The chic interior of Balthazar
Danica Zuks/Balthazar
Perth’s potpourri population – which incorporates people from over 200 countries, many of them first-generation arrivals – is reflected in its fantastically diverse eating scene. A distinct Asian influence is very apparent throughout Western Australia, but cuisines and flavours from all over the planet can be found across the state, with innovative home-grown and imported chefs using excellent local ingredients, freshly harvested from the land and sea, and adding some cosmopolitan magic to make mouth-watering menus.
Prices for two-course dinner for one, with a half-bottle of house wine:
$$$ = over A$40–60
$$ = A$40-60
$ = under A$40
Central Perth
Annalakshmi
4 Barrack Square, Barrack Street Jetty; tel: 08-9221 3003; daily noon–2pm, 6pm–9pm; $
You’ll find fantastic vegetarian Indian fare here, on the banks of the Swan. Run by Hare Krishnas, the system at this ace restaurant is that you eat what you like and then pay what you think is fair. It has been operating like this for years and is justifiably very popular with locals and visitors.
Arirang Korean BBQ
91–93 Barrack Street; tel: 08-9225 4855; www.arirang.com.au; Mon–Fri 11.30am–3pm and 5pm–9.30pm, Sat–Sun 11.30am–9.30pm; $$
A popular traditional Korean barbecue restaurant, where hot coals are loaded under the barbecue plate at your table and you cook your choice of meat, creating little lettuce, rice, meat and sauce packages. Set menus come with miso soup, lettuce leaves, bean shoots, kimchi, sauces, rice and meat. Booking recommended on weekends. BYO booze.
Balthazar Bar Restaurant
6 The Esplanade, Elizabeth Quay; tel: 08-9421 1206; www.balthazar.com.au; Mon–Fri noon–3pm and 6pm–late, Sat 6pm–late; $$$
One for the discerning foodie, this dark, sophisticated restaurant serves some of the best food in Perth. Known for its massive and interesting wine list – the waiters are very knowledgeable and are happy to advise. Don’t miss the potatoes fried in duck fat, but if you’re feeling indecisive, try the ever-changing tasting plates (there’s even a dessert-tasting plate). Best to book.
Belgian Beer Café
Westende, Cnr King and Murray Streets; tel: 08-9321 4094; www.belgianbeer.com.au; daily 11am–late; $$
A unique pub serving modern Belgian fare, including mussels, venison sausage and mouth-watering waffles. There is plenty of outdoor seating on the street or in the garden at the rear, where you can enjoy one of the beers on tap, including Hoegaarden, Leffe and Kriek. A cone of frites with aioli is a must.
Botanical Café
Fraser Avenue, Kings Park; tel: 08-9482 0122; www.botanicalcafe.com.au; daily 7am–7pm; $$
Location is everything here, and the Botanical boasts beautiful views across the park and Swan River. A casual restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, it’s open during daylight hours and does a cracking breakfast. Main meals can be accompanied by bottles of cleanskin West Australian wines, or handcrafted tap beers from the nearby Old Brewery.
C Restaurant Lounge
St Martin’s Tower, level 33/44 St George’s Terrace; tel: 08-9220 8333; www.crestaurant.com.au; daily 12.30–3.30pm and 6pm–late; $$$
On the 33rd storey of one of the city’s office buildings, this revolving restaurant offers diners a 360-degree view of Perth, from Rottnest Island to Fremantle and across to the Perth Hills. The food is modern-Australian and elegant. Even if you don’t want a full meal, reserve a table near the window in the bar and enjoy a couple of first-rate cocktails while watching the sun set.
Fraser’s Restaurant
Fraser Avenue, Kings Park; tel: 08-9481 7100; www.frasersrestaurant.com.au; daily noon–late; $$$
An iconic Perth venue with killer views, where executive chef Chris Taylor uses top-quality Western Australian produce in a varied menu with dishes ranging from roast kangaroo loin with potato and celeriac crumble, beetroot and caramelised onion, to chargrilled WA rock lobster with spicy tomato sauce.
