This is in no way my comprehensive guide, rather, this list is more a reflection of the places I would take my friends and family if they were visiting. It’s a mix of nostalgia, convenience and good service, but most importantly good food and a good vibe. So basically, a very compelling list of reasons I love Perth. Enjoy.
General Public
For me this is the everything place. If you need a morning coffee, they’ve got you covered. If you need a place for lunch or dinner that has good food and where you don’t need to wait too long, this is the spot. Or maybe you just want a place where you can whip out your laptop? That’s covered, too. It’s also a place to meet your friends after work for a few sneaky drinks. I think you get the point. They’ve nailed all bases here (including the outstanding sourdough pizza bases), the staff are great and the vibe is awesome – a great spot for your local everything.
5/19 Doric St, Scarborough
Wildflower
The question with fine-dining is, “is it worth it?” At Wildflower the answer is a resounding yes. Wildflower is a hallmark restaurant; somewhere you go to create a memory. For me this place is special not only because it was the first time my now wife and I got dinner after we got engaged, but also because of how it showcases West Australian native ingredients. A one-of-a-kind experience.
COMO The Treasury, 1 Cathedral Ave, Perth
Balthazar
The perfect spot for an out-of-this-world dining experience that doesn’t totally blow the budget. If I could sum up the tone, I’d describe it as passionate; the team here really care about what they do and it shows on the plate. The food is refined, but relaxed and super-flavourful, and their cruller doughnut could be one of my all-time favourite desserts.
6 The Esplanade, Perth
Balthazar, Perth
Manuka Woodfire Kitchen
There’s something about a wood oven that makes everything taste so good. I’m also going to make a very big claim and say that the woodfired bread with bone-marrow butter may be one of the greatest bread and butter combos on offer. But then absolutely everything here is packed with flavour. Manuka showcases incredible WA produce and pairs it with great service, all in a relaxed, non-pretentious environment. What more could you ask for?
134 High St, Fremantle
Uncle Billy’s
For late-night dining when I’m craving something hearty and delicious, I go to Uncle Billy’s. Offering up traditional Chinese cuisine, it has just the right kind of nostalgic Australian-Chinese restaurant décor, and a lazy Susan to match. Their Marmite chicken is iconic, plus they have all the favourites. In my opinion, there’s no better way to end your night.
Shop 9, 66 Roe St, Northbridge
Fremantle Markets
Freo Markests is a real one-stop shop selling anything you could think of. That also means there’s amazing food on offer. I always gravitate toward Fluffy Lamb for a proper Indonesian experience, where chicken and lamb skewers are marinated and basted over charcoal right in front of you. Pair it with rice, house satay and sambal (it’s mad tasty), Then head over to G-Free Donuts for a hot, fresh cinnamon doughnut, that’s super-crisp on the outside and light and fluffy in the middle.
Cnr South Tce & Henderson St, Fremantle
Island Market
One of my favourite things about Perth are the sunsets over the ocean. Placed on the edge of the coast, nothing beats a really good meal and drink here. with an unadulterated view of the ocean as the sun sets into the water. It’s magic. Top it off with a sneaky sunset swim before dinner and you’ve got yourself a killer date night.
364 West Coast Dr, Trigg
Island Market
Lions and Tigers
Look, let's be honest, Indian food or being Indian wasn’t always the coolest when I was growing up, but this is the type of restaurant my 13-year-old self would be really proud to have visited. Lions and Tigers presents Indian food in a fun, edgy, contemporary way. It’s a really fun way – I’d even say it's a cool way – to enjoy Indian. Think roti tacos or dhal with burrata and burnt butter.
8 Bannister St, Fremantle
Lions and Tigers
Drasko’s Hot Chicken
This spot doesn’t just do fried chicken, they do OG Nashville hot chicken. Drasko Jankovic, the high-energy, hot chicken wizard himself, has a fine-dining background, which explains the level of detail and consistency in the food. He’s also spent time in Nashville, giving you one of the most well-researched, delicious experiences of hot chicken, not just in Perth, but maybe even in Australia. It’s super crisp, juicy and addictively hot. The kind of chicken you wake up the next morning thinking about.
The Mezz, 148 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
Drasko's Hot Chicken
Side Door BBQ
Offering a Southern-style barbecue experience in a cool industrial setting, the vibe here is epic. The meats are “fall-off-the-bone” good – super-juicy with a great smoky flavour and super-tasty homemade sauces to match – and served along classic sides, including the richest mac ’n’ cheese I may have ever had. If I’m craving barbecue, this is my first stop.
497-499 Beaufort St (enter from rear), Perth