Perth’s best beachside bars
The only thing that can make Perth beaches better is downing a bevvie (or two) in the sunshine.
Fortunately for us we’re pretty spoilt for choice, and it feels like new joints are opening up all the time. Here’s a few of our faves, reaching from Rockingham up to Eglinton and just about everywhere in between:
Madalena’s
When the husband and wife team behind super popular food truck Comida do Sul opened Madalena’s at the start of 2019, it was no surprise it became one of the most talked about restaurants in Perth, and Australia at large. Sitting in the sunshine out the front of this relaxed boteco is basically heaven – especially when paired with a menu that celebrates local seafood and a wine list that focuses on natural and minimal-intervention drops – but they’ve now also got the bar upstairs to indulge in cocktails and bar snacks.
406 South Terrace, South Fremantle
Al Lupo
Brought to you by beloved WA hospo names Greg Leaver (Strange Company, Ronnie Nights) and Alex Brinis and Matt Power from MRKT Space, Al Lupo serves up a seductive slew of Italian staples both in their impressive wine selection (over 100 tantalising drops from near and far), sundowner-ready cocktails and a seafood-heavy array of small plates courtesy of Head Chef Carlos Olivari.
25 Leighton Beach Boulevard, North Fremantle
The Beach House
Since opening at the end of 2019, The Beach House just 100m from the beach in Jindalee has fast become a real destination venue. The unmatched views are matched by the leafy, coastal interior decor, a cruisey coastal attitude and a big ol’ range of tap beers. Definitely worth jumping in the car for a northern road trip.
100 Aurora Esplanade, Jindalee
Il Lido
One of Perth’s best restaurants, period – this one’s gotta be at the high on the agenda for beachside eats. Right on Cott beach’s doorstep, Il Lido is all about a sense of European sophistication with a side of beachside relaxation – the perfect spot whether you’re dropping in for a post swim coffee (using locally roasted Mano e Mano beans) or a rustic Italian feast with friends. With a spritz in your hand, you’ll practically feel like you’re in Capri.
88 Marine Parade, Cottesloe
The Shorehouse
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: if Nigella Lawson rates it, that’s good enough for us. Sit under one of The Shorehouse’s charming striped umbrellas and peruse their extensive Bloody Mary menu, while taking in the gorgeous view of Swanbourne Beach. What could be better?
278 Marine Parade, Swanbourne
Scarborough Beach Bar
We’re pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to bars along the Scarborough Beach foreshore, but it’s hard to go past the views at Scarborough Beach Bar. Perched upstairs you get a primo viewing platform of surfers over the hill all set to chilled DJs, a very tempting cocktail selection and relaxed coastal pub fare.
1 Manning Street, Scarborough
Indigo Oscar
In November 2023, Indigo Oscar will celebrate two years since opening their seaside doors and sinking a sea of new flavours into the Cottesloe coastline. Nestled inside the iconic Indiana Tea House Building and boasting sweeping views of the postcard-perfect destination, this beachside bar and eatery is as picturesque as it is delicious. The menu is built around Latin-American flavours, coupled with a beverage list fabricated for festivities – and if you’re there during the cooler months, a seat by their fireplace makes a perfectly cosy coastal nook to curl up in with a wine or two.
99 Marine Parade, Cottesloe
Odyssea
Odyssea’s expansive wrap-around deck offers one of the best beach views you’re gonna get, anywhere, anytime. With a menu that’s appropriately seafood-y, and draws from various coastal cuisines (it’s a little bit Mediterranean, and a little bit Asian, with a few tortillas here and there), you’re set whether you’re grabbing a quick post swim coffee from the takeaway window or a sunset cocktail.
187 Challenger Parade, City Beach
Bathers Beach House
Australia’s first ever licensed true beach front bar, Bathers Beach House might be the only place you can (legally) enjoy a drink with the sand between your toes. If you really want to feel like you’re on holiday, book a couple of beach loungers for you and your mates to chill out on as the sun sets.
47 Mews Road, Fremantle
El Grotto
If you’re feeling less like an eleganté sunset wine and more like a down and dirty night out…El Grotto might be the place for you. Head to their facebook to suss out what live music is on this week. Grab a jug of La Paloma and a few tacos or a Happy Chicken and see where the night takes you…
5/148 The Esplanade, Scarborough
The Amberton
Another recently opened northern treasure, The Amberton is right on the beach in Eglinton in between Alkimos and Yanchep. Even if you’re a southsider, it’s totally worth it for the super friendly staff, fun, easy menu featuring all your faves and that specifically chilled atmosphere you can only find when you get away from the big smoke.
2 Idyllic View, Eglinton
Running With Thieves
Life’s a funny old thing, ain’t it? You have all these grand plans to launch your brand new venue, with a restaurant, brewery and distillery, and then… well, 2020. After a brief stint pivoting to producing hand sanitiser, November of 2020 saw Running With Thieves finally able to open, for real. As well as a micro-brewery, the space also contains a distillery producing both gin and vodka varieties, plus a retail outlet for you to take all those goodies home. While the warehouse doesn’t quite have the coastal vibes of some other bars on the list, its proximity to South Beach’s easy-breezy lifestyle makes it a necessary inclusion.
218 Marine Terrace, South Fremantle
Rustico
For some of the most legit tapas this side of Barcelona, you’ve gotta head to Rustico. The bar is perfectly positioned for a post-swim snack and sangria – especially during their happy hour specials on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; where you can pick up both for a bargain. As they say: full stomach, happy heart!
19/61 Rockingham Beach Road, Rockingham Beach
The Galway Hooker
Obviously, the first thing we think of when we think “traditional Irish pub”? A sweeping view of the Indian Ocean. We kid, but there’s something about the salty air at the Galway Hooker that adds a certain seaside charm to an afternoon. With a fit-out that was built in Ireland and shipped over, you’ll be singing sea shanties in no time.
3/148 The Esplanade, Scarborough
La Cabaña
Madalena’s (slightly) newer neighbour, we can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon than soaking up the sunshine and good vibes in La Cabaña’s courtyard. Post-swim, taco in one hand, cocktail in the other, pooch by our side… bliss.
400 South Terrace, South Fremantle
Cover image: The Beach House