9 Mouthwatering Middle Eastern Eateries Around Perth

Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s hard to put your finger on. The region − made up of about 18 different countries − was the midpoint of the ancient Silk Road trails. A region that would become synonymous with the trade of ideas, ingredients, recipes and ultimately one of the world’s most unique culinary melting pots.

With so much flavour on offer, we searched for the best Middle Eastern inspired eateries in town to experience the region’s rich and vibrant cuisines.

Bivouac Canteen & Bar

Celebrating the passion and festivity of the region, Bivouac strives to bring people together with both art and food that burst with colour and vibrancy. As you soak up their mystical mezze and delicious delights, you’ll notice that Bivouac’s walls and decor are equally as stunning, covered in wonderful works of art by local Perth artists and creatives.

Bivouac’s menu − curated by Head Chef Eithan Lin − features both a la carte and shared chef’s selection options, each aiming to highlight the unique flavours, textures and small details of the Middle East.

“Middle Eastern cuisine is not only about cooking methods or spices,” says Lin. “It’s also about the cross-cultural fusion with Asia, Africa and Europe, these mixed elements come together to make Middle Eastern cuisine unique and diverse.”

198 William St, Northbridge

Pogo

If the cuisine of the Middle East could be summarised in a single term, that term would probably be ‘fusion,’ and that is exactly what you’ll experience at Pogo in Mount Hawthorn. Blending Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours with those of Australian natives, Pogo provides a dining experience unlike any other and a menu that’s the culmination of ‘a lot of experimentation’ by Pogo’s dedicated kitchen team.

With dishes such as their Wagin Duck Borek, Grilled Freo Occy seasoned with saltbush, and local Cape Leeuwin Akoya, Pogo invites you to try a whole new spin on Middle Eastern cuisine. One that is completely unique to Western Australia.

“[Middle Eastern ingredients] are quite full of flavour and unique in their own way,” say Pogo Head Chef Pablo Henke. “It’s an exciting challenge for me to create dishes that contain a nice fusion and balance of
flavours, and using different techniques to get that desired outcome.”

1/148 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn

Beiyrut Restaurant

Specialising in authentic Lebanese cuisine, Beiyrut Restaurant is a delicious deep dive into the country’s unique flavours. Featuring a menu of both hot and cold mezza as well as a selection of grilled specialities − think Dolma Vine Leaves, Sojuk, Lamb Sambousek as well as a variety of aromatic dips and spreads − getting through Beiyrut’s menu is probably one of the largest and most delicious journeys you’ll ever find yourself embarking on.

Top the evening off with Beiyrut’s house made rice pudding served with pistachios and cream infused rose water and the eatery will no doubt become your favourite spot to introduce newcomers to the complex flavours of Lebanon.

75 Wanneroo Road, Tuart Hill

Sana: Middle Eastern Street Food

A vibrant edition to Freo’s Market Street, Sana is one of the best spots to experience traditional Middle Eastern and Levantine street food. Showing off the regions’ amazing textures and flavours, Sana pride themselves on their authentic mezze, including a house made creamy beetroot dip, hummus, labneh and smoky baba ghanoush just to name a few. All of which are served with some seriously good pita bread.

Still hungry? Then get stuck into the mains. Which includes a wide range of shawarma, kofta, and braised vegetable dishes that are best enjoyed along with one of Sana’s specialty cocktails.

“Middle Eastern food is some of the most satisfying and flavourful on the planet,” says the Sana team. “You’ll never encounter boring or dull meals when you visit Middle Eastern restaurants, but you will be blown away by the variety of spices used, and just how well they work together to bring out the best in every dish.”

93 Market Street, Fremantle

Istanbul Kitchen

There’s no reason to wait until 3am for a soul-quenching kebab, especially when they’re this good. Istanbul Kitchen have long been in the running for the best kebab in town, filling hungry bellies and preventing horrendous hangovers with a selection of slow cooked döner meats and hand made falafels.

The halal eatery specialises in authentic Turkish cuisine, serving up traditional Turkish Pide, Lahmacun, Böreks and Turkish Bread, all made by hand and baked fresh in-house. Made with passion and served with a smile, Istanbul Kitchen is a great place to experience the unique flavours of Turkey, even when you’ve only got 10 minutes to spare.

394 Fitzgerald St, North Perth

Island Market Trigg

Looking for somewhere to share a bite and watch the sunset? Then Island Market has got you covered. Making the most of its stunning coastal location, the beachside bar and eatery shows off the versatility of both Turkish and Levantine cuisines with a variety of mezze, braised meat and “awesome veggie based dishes.”

Since taking on the position of Culinary Director in 2017, Chef David Coomer has sought to champion the regions for their “rustic, spicy, complex and delicious” flavours that lend themselves perfectly to the ‘relaxed local vibe’ of an area like Trigg. Coomer’s menu delivers in spades and manages to compete for your attention over the breath-taking scenery.

“The great thing about this cuisine is that it draws on such a broad range of flavours, so the possibilities are endless,’ says Coomer. “[And] with spring coming up, I’m really looking forward to brightening things up with loads of new salads and veggie dishes.”

364 West Coast Drive, Trigg

Propeller

From a dilapidated bus garage to one of Perth’s finest eateries, Propeller has been praised for its refined approach to both modern Middle Eastern and Levantine cuisines. Fervent explorers of the flavours and textures of the regions, Propeller once explored the entire Middle East and Levant by dedicating their Saturday night menus to the cuisine of just a singular country. A culinary exploration that took place over 30 weeks, and one that passionate Head Chef Kurt Sampson is keen to embark on again when he feels it’s the “right time to do it.”

Sampson’s menu is complimented by a wine list that champions both local and Lebanese Bekaa Valley producers, with pairings available thanks to Propeller’s friendly and knowledgeable front of house team. A treat for all who’ve dined there, a meal at Propeller is an unforgettable way to experience the flavours of the Middle East and Levant.

“It’s very simple food,” says Sampson. “It’s not when you’re putting it together sometimes, but it is on the palate. I find the use of hot and cold combinations, sweet and sour − maybe sometimes a little spicy − combinations are the ones that really give us those tried and true flavours.”

222 Queen Victoria Street, North Fremantle

Picks from the Editor:

The Prophet

Vic Park isn’t short on Middle Eastern options, 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

Medya King Kebabs

Sometimes you just need the perfect kebab, and Medya in Inglewood make a pretty good fist of it. Generous fillings, fresh ingredients and succulent meat without the grease all delivered with a friendly smile – if you’re feeling extra naughty indulge in a monster meat box.

3/898 Beaufort St, Inglewood

Header Image: Propeller