The best restaurants & bars in Subiaco
We’re quite literally eating our words – the days of Subi getting a bad rap are well and truly over. The suburb’s eating and drinking is going from strength to strength lately, with some of Perth’s best restaurants in the mix. Check out just a few of our favourites:
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
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 we’re not alone in noticing. Adeptly toeing the line between a high-brow, cheffy approach and simple northern Italian comfort dishes, this refined and restrained menu is hard to look past. We’d tell you to get the chef’s special, but then again, everything else is so good, too.
Forrest Walk, 5/97 Rokeby 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
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
Delisio
Helmed by award-winning pizzaiolo Raffaele Brotzu, Delisio has been serving up some of the best pizzas in Perth (and the world!) since 2002 – and while they’ve moved to a new location up the road, the pizza’s remain just as good. With classic Roman pizza available al taglio (rectangular slices perfect for a quick takeaway lunch) or traditional round pies in their inviting dining room, Delisio is that reliable, delicious friend you can always count on.
175 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
Cherubino City Cellar
It takes a wine obsessive like Larry Cherubino to be so committed to both making and selling the stuff – and Cherubino City Cellar is the proof. The extensive (of course) wine list features Italian and Australian drops, including Cherubino’s own.
169-171 Rokeby Road, 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
Woodpeckers
Tucked away on Wexford Street, The Woodpeckers have been quietly accruing a loyal fanbase of locals for their unfussy Italian fare. Specialising in wood fired pizzas, their pasta offerings also hold their own against some of the best in Perth – both are made with a contemporary approach to traditional flavours. Slightly less traditional? Their raclette nights – serving up the ooey-gooey, decadent Swiss treat, it’s unsurprisingly been a huge hit.
20/3 Wexford Street, 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
El Peruvian Food Co.
Open from 7:00AM, El Peruvian has you covered whatever the time of day – whether you’re after a morning coffee or a Peruvian feast for dinner. As well as fresh and flavourful ceviche, you’ve got to try their burgers: a blend of Peruvian and American flavours, the pork belly is a particular hit. (Leave room for a pisco sour or two though, obviously).
22 Railway Road, Subiaco
Storehouse
Look over the glittering lights of Subi from Storehouse’s rooftop – and enjoy some of their top-notch food while you’re up there. Take in the view with a drink in hand and a selection of their share plates – think Freo octopus with chorizo and tapioca crisp, or tuna tartare with miso mayo – or tuck into one of their more decadent mains, like Dandargan beef fillet served alongside bone marrow butter and wild mushroom.
9 Alvan Street, Subiaco
BARK
Settling in for a drink at BARK feels like sitting around your friend’s living room – it’s casual, it’s cosy, you’re right at home. Wet your whistle with their lineup of expertly-mixed cocktails or a WA-made craft beer – but make sure to get your hands on some of their snacks, too. Lunchtime sees a selection of sandwiches perfect for a quick jaunt out of the office, while their share menu goes rather nicely with a beer and a game or two of uno.
502 Hay Street, Subiaco
La Bouffe
We don’t get that many opportunities to enjoy Mauritian food, but when we do, we savour it – especially when it’s as good as at La Bouffe. Crunchy gateau arouille and pima will start you off, while carry poule and poisson will transport you to a Mauritian beach.
9/375 Hay Street, 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
Golden West Brewing Co
Originally established in 1896, Golden West’s Subi outpost is the latest iteration in the WA brand’s storied history. Quality, classic, craft brews are on offer, as well as an always-changing menu that suits long afternoons in the sun.
399 Hay Street, Subiaco
Mistelle
We’ll admit that Mistelle is inching towards Shenton Park rather than Subi, but we can’t help but say “ooh la la!” when we see this bistro’s enticing French plates. Helmed by Benoît Lasplace (formerly of Rockpool and Print Hall), their menu is a little taste of France with a modern Australian twist. Mistelle has just made their relocation to the ‘hood (in Piccolo Trattoria’s previous location, incidentally!) after a stint in the hills – and the Subiaco-dwelling subset of the Perth is OK! team couldn’t be happier.
205 Nicholson Road, Shenton Park
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Header image: La Condesa