What’s happening in Perth food news this week
Hungry for what’s happening in Perth’s food and hospitality scene?
Here’s a deliciously snackable selection of the latest in Perth food news:
Catch up on all of the best openings of 2024!
Didn’t quite manage to stay on top of all the bars, restaurants and cafés that opened over the past year? We don’t blame you: there were so many exciting new venues that we could barely keep up ourselves! Check out our best new restaurant, bar and café openings of 2024 roundup over here.
Another week, another Yo-Chi store
Yo-Chi’s domination continues, relentlessly churning their signature froyo much to everyone’s delight. Not content to crush it with their existing six WA stores, they’ve managed to open another three (yes, three!) before the year is out: Currambine officially opened their doors on November 27, followed by Forrest Chase (pictured below) and Whitford City later this week. Jeepers! Plus, if you’re feeling extra festive and need to cool down after all that Christmas shopping, they’ll also have a limited-edition gingerbread crumble on offer.
Plus, Perth’s third Starbucks
If you can resist the call of an artisanal, specialty coffee from one of Perth’s thousands of independent, local cafés… Then you may find yourself cruising through the drive-through at Starbucks’ new Murdoch store, opening officially tomorrow (Wednesday, December 18). You’ll be able to get your hands on the chain’s festive lineup of beveraginos, including Gingerbread Lattes, Toffee Crunch Cold Brews and Salted Pretzel Mocha Frappuccinos.
Yeah the boil!
Seen one too many seafood boil mukbangs on your TikTok feed and need to have one yourself? Yeah the Boil has launched – bringing some truly extravagant seafood boils to bars across Perth, as well as limited orders for having at home (including one on Christmas Eve)! They’re only just starting out, but we reckon this pop up is going to pop off next year.
Masseria opens in Margs
Bringing together a pedigreed chef (Ben Jacob) and winemaker (Larry Cherubino) for Italian farmhouse dining on Caves Road – read our full write up on Masseria here!
Japanese-inspired late night lounge Zypher is now open
Opening over the weekend, Zypher will take you from drinking and dining into late night revelry – all under one roof, hidden down a city laneway. Read our full write up here.
Jooey’s smashes into Laika this summer
We hope you’re feeling hungry, because Chef Jooey is launching another pop up at Laika. First there was fried chicken waffles, then poké bowls, and then teeteringly high pancake stacks… And next up is Jooey’s Burgers. Available exclusively on weekends during summer, the lineup includes an extra-cheesy cheeseburger with Oklahoma-style smash patties on a croissant bun, a mushroom and truffle burger with truffled mushrooms, a poutine burger with smoked cheese, crispy fries and rich gravy on a pretzel bun, plus a tteokgalbi brekkie muffin, which puts a Korean spin on a classic beef patty brekkie muffin!
Northbridge’s Henry Summer to call last drinks before Christmas
Northbridge’s lush beer garden Henry Summer will close their doors next week – but it’s not the end for this urban oasis. Read our full write up here!
Magic Apple, up late
Magic Apple has been popping off since opening in October – and you can count us amongst the crowds that have been sipping and snacking at the psychedelic beachside café. Now that they’re well and truly up-and-running, they’re extending their hours to 9PM, so you can enjoy dinner and the spectacular Cott sunset every night! Dinners kicked off from Wednesday, December 11… If you ask us, we reckon booking ahead would be a sensible idea!
Voi Voi has opened in Bassendean
A brand new pizza and pasta bar opened in Basso last weekend, from the same crew as Mount Hawthorn’s Il Falco! Read our full write-up here.
Charim Korean brings elevated gisa sikdang to Northbridge
Quietly opening back in November, we’re excited for the arrival of Charim to Northbridge. Chef Hyun channels his 18 years of experience to elevate the tradition of gisa sikdang. Directly translating as “driver restaurant”, gisa sikdang are popular amongst Korea’s taxi drivers, and known for their comforting, unpretentious style of food. Charim’s signature is their Je-yuk Bokkeum: stir-fried pork with a sweet and spicy marinade, paired with a selection of seven house-made banchan – but you also can’t go past the pork jowl bossam, which pairs tender pork jowl with house-made kimchi and barley ssamjang.
All you need is love! Lovers opens in White Gum Valley
We’re head over heels for this retro-inspired diner that just opened in White Gum Valley – from the same team as Good Things and Double Double coffee. Read more here!
Ruinbar’s transformation is complete
Back in October, Northbridge’s Ruinbar called last drinks – two-and-a-bit years after first opening their doors. It wasn’t goodbye forever, though! The same crew from Picabar took over in August 2023, and they’ve just reopened as the Leadlight – with a re-jigged menu (Cheeseburgers with calabrian mayo! Conti rolls! Steaks with curly fries and béarnaise!) and courtyard reno. It sure is a dangerous day to be a cold beer…
FOUND. Subi has opened their doors!
