Perth’s Best New Bars And Restaurants of 2023
It’s hard to keep up with all the great new bars and restaurants opening around Perth these days, but we’ve given it our best shot:
Sonny’s
It’s the vibe of the thing! Sonny’s brings a killer drinks list and Aaron Read’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
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
La Bastide
So Frenchy, so chic should be 2022’s motto, with an impressive roster of eateries inspired by La République opening this year. Only a few weeks after opening, La Bastide has become the talk of the neighbourhood – not just for their classic bistro plates (steak tartare, frites, oysters, duck), or for the delightful continental breakfast on the leafy terrace (pastries courtesy of Miller + Baker, bien sûr), but for the warmth and passion that owners Michelle and Rob imbue into their dining room.
225 Onslow Road, Shenton Park
Homme
Cool as a cucumber, Homme isn’t just a restaurant or bar – one part design store, one part creative hub, Homme is reimagining what Perth’s hospitality spaces can really do. Having said that, the woodfired oven (inherited from Ace Pizzas, RIP) still gets put to good use, with focaccia and pizzas to accompany share plates, and an impressive by-the-glass wine list of, to paraphrase, “heavily rotating cool shit”.
448 Beaufort Street, Highgate
The Rowing Pavilion
So close to the river you can dip your toes in, The Rowing Pavilion is an epic addition to Perth’s waterfront offerings. Mount Pleasant’s newest local is serving up a crowd-pleasing menu that traverses the globe while highlighting local produce. On the drinks front, the Pav has joined forces with Balter Brewing to keep you well-hydrated – although you’ll also see plenty of fizzy and fun things, from old world champagnes to summer-ready cocktails.
4 The Esplanade, Mount Pleasant
Sailing For Oranges
Taking over the instantly-recognisable site at 33 South Terrace, just down the road from sister venues Warder’s Hotel and Emily Taylor, Sailing for Oranges’ menu is focused on sun-drenched Mediterranean all-day feasting. The menu reads like a backpacker’s dream – pinchos on one side, aperitivo on another, with plenty of WA names sprinkled throughout (and plenty of summer-ready cocktails to wash it all down, of course).
33 South Terrace, Fremantle
The Flaming Galah
Just around the corner from the aforementioned Sailing for Oranges you’ll find Freo’s first queer bar: The Flaming Galah! Dedicated to celebrating queer joy, the venue is all about good times, good drinks and good eats – all in a charmingly retro setting.
19B Essex Street, Fremantle
Kozy
West Perth café Cherry & Grapes’ Insta-friendly (and tastebud-friendly) brunches have caused quite a stir, and 2022 saw the after-hours transformation of the space into Kozy. Bringing a touch of fine dining, Kozy’s degustation changes according to what’s on offer each day – but much like their daytime offerings, incorporates Korean flavours with a European twist.
20 Emerald Terrace, West Perth
Shui
Shui – as in feng shui, not like shoey – has taken over the old Funtastico site, 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
Haku
Haku may have opened earlier in the year, but this six-seater omakase joint is as secretive as they come. Consider Haku’s motto “IYKYK” – whether it’s managing to get a reservation (basically impossible at this point!), or their incredibly restrained approach to high quality ingredients.
Lucy Luu
The latest addition from Perth’s dumpling empire Miss Chow, Lucy Luu is a bar and bites-style venue bringing South-East Asian heritage to Mount Hawthorn, employing high end produce for beautiful bites like sriracha prawn toast with saffron aioli, deep-fried lamb ribs with xin jiang crust, and steak tartare with Szechuan spice and wasabi aioli.
The Bassendean Hotel
After a schmick new $7 million reno and two long (and thirsty) years, the Basso is back! Originally built in 1930, the classic pub has maintained its classic good looks – with the addition of a nifty new family-friendly courtyard, state-of-the-art sports bar and plenty of local produce on the menu.
Plus… Have You Tried These Openings From The First Half Of The Year Yet?
Testun
What else could be at the top of this list than Perth’s latest culinary enfant terrible? We can’t get enough of Testun’s irreverent attitude and big flavours. Combining Italian nostalgia with a new-wave Australasian approach, the neighbourhood osteria is quickly making its (neon green) mark.
