Japan meets Western Australia: Miki’s Open Kitchen
While traveling through Western Australia (WA), I indulged in plenty of delicious food. Miki’s Open Kitchen, owned and operated by Chef Mikihito Nagai (fondly called Miki), came highly recommended by locals in Perth. In this article, I’ll share my experience at Miki’s and whether it’s worth the visit.
Margaret River: A Foodie’s Hidden Gem
Over the past few years, Margaret River in Western Australia has become an increasingly popular destination. During the two-year period from 2019 to 2021, when Aussies couldn’t travel to their beloved Bali, New Zealand, or the USA, many discovered the wonders of their own country. This newfound appreciation brought a surge of attention to the small wine region of Margaret River.
Situated south of Perth along the west coast, Margaret River is synonymous with fine wines and exquisite cuisine. As with most Australian coastal areas, fresh seafood is readily available and of exceptional quality.
During my journey through the Margaret River region, I explored the area and, naturally, sampled its culinary offerings. My personal highlight? The menu at Miki’s Open Kitchen on Bussell Highway.
Miki’s Open Kitchen
This small, Japanese-inspired open-kitchen restaurant has become a staple in the region, attracting both tourists and locals alike. The focus here is on vegetables and seafood, with meat making only occasional appearances. The menu changes regularly, showcasing local ingredients interpreted through a Japanese lens—a truly delightful combination!
Miki’s offers a set menu experience, with guests choosing between two or three menu options. A full menu without wine pairing costs around $100, while a smaller version is approximately $80. Dietary preferences or allergies can be accommodated if mentioned when booking. For wine enthusiasts, pairing options are available.
The dining experience is timed, with two sittings: 6:00 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., each lasting two hours. Reservations are highly recommended. I was fortunate to secure a spot for the following evening’s 6:00 p.m. sitting—being a solo traveller has its perks!
The Location
With just 35 seats, the restaurant is intimate and impeccably clean. The décor is minimalist, the lighting soft and cozy, yet bright enough for dining. Background music enhances the chic yet relaxed atmosphere.
The service team is professional and attentive, offering expert advice on the extensive wine list. Meanwhile, the open kitchen allows diners to watch the culinary magic unfold as the team, clad in denim shirts and flat caps, works seamlessly together.
Meeting the Winemaker
I found myself seated next to a cheerful local woman and her teenage daughter. We struck up a conversation, and she revealed that her family runs one of the region’s renowned wineries. As fate would have it, I was sipping a glass of her family’s wine! We toasted to the serendipity of the moment.
Such encounters are not uncommon in WA’s wine capital, where you might just meet the winemaker behind your glass of wine.
The Menu
I opted for Miki’s Complete menu, an 8-course experience. After an initial 25-minute wait (perfect for mingling), dishes arrived in rapid succession. These 20 delectable bites left just enough room for the two desserts at the end.
A standout theme of the evening was yuzu, a citrus fruit with a complex aroma, featured in various forms throughout the courses and even in the sparkling yuzu lemonade I ordered. It was the perfect prelude to the feast ahead.
Among the first courses were expertly fried treats, including green asparagus from Carnarvon, sweet tempura mango, and crispy sugar snap peas. Other highlights included fresh apple, Tosazu tomatoes, and zucchini marinated with squid. Local bush food, such as saltbush and myrtle, made appearances as gels, foams, or soups.
My Favorite Bites
- Crispy nori sheet with black garlic – two favorite flavors combined perfectly.
- Oshizushi with Shark Bay crab – a masterclass in balance.
- Marinated squid with zucchini – fresh and full of flavor.
- Breaded pork belly – tender inside, crispy outside.
- Okinawa sweet potato with yuzu-kosho mayo – creamy and tangy perfection.
- Soy caramel foam soup with cinnamon – a dessert that felt like Christmas in a bowl.
Final Thoughts
After a satisfying meal, I left feeling content yet not overly full—just the right balance. I thanked the kitchen team, who genuinely appreciated the gesture, and sipped the last of my wine before heading out into the sunset.
If I find myself in the area again, Miki’s Open Kitchen will undoubtedly be on my list, if only to sample their latest creations.
Miki’s Open Kitchen
131 Bussell Highway
Margaret River, WA 6285
Reservations:
6:00 p.m. or 8:15 p.m.
Website
Note: This article is not sponsored. I paid for my meal myself and have no other connections to this establishment. All opinions are my own.