Matilda Bay Restaurant
3 Hackett Drive, Crawley, Matilda Bay; tel: 08-9423 5000; www.matildabayrestaurant.com.au; Mon–Sat 11am–late, Sun 11am–3pm; $$$
Situated on the banks of the Swan River at Matilda Bay, this restaurant is popular for its beautiful views and peaceful location, making it a good option for a special occasion at reasonable cost. Try the grilled barramundi fillet, mango cream purée and lime coconut crusted scallops.
Nine Mary’s
Corner Hay and Milligan streets; tel: 08-9226 4999; www.9marys.com; Mon–Fri 11.30am–2.30pm and 5.30–9.30pm, Sat 5.30–9.30pm; $$
A light and bright restaurant serving traditional Indian cuisine. An extensive menu includes good tandoori, alongside a range of curries, from mild butter chicken to the fragrant (lamb saag) and the hot (pork vindaloo). Try the mixed tasting plate for starters.
Taka’s Kitchen
150–152 Barrack Street; tel: 08-9324 1234; www.takaskitchen.iinet.net.au; Mon–Sat 11am–9pm, Sun 11am–5.30pm; $
The emphasis is on speed and value at this frenetic Japanese café, which serves a range of dishes (including agedashi tofu, chicken katsu, teriyaki fish and sashimi). All meals are available in small or large. There is free tea and a range of help-yourself sauces. The quality is reasonable, especially at such low prices.
Zafferano
173 Mounts Bay Road, Crawley; tel: 08-9321 2588; www.zafferano.com.au; daily 11am–late; $$$$
Situated in the historic Swan Brewery complex, this high-end restaurant boasts some of the prettiest views of the city at night. The menu offers classic Italian seafood dishes, including melt-in-your-mouth crayfish, seafood risotto and their famous creamy seafood chowder. The atmosphere and service are upmarket, so it’s perfect for a special dinner. When booking ask for a table with a view.
East Perth and south of the Swan
The Boatshed
Coode Street Jetty, Coode Street; tel: 08-9474 1314; www.boatshedrestaurant.com; Mon–Sat 8am till late, Sun 8–4pm; $$$
A south-side water-view favourite for all times of the day, thanks to the 180-degree views of the Swan River, Perth City and Kings Park, available from the café and the restaurant. Serves modern, locally sourced fare (including WA nettle pesto, and WA swimmer crab risotto) and invites you to BYO.
Ciao Italia
273 Mill Point Road, South Perth; tel: 08-9368 5500; www.ciaoitalia.com.au; Tue–Sat 5–10pm; $$
This small, authentic eatery radiates traditional Italian cuisine and atmosphere that keeps people coming back. There is a huge amount to choose from on the menu and the pizzas are particularly good, with thin crispy bases. The restaurant does not take bookings and is packed out every night of the week so get in early. BYO welcome.
Fraser’s Restaurant offers fantastic views
Fraser’s
Mends Street Café
Shop 2/35 Mends Street, South Perth; tel: 08-9367 7332; daily 7am–10pm; $$
A waterside favourite offering great food at any time of the day, this is a relaxed spot to chill out with a coffee and a cake while reading the newspapers, or to tuck into a burger after a walk along the riverbank.
Viet Royal
Corner Royal and Plain streets; tel: 08-9221 2388; www.vietroyalperth.com; Tue–Fri 11.30am–2pm & 5pm–late, Sat–Mon 5pm–late; $$
Traditional Vietnamese cuisine showcasing the best this style of cooking has to offer. The atmosphere is calm and comfortable, reflecting owner Kim Ha’s gentle and generous personality. You can also BYO, and, conveniently, there’s a bottle shop just a short stroll away.
Subiaco and Leederville
Boucla
349 Rokeby Road, Subiaco; tel: 08-9381 2841; www.boucla.com.au; Mon–Sat 7am–4pm, Sun 8am–1pm; $
Boucla is a Byzantine treat. Fight your way past Turkish rugs and Greek statues to the counter where there are no menus and no price lists. All food is cooked fresh that day, and whatever is on display is what’s left. There are often spanakopitas, roast veg salads, kotopita and lamb pies, plus lots of Greek shortbreads and cakes.
