The best things to do around Victoria Park
For those of us less local to the precinct, it’s easy to forget about Vic Park, but it just might be the most jam-packed, delicious suburb in Perth.
We’ve narrowed it down (to this admittedly quite large list) and rounded up the best things to do, along with the best places to eat near Vic Park including bars, restaurants and lunch spots.
CAFES
Modus
Since opening the doors to their Mount Lawley store at the tail end of 2016, Modus have really set the standard to what exciting things a teeny tiny coffee shop can do. From their steadfast commitment to quality coffee, their ethical roasting operation, their sustainable practices, to their refined food offerings, to their collaborations with other top local producers… it was only a matter of time before they had to take it to another level. Enter, their Vic Park outpost. All the things you love about Modus, in a bigger space, with even more delicious stuff on offer. What’s not to love?
660 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
Sixteen Ounces
When you need a reliable brunch option – Sixteen Ounces has got you more than covered. From the nutritious to the decadent, sweet or savoury, this greenery-filled cafe’s menu has something for everyone – whether you’re looking to soak up the previous night’s excess, or fuel up post workout. Paired with a cup of coffee this good? What a dream!
257 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
Antz 965
It’s hard to name a Perth coffee joint that gained a more rabid, cult-like following than Antz Inya Pantz. After selling the cafe side of the business to customers in 2019, they’ve managed to maintain their status as one of Vic Park’s – and even Perth’s – best coffees. Unpretentious, cheerful, top quality.
965 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park
Hop Café
If you’re more of a sweet tooth, there’s still plenty in Vic Park to tempt you – doubly so if you’re a coffee fiend. Hop Café is one of Perth’s newest additions, but it’s quickly been making fans with their cellar-door style coffee tastings, featuring a rotating roster of local roasters, as well as their decadent dessert pairings that are all made in-house.
2/366 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
Social Manna
Social Manna is upping Perth’s brunch game, big time. The team’s fine dining experience is translated into accessible fare, with attention to detail and plenty of house-made accoutrements to perfect each meal. But even more impressive than the (very impressive) food? The cafe’s approach to community, with an unending stream of positive vibes and support for other local businesses. We love to see it!
253-255 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
Sonder Coffee
Bringing coastal vibes to Albany Highway, grabbing a coffee from Sonder is like a ray of sunshine in your morning. As well as cheerful vibes, you can expect excellent coffees (brewed with Five Senses beans) – which, along with their bagels and açai bowls, can be happily enjoyed lounging in the sun in the neighbouring park.
484 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
Pietro Gelateria
Pietro Gelateria is pumping out gelato that manages to be both authentically Italian and fantastically experimental. Whether you like it in a cone, on a stick, or even in a cannoli, Pietro have a huge range of flavours available – staples include ricotta, orange and dark chocolate, orange and fennel, lavender and earl grey and coffee and salted caramel. If that isn’t enough, they’ve got six constantly rotating limited edition flavours on the go as well.
Shop 16B, The Park Centre, 789 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park
Nosh Gourmet Gifts
Nosh’s store is a tasty treasure trove of thoughtfully sourced gourmet food, homewares and gifts. Specialising in artisanal hampers (one of our favourite delivery gifts) that are chock-a- block with amazing local and international products, including some that are even made in- house. The perfect one-stop-shop for that person that has everything, we can’t imagine receiving anything better!
842 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park
The Source Bulk Foods
Founded in Byron Bay, the Source is now Australia’s largest specialty bulk food retailer, with stores across the country and even internationally. With a growing number of locations, it’s even easier to get in on the low-waste movement – not to mention their super extensive range of over 400 bulk products. Particularly exciting is their range of “Bush Tucker” Australian herbs, spices and teas. If you ever wondered where to get Wild Kakadu plum powder, dried wattle seed or ground saltbush… this is where!
Shop 40, The Park Centre, 789 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
BARS, PUBS & RESTAURANTS
Palace Arcade
Put us in front of a flashing, dinging arcade machine, giant slice of pizza in hand…it’s like it’s the ’90s and we’re kids again. At Palace Arcade, you can unleash your inner competitive 11 year old, but with all the benefits of adulthood – namely, a beer or cocktail in hand.
774 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
Dapur Van Java
While you can certainly get your popular Indonesian fare at Dapur Van Java (your satays, your nasi gorengs), you’ll find it hard to limit yourself to the classics with their extensive menu. Tahu telur goreng and gado gado will keep the vegos more than happy, but we can’t resist some grilled beef ribs. One of the best to do it in the delicious suburb of Victoria Park.
1 Leonard Street, Victoria Park
Boston Brewing Co.
