The 50 best restaurants in Perth to dine in 2024

We’ve been ringing the bell for years, but now it’s undeniable: Perth’s dining scene has never been better.

Whether you’re popping down the road for an impromptu visit to your neighbourhood fave, or heading somewhere schmick for a special occasion, our beloved city is positively chock-a-block with great restaurants for any occasion.

We’ve pored through the archives, recommendations and long-time favourites to bring you a comprehensive guide to 50 of the very best restaurants in Perth, organised by vibes… So you don’t have to waste any time wondering where to go when you could be eating!

• SPECIAL OCCASION SPOTS
• DATE NIGHT DELIGHTS
• CHEAP & CHEERFUL
• BARS & BITES
• COSY COMFORTS
• GROUP GATHERINGS

SPECIAL OCCASION SPOTS

Looking for somewhere extra special to celebrate an extra special occasion? From anniversaries to birthdays, we’re always looking for an excuse to head to one of these special occasion-ready restaurants.

Nextdoor

Following a brief closure and reset, Nextdoor re-emerged into 2023 with a renewed vigour. Rising culinary star Elliot Sawiris has taken the helm of the fire-powered kitchen as Head Chef, and has created a playful, snack-able, neighbourhood-friendly menu – from retro-classic burgers to hot honey-drizzled stuffed chicken wings inspired by a KFC x siu mai crossover. As playful as the snacks are, proteins are taken seriously here – the restaurant is a family business sprung from the neighbouring Olsen Butchers… In fact, one bite of the 9+ Wagyu Denver practically had us weeping with joy. While the newest iteration of Nextdoor takes a more casual form, we’ll look for any special occasion excuse to treat ourselves to their bougiest steak.

79 Angelo Street, South Perth

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 that takes Twenty Seats to an all-time great.

301 Lord Street, Highgate

Gibney

This bougie beachside brasserie was truly the talk of the town when it opened back in May – but as months pass and hype dies down, has Gibney’s shine dulled? If you ask anyone that’s visited recently, the Cottesloe restaurant is still scoring home runs, whether it’s the Euro-nostalgia by way of Californian-glamour menu of chef James Cole Bowen, or the glitzy cocktail cart, the unparalleled views or the hospitable, white-coated approach to service. You may have to save up, but when the whole package comes together like this… You’ll certainly get bang for your buck.

40 Marine Parade, Cottesloe

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 remains 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

Lulu La Delizia

How long does it take to become an institution? Although it only opened in 2016, Lulu La Delizia has quickly become synonymous with quality Italian fare – and we’re not alone in noticing. Adeptly toeing the line between a high-brow, cheffy approach and simple northern Italian comfort dishes, this refined and restrained menu is hard to look past. We’d tell you to get the chef’s special, but then again, everything else is so good, too.

Forrest Walk, 5/97 Rokeby Road, Subiaco

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 fittingly utilises uniquely Western Australian ingredients. The luxe State Buildings surrounds and refined fit out certainly don’t hurt.

State Buildings, 1 Cathedral Avenue, Perth

Papi Katsu

Plenty of special occasion restaurants have a certain subdued elegance to them – with hushed tones, linens and maybe some gentle jazz wafting through the dining room. Not Papi Katsu! With a cyberpunk aesthetic that channels Blade Runner and the neon-lit, pumping ambience of a nightclub, you’d hardly think this bougie underground izakaya was in the heart of the city’s most businessy precinct… While you can settle into the dining room for corporate lunches with clients and coworkers (let’s hope the boss pays for the caviar service?), special nights out call for their newly launched omakase from chef Shane Middleton, that blends dedication to craft with a healthy dose of irreverence and good humour.

Brookfield Place, Lower Level, 125 St Georges Terrace, Perth

Balthazar

Polished, yet accessible. Business appropriate yet gives you a wink. This timeless dining room gives you all the confident, New York-y, money-never-sleeps vibes you’d hope for, but with an approachability that’s all West Australian. Tartare, terrine, kangaroo loin and duck fat potatoes tick all the hedonistic boxes, not to mention that impressive wall of wines.

