Woodcutters Restaurant Nikola Estate, Swan Valley
Monica Tindall
Gosh, we’ve had some excellent food and beverage on this Perth and Swan Valley trip, but the winner of the prettiest setting has to go to Woodcutters Restaurant at Nikola Estate in the Swan Valley.
Woodcutters Restaurant has a lovely indoor area with a gabled roof, bar backdrop and wood-fired pizza oven taking centre stage. It’s air-conditioned, which is very welcome in the middle of summer. However, the covered patio has exceptional views of century-old trees, manicured lawns, and a winged chorus thanks to abundant red-tailed black cockatoos. (You’re fortunate to see these beauties as they’re endangered due to habitat loss, so take a moment to celebrate these glorious creatures.) The staff members speak with a twinkle in their eyes of spring when the jacarandas (a tree with a distinctive purple flower) are in full bloom, creating a blanket of mauve on the lawn. We have a bee-line view of the white chapel in the vineyards, an incredibly popular wedding location, and we couldn’t be happier breathing in the fresh eucalypt-scented air.
Woodcutters Restaurant Nikola Estate Menu
Chef Darren Reeve heads the kitchen, celebrating Swan Valley agriculture in every dish. Woodcutter’s Restaurant serves a contemporary Australian menu, changing with the seasons and the best produce. It’s ideally matched with regional wines; however, those with international tastes can enjoy a select collection of global drops, too.
The menu is a user-friendly double-sided one-pager with suggested wine pairings for every dish. Tapas and pizzas are great for sharing or a leisurely afternoon of sipping and nibbling. Mains, pasta, and steak provide something more substantial and are good reasons to try some more serious wines.
Small Plates
We begin with Mushrooms (AUD 22), shimeji and Swiss brown, stewed in Nikola Pedro Ximenez, thyme, garlic and crème fraiche. The sweetness from the sherry is a lovely complement to the earthy shrooms. They’re served in a small black pot, ready to scoop over the top of a slice of thick, crunchy sourdough toast. The suggested mate, Nikola Estate Chardonnay, Western Australia 2023 (AUD 12), mirrors the buttery sauce but at the same time slices through it with bright acidity.
Pizza
Burrata & Prosciutto Pizza (AUD 32) comes highly recommended by the staff. A creamy ball of soft cheese contrasts pink, thinly shaved ham, and vibrant rocket. The crust is Napoli in style with puffy edges and a floppy hold. The Nikola Estate chilled GSM, Swan Valley 2023 (AUD 12) is recommended for all pizzas. It is versatile across ingredients and goes fabulously with the rich tomato sauce and scorching temperatures. It is sure to satisfy red wine lovers even in the heat.
Mains
The Haloumi (AUD 32) is an excellent choice as a vegetarian main or shared side. It’s a filling bowl of spiced pumpkin and lightly pickled cauliflower, with grapes, cherry tomatoes, crushed almonds, rocket and harissa seasoning. The Regional Grenache Rosé Swan Valley 2022 (AUD 15) slays as a partner with a summer berry nose and crisp apple texture.
Barramundi (AUD 38), is another fine pick for a summer afternoon. The chunky fresh fillet is golden brown and sided with halved potatoes, tomato and capers salsa, crisp asparagus, deep-fried kale and basil pesto. The pesto is tasty, but the fish is so good we’re perfectly satisfied with a good squeeze of lemon. The suggested friend, Nikola Estate Regional Riesling, Frankland River 2022 (AUD 15), exhibits the typical petroleum aroma of the grape, quickly followed by citrus blossoms and lime zest.
Steak
The chef recommends the Harvey Beef 100 Dry-aged Sirloin 250g (AUD 48) cooked medium-rare. Who are we to argue with a chef? It arrives with a browned edge, pink middle and a round of herb butter melting into its crest. Broccolini, mushrooms, and potato straws side it adding some veg and a change in texture. It’s best enjoyed with a glass of Nikola Estate Regional Shiraz, Swan Valley 2024 (AUD 15). These hand-selected parcels produce a wine rich with black fruits and chocolate on the nose and palate. It’s an elegant shiraz with a hint of spice in the finish.
Dessert
I’m not a big dessert eater, but we don’t want this pleasurable afternoon to end, so extend it a little longer with dessert and coffee. Sticky Date Pudding (AUD 18), a family favourite, is Chef’s pick. It’s moist and sweet with butterscotch sauce and vanilla bean ice cream. Partnered with Fiori Coffee, it’s a satisfying conclusion.
Reasons to visit Woodcutters at Nikola Estate: BEAUTIFUL setting, really, come here for coffee, wine, a whole meal or just dessert, linger on the lawn, sip some fine beverages and soak up nature’s wonderland. Seating tip: sit on the covered patio to enjoy the best view but by the open door of the restaurant to get an AC draft at the same time.
Woodcutters Restaurant at Nikola Estate
148 Dale Road, Middle Swan
Swan Valley 6056, Western Australia
Link to Woodcutters Restaurant at Nikola Estate on Google Maps
nikolaestate.com.au
Woodcutters Restaurant at Nikola Estate Opening Hours
Wednesday to Sunday: 11:30 am – 3:30 pm
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
A 15% surcharge applies on public holidays, and a 1.6% transaction fee applies to all credit cards and Eftpos.
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