The best things to do in Subiaco
With an ever-increasing selection of world-class eateries, small bars and local delights, Subi’s well and truly back, baby!
Whether you’re looking for hidden treasures or heavenly bites, these are our favourite places to eat, drink and explore Subiaco:
SEE, DO & SHOP
Catch a show at the Subiaco Arts Centre
Operating as an arts venue since 1984, Subiaco Arts Centre hosts a diverse range of local, interstate and international performing artists – ranging from comedy, theatrical productions, dance and much more. As well as this, the centre is home to leading Aboriginal performing arts organisation, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company. If you aren’t able to catch the next show, the surrounding gardens make a great spot to soak up some sunshine or for kids to scramble over the nature play space!
180 Hamersley Road, Subiaco
Find Subi’s hidden Giant
Find a coffee and stroll through the streets, exploring Subi’s leafy surrounds to find the suburb’s very own hidden Thomas Dambo Giant, Bille Bob!
sunset@subi
During the summer months, Subi’s streets are filled with the sweet sounds of music! Summer 2023-2024 will mark sunset@subi’s 36th season of weekly free, family-friendly concerts, making the most of Subi’s lush parks, warm summer nights and local musical talent across countless genres.
Subi Farmer’s Markets
We’ve already talked about how great Subi Farmer’s Markets are, but we just can’t stress this enough: it’s really great, guys. With some of the best fresh fruit and veg in town, as well as amazing artisan local producers, it will make your Saturday mornings feel oh-so-wholesome (even if your Friday night wasn’t). Dogspotters take note: this is a hotspot for saying hello to four-legged friends.
Subiaco Primary School, 271 Bagot Road
8:00am-12:00pm Saturday mornings
Cleo Collects
Be still, our hearts! Located within one of Hay Street’s heritage shopfronts, the front of the Cleo Collects‘ showroom is a dreamy space flooded with sunlight, and houses a thoughtful selection of furniture, homewares and artworks that range from ’70s Italian chrome to 17th century French tapestries. To the rear, a pleasingly creaky, winding staircase leads up to a second storey – filled with Gabriella Crespi-inspired bamboo pieces, an entire wall of Murano glass sconces and a gallery space filled with larger furniture.
435 Hay Street, Subiaco
Japanese Flea Market
This unique treasure trove makes us nostalgic for the old days, when high streets were lined with independent stores jam packed with eclectic treasures. Champions of slow living, unique objects and hand-crafted wares, Japanese Flea Market’s shelves are stocked with vintage kimonos, hand-made ceramics and soaps and the store’s in-house collection of linen and cotton fashion.
Shop 29/17-31 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
Emporia
With a selection of local and international designers, Emporia is a fashionista’s dream. Whether it’s an epic brocade suite from Baum und Pferdgarten, must-have Veja sneakers, a technicolour bag from Essentiel Antwerp, or a quirky dress from byTiMo, these ladies have you (luxuriously) covered from head to toe.
271 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
Earthwise
Occupying a pink former church and set amongst trees, the charming grounds of the Earthwise community centre are well worth a visit. The centre runs on the mantra “looking after the earth and each other”, and there’s an op shop on site which primarily sells clothes, kitchen items and fittingly, lots of plants. You can get your hands dirty in their permaculture garden (gardening busy bees are held every Friday), or even sign up for your own allotment.
315 Bagot Road, Subiaco
Spoilt At Subi
While Spoilt may be pretty pint-sized, their selection of giftware and other goodies rivals the best. Another personal go-to of ours, they’ve got everything from polished-yet-carefree fashion, the cutest baby apparel and toys, creative kid’s games, to sweet and stylish homewares.
Shop 4, 20-38 Subiaco Square Road, Subiaco
Pamper yourself with some new nails, brows or hair!
Subi’s per-capita options for beautifying yourself is truly impressive – you can barely move without walking into a hairdresser, nail studio or brow studio. Round out a day of exploring with an afternoon of pampering!
Kristin Magrit
Kiwi transplant Kristin Magrit will kit you out in minimalist pieces that are timeless and tailored to perfection. An everyday linen jumpsuit, the classic utility button-up shirt, or the raw linen blend raised trouser – style them as super modern work-to-weekend wear or for vintage vibes for any age.
10 Hood Street, Subiaco
The Green Pear
Whether you’re looking for an ethical approach to a wardrobe overhaul or you want to shop luxe brands for less, we think you’ll be tempted by the stunning stock at consignment boutique (and Kristin Magrit’s. neighbour!) The Green Pear. Chloé, Golden Goose, Zimmermann, Anine Bing, Alémais, Oroton… It’s a constantly rotating bevy of beauteousness!