​6 The Esplanade, Perth

Fleur

Decked out in sumptuous velvet, Fleur boasts a polished dining experience that blends the old-world with the new-wave: think miso mushroom donuts, indulgent scallops topped with lardo and caviar, or beef tongue French toast. (For an extra special treat, enjoy the grandeur of tableside crêpes Suzette.) Ooh la la!

531 Wellington Street, Perth

Coogee Common

Coogee Common, Bread in Common’s younger sibling, occupies the historic Coogee Hotel site; built in 1894, it includes extensive grounds which are now put to good use as veggie gardens for both restaurants – and are home to a resident hive of bees. This connection to produce is reflected in their menu, which is tangibly seasonal – a lot of it is grown on the Common’s doorstep, after all. Scallop ceviche, raw turnip and coastal herbs is just one feature of the springtime menu, while mushroom tagliatelle with ricotta makes use of the garden’s greens.

371 Cockburn Road, Coogee

Nobu

If you’ve had a special occasion in the last 10 years – anniversary, birthday, folks are paying… Chances are, you’ve hit up Nobu. This global, Robert De Niro-owned brand has made a name for itself in excellence, and its Perth outpost is no different. The opulent dining room and its Crown setting naturally lends itself to celebrations, while complementing its modern Japanese-South American fare. The omakase menus are always a safe bet if you want to sit back and enjoy their signature dishes, but as any seafood-lovers will know, it’s well worth scoping out any local and seasonal highlights.

Crown Perth, Great Eastern Highway, Burswood

Cassia

This Freo newbie draws inspiration from across the globe and channels it through the spirit of Australian barbecue – as Head Chef Emily Jones puts it, “It’s all about coming together, sharing with friends and family.” Succulent fire-roasted meats are centre stage, but sit alongside a thoughtful selection of veg-forward plates that will convince even the most steadfast carnivore: think lion’s mane schnitty or smoked beetroot carpaccio.

3/45 Henderson Street, Fremantle

DATE NIGHT DELIGHTS

Finally landed that hot date but now you’re panicking about where to actually take them? No stress! We’ve got you covered, whether you’re looking for sun-drenched seafood spots or dimly-lit fine diners – we’ll even let you take all the credit 😉

Capri

You didn’t think we’d forget Capri, did you? While we’ve categorised it as a date night favourite, it’s really perfect for just about any occasion. Stepping into this family-run restaurant feels like stepping back in time, to bustling ’50s Fremantle and all of its Italian glory. Prices are, suitably in line with this old-school approach: incredibly reasonable, if not unbelievably low at times. Now with four generations of Pizzales involved in the restaurant, Capri is as good as ever. In fact, its determination to stand strong against any changing whims of fashions might be its greatest strength.

21 South Terrace, Fremantle

Le Rebelle

If we were to write a list of “Things We Want To Eat At Any Given Moment”, it would look almost remarkably similar to the menu at Le Rebelle. The très romantique, dimly-lit bistro strikes a balance between old-world European style whilst staying assuredly modern, giving new life to reliable bistro classics like crab toast, steak tartare, escargot with garlic butter, or crispy veal sweetbreads. 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

Madalena’s

When the husband and wife team behind super popular food truck Comida do Sul opened Madalena’s back in the tail end of 2018 , it was no surprise that it became one of the most talked about restaurants in Perth, and Australia at large. The relaxed boteco is all about soaking up the sun-drenched, South Beach vibes with your beloved, diving into a menu that celebrates local seafood (exclusively partnering with socially-conscious supplier Fins) as well as produce from local farmers and their own kitchen garden. Upstairs, things take a more convivial turn at the new(ish) cocktail bar overlooking South Terrace serving snacks and sips a-plenty. You’d think you were on the beach in Barcelona if it wasn’t so classically Perth.

406 South Terrace, South Fremantle

Testun

Perth’s boundary-pushing, bombastic 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. Ciao stronzi!

12/760 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley

Tsukaya

For one of the finest Japanese dining experiences in Perth, it’s hard to go past Tsukaya. Like another high-end Japanese favourite, the restaurant’s menu blends modern Japanese and Peruvian flavours: while purists may balk at menu inclusions like tacos and umami fries, we could not be more on board – it really, beautifully, deliciously works.

