The best things to do in Mount Hawthorn
Once a quiet little nook with a corner pub and a couple of cafes, in recent times the Mount Hawthorn strip has become a hive of exciting new restaurants, bright and bubbly cafes and trendy shops. If you’ve not paid a visit recently, may we humbly suggest you hop on your bike ASAP to check out some of the following:
EAT & DRINK
Casa
Since it opened, we’ve barely paused in extolling the virtues of Casa – and neither has anyone else. The dynamic menu, which suits both a quick snack with wine or a longer, more sumptuous feast – is always-changing and geographically, deliciously travelling through regions. More recently, they’ve expanded with a takeaway pizza joint next door, aptly-named Casa Pizza Wine.
399 Oxford Street, Mount Hawthorn
In Good Hands
In Good Hands may be one of the newer kids on the block, but we reckon it holds its own against some of Perth’s heaviest hitters. House milky brews are made with Community Coffee Co beans, plus a rotating roster of Double Double, Twin Peaks and Daylight Coffee Roasters for batch brews and espresso. Owner Oli’s mum is behind much of the food on offer, as well as utilising cult baker Everyday Bread for cabinet goodies. While their offerings are straightforward, you really do feel like you’re In Good Hands.
1/186 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
Humblebee Coffee Roasters
Tucked around the corner on Coogee Street, Humblebee‘s passion for coffee is reflected in the patronage of people who really give a double-shot about their beans. They’ll make you a bag of freshly roasted beans to order, don’t mess around with too many milk flavours, and don’t mind adding a cheeky sweet treat to the mix if you feel so inclined.
77 Coogee Street, Mount Hawthorn
La Madonna Nera
Offering a delightfully intimate dining experience, La Madonna Nera is pairing some truly delectable libations with a snack game that’s hard to beat. Just across the road from another gem, Spritz Spizzecheria, you can expect impeccable Italian combined with a top shelf vino selection. If you’re a fan of carefully curated, Italian-sourced wines then you’ll find plenty of friends here, and they’ll be happy to take you for a journey all over the boot-shaped peninsula.
1/155 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
Pappagallo
Nestled in between Leederville and Mount Hawthorn, Pappagallo has become one of our favourite go-tos over the years. And while we love to dive into a bowl of pasta pretty much any night of the week, we really can’t go past Pappagallo’s pizzas. Crisp, light and toppings that are juuuuuust right – but with plenty of options to keep everyone happy. Plus, the option to add a burrata is something we can always, always get around.
250 Oxford Street, Leederville
Spritz Spizzicheria
Taking up residence on the strip before it was cool, Spritz Spizzicheria not only offer fantastic Italian food and wine, but they do so in delightful alfresco surrounds and always with a friendly smile. Owners Mario Tolardo and Franco Tambasco have been in the game a long time, and the repeat customers are testament to an all round winning vibe. Plus if you love a spritz, this is where to get the best.
148 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
Sonny’s
It’s the vibe of the thing! Sonny’s brings a killer drinks list and Sofika Boulton’s fire-powered eats to a leafy corner of Mount Hawthorn. Retro details in the fit out add to the cosiness – although a passionately inclusive approach for both staff and producers certainly adds to the warmth.
126 Hobart Street, Mount Hawthorn
Lupo Lab
The airy, bright open interiors and modern design of Lupo Lab will lure you in, but it’s their roasted-on-site coffee bans and expansive all-day breakfast menu that’ll keep you coming back. Their Rome-inspired brekky, lunch and dinner menus all really fun and unique, making it a great spot no matter who’s coming – families, groups or couples.
151-153 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
Maya’s Kitchen
Boy, were we excited back when Maya’s Kitchen opened – and they haven’t disappointed, with Lebanese fare packed with flavour and plenty of friendly, family-run vibes. Crispy pita is our love language, so we’re day dreaming about dipping a shard into some hummus and toum… Not to mention the charcoal chicken, one of our all-time favourites, done here to perfection.
142 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
Fields Of Vincent
At Fields Of Vincent it’s all about the bagels baby – not only are they some of the best in Perth, they have a crazy number to choose from. From ragin’ Cajun Chicken to beaut Bacon & Egg, they’ve got ’em all, even with some gluten free and vego options. Of course with good bagels must come great coffee, and Fields have you covered there too.
135 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
Pogo Restaurant
Mount Hawthorn’s Pogo is fast becoming a weekend hotspot, blending Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours with those of Australian natives. Settle into the lush surrounds of the Garden Bar for all-day dishes like Wagin duck borek, fried chicken topped with Aleppo-spiked butter or evening favourites like Harvey skirt steak with saltbush chermoula and wattleseed babaganoush, or Lebanese beef dumplings.
