The best restaurants in Mount Hawthorn

In what feels like the blink of an eye, Mount Hawthorn has become one of Perth’s best dining destinations, with everything from low-key Lebanese to nuovo Italian.

Next time you’re wandering down Scarborough Beach Road, check out on of these top-tier eateries:

La Madonna Nera

Offering a delightfully intimate dining experience, La Madonna Nera is rising up as an undisputed gem in nuovo Italian cuisine in Perth. You can expect impeccable plates combined with a top shelf vino selection. If you’re a fan of carefully curated, Italian-sourced wines then you’ll find plenty of friends here, and they’ll be happy to take you for a journey all over the boot-shaped peninsula. Hit them up between 4 and 6pm on Friday and Saturday arvos, and you’ll be able to get your hands on some seriously good snacks for their aperitivo hour.

1/155 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn

Casa

When we first wrote about Casa when they first opened back in 2021, they had zero posts, yet four thousand-odd Instagram followers… if that doesn’t tell you the level of anticipation, we don’t know what will. Unsurprisingly, Casa has continued to be a hit – and with good reason, dishing up a menu that is both contemporary and nostalgic, influenced by Italy with hints of Mexican and classic French flavours.

399 Oxford Street, Mount Hawthorn

Tsukaya

For one of the finest Japanese dining experiences in Perth, it’s hard to go past Tsukaya. While purists may balk at menu inclusions like tacos and umami fries, we could not be more on board – it really, beautifully, deliciously works. Plus it’s BYO! Outside of the tacos and fresh-as-heck sashimi, their fried chicken is…*chef’s kiss*.

167 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn

Pappagallo

Nestled in between Leederville and Mount Hawthorn (we’ll admit: technically it’s in Leederville, but close enough for us…), Pappagallo has become one of our favourite go-tos over the years, whether for an impromptu midweek pizza or celebrating with friends. And while we love to dive into a bowl of pasta pretty much any night of the week, we really can’t go past Pappagallo’s pizzas. Crisp, light and toppings that are juuuuuust right – but with plenty of options to keep everyone happy. Plus, the option to add a burrata is something we can always, always get around.

250 Oxford Street, Leederville

Sonny’s

It’s the vibe of the thing! Sonny’s brings a killer drinks list and Sofika Boulton’s fire-powered eats to a leafy corner of Mount Hawthorn. Retro details in the fit out add to the cosiness – although a passionately inclusive approach for both staff and producers certainly adds to the warmth.

126 Hobart Street, Mount Hawthorn

Spritz Spizzicheria

Taking up residence on the strip before it was cool, Spritz Spizzicheria not only offer fantastic Italian food and wine, but they do so in delightful alfresco surrounds and always with a friendly smile. Owners Mario Tolardo and Franco Tambasco have been in the game a long time, and the repeat customers are testament to an all round winning vibe. Plus if you love a spritz, this is where to get the best.

The Mezz, 148 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn

Pogo

Mount Hawthorn’s Mediterranean and Middle Eastern inspired Pogo is fast becoming a weekend hotspot, particularly on lazy Sunday afternoons when the place really hums thanks to the lush green surrounds of the Garden Bar and their tempting bottomless brunch.

The Mezz, 148 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn

Birraz

If Spritz is a little busy and you’re feeling something a little more intimate, why not visit the bustling Birraz? The warm and buzzy spot is a favourite for Mount Hawthorn locals, featuring an irresistible selection of tapas options. But if you want our hot tip, go for owner Edigio’s special Seafood Selection Menu and thank us later.

406 Oxford Street, Mount Hawthorn

Drasko’s Hot Chicken

What happens when you combine a passion for Nashville-style fried chicken, with the attention to detail that comes from a stint at Noma? You get Drasko’s, and we couldn’t be more pleased. Ever since opening at the start of 2021, Drasko’s has made huge waves, with hordes of punters lining up for that crispy, juicy, spicy good stuff. Made with exclusively WA produce, with pickles, hot sauces and, well, everything else made in-house, you’ll taste the difference.

The Mezz, 148 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn

Maya’s Kitchen

Boy, were we excited back when Maya’s Kitchen opened – and they haven’t disappointed, with Lebanese fare packed with flavour and plenty of friendly, family-run vibes. Crispy pita is our love language, so we’re day dreaming about dipping a shard into some hummus and toum… Not to mention the charcoal chicken, one of our all-time favourites, done here to perfection.

142 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn

Ha-Lu

For whatever reason, they like to do Japanese differently in Mount Hawthorn and Ha-Lu dabbles in tasty Japanese-style tapas that’s proved incredibly popular. The menu is massive, and no matter how large and diverse your dining group, there’s bound to be something anyone can enjoy. Our tip – the wagyu beef tataki with edamame and fried onions.

4/401 Oxford Street, Mount Hawthorn

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Header image: Drasko’s Hot Chicken