12/760 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley
Rym Tarng
It was a fortuitous few weeks that saw both Hunter Bread and Rym Tarng open in Bicton Central. The latter, helmed by former Long Chim, Wildflower and Hearth chef Art Bunraksa, is pumping out some pretty unforgettable Thai plates from the 16-seat restaurant. Pork and prawn donuts are enough of a reason to visit, but the signature pork jowl will certainly help seal the deal.
Shop 8, 258 Canning Highway, Bicton
Volare
The closure of Maylands’ Swallow Bar left a huge hole in our hearts, but the recent opening of Volare has meant we can finally start to heal. Bringing the Euro-holiday, aperitivo vibes to Maylands, they’ve managed to keep all the Art Deco delightfulness that helped make Swallow such a neighbourhood favourite – and the quality eats. A seasonally changing menu features plenty of drink-friendly plates, with decadent bites like a chicken liver pâté cannoli or negroni-glazed octopus.
198 Whatley Crescent, Maylands
La Lune
East Fremantle has gained a slice of Parisian glamour with the opening of La Lune. One part bright and eclectic, one part sultry and romantic, the all-day bistro is enticing diners with classics like steak frites, salade niçoise, or breakfast-ready tartines.
71-75 George Street, East Fremantle
Ruinbar / Pretty Good Pizza
Inspired by the ruin bars of Budapest, this Northbridge haunt makes use of one (or rather, three) of Beaufort Street’s most charming heritage-listed storefronts. While inside has plenty of historical charm with booths for more intimate catch-ups, Ruin’s industrial-chic beer garden is looking like one of the area’s most enticing spots to down a cold one. As if that wasn’t enough, they’ve just opened an attached pizza joint, Pretty Good Pizza. We’d say it’s aptly named, but “pretty good” doesn’t quite do it justice.
165 Beaufort Street, Northbridge
Terrarium
This CBD bar is bringing a big cocktail game to one of the city’s lushest hidden spots. Tucked away down Howard Street, Terrarium’s greenery-filled rooftop terrace is crying out for summer after-work drinks, while inside the huge windows looking out over the leafy street makes the perfect spot to watch some wild winter weather.
99 St George’s Terrace, Perth (entry via Howard Street)
Tom’s Providore
It was a sad day when this Leederville institution closed its doors after a whopping 25 years on Oxford Street – but Tom’s re-emerged, triumphantly into their new Beaufort Street location this year, this time as a wine bar and providore. Whether you’re dropping past for a nourishing meal and a coffee on the run, or settling in for a glass of wine and charcuterie board in the evening – Tom’s has got you covered.
290 Beaufort Street, Perth
Vinotto
At first unassuming, a second look makes it clear why this itty-bitty Swanbourne bar has been creating such a buzz. Vinotto’s drinks are curated by Caitlin Johnston, and hit just about every corner of Europe – in vibe, if not strictly in provenance. At the pint-sized pass, chef Justin Scarvaci (formerly of Lulu La Delizia) has taken over, putting his own stamp on the all-star lineup of snacks opening chef Justin Wong established when they opened back in March.
2/137 Claremont Crescent, Swanbourne
Una Més
One of the most low-key openings of 2022, Una Més has become one of Menora’s hidden gems. Or at least, as hidden as you can be situated right on Walcott Street and adjacent to one of Perth’s biggest independent bottle shops, La Vigna. Owners Ana and Adam share an impressive CV that includes stints at Propeller, their now-shuttered, excellent Barcelona-inspired Claremont deli Xarcuteria, and the much-lauded Star Anise. Offering stellar tapas plates a-plenty, their hidden weapon is their impressive wine selection – which you can get at bottle shop prices.
300 Walcott Street, Menora
Sana
If you’re looking for big flavour, look no further than Freo’s Sana. Boasting street food and cocktails, the Middle Eastern eatery is one of Market Street’s newest additions. Dive into a smokey bowl of baba ganoush, some fig-glazed chicken wings or that succulent, slow braised lamb.
93 Market Street, Fremantle
Corvo
Perhaps it’s the well-heeled surrounds of Claremont, but Corvo manages to walk a tightrope between a serious, meticulous technique and relaxed approachability. The Euro-leaning menu is defined by both seasonality and locality, whether you’re stopping in for a drink and a bite or settling in for something more substantial. A new Claremont classic.
