The best restaurants in Northbridge

Whether you’re starting a long night of partying or you’re popping out for an affordable midweek dinner, Northbridge’s vast offering of restaurants is second to none. From low-key dumpling joints to sexy wine bars, we’ve attempted the mammoth task of narrowing down our favourites:

Double Rainbow

Part of multi-level behemoth venue (and Fringe World hub) the Rechabite, ground level restaurant Double Rainbow has quietly become one of our go-to spots to start a lively night out. Serving up a mixture of fast and furious Asian fusion with a big Korean tilt, you can expect big flavours and some party vibes. 

224 William Street, Northbridge

Ah Um

Hidden at the back of Northbridge listening bar Astral Weeks, new-wave New York wine bar-inspired restaurant Ah Um doesn’t do things by halves – not its commitment to acoustic experience, not in the restrained and devotedly seasonal menu from chef Branden Scott, not in its selection of esoteric sake from sourced via distributors Black Market. Quality over quantity to the core.

Shop 12/60–66 Roe Street, Northbridge (Enter via Astral Weeks Bar)

Authentic Bites Dumpling House

This inclusion can be a surprise to no one, if the lines are anything to go by. Authentic Bites hit on a winning formula from the get-go, with great value, high-quality, house-made dumplings. Cooked to order, you can rest assured your xiao long bao will be juicy and hot, your potstickers crispy, and your siu mai bouncy. Thankfully, there’s also sister store Juicy Bao Bao just up the road so there’s double the dumplings for us to enjoy.

Shop 3, 145 Newcastle Street, Northbridge

Baan Baan

2019 saw market regular Bangkok Jump Street make the leap to a brick-and-mortar location in Northbridge, and while Baan Baan means “comfort and simple”, that’s honestly a bit of an undersell. The menu is full of dynamic, exciting Thai street food, as well as home-style meals – but it’s all perfect for sharing. Let’s hope your date is as hot as some fresh Thai chilies.

172 Newcastle Street, Northbridge

Picabar

Already one of Perth’s best spots for a bev, Picabar has truly levelled up with an expanded outdoor decking area and bar, and even a now-unearthed fireplace inside. Somehow they’ve managed to lose none of their old charm, whilst upgrading everything to make it one of, if not the best watering holes in Northbridge, with a menu packed with crowd-pleasers.

51 James Street, Northbridge

The Leadlight

The new-year-new-us version of the former Ruinbar, the Leadlight has been the talk of the Perth is OK! office and a much-visited haunt over the summer. From the same owners as long-time faves Picabar (above!) and South Freo’s Percy Flint, they’ve given the courtyard a bit of a reno and re-jigged the menu with some particularly enticing new options (think cheeseburgers with Calabrian mayo, conti rolls and steaks with curly fries and béarnaise). Sure is a dangerous day to be a cold beer…!

165 Beaufort Street, Northbridge

No Mafia

Since moving into their expanded digs back in 2020, No Mafia has remained a steadfast and reliable option for romantic dinners, casual catchups and even long-table work lunches – there’s no occasion that the braised duck pappardelle doesn’t suit! Plus, if you can grab a spot out the front, the William Street people watching is pretty unmatched.

252 William Street, Northbridge

S&T Thai Gourmet Cafe

S&T nails everything that we love about Thai food: fresh, vibrant, sweet and tangy with a healthy kick of heat. Their menu strikes the balance between accessibility for those less familiar with Thai cuisine (yes, you can get a green curry, or some pad thai), and plenty that are primed to become your new favourites. We can’t go through a summer without at least one papaya salad followed by durian ice cream – served with sweet sticky rice, creamed milk and roasted peanuts, it’s a game changer.

Shop 3, 347-349 William Street, Northbridge

Fallow

Rustic interior, charming rooftop, fire-powered eats… Fallow was a particularly welcome addition to Northbridge in the dark depths of 2024’s winter. The venue is a joint effort from Chef Stuart Laws – long-time proponent of WA’s culinary landscape – along with Daniel Sterpini and Joel Beresford of now-shuttered craft beer favourite Dutch Trading Co. Go all-out with a mammoth 28-day dry aged T-bone – but then again, we can’t go past their “Fallow-style” prawn toast with spicy togarashi mayo.