10 Hood Street, Subiaco
Mara Collective
One of Subi’s newer additions, Mara Collective’s chic collection has something for every age and occasion. From stunning evening dresses for your next after-hours soiree to easy-to-wear basics – plus some lush accessories to take you from the office to out on the town – we’re obsessed.
144 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
Natalie Rolt
Ultra-glam gowns and sexy resortwear from Natalie Rolt might not be what you first think of when you think of ethical fashion… their design and manufacture operates alongside their flagship Subiaco boutique, keeping things local and with a commitment to craftsmanship.
360 Hay Street, Subiaco
EAT & DRINK
Obi Coffee
Subi pop-up Obi has been the talk of the town, becoming one of Perth’s most well-loved coffee spots even in its earliest iterations. They kept things simple while they worked on a more permanent iteration, with top notch Micrology brews and Toastface sammies to cure any rumbling tummies – and their expanded café is now open, with extra bites on offer and the same great vibes.
Shop 2, 500 Hay Street, Subiaco
Subi Continental
Paris-meets-New York-meets Perth. A little but Euro, unmistakably West Australian: Subi Continental has arrived in its namesake suburb with a bang. Approachable, delicious, all-day, any day.
Corner of Rokeby and Roberts Road, Subiaco
Blacklist Coffee Roasters
It would be inaccurate to call Blacklist Coffee Roasters’ Subiaco location a café – although it’s certainly where you’ll get a bang-up brew. Their Subiaco concept store complements their existing Welshpool roastery (they also have a Canggu café and restaurant under their belt), offering a unique dine-in coffee tasting menu in addition to their regular takeaway coffee options. For $12 per person, you’re treated to a variety of Blacklist coffee blends and single origins, or become a member for unlimited coffees all day, every day. It’s like a cellar door for coffee nerds!
439D Hay Street, Subiaco
Community Coffee Co.
Speaking of coffee nerds – Community Coffee Co. is another required stop, tucked behind a carpark off Barker Road. A roaster and espresso bar, these guys now have two more locations in the CBD, another in Applecross and a freshly-opened location in Duncraig – but Subi is where it all started. Feeling hungry? Along with a smashable regular menu of eats (the breakfast sandos!), their weekly specials are worth going out of your way for.
292a Barker Road, Subiaco
The Red Chair
One of the more unassuming places on the list, Red Chair is nevertheless one of the best lunches you’re likely to come across. What seems at first to be a pretty standard lunch bar is actually home to some of the best laksa in Perth. Available from 10:30 until 2:30 on weekdays and 2pm on Saturdays, we have been known to get this take away just to save it for dinner to really extend the deliciousness.
Crossways Centre, 2/180-184 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
Juanita’s
Juanita’s is a bar with character. Around for yonks, afternoon drinks at the warm and welcoming neighbourhood favourite have become a fixture for locals, rain or shine (although a bit of shine doesn’t hurt). Head there for a top selection of eats that pair perfectly with a few drinks out the front, all while your doggo captures the hearts of anyone walking past.
341 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
Lady of Ro
What’s a neighbourhood bar without neighbours? After a drink and a snack at Juanita’s, you’ll be tempted to shuffle next door to Lady of Ro. This teeny tiny restaurant has a menu that is best described as Greek-ish, with a focus on local produce and share plates. Make sure you hit up the bottle shop as they’re BYO, and definitely leave room for dessert.
345 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
Lulu La Delizia
How long does it take to become an institution? Although it only opened in 2016, Lulu La Delizia has quickly become synonymous with quality Italian fare – and it’s safe to say, the cat is well and truly out of the bag. An intimate room with a focus on pasta (the pasta!) and hearty northern Italian fare, this is the kind of restaurant that adapts itself to any occasion. A romantic date night? A boisterous dinner with friends? A special occasion? They all seem to fit perfectly in its warm glow.
Forrest Walk, 5/97 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
Il Locale
After becoming a favourite for Scarbs locals, these primo pizzaiolos have brought their winning formulas to Subi, with the added benefit of some killer lunchtime specials. Combining premium D.O.P ingredients and local produce with three-day fermented dough to create some magical, Neapolitan goodness, we think Il Locale’s X factor might be their audacious attitude.
420 Hay Street, Subiaco
Piccolo Trattoria
After moving from its pint-sized Shenton Park location, Piccolo Trattoria hasn’t lost any of the qualities that made it such a popular neighbourhood favourite. Now situated at the southern, leafy end of Rokeby Road, it’s part of the now-bustling collection of venues that includes Juanita’s, Lady of Ro, Boucla and many more. With chairs spilling out onto the footpath, red chequered tablecloths and plenty of chatter in the air, it’s the kind of charming spot you wish was in your neighbourhood – with delicious, unpretentious meals to match.
