars, the cellar door for Katgully Wines. This place is also famous for Croation Peka, which is a dish of lamb, poultry, fish, pork and vegetables that is slow cooked and served in one dish in the centre of the table to share. swansettlersmarket.com.au

FOOD HAVEN The Henley Brook, left, and Swan Settlers Market, below, are among some of the foodie hotspots to sink your teeth into.