34 St Quentin Avenue, Claremont
Dandelion
Sometimes, when extolling the virtues of Dandelion, we see an eyebrow raise in skepticism. “Where is it? Karrinyup? At the shopping centre?” Karrinyup’s West Deck is a triumphant exercise in transforming shopping centre dining into something entirely more palatable – and its shining jewel has got to be Dandelion. The menu can only really be categorised into “tasty” – kind of casual, kind of schmick, the focus is on big flavour, in no small part because of the rotisserie grill and wood-fired oven.
West Deck, Karrinyup Shopping Centre, 200 Karrinyup Road, Karrinyup
ANY
Considered, delicate and genre spanning, ANY – one of the CBD’s newest eateries – is bringing a fine dining flavour to Queen Street. Step out of the hustle and bustle and into their tranquil dining room: a sanctum of calm. At the Chef’s Counter, you’ll be able to see your five-course tasting menu prepared up close and personally.
26 Queen Street, Perth
Astral Weeks
Since opening back in February, Astral Weeks has quickly become our new favourite haunt (and Perth’s first ever listening bar). As well as a carefully considered drinks list, the star of the show is their hi-fi system, lovingly hand-built to showcase their immense vinyl collection.
Shop 12/60-66 Roe Street, Northbridge
The Beaufort
This behemoth on Beaufort Street has made a huge impact since its opening in March. Like its sister venue, The Old Synagogue, the Beaufort spans multiple levels – each with something different to offer. Hit up the beer garden for drinks in the sunshine, venture into hidden speakeasy Cypher for late night libations, or dive into Lotus’ flavour-packed pan-Asian menu.
Izakaya Sumi
This Claremont eatery is set to become the go-to for locals, with an expansive approach to Japanese cuisine in a setting that lends itself to both midweek dinners and more special occasions. Make sure you get the wagyu skewers!
53 Bay View Terrace, Claremont
Madalena’s
Madalena’s has long been a favourite for its relaxed Spanish-inspired yet uniquely West Australian fare – and they’ve quite literally taken things to another level with a new upstairs bar. While the ground-level restaurant is keeping to its award-winning formula, upstairs is a little more loosey-goosey, with a more experimental, laissez-faire approach to the menu – although you can still expect to see plenty of seafood-based snacks. As well as their top-tier wine selection, the bar will also be offering a robust range of cocktails, including some uniquely Madalena’s twists on classics.
Madalena’s is located at 406 South Terrace, South Fremantle
Wild in the Street
From the same crew as coastal taqueria La Cabaña, Wild in the Street is turning up the temperature even more, promising “sexy food and good times”. While the big-sister restaurant down the road also promises a good time, this newer iteration puts more of a focus on cocktails and share plates – a winning combo for a night as colourful as the neighbourhood.
2/388 South Terrace, Fremantle
Gage Roads
It feels like this mammoth brewpub has been on the port for years, but Gage Roads’ Freo outpost only opened in January. As well as the brewery’s signature frothies, you can feast on vibrant coastal flavours, perfectly matched to the refreshing sea breeze. Bring the whole family – there’s plenty of grommet-sized snacks for little ones, plus a playground that features a retired crayboat and a ’60s Land Cruiser for kids to scramble over.
A Shed, Walyalup Waterfront
Bar Amelie
Taking over the site that was previously home to Bistro Felix, Bar Amelie is at the front of the pack when it comes to Subi’s revival. Striking the right balance for locals and visitors alike – approachable and a little bit fancy all at once – the bar’s crowd-pleasing wine list and tapas selection are hard not to like.
118 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
Lums
Subi’s having a pretty good run of it lately, with not only Lums and Bar Amelie joining the fray but an absolute bounty of spots about to open – just about all of them helmed by some real hospo heavyweights. Lums is the sister to neighbourhood favourite Bark – they’ve brought the same community vibes down the road, with a touch more of a Euro vibe, wine list and snacks included.
433 Hay Street, Subiaco
Phat Lon
We were disappointed when Bunn Mee stopped opening for dinner, but it was short lived with the opening of Phat Lon next door. Like Bunn Mee, it’s helmed by Masterchef alum Jenny Lam alongside her family, with a menu that showcases her mum’s recipes in tapas-inspired, perfect-for-sharing form.
Shop 2/106 Oxford Street, Leederville
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Header image: Sonny’s