Cheers Japanese Restaurant
375 Hay Street; tel: 08-9388 2044; daily noon–2.30pm and 6–9pm; $
This authentic Japanese restaurant is somewhat hidden behind a group of shops on Hay Street. If you’re with a group, make sure you ask for one of the traditional tables where you take off your shoes and let your feet dangle into the well under the table. Order a range of dishes to share.
Delizioso
94 Rokeby Road; tel: 08-9381 7796; www.delisio.com.au; Mon–Tue 4–9pm, Wed–Sat 8am–9pm, Sun 5–9pm; $
The best thing about this little café is its Italian pizza, served by the slice. Tasty toppings include eggplant and chilli, potato and rosemary and straight cheese and herbs.
Duende
662 Newcastle Street, Leederville; tel: 08-9228 0123; www.duende.com.au; daily noon–late; $$$
A little slice of Europe, serving fabulous tapas, cheese and other tasty tidbits in an elegant yet funky setting. Ask for some help with the wine list and perhaps even let the waiter choose one for you. It is the sort of place to enjoy a long leisurely evening with lots of tapas and divine wine, and good conversation with friends.
Funtastico
12 Rokeby Road; tel: 08-9381 2688; www.funtastico.com.au; Tue–Thu and Sat–Sun noon–3pm and 5pm–9pm, Fri noon–9pm; $$
If you could get upmarket casual, this would be it. Favoured by folk about town for its good pastas and sensational pizzas, it has great alfresco seating.
Lanna Thai Cuisine
375 Hay Street, Subiaco; tel: 08-9381 2766; daily 5pm–late; $$
The extensive menu features soups, entrées, lots of vegetarian options, dry and wet curries, noodle dishes and desserts. The lovely things about Thai cuisine – fresh herbs, chilli, lime, light ingredients – are all evident in owner Kitty’s food. The ambience is good too, with a warm Thai welcome.
Ria
106 Oxford Street, Leederville; tel: 08-9328 2998; www.riamalaykitchen.com.au; daily 5–10pm; $$$
With a menu reflecting Malaysia’s melting pot of cultures and cuisines, dishes here are a fantastic fusion of flavours from Malaysia, India, China and Portugal (the vindaloo recipe is an Iberian one). Meals aren’t cheap, but the food is amazing. Be sure to book.
Subiaco Hotel
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The Subiaco Hotel
Corner Hay Street and Rokeby Road; tel: 08-9381 3069; www.subiacohotel.com.au; Mon–Fri 7am–midnight, Sat–Sun 8am–midnight; $$
‘The Subi’ is a popular pub-restaurant with a sports bar, a more upmarket cocktail bar and a restaurant, which has outdoor veranda seating on Hay Street, indoor seating and a rear garden. The inventive, inspired food ranges from Shark Bay crab linguini and Linely Valley pork belly to vegetarian options like house-made gnocchi, hazelnut cream, wild mushrooms, goat’s cheese and chestnuts. Booking is advisable.
Northbridge
The Brass Monkey
209 William Street, corner of James Street, Northbridge; tel: 08-9227 9596; 10am–midnight, Wed–Thu 10am–1pm, Fri–Sat 10am–2am; $$
If you fancy a bite with your beer, the Brass Menu in this long-established Northbridge watering hole includes traditional pub grub – hotdogs, wings, ribs and pizzas – and you can place and scoff your order from any bar in the venue. The kitchen remains open all the time the pub is serving.
The Brisbane Hotel
292 Beaufort Street, Highgate; tel: 08-9227 2300; www.thebrisbanehotel.com.au; Mon–Sat 11.30am–10pm, Sun 11.30am–9pm; $$
Possibly the most stylish hotel in Perth, the Brisbane is relaxed and funky. You can pop in for a drink, but the food is worth staying for, so grab a table in the shady garden. The pizzas are excellent, as are the more substantial mains, such as grilled fish on Asian greens and prawn fettucine.
The Flying Scotsman
639 Beaufort Street, Mt Lawley; tel: 08-9328 6200; www.theflyingscotto.com; daily 11am till late; $$
An English-style pub serving top-notch pub grub, including burgers and pizzas, with pleasingly generous portions.