1/148 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
Tsukaya
For one of the finest Japanese dining experiences in Perth it’s hard to go past Tsukaya. It’s also a little different thanks to the unexpected addition of tacos to the menu, but trust us – it really, beautifully, deliciously works. Plus it’s BYO! Outside of the tacos and fresh-as-heck sashimi, their fried chicken is…*chef’s kiss*.
167 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
Ha-Lu
For whatever reason, they like to do Japanese differently in Mount Hawthorn and Ha-Lu dabbles in tasty Japanese-style tapas that’s proved incredibly popular. The menu is massive, and no matter how large and diverse your dining group, there’s bound to be something anyone can enjoy. Our tip – the wagyu beef tataki with edamame and fried onions.
4/401 Oxford Street, Mount Hawthorn
Drasko’s Hot Chicken
What happens when you combine a passion for Nashville-style fried chicken, with the attention to detail that comes from a stint at Noma? You get Drasko’s, and we couldn’t be more pleased. Ever since opening at the start of the year, Drasko’s has made huge waves, with hordes of punters lining up for that crispy, juicy, spicy good stuff. Made with exclusively WA produce, with pickles, hot sauces and, well, everything else made in-house, you’ll taste the difference.
The Mezz, 148 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
Bites By D
Those in the know when it comes to High Tea around Perth will regularly shout out Bites By D as the place to be. They run High Teas Tuesday to Sunday with morning and arvo sessions that go for two hours, you just bring the gang and some champagne if you’re in the mood for some serious fun.
147 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
The Cabin Small Bar
The Cabin Small Bar is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cosy upstairs wine bar along Scarborough Beach Road. Nailing some incredible share plates with a diverse wine list, you gotta stop by in winter and cosy up next to the fire amidst the warm, wooden décor. Alternatively the balcony dining area is just as great in the warmer months.
174 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
Paddington Ale House
It’d be remiss of us not too mention The Paddo, an institution around which a bustling eating and drinking strip has since thrived. One of the last remaining old school corner pubs left in Perth, you can knock a few pool balls around, catch sport on the tele, enjoy ice cold pints and honest pub fare without pretension. All things that are getting harder and harder to find these days! Their parmy lowkey might be one of Perth’s too – but you didn’t hear it from us ;).
141 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
Leaf & Bean
One of the most popular breakfast joints in Mount Hawthorn, a sneaky pro-tip is to make sure you check out the back garden of Leaf & Bean for a nice shady spot to sit (and some toys for the kids). They’ve got some very tempting cakes to go with a seasonal menu, in which the Cheesy Chilli Scramble and Eggs Benny (featuring house made hollandaise) are a couple of highlights.
178A Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
Birraz
If Spritz is a little busy and you’re feeling something a little more intimate, why not visit the delightful Egidio Squillace at his authentic Italian restaurant, Birraz. He brings a lifetime of experience to the warm and buzzy spot, featuring an irresistible selection of tapas options. But if you want our hot tip, go for Edigio’s special Seafood Selection Menu and thank us later.
406 Oxford Street, Mount Hawthorn
Yelo
While it might not be overlooking the beach like its now-shuttered flagship location in North Beach, Yelo has mingled into the burbs with aplomb and is the perfect spot if you’re in hurry. Wraps, bagels, rolls, paninis, yoghurt, granola, smoothies, milkshakes… You name it, they prepare it daily for you to grab and go with ease.
402 Oxford Street, Mount Hawthorn
Oxford Hotel
We’re gonna stretch the Mount Hawthorn boundaries a little include a couple of great pubs, the first being another institution – the Oxford Hotel. While it’s over a hundred years old, they’ve managed to keep it fresh over the years without losing any rustic charm, and their alfresco area is second-to-none. Plus they’ve got some of the best daily pub specials you’ll find in Perth.
368 Oxford Street, Leederville
Carina’s Kitchen
If we were vegans, we reckon it would be torture to see all the delicious baked goodies all over Perth… If not for Carina’s Kitchen, that is. After years as a market favourite, the star baker has moved into a permanent location in Mount Hawthorn’s The Mezz, serving up even more of her signature Insta-ready vegan cakes and sweet treats, as well as a few new savoury bites. (If you really want to make someone’s day, order them a pretty as a picture delivery box.)
The Mezz, 148 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
Meat & Mains
Perth’s first chef-owned butcher, Meat & Mains sell restaurant-grade, sustainable and locally-sourced produce. Their produce will transform your home-cooked dinners into something truly special – or grab one of their pre-prepared meals and make weeknights even easier. An even hotter tip? Head there on Saturdays and Thursdays for a freshly made hot pork roll, or their Saturday morning sausage sizz. Oof.
The Mezz, 148 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
SEE, DO & SHOP
The Jazz Cellar
One of Perth’s best (or is it worst?) kept secrets, The Jazz Cellar lies underneath an un-missable red phone box in Mount Hawthorn, and is the home of jazzy good times. Booking ahead is essential, they’ll provide the live jazz entertainment and you just need to bring some booze and food (it’s BYO)!
