Perth’s Best Winter Dishes To Warm You Up

It’s time to carbo-load, baby! Winter is here, and we’re ready to get cosy with some winter-appropriate feasts – we’re talking sumptuous pastas, succulent roast meats and plenty of piping hot carbs.

Carbonara, Monsterella

How good does the pasta have to be for you to get it at a pizza place? Really good, it turns out. Especially when the pizza’s as top-notch as it is at Monsterella. It took months of FOMO, (and plenty of sneaky tastes from our friend’s plates) before we could tear ourselves away from our favourite pizzas (Milliano and Bufalina, if you must know) and acknowledge that yes, actually, it’s worth coming here just for the carbonara. Made by owner Tania’s mum Maria, the luscious hand-cut pasta is infused with truffle – it’s one of Perth’s all-time meals, enjoyed year-round but particularly on a chilly winter’s evening.

46 Grantham Street, Wembley

Lamb Shank, Coogee Common

Lamb may technically be in season in spring, but we associate the succulent, rich meat with cold winter nights. Coogee Common‘s menu is often changing with the seasons and their impressive kitchen garden, but if you can get your hands onto their wood fired, glazed lamb shank – hoo-boy, are you in luck. As well as Coogee’s succulent lamb, there’s a reason their OG sister restaurant Bread in Common‘s lamb ribs have stayed on the menu for years – fatty, zesty, minty and unctuous in the best way.

371 Cockburn Road, Coogee

Truffle Cheese Cob Loaf, The Guildford

A historical building really adds to those wintery vibes, and the almost 140-year-old Guildford Hotel has history coming out its wazoo. Built in 1886, and gutted by a devastating fire in 2008, the pub emerged like a phoenix with a refurbishment in 2016 that restored the old girl to her former glory. As well as those smokey, slow cooked meats, their decadent truffle cob loaf is a winter must-eat.

159 James Street, Guildford

Sunday Roast, Seasonal Brewing Co.

Although they haven’t been around all that long, Seasonal Brewing Co. is punching well above its weight with a strong contender for Perth’s number one Sunday roast. The roasted-overnight pork is an often-returning favourite, although sometimes they change it up with beef, ham or even the occasional chicken. Sides include seasonal veg, Yorkshire puds and gravy – or if you’re lucky you’ll even score some cauliflower cheese! Roasts are available from noon until sold out – which they very often do, so we recommend you head there early.

175 Guildford Road, Maylands

Steak, Heritage Wine Bar

Why not get a bit bougie this winter with an upscale steak? With its crisp white linens, bentwood chairs and monochrome palette, Heritage has the classic good looks its name would suggest. Their steak is also a stunner: dry aged, organic grass fed beef is topped with a slab of smoked garlic butter. Devoid of any trendy gimmicks, the menu has a distinctively European flair with an unmistakably WA flavour.

131 St Georges Terrace, Perth

Laksa, KCH

If the cold is seeping into your bones, you’ll need to dive into a hearty bowl of soup – even better if there’s a hint of heat. Named after the Sarawak capital Kuching, it’s only fitting that KCH’s star dish is Sarawak laksa. Hearty yet delicate, this giant bowl combines the best of both worlds: the coconut milk creaminess of curry laksa, with the sour tamarind flavour of asam laksa.

Unit 41/10 Angove Street, North Perth

Pie & Mash, JB O’Reillys

We love JB O’Reilly‘s warm neighbourhood vibes, but do you know what we love almost as much? Their cosy, comforting food. As well as a bang-up Sunday roast (stretchy pants required), their pie and mash goes down a real treat on a cold winter’s night – particularly if you treat yourself to a Guinness or two while you’re there.

99 Cambridge Street, West Leederville

Pea & Ham Soup, Alfred’s

It only takes a quick glance at our comments anytime we mention burgers to determine the vast passion the people of Perth have for Alfred’s. Not only do their homestyle burgers have a fervent following, but their pea and ham soup has reached legendary status – particularly when enjoyed sitting by the cosy fire with mates.

Corner Meadow and James Street, Guildford

Beef Shoulder, Old Young’s Kitchen

Old Young’s Kitchen only opened in January, but it’s already proving itself to be a year-round favourite. Their seasonal menu is oft-changing, featuring locally sourced ingredients – and their winter iteration features a slow cooked beef shoulder, served with a luscious jus that will warm up even the coldest winter afternoon.

10581 W Swan Road, Henley Brook

Chicken Schnitzel, The Royal

The Royal‘s daily specials are enticing enough, but on a cold day… Well, that Thursday schnitty looks more tantalising than ever. Succulent, juicy chicken is crumbed and fried ’til golden, and is served atop a decadent mash and gravy. You may require a nap afterwards, but there are certainly worse ways to spend an afternoon.

531 Wellington Street, Perth

Sticky Date Pud, Ruocco’s

Cosy Italian joint Ruocco’s is a South Freo institution, with comforting bowls of chilli mussels, pasta and pizza… But there’s always room for some pud. What says winter more than a piping hot bowl of Ruocco’s home made sticky date pudding?

217 South Terrace, South Fremantle

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Header image: The Royal