Boston Brewing Co.’s has become a Denmark hotspot since its inception in 2011, growing more and more popular each year. And while we’re all about a road trip, if you’re based in Perth… you can’t exactly drop in on a whim. Just imagine our delight when the Vic Park location opened! More craft beer than you can shake a stick at and a sophisticated yet accessible gastropub menu, all with the same big smiles you’d expect in the Great Southern.
660 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
Duncan Street Store
Helmed by legendary food truck Soul Provider’s Vital Syverin, Duncan Street Store merges café classics with soul food comfort. If you can’t get to the suburban spot during the day, weekly West Indian Wednesday dinners are an absolute must-visit.
41 Duncan Street, Victoria Park
Lola’s Filipino Diner
Started by the team behind beloved burger joint RoyAl’s, Lola’s Filipino Diner pays homage to their Filipino heritage and the food they grew up with. The crowd favourite is, of course, the fried chicken gravy – Lola’s ode to Jollibee’s chicken joy. And for good reason, this stuff will keep you coming back over and over again!
8/885 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park
Neho Asian Tapas
When we hear the word “fusion” – or “tapas” with not a chorizo in sight – we can’t help but feel a hint of skepticism. Luckily, we put our judgement aside to discover the deliciousness of Neho. The menu encompasses South-east Asia, with Chinese, Japanese and Korean influences. Think southern Thai fried chicken, rendang short ribs or smoked duck breast infused with oolong tea.
249 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
Water Margin
This bright restaurant specialises in the bold spice of the Sichuan region – specifically, Chongqing’s fiery, garlic-laden dishes. While plenty of Water Margin’s noodle dishes will make a delicious dinner, the real star of the show has got to be those feast-mode hot pots.
Shop 26, 366 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
Mango Cafe
One of Perth’s few Burmese restaurants, Mango Cafe‘s richly spiced and comforting mohinga and kyay oh will expand your understanding of noodle soups to a whole new world of flavour.
964 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park
Decanter
Decanter’s world-class range of whiskies is the perfect way to warm up your Perth winter, complemented by a selection of smoked meats and other deep-fried delights. If you’re feeling cheesy, indulge in their DIY mac and cheese options (check it below), topped with an array of options like cauliflower wings, fried chicken or garlic prawns. Finish things off with a cosy bowl of sticky date pud (always room for some pud), or if you’re an early riser, check out their now-iconic brunchtime soufflé pancakes.
279 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
Frank’s Texas Smokehouse
Frank’s feels like it’s been transplanted from the middle of Texas, then plonked into an old car yard in Vic Park. Somehow though, it works. With an outside area perfect for big groups on balmy evenings, wallet-friendly drink specials and meat that’s ready to go as you order (no waiting!), this is the perfect spot for a Sunday catch up with mates. Our pick is for the moist brisket – a classic barbecue staple done to perfection.
767 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park
Victoria Park Hotel
There’s a raft of great watering holes along the Vic Park stretch, and Victoria Park Hotel is one solid pub that shows the sport on the telly, has plenty of great beers on tap and serves up delicious pub grub (with a slight twist). In 2022 they also added “epic beer garden” to their offerings following a $2.3M courtyard refit – perfect for a sunny afternoon.
605 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park
Blasta Brewing Co.
Blasta Brewing Co. is perfect on a number of fronts. 1: With a huge beer hall, cruisey outdoor area and well-matched food, you can put some serious time in here before and after games. 2: Their beer selection… “Blasta” is Scottish for delicious, so go forth and taste young braveheart! 3. Their Sunday roast is one of the best around town. 4. It’s only a short walk from Burswood Traino and Optus Stadium – perfect!
84-88 Goodwood Pde, Burswood
Broken Hill Hotel
The Broken Hill Hotel was established over a hundred years ago and does the basics, beautifully. You’ll find all the good stuff like bangers & mash, steak sangas, fish & chips and more for a pre-game feed and plenty of beers on tap. If you and your football-faring crew like your lagers clear, parmi’s huge and vibes toasty (their marquee-covered courtyard has heaters for days), fill your boots down at the Broken Hill.
314 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park
Ramen Samurai
Ramen Samurai are serious when it comes to ramen. From the fresh in-house noodles to a broth that’s simmered for over ten hours – Ramen Samurai can certainly hold their own. But don’t mistake that for being slaves to authenticity, these guys are open to experimentation: kimchi ramen, curry ramen, and heaps of customisations available for even the most particular noodle fan.
902 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park
Hakata Gensuke
After winning hearts in Melbourne, Hakata Gensuke finally made it over to Perth in 2017. With a signature tonkotsu broth, or a choice of black sesame tonkotsu, the spicy “God Fire”, or the lighter shio tonkotsu options, these guys know soup. Get a top-up of their noodles, which are chewier and finer than you might traditionally expect, and made in-house with a specialty blend of flour.