139 Buxton Street, Mount Hawthorn
Diabolik Books & Records
Diabolik has an amazing, curated selection of books covering everything from new release to non-fiction, as well as a nifty record and gift section. However, their best offering is probably their service – with staff always at the ready to offer a helping hand. If you’re struggling to figure out a gift for someone no matter what the occasion, we guarantee you’ll find it here.
149 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
LnJ Garden
Down the road from Casa on Oxford Street you’ll find this absolute winner indoor plant shop, LnJ. With some of the best prices going around, be wary that you still don’t end up spending a fortune thanks to their huge range of plants and pots. They’re a favourite amongst the Perth indoor plant-loving community for a reason.
379 Oxford Street, Mount Hawthorn
Art Garage
This community art space regularly host cool art and craft workshops, along with being a gift shop that stocks local artists. Check their Facebook Page for upcoming events, including awesome stuff like indoor plant swaps and workshops, drawing classes and heaps more.
191 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
Stella Rose
Owned by local fashionista Jen, Stella Rose’s timeless pieces will have your wardrobe looking schmick in no time. Stocking labels that include Ginger & Smart, ELK, Joseph Ribkoff and more, they effortlessly merge practical basics with your own unique sense of style.
2/155 Scarborough Beach Rd, Mount Hawthorn
Braithwaite Park
One of our favourite Nature Playgrounds in Perth, Braithwaite Park was designed with input from kids at the local Primary School and features cubby pods, tunnels, forts and water play. It’s fully fenced, and while the nature play zone is designed with bigger kids in mind (7-10years) there is plenty for little ones to do and another play zone just moments away. Good luck getting the kids to come home from that one.
Photo via Australian Institute of Landscape Architects
197 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
Pamper yourself with a new ‘do
Alright we’re cheating a little, but we’ve got to keep these lists to a somewhat reasonable length, and it’s just a fact that Mount Hawthorn has a plethora of haircare options for everybody – all within walking distance of each other. Take note, because you’ve got: HER On Oxford, Stanford Barbers, Bo’s Barbershop, Small Batch Hair, Winter Grace, Fox Hair Salon, Andrea-Rose, Highlight Hair Salon, Saffy’s Barber and Top Guys, with still more we haven’t mentioned. While you’re at it, get your skin looking extra magical with a visit to the Skin Fairy!
Pears On Pottery
Another excellent community space, Pears On Pottery regularly host fun Friday night BYO events where you can meet some lovely neighbours over a few drinks, while painting pots. You can also make your own pottery pieces and pick them up a couple of weeks once they’ve been fired in the kiln!
73 Coogee Street, Mount Hawthorn
Bodhi Tree Bookstore Cafe
If you’re the type of person who loves curling up at a cafe with coffee or breakfast while reading a book, set your compass for Bodhi Tree! An independent book store and cafe, they serve fair-trade organic coffee and most of the gifts you’ll find are ethically-sourced from all over the world.
1/416-418 Oxford Street, Mount Hawthorn
Blossom Tree Toys
Looking for the perfect gifts for the little ones in your life? Look no further than Blossom Tree, who stock a charming range of environmentally friendly and sustainable toys, books and more – all focusing on promoting imaginative play and creativity and supporting a range of local and international charities.
The Mezz, 148 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
Op Shop ‘Til You Drop
Similar to above, you’ve got a couple of great op shop options (op shoptions?) around Mount Hawthorn. You’ve got a Vinnies, Salvos and Red Cross all within walking distance, and if you’re really on the hunt there’s a Save The Children Op Shop right on the suburb’s northern border.
Yogahub
Once you’ve inhaled that Humblebee Coffee pop next door to Yogahub, offering Ashtanga, Yin, Iyengar and Vinyasa yoga. Their session times are super reasonable and easy to get amongst, and of course the vibe is incredibly relaxing while still going deep into yoga proper.
75 Coogee Street, Mount Hawthorn
Code Bloom
Treat someone special in your life with a visit to Code Bloom – who can not only whip up a stunning bouquet that’ll brighten anyone’s day but stock a delightful assortment of gifts to really seal the deal!
The Mezz, 148 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
Subscribe to our free newsletter!
ANZAC Cottage
And last but certainly not least, for a slice of suburban history why not visit ANZAC Cottage – built in one day in February of 1916 as a memorial to the soldiers who fought in Gallipoli and a home for a returned soldier and his family. They host viewings on Sunday afternoons, and also run private tours and more, head to the Friends Of ANZAC Cottage website for details.
38 Kalgoorlie Street, Mount Hawthorn
–
Cover image credit: Pogo
This article was written in collaboration with Amna and the team at Mount Hawthorn Hub