FOUND. emerged in 2022 with a bang – announcing their role in one of the most-talked about projects of the last few years, an ambitious brewery at East Perth’s Girls School redevelopment that aimed to bring the regional experience to the inner city. After that ambitious project was put on hold indefinitely, they set up shop at their leafy Byford brewpub – and now, they’re expanding even further with a new pop-up in Maylands that opened earlier in the year, and a Subi brewpub that’s just opened their doors!
Taking over the former Golden West site on Hay Street, the venue and its 15-hectolitre brewery have been given an upgrade over the past six months, including a shmick reno to the courtyard just in time for summer. Able to host 350 beer-lovers across its indoor and outdoor spaces, you can expect to taste a whopping 24 taps of FOUND beers, alongside a geographically-diverse, crowd-pleasing menu from head chef Ian Macintosh – think elevated takes on Dagwood dogs and burgers, New-York inspired pizza, and deliciously decadent snacks like ox tail donuts.
Ongrill brings bibimbap, and KBBQ to Bulwer Street
A stroll in Highgate over the weekend meant an impromptu visit to the just-open Ongrill – read our full write-up here!
Heading down south this summer?
Make sure to visit Lunch Shack – a lunch bar going above and beyond in Margaret River’s industrial area. Read our full write-up here!
Miss Chow’s has come to Margs!
WA’s stunning South West has always been one of the world’s great eating and drinking destinations – but lately, it’s been going from strength to strength! The latest addition is the unmistakable Miss Chow’s, who will be taking up residence at the picturesque Edwards Estate in Cowaramup. Opening in November, you should expect the same vibrant flavours and atmosphere of Miss Chow’s Perth dining rooms in a spectacular regional setting – rolling green vineyards and wide blue skies paired with dishes like Margaret River venison tartare and soy-cured egg yolk, crispy dumplings filled with Amelia Park lamb or sang choy bao made with smoked Wagin duck.
“We saw an opportunity to offer something a little different,” said Miss Chow’s restauranteur Jacquie Chan.
“Modern Asian food with a relaxed feel. Margaret River has amazing dining options, but we believe the blend of approachable Asian dishes with great local wines and a beautiful vineyard setting brings something new to the mix.”
“It’s a stunning place with a strong food and wine culture that we’ve wanted to be part of for a long while. Partnering with Edwards makes this project even more meaningful, and we feel it’s the ideal location to bring this concept to life.”
Sunday Sesho, oh-so-fresho!
Summers at Si Paradiso have just become even more delightful with the return of Sunday Sesho to the courtyard. The party paradiso will be serving up $2 oysters, their signature pizza pockets, plus $40 prosecco: the recipe for a good time if ever we’ve heard it, especially once the DJs hit the decks.
Lola’s is launching a slice window!
We’ve been staunch supporters of Lola’s since they opened back in 2023, and we reckon you’ll be in the same boat if you’ve tried their crispy-edged, oh-so-cheesy Detroit-style pies or nostalgia-meets-artisanal classic pies. We’ve got great news, hot outta the oven for you: every weekend for the summer, they’ll be slinging slices from a brand new to-go slice window on Market Street. Swing past every Friday, Saturday or Sunday from 12-2:30PM and thank us later.
The former Tiger Lil’s is reopening this summer!
Are you old enough to remember partying at Tiger Lil’s? (We are!) The old CBD party haunt is entering a new era this summer after years laying dormant, transforming into multi-level contemporary pub Lil’s. Read our full write-up about it here!
Enjoy even more Juicy Bao Bao
We were excited to learn that a brand new Juicy Bao Bao has just opened in Vic Park… But then we discovered that we’d missed another store opening in Willetton as well! Located at 786 Albany Highway and Southland Boulevarde respectively, we can’t wait to get our fill of juicy xiaolongbao – especially when delivered by robotic cats!
Serpentine Falls Tavern has reopened!
Following a six year closure, Serpentine Falls Tavern officially softly reopened at the start of November. Over 120 years old, the pub underwent significant renovations before reopening – tackling everything from re-pointing exterior brickwork to totally gutting the kitchen and bathrooms. Just a few minutes’ from the super popular Serpentine Falls trail, it’s sure to become a favourite hike and pint combo while the Falls are still flowing!
Ciao, Dandy!