314 William Street, Perth

Shadow Wine Bar

Shadow Wine Bar has the glamour and intrigue of an Italian film star. The decor is inviting rather than intimidating, with the dimly lit dining room lending an intimacy to your meal, particularly in spite of its grand, industrial, vaulted ceiling. The menu is a choose-your-own-adventure of formality, from the elegant bar snacks (crab, aioli and potato crisp, white anchovy toast) to the sumptuous mains – previous stars include the tortelli with prawn, vermouth and fennel, the veal cotoletta, or the beef fillet with confit leek and onion soubise.

214 William Street, Northbridge

Tak Chee House

Basically an institution at this point, Tak Chee House has become a stalwart of Malaysian food in Perth. Of course, the star of the show if their chicken rice. Served since 1988, this Malaysian staple is done to its comforting best here, with moist, tender chicken and fragrant rice – and the accompanying chilli sauce takes things from great to amazing. Once you’ve had it, you’ll understand the faithful devotion shown to this place over the years. But that’s not all they have on offer – we’re really quite partial to their legendary roti canai with curry beef. Just make sure you get there early, because you won’t be the only one looking for lunch.

1/364 William Street, Northbridge

Margot’s

After countless delays, Margot’s finally swung open the doors to their William Street bar back in July – with help from the gang at Sesh Mafia. The wine bar concept took a turn, instead focusing on a sharp selection of martinis and a European menu – but think the Baltic Sea, rather than the Mediterranean. Head chef Branagan McGann, Sesh Mafia’s Culinary Director Chase Weber and charcuterie master Adam Bielawski have combined their powers into a kind of trifecta of deliciousness, whether you’re nibbling on terrines, pickles and oysters, or indulging in one of their bougie Sunday arvo seafood towers. (And make sure not to miss that only-available-sometimes pastrami sandwich, made with bread baked-to-order!)

434 William Street, Perth

Vincent Wine

It feels like an eternity ago, but it was only January of 2021 when Vincent Wine opened in the former Meat Candy (RIP) spot on the corner of William and Brisbane Streets. Since then, it’s brought we’re-in-France, we’re-on-holiday vibes in absolute spades. Initially the wine drew in crowds a plenty, but very quickly attention has turned towards their stunning food options. You’ll have to wander in and see what’s written up on the tiles on any given week, but trust us when we say you won’t be disappointed.

465 William Street, Perth

Wines of While

We do dither on about Wines of While a lot, and the fact it’s basically impossible to find a seat just an hour after they open every day is testament to its popularity. Known for impeccably-sourced natty wines and pared-back alfresco dining in the sun up the top of William Street, it’s the perfect spot to watch the world go by.

458 William Street, Northbridge

Francoforte

You’re wanting pasta, but maybe your pockets aren’t all that deep… Francoforte is the budget-friendly, post-work, dependable option. With expanded digs, you won’t have to fight quite so hard for a table, and they’re no longer BYO-only, so no stress if you forget to hit up the bottle-o on the way in. Mamma mia! Gimme that guanciale carbonara any day.

4/189 William Street, Northbridge

K Town

K Town is the perfect meeting place between quantity and quality, offering all-you-can-eat set barbecue menus at a quality suitable for more discerning diners. House-made kimchi, generous banchan and attentive service round out the experience. Plus, the courtyard is a super cute and cosy setting for your next date night or catch up.

63 Aberdeen Street, Northbridge

Trà Vinh

If you’ve got even a casual interest in Vietnamese food, you’ve surely hit up Trà Vinh for a feed. This Highgate-end-of-Northbridge hotspot is a favourite for noodle lovers, with plenty of varieties of pho, hu tieu, and other noodle soups available to sate you hunger, no matter your tastes.

149 Brisbane Street, Perth

La Cholita

A popular and long-standing Mexican haunt along William Street, La Cholita has been slinging terrific tacos, gorgeous guac and succulent sangrias since way back in 2011. Their tequila and mezcal offerings are plentiful (like, in the hundreds), and they also serve what we reckon is Perth’s tastiest spicy michelada, so make sure you stock up on plenty tostadas and quesadillas while you imbibe.

279 William Street, Northbridge

Thanh Dat Vietnamese Noodle House

It’s hard to resist the magnetic pull of the many amazing Vietnamese restaurants along William Street, but if you can stay strong, you will be richly rewarded with a visit to Thành Dat. One of the newer spots, these guys specialise in beef short rib pho – but they’ve also just come out with a “Pho the Lot” that is having us dream of beef… And while their bone broth is practically medicinal, we’ve got to start the night  right with some crispy, moreish chả giò rế.