850 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park
SSAM
Evidently, Albany Highway’s got some pretty tough competition when it comes to tasty eats, but SSAM more than holds their own. An extensive selection of premium beef sets SSAM apart from other KBBQ restaurants, with ample pork, chicken, seafood and veggie options, too. Just make sure to leave some room for kimchi pancakes!
305 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
Mom Dumpling House
Mom Dumpling House‘s steamed dumplings are a must-have with flavours like pickled cabbage, celery and pork or lamb, but you also won’t be able to resist their house-special traditional dishes like the braised pork belly. A staple for any northeastern Chinese fare-loving Perthite.
687 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park
Kanpai Yakiniku Japanese Style BBQ
We didn’t get enough of the BBQ deliciousness of SSAM, so we’re hopping over to Japan for some more premium wagyu. Ultra tender cuts of meat make this a next-level BBQ experience, as does the high-tech extraction fan – meaning you won’t leave smelling like a piece of grilled wagyu yourself. Make sure to book ahead, this spot is often packed to the rafters!
280 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
Little Ying Thai
This cheap and cheerful Thai restaurant will knock your socks off, with complex, fresh, in-your-face flavour. We can’t go past the duck red curry or the choo chee curry, but rest assured – all your favourites are there, too.
3/895 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park
Balmoral Hotel
A ripper pub with a great beer garden out the back, they’ve got plenty of rotating taps along with all the staples along with an honest, modern Australian pub menu.
901 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park
The Prophet
Vic Park isn’t short on Middle Eastern eateries, but The Prophet may just be the pick of the bunch. An epic option for Lebanese food with heaps of vego options, the staff are all super friendly, and don’t surprised if the chef pops out for a quick chat to make sure everything was okay (hint: it probably was very okay).
907A Albany Hwy, East Victoria Park
RoyAl’s Chicken & Burgers
One of a few burger kings around Perth, RoyAl’s know their chicken, know their burgers, and know their beers with a great selection of brews on tap at their Vic Park location. It’s also open till 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays making it the perfect late night feed.
834 Albany Hwy, East Victoria Park
Dutch Trading Co.
Dutch Trading Co. might be Perth’s finest spot to test your palate with 22 rotating taps featuring an epic selection of brews from all around the world. Their smashed burgers and Vinnie’s Korean Fried Chicken are the perfect warm up meal before the big game, and it’s right on the bus line straight into Optus.
243 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park
SEE, DO & SHOP
Urban Revolution
Anyone with a green thumb? Urban Revolution must be Perth’s mecca for zero-waste gardeners. If you’ve been thinking about getting a Bokashi composting system, or an insect hotel for the backyard, this is the place for you. As well as heaps of other household items, Urban Revolution also have a Terra Cycle recycling system, where you can drop off hard to recycle products (think stuff like Nespresso pods, mail satchels or toothpaste tubes). Bonza!
284 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
Crow Books
Perth’s mecca for literature lovers, Crow’s selection is so good, it’s where other shops have recommended we go for particular titles – and if that isn’t a good review, I don’t know what is. Experts in everything from obscure, hard-to-find books to best sellers, you’ll always walk out with something unexpected – and as a big plus, they’re open late seven days a week! So you can browse for a new book after your dinner date.
900 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park
Rhubarb Records
Family operation Rhubarb Records has quickly made a name for itself since its humble beginnings in 2014 at the back of the now-defunct Player One in Northbridge. Expanding to an East Vic Park store run by Liam, and a Leederville store and cafe run by his brother Dylan, these guys will hook you up with everything from new and used vinyl, to cassettes, turntables and more.
Shop 5/851 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park
Green Bunch
You’re getting a two-for-one with Green Bunch – it’s not just a super lush florist and plant store, but a rather cute café and gift store as well! (Maybe that’s actually a four-in-one?) Our advice? Come for the coffee and delectable treats, and stay for the beautiful blooms.
907 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park
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Matthew Landers
Matthew Landers (and that’s Matthew, not Matt!) really needs no introduction. One of Perth’s premier florists – Matthew Landers has accrued an impressive online following not just for his stunning, luxurious floral installations, but for his signature tea-kettle-laugh-inducing Instagram stories. The Vic Park store is HQ for the People’s Florist, and is home to the Floral Academy, WA’s largest floristry training provider. Whether you’re stopping by for some fressssssh flowers for a loved one or attending a workshop, you’ll be getting your fill of laughs and luxury.
1/990 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park
Woven & Willow
We tend to gravitate towards Vic Park for all of the delicious delights it holds… But you can also leave looking a little more stylish. Woven & Willow stocks a stunning range of Australian labels that will take you just about anywhere, whether you’re at your desk or drinks – including Shona Joy, Staple the Label, Elka Collective and more.
Shop 3 The Vic Quarter, 660 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
Header Image Credit: Vic Park Hotel