If you ask us, summers are for spritzing – and we know we’re not alone on that front! One of our favourite spots at Karrinyup, Dandelion is transforming for the summer into Ciao Dandy from December 6: think coastal Italian la dolce vita vibes, and a positively effervescent selection of spritzes. Elise Godwin, Parker Group’s resident distiller and drinks maven, has crafted a stunning spritz lineup, alongside a selection of cocktails in homage to the Mediterranean coast (including some tempting no and low alc options!).
On the menu, Parker Group’s Head of Culinary Brendan Pratt and Dandelion’s Head Chef Matthew Payne have kept the vibes going, with a snackable Italian-inspired selection of seafood and share plates, as well as handmade pasta if you’re looking for some carb therapy, post-retail therapy!
Miss Chow’s returns to Claremont
The Miss Chow’s empire just keeps expanding – and not only are they heading south to Margaret River, but they’ve returned to where it all began! The Bayview Terrace spot previously home to Lygon Lane has transformed this month into Miss Chow’s Petit, just around the corner from the former Claremont Quarter location.
“Lygon Lane was fun, and we learned a lot, but we realised – by listening to our customers – that what this special Claremont location really wanted, and needed, was Miss Chow’s,” said restaurateur Jacquie Chan.
“Claremont has a pretty special place in my heart […] It’s where I took that first leap with Miss Chow’s and, well, I couldn’t have known then where that would take me. It’s been a ride and it shows no sign of slowing down.”
Australia’s first yokocho-inspired experience comes to the CBD
The lunchtime queues winding down the laneway attests to the quality of Hifumiya’s cult-favourite udon, and we’ve long extolled the virtues of their night-time izakaya Jigoro. Both eateries are from Tsukomo Group, who are expanding next door with Ginza Nana Laneway for an Australian first: a labyrinth of laneways that replicate the yokochos of Tokyo, packed with itty-bitty eateries serving up tasty Japanese street food… Think sizzling yakitori, crispy katsu, comforting oden and ramen and even a retro café! Opening on Sunday (November 10), we reckon this is one for stretchy pants and a robust appetite.
Wild baked goods have arrived in Inglewood
Wild Bakery’s South Freo outpost has long-established itself as one of Perth’s best spots for fermenty, funky baked goods (and delightfully ginormous slices of pizza) – so we were rather pleased when they expanded to a second store in North Freo. But little did we know, there would be more to come! They’ve just opened a third outpost, and this time they’ve made the journey all the way up to Inglewood, to a shiny new bakery at 856 Beaufort Street.
La-la-la-la-Lola Underground!
South west gastronomes and cocktail-lovers will need no introduction to Dunsborough’s Lady Lola: the free-wheelin’ home of delectable drinks, small plates and big vibes. Well, city slickers needn’t travel quite so far with the arrival of Lola Underground. Taking over the space formerly home to Pooles Temple, Michelle Forbes and Nell Antonic will be bringing their southern hospitality to the State Buildings’ subterranean venue – including a stunning array of Euro-inspired small plates, thoughtfully curated wines from near and afar, and their signature “stirred, not shaken” menu of cocktails.
Off Licence takes up residence at BWB
Every time we think Beaconsfield Wine Bar might ease up, they launch another unmissable pop up that we have to get around! This time around, the stellar Off Licence will be taking up residence for the summer – offering a weekly changing dinner menu of chef Drew Dawson’s favourite dishes every Thursday-Sunday, starting on November 14. Clear your calendars and head down there!
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Wards stays up late
We’re big fans around these parts of a cheeky brunch at Wards – and we’ve been waiting with bated breath for the time that they can finally start a dinner service. Well, the wait is over! Launching last weekend, they’ve kicked off a series of Friday night dinners, offering a delish (and oft-changing!) menu of Euro-ish plates: think warm bread with French butter and saucisson, stracciatella with charred cherry tomatoes, “London” roast chicken, skirt steak with peppercorn sauce (don’t miss out on a serve of those amazing chips to go with!) or a old-school burger. Don’t forget about their rather tempting wine list, too…
Warabi-mochi has arrived in Vic Park
Have your feeds been covered in this ooey-gooey goodness? Japanese dessert brand Kamakura (there are over 50 outlets in Japan!) has made its way to Vic Park, and people have been going bananas for their traditional sweets. Unlike the classic glutinous mochi, warabi-mochi is made with bracken starch and has gooey, soft and jelly-like texture which is then coated in roasted soybean flour or matcha and drizzled in homemade syrup.
Little Creatures is opening at Elizabeth Quay!
Big news for city-slickin’ beer lovers: Little Creatures is opening a huge new venue in Elizabeth Quay. Read our full write up here.
Header Image: Jooey’s Burgers, Laika
Got some food news we need to know about? We’d love to hear about it – drop us a line at food@perthisok.com!