425 William Street, Northbridge

The Standard

Boasting perhaps Northbridge’s lushest hidden oasis and a nifty rooftop balcony, The Standard recently switched lanes to a Mediterranean-inspired offering – think plenty of spaghetti, stracciatella and spritzes!

28 Roe Street, Northbridge

Tosaka Ramen Bar

Tosaka are specialists in tori paitan ramen: instead of pork-based tonkotsu, tori paitan features a chicken broth that is rich and creamy, yet light. For plant-based ramen lovers, you can finally get in on the action, too! Tosaka has plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available, made with a vegetable and soy bean broth. Plus, they also have shirataki konjac noodles available – a gluten free and low calorie alternative to regular egg noodles. No matter your dietary preferences, Tosaka has you covered.

305 William Street, Northbridge

Good Fortune Roast Duck House

As the name of this stalwart of the Perth Chinese restaurant scene may attest, they know their way around duck. It’s been running the game in Perth for over 20 years now thanks to head honcho Mr. Jin Shou Chen, whose special prep techniques have made his restaurants world-renowned. If it’s duck you’re hunting, Good Fortune should be where you aim.

354 William Street, Perth

Hong Kong BBQ

If Good Fortune is our go-to for roast duck, Hong Kong BBQ has to take the crown when it comes to roast pork. Open since 1997, they’ve had decades to perfect the art of Cantonese barbecue – with crispy and tender roast pork, perfectly salty-sweet char siu, plus moist and flavourful duck.

76 Francis Street, Northbridge

Bonsai

One of our favourites for a lively dinner with friends, Bonsai‘s contemporary izakaya-style menu offers you the opportunity to enjoy all they have on offer. Settle in for the evening with their blowout 16-course tasting menu – as they say, it’s the ultimate Bonsai experience!

30 Roe Street, Northbridge

My Bayon

Cambodian fusion restaurant My Bayon has earned legions of fans with its well-loved laksa, inspired by over 18 years in Darwin’s markets and a unique family recipe. While we find it hard to resist laksa any day of the week, the rest of their menu – filled with fusion and Khmer cuisine is hard to beat.

313 William Street, Northbridge

Ramen Ichiraku

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of William Street, you’ll find Ramen Ichiraku. These guys are passionate about bringing the comfort of ramen to everyone: as well as their signature 12-hour tonkotsu broth, they also offer a vegan broth made with a combination of vegetables, mushrooms and kombu. But that’s not all – they also offer an entire! Vegan! Menu! That’s right, an entire vegan menu, covering all the bases from faux chicken karaage and gyoza to bento boxes.

43 Monger Street, Perth

The Moon

Ah, The Moon. Our faithful stallion, carrying us into the wee hours of the morning. Open from midday until the early hours of the morning, they’ll sort you out with a tantalising plate of pasta, a towering burger, a boozy cocktail or a cosy cup of coffee. Sitting in one of those booths (or out the back in the courtyard with some tunes), sharing the hot goss with mates over a late night coffee? There’s no better way to while away an evening.

Shop 2, 323 William Street, Northbridge 

Neon Palms

Slap-bang in the middle of the Northbridge action, Neon Palms is continuing the night-out-vibes with their tropically-infused, cocktail-oriented venue. As well as plenty of drinks that are sure to raise the decibel level, you can dig into Latin-American inspired eats by Vice Burger – think Cubanos and Frita burgers. If your date is extra chatty, you can jump into one of those cosy booths to insulate fellow diners from your chinwagging.

245 William Street, Northbridge

Chopsticks

One of our favourite spots for a midweek bún chả, Chopsticks ticks a whole bunch of boxes: it’s a relaxed setting for both chill weeknights and more lively weekend dinners, with a big ol’ table of friends, casual date night or a long-overdue one-on-one catchup. Paired with big flavour and its easy proximity to Northbridge’s night life? We’re sold.

168 Newcastle Street, Northbridge

Peasants Paradice

Peasants Paradice has built something of a cult following since opening in 2021 – although they had a head start with years of pop-ups and kitchen takeovers prior. The favour-packed global menu is a winner from start to finish, whether you’re popping in for a few snacks or diving into their absolutely legendary special seafood boil events.

197 Brisbane Street, Perth

Cover image credit: Double Rainbow