The Food
Other than salads, the only vegetarian main option is the mushroom, sweet potato and spinach lasagne with Gruye
re cheese, bechamel sauce and sautéed potatoes ($24.50). It does get quite frustrating that a lot of restaurants fail to cater for vegetarians beyond the passé vegetable lasagne, but I digress. Already feeling unappeased by my meal before it arrived, the fact that I ended up enjoying it so much is a testament as to how good it was. It may have been yet another vegetable lasagne, but it was definitely a good one. It appeared a little overcooked in places, but this failed to detract from the quality of the meal. Also, it was served with a small bowl of sautéed potatoes which were far better than the regular beer battered chips and salad. The serving size was only average compared to other restaurants, and tiny compared to my dining partner’s veal schnitzel, but was filling nonetheless.
The Beer
The Duckstein ticks a lot of boxes in regards to location, setting, atmosphere etc. yet being a brewery, the one thing it probably wants most is to offer good beer. For me, this is one of its only crosses. The beer is simply terrible. The Hefe is probably the best beer on offer but still fails to warrant a second glass. The seasonal beer, the Framboise, looks promising with its raspberry appearance but manages to be one of the worst beers I’ve ever tasted. However, the popularity of the Duckstein suggests that I am quite possibly in the minority and that there are many people who enjoy the beers on offer. In contrast, the adjoining Saracen’s wines are among the best I’ve sampled in Margaret River. Therefore, Saracen Estate is worth a visit purely for the beverages.
Atmosphere/Service
Having recently opened, the Duckstein is extremely popular. With the restaurant booked out, the atmosphere is amazing. We were seated on the veranda overlooking the water with a live jazz band playing around the corner. Cheesy as it may sound, the atmosphere was like one big house party where EVERYONE was in a good mood. The service on the other hand left a little to be desired for. Orders are to be placed at the counter, with long queues often forming. Patrons must also pick up their own cutlery and water from a counter in the corner. I understand the practicality of this approach, but with such a stylish setting the restaurant seems to be lowering its otherwise high-standards by not taking orders at the table or delivering cutlery and water. This seems particularly odd when the waitress shows you to your booked table to begin with.
Other than salads, the only vegetarian main option is the mushroom, sweet potato and spinach lasagne with Gruye
re cheese, bechamel sauce and sautéed potatoes ($24.50). It does get quite frustrating that a lot of restaurants fail to cater for vegetarians beyond the passé vegetable lasagne, but I digress. Already feeling unappeased by my meal before it arrived, the fact that I ended up enjoying it so much is a testament as to how good it was. It may have been yet another vegetable lasagne, but it was definitely a good one. It appeared a little overcooked in places, but this failed to detract from the quality of the meal. Also, it was served with a small bowl of sautéed potatoes which were far better than the regular beer battered chips and salad. The serving size was only average compared to other restaurants, and tiny compared to my dining partner’s veal schnitzel, but was filling nonetheless.The Beer
The Duckstein ticks a lot of boxes in regards to location, setting, atmosphere etc. yet being a brewery, the one thing it probably wants most is to offer good beer. For me, this is one of its only crosses. The beer is simply terrible. The Hefe is probably the best beer on offer but still fails to warrant a second glass. The seasonal beer, the Framboise, looks promising with its raspberry appearance but manages to be one of the worst beers I’ve ever tasted. However, the popularity of the Duckstein suggests that I am quite possibly in the minority and that there are many people who enjoy the beers on offer. In contrast, the adjoining Saracen’s wines are among the best I’ve sampled in Margaret River. Therefore, Saracen Estate is worth a visit purely for the beverages.
Atmosphere/Service
Having recently opened, the Duckstein is extremely popular. With the restaurant booked out, the atmosphere is amazing. We were seated on the veranda overlooking the water with a live jazz band playing around the corner. Cheesy as it may sound, the atmosphere was like one big house party where EVERYONE was in a good mood. The service on the other hand left a little to be desired for. Orders are to be placed at the counter, with long queues often forming. Patrons must also pick up their own cutlery and water from a counter in the corner. I understand the practicality of this approach, but with such a stylish setting the restaurant seems to be lowering its otherwise high-standards by not taking orders at the table or delivering cutlery and water. This seems particularly odd when the waitress shows you to your booked table to begin with.
In General
Simply, I love the Duckstein. The beer may be pretty awful, but even this doesn’t detract from the amazing atmosphere that makes it one of the best places to spend a Sunday afternoon in Margaret River. We’ve been four times in only a few months, and although the novelty may be waring off for this newly opened brewery, were sure to call in next time were cruising through the Margaret River wine region. The vego options may be pretty run of the mill, but the restaurant is definitely worth at least one visit.
Simply, I love the Duckstein. The beer may be pretty awful, but even this doesn’t detract from the amazing atmosphere that makes it one of the best places to spend a Sunday afternoon in Margaret River. We’ve been four times in only a few months, and although the novelty may be waring off for this newly opened brewery, were sure to call in next time were cruising through the Margaret River wine region. The vego options may be pretty run of the mill, but the restaurant is definitely worth at least one visit.
Food 7/10
Value 7/10
Beer 4/10
Wine 8/10
Atmosphere 10/10
Service 7/10
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