167 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn

La Madonna Nera

Offering a delightfully intimate dining experience, La Madonna Nera is pairing some truly delectable libations with a snack game that’s hard to beat. Stop by for some seriously good snack game during aperitivo hour, or head to the seductively dark interior for nuovo-Italian date night deliciousness.

1/155 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn

Baan Baan

2019 saw market regular Bangkok Jump Street make the leap to a brick-and-mortar location in Northbridge, and while Baan Baan means “comfort and simple”, that’s honestly a bit of an undersell. The menu is full of dynamic, exciting Thai street food, as well as home-style meals – but it’s all perfect for sharing. Let’s hope your date is as hot as some fresh Thai chilies.

172 Newcastle Street, Northbridge

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.

71-75 George Street, East Fremantle

Manuka Woodfire Kitchen

Maybe we just had our heads in the sand, but it took us an embarrassingly long time to get switched on to the magic of Manuka. Luckily, everyone else isn’t so slow on the uptake – the restaurant has collected plenty of accolades and rave reviews in the meantime. The restaurant champions all the good low-waste, sustainable, seasonal, farmer-direct stuff we love to hear – although that doesn’t mean much if the food doesn’t speak for itself. Rest assured, the wood fired oven alchemises local ingredients into something really quite special.

134 High Street, Fremantle

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 was one of 2023’s early standouts – we were so charmed by its easy-breezy Italianate energy, delightful staff and lush fit out, it catapulted itself straight onto our best restaurants list.

Nestled into Freo’s historic West End, we’d urge you to pop by for afternoon antipasti or a late night negroni or luscious bowl of pasta (including truly stellar gluten-free options!). The pumping dining room is a testament to the good word travelling like wildfire.

11 High Street, Fremantle

Long Chim

A visit to Long Chim will always turn up the heat. The Thai street food mecca has become an institution of sorts since opening its doors in 2015 – and for good reason. Bringing a slice of Bangkok to the State Buildings’ basement, the menu practically slaps you in the face with big flavours as vibrant as those iconic umbrellas.

State Buildings, 1 Cathedral Avenue, Perth

Cosy Del’s

We’ve long extolled the virtues of Lathlain’s Laika as a go-to coffee and brunch spot – so when word reached us back in 2020 that they were opening a neighbouring bar slash restaurant, we were intrigued, to say the least. Our anticipation was not unwarranted: Cosy Del’s has lived up to it, and then some. We actually haven’t been able to stop thinking about the steak we had the first time we visited, imbued with smokiness from the hibachi grill and slathered in lardo butter, and our dreams are filled with the charred broccolini with ricotta and hazelnuts.

13 Lathlain Place, Lathlain

La Bastide

So Frenchy, so chic should have been 2022’s motto, with an impressive roster of eateries inspired by La République opening over the course of just twelve months. Within a few weeks of opening, La Bastide became 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

CHEAP & CHEERFUL

Not every meal can be Michelin-level fine dining – but that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in huge flavours. These are our favourite dining destinations more suited to midweek meals and budget-conscious bites.

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

Vikka

We wrote about family-run Vikka way back in September of 2021, excited to try their Neapolitan-style pizza and share plates… And they haven’t disappointed. Pizzas toe the line between crowd-pleasing and traditional, with the hot honey a particular favourite – topped with fiery sopressa and nduja. (Vegans are well-looked after with both plant-based cheese and sausage.)

147 Oxford Street, Leederville

Authentic Bites Dumpling House

Authentic Bites hit on a winning formula from the get-go, with great value, high-quality, house-made dumplings. Cooked to order, you can rest assured your xiao long bao will be juicy and hot, your potstickers crispy, and your shumai bouncy. Thankfully, there’s also sister store Juicy Bao Bao just up the road so there’s double the dumplings for us to enjoy – especially when delivered by a robot cat. Meow!

