Eat your way through Western Australia’s coastal capital with our guide to the best restaurants in Perth
Hungry in the most isolated city in the world? Not to worry, because the best restaurants in Perth are worth going out of your way to discover. The Western wonder is brimming with award-winning restaurants, bustling bars and charming cafés that breathe life into the city and its two million residents.
It feels a little lazy to say that eating yourself silly is one of the best things to do in Perth, but it would be disingenuous to suggest otherwise. The food here is exquisite and the best restaurants all have their own quirks and charm. So, bring that appetite to the end of the world and get ready for a feed.
What is it? A sleek new Greek mezze bar in Subiaco.
Why go? Sharing is caring, right? Well, at Yiamas the warm welcome and open-air courtyard encourages diners to share a selection of ancient Greek-influenced dishes. Rally a batch of your best buds, fill the table with charred octopus, dolmades and souvlaki, and settle in for a feast. Just be sure to order enough baklava to go around.
What is it? A refined European bistro-esque experience within Perth’s heritage-listed Royal hotel.
Why go? Equal parts contemporary and classic, Fleur showcases local Australian produce through a delicate French lens. Duck liver parfait sits on the menu next to kangaroo carpaccio, as do meringues and crêpes Suzette for dessert. The minimalist dining room can be dressed up for elegant affairs, while the eight-seat bar can offers a more casual hang-out for a pre- or post-dinner tipple.
What is it? A contemporary rooftop space where the menu is led by native concepts.
Why go? Wildflower’s innovative menu is headed by the Indigenous culinary calendar, meaning ingredients are harvested and foraged according to the Noongar six seasons. As your dining experience unfolds over a four-, six- or eight-course degustation, you can take in sweeping views across the Swan River and city skyline. It’s worth playing with Wildflower’s cocktail list too, where native Australian ingredients steal the spotlight, including Davidson plum, strawberry gum, fingerlime and quandong.
What is it? Homemade pizza and pasta that your nonna would approve of.
Why go? Warm and welcoming, this little family-owned pizzeria has something for the whole family. Monsterella’s handmade woodfire pizzas are Naples in style with dough naturally risen for 48 hours. The Milliano is a must-try with fior di latte, Italian pork and fennel sausage and caramelised onions, and so is Diablo with smoked mozzarella, hot salami, ndjua and chilli. Monsterella also serves traditional street food from the Abruzzo region in Italy with lamb skewers cooked over the grill, alongside whole egg spaghetti with meatballs, pesto or carbonara.
What is it? One of Australia’s best steakhouses that’s neither elite nor pretentious.
Why go? At Rockpool, they dry-age their steaks to achieve the perfect caramelised popcorn flavour. There's not too much seasoning – just some salt on the crust. But like any good steakhouse, there are three types of mustard or a house-made barbecue sauce if you play fast and loose with the rules. And that's not to mention the superb wine list – with an extensive range of more than 2,500 bottles, you can create your own perfect pairing.
What is it? A sunny, seaside bar in South Fremantle with sustainable seafood and an ever-changing wine list.
Why go? Hook, line and sinker, Madalena’s is easily one of the best bars in Western Australia right now. The sun-filled boteco sources the freshest sustainably caught seafood from local suppliers at Fins Seafood and pairs it with seasonal goodness from their thriving kitchen garden. Wind down on the weekend with a chardonnay off Madalena’s white marble bar or settle in post-swim for dinner and drinks upstairs.
What is it? The place for pasta in Perth.
Why go? Chef Joel Valvasori-Pereza previously had diners seeking out his northern Italian dishes at inner-city bar Lalla Rookh. His cosy osteria is pasta-centric, with an Italian road trip through regional specialties and creative interpretations of classic combos. The robust wine list includes local producers and northern Italian varieties.
What is it? Garden-to-plate dining experience paired with some of Western Australia’s most exceptional wines.
Why go? Millbrook’s ever-changing seasonal menu takes its cues from the estate’s sprawling one-acre garden, where 100 varieties of heirloom vegetables are grown. Creativity and colour are served up, alongside Millbrook’s premium wines, leaning strongly on lesser-known varieties, such as viognier, tempranillo and an epic GSM blend.
What is it? One of Western Australia’s most prized beachside diners for Spritz, snacks and a seaside breeze.
Why go? Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, it’s hard to go wrong at this Hamptons-inspired, but very much West Australian eatery. The Shorehouse keeps a line between surf and turf on the menu with plenty of dishes from the land and sea. Settle under the striped yellow umbrellas for a long lunch or a procession of Bloody Marys, or reserve one of the coveted interior booths to watch the sun go down.
What is it? The world’s most recognised Japanese restaurant needs no introduction.
Why go? A meal at Perth’s very own offshoot of the famous Japanese fine diner will be one for the memory books. Esteemed chef Nobu Matsuhisa fuses traditional Japanese techniques with South American flavours in signature dishes, like the black cod miso and yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño. Turn it into an extra special occasion with a cherry blossom sake, a lychee martini or a world-class glass of wine.
What is it? A relaxed beach eatery with beautiful views over Cottesloe Beach.
Why go? Western Australian sunsets are legendary. Add a serious wine selection and authentic Italian bites and Il Lido is ticking the boxes. It’s open from 6.30am, meaning you can pop in after a morning dip for an espresso and fresh-baked pastry, then return for a pre-dinner vino and seasonal antipasti.
What is it? A Fremantle favourite famous for its artisanal wood-fired bread.
Why go? It’s all about the dough at Bread in Common. From AM to PM, every dish is designed to be enjoyed with bread. Dip into house-made ricotta, hazelnut dukkah, smoked zucchini dip or lamb gravy. Then, load up with duck fat roast potatoes, lightly cured trout, crispy pork belly and apple-smoked duck breast. Communal dining in the converted warehouse is relaxed, hearty and altogether comforting.
What is it? In Australia, the name David Thompson goes hand in hand with Thai cuisine and his Perth venture lives up to the hype.
Why go? Flavour slaps you in the face from the moment you step in the door – brightly coloured décor, intense dishes and exciting cocktails that work perfectly alongside the heat of the menu. No time to spare? Feast on street food from the ‘tuck shop’ menu, open for lunch on weekdays.
It’s the only capital city in Australia where you can watch the sun set over the ocean, but that’s not the only reason Perth is now one of the coolest places to visit. Find all the can't-miss attractions, sights and activities in Perth with our must-do guide.
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