When George Kailis opens a new venture, it’s bound to make waves. His latest project, Magic Apple Wholefoods, recently opened in Cottesloe, and it’s no exception. Known for heading up some of Perth’s most beloved establishments, from brand-new beachside brasserie Gibney to all-time favourites like The Shorehouse and Island Market. Kailis has brought a fresh, wholesome approach to his new eatery, crafting a menu that blends health-conscious ingredients with the robust, satisfying flavours that have long defined his career.
Perched in a treehouse-inspired space and adorned with a swirling rainbow ceiling, Magic Apple has been a long time coming. According to Kailis, it’s deeply rooted in the 1970s, nodding to album covers and the hippie free love era. For him, it meant something, because that’s when the brand started.
“Magic Apple was an old brand that existed in Perth. It started as a smoothie bar in the Fremantle Markets in 1978, I think it was, then evolved into a vegetarian restaurant chain in the early 80s. It was the beginning of one of the first big movements into health and wellness,” Kailis said.
“I used to go to one of the locations with my mum so I have super fond memories of that kind of wholefoody smell. She was a bit alternative, so we used to eat carob instead of chocolate and they used to have vegetable fritters and all that kind of jazz — vegetarianism at that time was quite a new thing.”
An ethos of mindful nourishment
The vision behind Magic Apple comes from a desire to offer the people of Cottesloe “more than just a meal”. A philosophy that’s evident in every aspect from the food to the atmosphere.
“I wanted to create a place where people feel rejuvenated after they eat here. It’s about this concept of wellness and about us just considering the little things, and how you could eat something and it can make you feel good. Food has a special power; it can be a source of nourishment and pleasure,” Kailis said.
Set overlooking the dreamy North Cottesloe coastline, Magic Apple has a breezy, casual ambience, yet every detail feels intentional. Diners walk into an airy, open space with lots of natural light, earthy textures, and a lush indoor garden that brings a touch of nature indoors.
“The location was super important — you’re sitting looking at the ocean and appreciating nature, and it’s magic. I guess that’s why people love an ocean view because you go into a very brief meditative state. The space itself is a reflection of the food we serve — fresh, wholesome, and uplifting.”
The brief: treehouse on the beach
The vibe is treehouse on the beach and George Kailis, has, once again, nailed it.
“We’ve clad the whole building in cedar, so it should feel like a treehouse. But again, in that playful sense, when you’re a kid, if you recall ever sitting up in a treehouse, you just felt like that was your world. You were on your own and you were up high — that’s what we were going for. This really fun, playful, yet considered space. It aligned almost perfectly with what we’re doing from a culinary perspective.”
Inspired by the ancient roots of whole foods, the space features motifs of butterflies, The Tree of Life, and the apple — symbols of transformation and vitality. With a whimsical design, distressed timber finishes, soothing pastel colours, and nostalgic details are peppered throughout.
Stickman Tribe — founded by Perth-born Marcos Cain — is an international boutique interior design studio and the firm behind Magic Apple’s creative design. With a friendship dating back to just 15 years old, Kailis knew the job had to be executed by Cain. Susan Respinger — who worked with Kailis on The Shorehouse — is the artist behind the beautiful rainbow ceiling and arched doorway design.
“The brief to them was this sort of playful fun space that was quite aesthetically tonal. We wanted it to feel a little hippie-esque without it being too cliche. So, lots of nautical rope, cedar cladding, and beige. Plus, custom cedar-clad light fittings and booths that frame the whole space.”
“We enclosed the existing balcony because the space was too small but to compensate we wanted the whole dining room to feel like an alfresco situation. So we ideated opening the entire venue so you feel like you’re outside.”
“We also wanted a stronger connection to Marine Parade because the previous venue [Barchetta] was shut off like a box. Yet, there are hundreds of people walking past and we wanted diners to feel like they’re on a street and the ocean, as opposed to just being on the ocean and cut off from that vibrancy.”
Locality and seasonality are central
Head Chef Rob Baverstock is behind the meticulously curated menu which celebrates wholesome and nutritious dishes that champion the vegetable. Featuring locally sourced produce and premium ingredients, the offering includes sustainable seafood, lean meats, and organic poultry, delivering a perfect balance of flavour and nourishment.
“Supporting local farmers and sustainable sources is important to me. The more connected we are to where our food comes from, the better the experience for everyone,” Kailis said.
Standout dishes include the Garden Harvest Bowl, loaded with vegetables, housemade dressings, and grains, and the signature Magic Apple smoothies that have already garnered a loyal following with their delicious blend of apple, spinach, ginger, and other fresh ingredients. In terms of Kailis’ favourites, the Steamed Miso King Salmon, Marinated Beef, and Grilled Teriyaki Mushroom Flatbread are go-to’s.
With options like these, the beachside restaurant aims to cater to diverse dietary preferences without sacrificing taste. Vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking for gluten-free or refined sugar-free options will find plenty of choices that are as flavoursome as they are wholesome.
“We want everyone to feel included here, no matter their dietary needs,” Kailis said, noting that the menu is designed to be both accessible and indulgent. But his vision for Magic Apple doesn’t stop at serving great food; it’s about building a community hub.
Seaside community hub
“I want this place to be a local gathering spot where people can feel connected and inspired. This is much more casual than our other venues. If you’re in your bathers and not wearing shoes, it’s no worries. This is built for that location and it’s built for that beachside community.”
With Magic Apple Wholefoods, Kailis is serving up just what Cottesloe needs: a place where locals and passersby can enjoy delicious, health-focused meals while feeling right at home. He’s once again proven that dining can be more than just a transaction — it can be an experience that leaves people feeling revitalised, nourished, and connected.
Cottesloe locals are in for a treat, and if early buzz is any indication, Magic Apple is poised to become a beloved staple. Here’s to good health, good food, and the magic that George Kailis continues to bring to Perth’s dining landscape.