Shop 3, 145 Newcastle Street, Northbridge

S&T Thai Gourmet Cafe

S&T nails everything that we love about Thai food: fresh, vibrant, sweet and tangy with a healthy kick of heat. Their menu strikes the balance between accessibility for those less familiar with Thai cuisine (yes, you can get a green curry, or some pad thai), and plenty that are primed to become your new favourites. We can’t go through a summer without at least one papaya salad followed by durian ice cream – served with sweet sticky rice, creamed milk and roasted peanuts, it’s a game changer.

Shop 3, 347-349 William Street, Northbridge

Monsterella

It would be easy to over-complicate things, but put quite simply: Monsterella gets a lot of things just right. Handmade, wood-fired pizzas, on bases fermented for 48 hours? Perfetto. A selection of pasta that will tempt even the most fanatic pizza fiend? Buon appetito!

Keen for a more intimate vibe? Head next door to Monsterella’s bougier sister wine bar Mummucc‘, favourite night-off haunt of dozens of Perth chefs. For a bar named “mother”, Mummucc’ is really rather… Sexy. We don’t mean to get Freudian, but one glance at those Skull Island prawns with bottarga butter and chilli vinegar, or the octopus arrostocini with a fiery nduja oil… Well, we’re drooling. Add in the ample wine list? We’re in love.

46-56 Grantham Street, Wembley

Tak Chee House

Hainanese chicken rice… the dish for any day, any mood, any place. This Malaysian staple is done to its comforting best here, with moist, tender chicken and fragrant rice. If you can resist, you might find yourself exploring the other Penang-style dishes on offer, like laksa, loh bak and kway teow… just make sure you get there early, because you won’t be the only one looking for lunch.

1/364 William Street, Northbridge

Ichirin

If you’d stumbled upon Leeming’s family-run Ichirin for a quick lunch on the go, it would be easy to file it away as a particularly good, neighbourhood shopping strip takeaway joint. And while the casual lunch fare is, to give credit where credit’s due, extremely well executed – you’d be doing both Ichirin, and yourself, a disservice: the omakase is where it’s at. When it comes to seafood, chef Shiro Okuchi knows his stuff, and the chef’s choice omakase menu is the perfect way to showcase the union of Japanese culinary excellence and West Australian produce.

Shop 2, Corner Beasley Road and Dundee Street, Leeming

KCH

We’d practically take a bath in laksa, we love it so much – so it’s no wonder KCH got on our radar shortly after they opened in 2019. KCH takes its name from Sarawak’s capital Kuching, home to a distinctive laksa that is both creamy and tangy. But that’s not where it ends – with plenty of modern takes on Malaysian classics, plus weekly specials that will have you frantically spamming the group chat, “Who’s keen for dinner?!”

Unit 41, 10 Angove Street, North Perth

Rossonero

We could talk for days about Perth’s pizza offerings, but often find ourselves back at Rossonero. Tucked away in Mayland’s Lyric Lane, the garage-turned-pizzeria balances classical simplicity with crowd-pleasing modernity. We’re a sucker for the sweet ‘n spicy Honey Boy or the Sticky Pig, but traditionalists may go for the Ol’ School.

18 Lyric Lane, Maylands

BARS & BITES

Sipping and snacking? Wining and dining? Beers and bites? If you’re craving something to nibble on while yapping with your besties, these beaut bars have a top-tier snack game.

Casa

Since it opened, we’ve barely paused in extolling the virtues of Casa – and neither has anyone else. The dynamic menu, which suits both a quick snack with wine or a longer, more sumptuous feast – is always-changing and geographically, deliciously travelling through regions. We have never eaten a bad mouthful at Casa! On the go? Drop by their pizza pop up next door for a pie you won’t forget about any time soon.

399 Oxford Street, Mount Hawthorn

Bertie

Wine bar Bertie – helmed by British-born Basso locals veteran bartender James Connolly – quickly won us over with their British-leaning gastropub fare. A Scotch egg that made our dreams come true, a refined take on steak and onions and a quick jaunt across the Atlantic for a contemporary Waldorf salad: we’re strongly considering a move into the neighbourhood.