227–9 Bulwer Street, Highgate; tel: 08-9227 9999; www.ninefinefood.com.au; Tue–Thu 6pm–10pm, Fri–Sat 6pm–10.30pm; $$$
Chef-owner Muneki Song creates elegant, modern Japanese cuisine here (duck ramen, tempura vegetables and seafood, miso ribs), with a hint of European influence thrown in. The restaurant has a nice ambience. Try the excellent degustation menu, and BYO wine.
Tarts Café
212 Lake Street, Northbridge; tel: 08-9328 6607; www.tartscafe.com.au; daily 7am–5pm, also Wed–Fri 5.30–10pm; $
A lovely spot nestled among the terrace homes on Lake Street. For breakfast try the scrambled eggs with feta, wilted spinach, oven-roasted tomatoes and rosemary flavoured Turkish bread. Great coffees too. Look out for special Friday night degustation events (Scandinavian, Bavarian, Italian)
Fremantle
Benny’s Bar and Café
10–12 South Terrace; tel: 08-9433 1333; www.bennys.com.au; Mon–Thu 7.30am–midnight, Fri 7.30am–1am, Sat from 8am–1am, Sun 8am–midnight; $$
An all-day food and music institution, serving café-style dishes and fusion food, as well as filling Italian cuisine. Pop in for oysters, cocktails and live jazz or settle in for some Freo people-watching on the Cappuccino Strip.
Capri Restaurant
21 South Terrace; tel: 08-9335 1399; www.caprirestaurantfremantle.com; Tue–Sun noon–2pm and 5–9.30pm, Mon 5–9.30pm, $
The Capri has been a part of the Fremantle eating scene for over 20 years. It still gives diners a complimentary bowl of minestrone soup and bread on arrival. The atmosphere is homely and the food basic but tasty.
Char Char Bull
44b Mews Road, Fishing Boat Harbour; tel: 08-9335 7666; www.charcharrb.com.au; Mon–Thu 11.30am–3pm, 5.30pm–late, Fri–Sun 11.30am–late; $$$
Offering a classic surf-and-turf experience in a great location, the large menu here encompasses prime beef, kangaroo, seafood and pizza. There’s also a popular cocktail bar for pre-dinner drinks.
Kailis Fish Market Café
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46 Mews Road, Fishing Boat Harbour; tel: 08-9335 7755; www.kailis.com/fremantle; daily 10am–8pm; $
Kailis has been providing Perth and Fremantle with seafood for over 75 years. Tourists and locals flock to its waterside location. The fresh seafood market resides at one end of the large store, and the café functions at the other, with ample seating outside on the jetty. There’s basic fish and chips, plus a variety of salads, grills and desserts.
40 Mews Road; tel: 08-9430 5555; www.littlecreatures.com.au; daily 10am–late, Sat–Sun from 9am; $$
Once a crocodile farm, this huge shed now houses one of WA’s best breweries. Serving its own beer and a range of wine, its semi-industrial yet welcoming interior draws huge crowds. The food is good, too – try the frites with aioli, the mussels or any of the pizzas.
Old Shanghai at Fremantle Markets
4 Henderson Street; tel: 08-9336 7676; Wed–Sun 10am–9pm; www.oldshanghai.com.au; $
This food hall has a range of great-value Asian cuisines. Taka’s Kitchen is budget Japanese, Ray’s Curry House produces a fantastic fish curry served with roti, and there are vendors selling Thai, Malay, Indo and Chinese food. You can also buy alcohol and freshly squeezed juices.
22 Norfolk Street; tel: 08-9335 7749; www.salathai.com.au; daily 6pm–9pm, Fri–Sat until 9.30pm; $$
Unpretentious, quality Thai cuisine with a menu featuring all the favourites (Pad Thai, green and red curry, stuffed chicken wings, duck dishes) in a relaxed setting. The staff are warm and the food has a lovely fresh zing, so typical of Thai. Good-quality ingredients and attentive service.
