Perth’s best special occasion restaurants
Got an excuse for a bit of celebration?
Whether it’s for a birthday, an anniversary or another occasion that calls for something a bit more fancy – these are Perth’s best restaurants for those extra special nights out.
Nextdoor
While they’ve taken a turn towards more neighbourhood-friendly, casual vibes, we’re looking for any excuse to head back to Nextdoor. Sure, you can pop in for a weeknight burger and a pint – but why not take a celebratory excuse to spoil yourself with something off their premium meat menu? We’d certainly love to receive a 9+ wagyu on our next birthday…
79 Angelo Street, South Perth
Wildflower
Wildflower might be Perth’s crowning jewel of fine dining. Fittingly perched atop the State Buildings with stunning views over the city and the Swan River, the menu journeys through the six Noongar seasons and showcases uniquely Western Australian ingredients. The luxe Treasury Buildings surrounds and refined fit out certainly don’t hurt.
State Buildings, 1 Cathedral Avenue, Perth
Marumo
Marumo’s seven course omakase menu has become the stuff of legends. A three-hour experience in the itty-bitty, minimalist dining room, which itself is tucked away in an otherwise unremarkable Nedlands shopping village. At $95 per head, Marumo is one of the best value fine dining experiences in Perth – its extreme mystique comes in part from the scarcity of its highly sought after reservations. Released only a few times a year and snapped up eagerly, this is an evening to plan well in advance for.
22/145 Stirling Highway, Nedlands
Post
If Wildflower isn’t your jam, head downstairs to Post. The stunning interior dining room and its exposed steel beams and robust brick walls is one part luxe greenhouse, one part cathedral – but we’re quite partial to cosying up on one of the banquettes that neighbours the grand Postal Hall. Pair the intimate, low-lit space with a bowl of that pillowy gnocchi? Now we’re talkin’.
State Buildings, 1 Cathedral Ave, Perth
Balthazar
Approaching Balthazar’s mysterious, practically medieval door is just the type of anticipation-building we hope for when it comes to an opulent dining experience. Deftly balancing a seductive wink with money-never-sleeps business braggadocio, the fine diner’s timelessly West Australian approach to laissez-faire decadence has kept it at the top of the game with little signs of slowing down.
6 The Esplanade, Perth
Heritage
When we think of bougie dining, we can’t help but think of Heritage. With its classic, bistro-inspired good looks and old-world confidence, it’s exactly the place to sit back and let the experts take charge. Devoid of any trendy gimmicks, the menu has a distinctively European flair, with an unmistakably WA flavour: think chicken and rabbit terrine with wattle seed and Geraldton wax, or local fish with almond, sourdough and Warragal greens.
Brookfield Place, 131 St Georges Terrace, Perth
Casa
Since it opened, we’ve barely paused in extolling the virtues of Casa – and neither has anyone else. The dynamic, Italian-ish menu, which suits both a quick snack with wine or a longer, more sumptuous, special-occasion feast – is always-changing and geographically, deliciously travelling through regions.
399 Oxford Street, Mount Hawthorn
Fleur
Fleur’s sumptuous dining room is the perfect setting for their equally sumptuous tasting menu. 2022 saw the fine dining branch of The Royal shift its focus towards France – with classic techniques utilised alongside a healthy dose of Australian irreverence and willingness to push boundaries. (For an extra special treat, enjoy the grandeur of tableside crêpes Suzette!)
531 Wellington Street, Perth
Le Rebelle
Years on from Le Rebelle’s newly-opened mystique, we remain thoroughly beguiled by this bistro. Striking the balance between old-world European style whilst staying assuredly modern, giving new life to reliable bistro classics like crab toast (take it from us: order double!), steak tartare, escargot with garlic butter, or glistening, glazed Wagin duck with frites and béarnaise. While its influences span across decades and continents, there is a certain je-ne-sais-quois to Le Rebelle’s irreverence and warmth that makes it distinctly Perth’s.
676 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley
Twenty Seats
After closing shop at Shenton Park’s iconic Petite Mort, chef Todd Stuart has opened a new venture in Highgate, Twenty Seats. As its name would suggest, the restaurant only hosts 20 diners each night for its meticulous 10-course tasting menu, allowing for a phenomenal level of attentiveness from the entire team.
301 Lord Street, Highgate
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. We even dedicated a whole article to their all-time crab vol-au-vents. Ooh la la!
71-75 George Street, East Fremantle
Shadow Wine Bar
Shadow Wine Bar is as glamorous and intriguing as an Italian film star. The decor is inviting rather than intimidating, with the dimly lit dining room lending an intimacy to your meal, particularly in spite of its grand, industrial, vaulted ceiling. The menu is a choose-your-own-adventure of formality, from the elegant bar snacks (beef carpaccio, mushroom arancini with smoked leek mayo) to the sumptuous mains (gnocchi with broccolini pesto, duck breast with grilled figs, pappardelle with veal shin ragu).
214 William Street, Northbridge
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Vin Populi
There are certain openings that fly under the radar, and others that become the talk of not just the Perth Is OK! office, but the whole darn town. From the same team as the also excellent No Mafia and Balthazar, Vin Populi has been one of 2023’s early standouts, and the pumping dining room is a testament to the good word travelling like wildfire. Nestled into Freo’s historic West End, the picturesque setting is perfect for a convivial group dinner or romantic date night – especially with a luscious bowl of pasta in front of you.
11 High Street, Fremantle
Egawa an
Tucked away down an East Perth side street, this Japanese eatery is one of 2021’s surprise hits, earning legions of fans with their traditional edomae-style sushi and 16-course omakase. As well as premium A5 wagyu and bluefin tuna, Egawa An is the only place in Perth where you can test your bravery and eat fugu.
1B/197 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth
Cover image credit: Vin Populi