361 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
Dilly Dally
For family friendly dining, Dilly Dally is Subiaco’s go-to. While the menu is broadly Italian-inspired, its commonality is more its deliciousness: as well as pizza, you can find a robust selection of pastas, plus more decadent delights like a succulent slow-cooked lamb shoulder for a crowd, topped with a zingy salsa verde. 2022 also saw the opening of the playful Bar Loiter – Dilly Dally’s stylish, intimate back bar.
87 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
Shui
Shui – as in feng shui, not like shoey – has taken over the old Funtastico site with great aplomb, adding to Subi’s growing list of hospitality offerings. Inspired by the balance of spicy, sour, sweet and salty, Shui is channelling harmonious energy forces through dishes like sesame prawn crumpets, miso-butter roast shallots or beef tartare with fried shallot icecream.
12 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
Yiamas
Continuing the Greek legacy of George’s Meze, Yiamas is from the same crew as Community Coffee Co and Swanbourne wine bar Vinotto. Bringing old-world Greek and Levantine flavours to Subiaco – with a contemporary sensibility and rather aesthetic fit-out, to boot.
26 Denis Street, Subiaco
Lums
Sister venue to neighbourhood favourite Bark, the crew at Lums have brought the same community vibes down the road, with a touch more of a Euro-Spanish vibe – wine list and snacks included. The interior makes makes great use of the heritage building, matching cosy corners with a charming parklet out the front.
433 Hay Street, Subiaco
Piccolo Trattoria
After moving from its pint-sized Shenton Park location, Piccolo Trattoria hasn’t lost any of the qualities that made it such a popular neighbourhood favourite. Now situated at the southern, leafy end of Rokeby Road, it’s part of the now-bustling collection of venues that includes Juanita’s, Lady of Ro, Boucla and many more. With chairs spilling out onto the footpath, red chequered tablecloths and plenty of chatter in the air, it’s the kind of charming spot you wish was in your neighbourhood – with delicious, unpretentious meals to match.
361 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
Refuge
If you’ve ever caught the train at Subi train station, you’ve probably spied Refuge, nestled in the corner opposite. The small bar has been around since 2016, quietly becoming a favourite with not only its extensive selection of craft beers, but its tempting daily specials – like Friday’s burger and a beer for only $20.
5/50 Subiaco Square Road, Subiaco
La Condesa
We were waiting with bated breath for La Condesa’s opening, plighted with a series of bureaucratic delays – but it was worth it for the casual, coastal eats from veteran operator Clint Nolan. Tulum-via-LA is the venue’s aesthetic, with a menu that leans more easy-breezy than its grungier sister venue, La Cholita. Don’t panic though: it goes just as well with a spicy marg!
483 Hay Street, Subiaco
Yours Truly
When you’re flying down Hay Street, it’s worth a pit stop at Yours Truly. This Subi coffee window is pumping out some of the best coffees in the area, plus bagels and baked treats to keep you fuelled for the day.
284 Hay Street, Subiaco
Accent
Bringing a touch of Europe and Latin America to Subi, Accent is one of the newbies injecting some life into the suburb. Open morning, noon and night, expect to see a range of dishes that travel from France (pain perdu, omelette à la Française), Italy (frittelle di verdure con l’uovo), Spain and Mexico (quesadilla con chorizo o champiñones, aguacate y salsa de pico de gallo en pan tostado). Muy bien!
292 Hay Street, Subiaco
Boucla
One of Perth’s cafe stalwarts, Boucla has become a Subi institution over the two decades it’s been open. The Moroccan-inspired decor (and petite, leafy courtyard out the back!) is super cozy for your next coffee date, but their cakes are the real star of the show – with a daily roster that includes a sweet soufra that keeps us up at night.
349 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
Sorganic
Stop by this artisan baker for some legit sourdough, fermented over 72 hours and made using a 30 year old starter… But we reckon you’ll find yourself staying for their brunches and sweet treats (the friands!), too.
273 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
Chez Jean-Claude Patisserie
Just one look at the lunch time crowd snaking out the doors of the legendary Jean-Claude should be enough to get you at least a little bit intrigued by their offerings. Their baguettes make a perfect lunch on the go, but the visit really wouldn’t be complete without an almond croissant, tart or palmier for the road.
333 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
Louis Baxters
Missed your train? Well, there’s a bright side – you can pop into Louis Baxters for a coffee while you wait. Using coffee from local roasters Modus, this pocket-sized cafe has you sorted for your morning brew.
2/50 Subiaco Square Road, Subiaco
Layers Bakery
Just around the corner from Louis Baxters, you’ll find a little slice of Parisian deliciousness. Layers Bakery is serving up a selection of decadent pastries, hearty loaves and some next-level pies!
10/29 Station Street, Subiaco
Header image credit: Giant Billie Bob, via See Subiaco