Beaches
The Blue Duck
151 Marine Parade, Cottesloe; tel: 08-9385 2499; www.blueduck.com.au; daily 6.30am–9pm; $$
This eatery overlooking the ocean at North Cottesloe is an institution. For early birds, à la carte breakfasts start at 7am. From lunchtime it’s always busy, and you’ll have to book to get a table with a sea view. The menu focuses on seafood, but you’ll find many other options, from sticky sweet-and-sour pork to saffron risotto, mustard lamb rack and pizzas. If nothing else, come for coffee and scrambled eggs while enjoying the early morning light.
Voyage Kitchen
128a West Coast Drive, Sorrento; tel: 08-9447 2443; www.voyagesorrento.com.au; daily 6am–late; $$
This is a great little establishment serving interesting food, such as Moroccan chicken with couscous and elegant open steak sandwiches. You can also buy takeaway salads and lovely bottled oils and jams. The coffee is strong, the interior light and bright and the staff provide a warm welcome.
Swan Valley
The Guildford Hotel
159 James Street, Guildford; tel: 08-9460 9966; www.theguildfordhotel.com.au; daily 11am–late; $$
Like a phoenix, this old pub has risen from the flames of a devastating fire to reclaim its reputation as an amazing heritage building and a fine pub with an outstanding menu. If you’re hungry, try the Pitmaster: a selection of slow-cooked smoked meats (pork beef lamb and chicken) with sides. A feast for at least four people, for $120.
39 Nelson Road, Darlington; tel: 08-9299 6268; www.darlingtonestate.com.au; Thu–Sun lunch, Fri–Sat dinner; $$$
The food at this winery restaurant is sublime. The style is European, with well-balanced flavours. The signature dish is a lamb shank wrapped in pastry, but try the rare kangaroo loin for something different. The wines are good and the views are beautiful.
Duckstein Brewery
9720 West Swan Road, Henley Brook; tel: 08-9296 0620; www.duckstein.com.au; Sun–Thu 11am–5pm, Fri–Sat 11am–late; $$
This German brewery not only makes excellent beer, but has a huge list of German food to accompany it. The Brewer’s Pan – a fry packed with pan-fried potatoes, kassler smoked pork cutlets and bratwurst sausages – is recommended.
North of Perth
La Perle Restaurant
10 Murray Street, within Kimberley Sands Resort and Spa, Cable Beach, Broome; tel: 08-9193 8300; daily 7am–9pm; $$$
Offering elegant French cuisine, using standout local Western Australian produce, the sophisticated menu here (from the seared scallops to the creme brûlée with berries and macadamia shortbread) matches the amazing setting, between native bushland and a luxury pool.
Restaurant Upstairs
Porter Street, Kalbarri; www.upstairsrestaurant.com.au; tel: 08-9937 1033; Thu–Mon 4pm–10pm, Fri–Sun outside school holidays; $
Both the food and ambience are great here, with a beautiful view of the river mouth and ocean. The interior is fresh and modern, with changing artworks from all around Australia.
Skeeta’s Restaurant and Café
101 Foreshore Drive, Geraldton; tel: 08-9964 1619; www.skeetas.com.au; daily 6.30am–11pm; $$
Skeeta’s specialises in seafood, yet they’ve got the non-fish eaters covered, too, with pasta, steak and chicken dishes. The whiting fillets served with crispy gourmet potatoes and salad are a favourite, as is the seafood platter for two.
The Little Creatures Brewery restaurant serves good food and even better beer
Alamy
South of Perth
Aristos Waterfront
15 Bonnefoi Boulevard, Bunbury; tel: 08-9791 6477; www.aristosbunbury.com.au; 11am–late; $$
Stunningly situated over the water at the Marlston Hill development, Aristos serves fresh seafood along with regular fish and chips. Coffee, cakes and wine are available as well.
Equinox Café
343 Queen Street, Busselton; tel: 08-9752 4641; www.theequinox.com.au; daily 8am–late; $$
This waterfront restaurant is surrounded by lovely Moreton Bay fig trees and has a beautiful view of the ocean. Its interesting Australian and international cuisine is as popular with locals as it is with tourists.