77 Old Perth Road, Bassendean

Shirley’s

Opening at the start of 2024 and (quite literally) around the corner from Jody and Kenny McHardy’s rather legendary original venue, Manuka, Shirley’s puts a nostalgic, playful, snacky spin on Kenny’s signature woodfired flavours. Stop by for bites like smoked fish party pies, smokey skewers of Wedge Island octopus or retro, winter-warmer apple crumble with the added floral notes of feijoa… But whatever you get, just make sure you start with that beloved, insanely moreish focaccia.

6/124 High Street, Fremantle

Subi Continental

Paris-meets-New York-meets Perth. A little but Euro, unmistakably West Australian: Subi Continental has arrived in its namesake suburb with a bang. Approachable, delicious, all-day, any day. Delve into a decadent bowl of pasta, but don’t underestimate the simple pleasure of a seasonal plate of crudité, or the enduring appeal of the tapas OG gildas.

Corner of Rokeby and Roberts Road, Subiaco

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 is serving up snacks that truly deliver – we’re yet to find a miss amongst the heavy hitters.

2/137 Claremont Crescent, Swanbourne

Vincent Wine

After joining the top of William Street’s increasingly-vibrant cohort, Vincent Wine‘s wine drew in crowds a plenty, but very quickly attention has turned towards their stunning food options and extensive wine list. You’ll have to wander in and see what’s written up on the tiles on any given week, but trust us when we say you won’t be disappointed.

465 William Street, Perth

Shadow Wine Bar

Shadow Wine Bar has the glamour and intrigue of 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 (crab, aioli and potato crisp, white anchovy toast) to the sumptuous mains – previous stars include the tortelli with prawn, vermouth and fennel, the veal cotoletta, or the beef fillet with confit leek and onion soubise.

214 William Street, Northbridge

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

COSY COMFORTS

Whether the weather has cooled or you need something to nourish your soul as well as your stomach, these spots are sure to comfort.

Rojiura Curry Samurai

These comforting bowls of Hokkaido soup curry have become a salve to gloomy winter days working in the city – and we’re not alone in thinking so! Rojiura Curry Samurai are Perth’s first eatery specialising in the regional curry, and each bowl boasts a mammoth assortment of veggies that’ll keep you nourished through the winter, alongside flavourful karaage, chicken Maryland or succulent pork belly. Not to be missed? The add-ons, which truly take this to the next level: garlicky fried broccoli, deliciously cheesy potato mochi or rice topped with soft-boiled egg and charred cheese.

4A Shafto Lane, Perth

Hifumiya / Jigoro

It’s a testament to the quality of Hifumiya’s offerings that – in spite of its hidden location down a laneway running between Murray and Wellington Streets – it’s become a cult favourite amongst Perth noodle lovers. While their lunchtime offerings are excellent, in the evenings the restaurant changes its name to Jigoro and takes a pivot to traditional izakaya fare and a menu that is rarely seen in Perth – think seared stingray fin, monkfish liver, fermented squid guts and sea grapes with ponzu. Approaching its warm golden glow on a chilly evening? Truly immaculate vibes.

McLean Lane, 100-104 Murray Street, Perth

Fallow

With a rustic interior and fire-powered eats, Fallow ticks plenty of boxes – whether you’re looking for a cosy spot for a Sunday roast or an intimate date night by the crackling firepit. Go all-out with a mammoth 28-day dry aged T-bone – but then again, we can’t go past their “Fallow-style” prawn toast with spicy togarashi mayo, and a recent try of the wagyu pithivier was a comforting salve to a chilly winter’s evening.

314 William Street, Perth

Nao

Perth ramen fiends will need no introduction to Nao Ramen. Since relocating from their original Murray Street digs, they’ve continued to set the standard. Choosing from four broth flavours (shoyu, miso, shio and spicy miso), four styles of noodles (original egg, green spinach, red chilli or black squid ink), as well as an array of extra toppings you can customise your order to make your perfect bowl of ramen. While it’s one of our winter favourites, a hot day demands you check out their specialty cold ramen and tsukemen.

Shop 191, 580 Hay Street, Perth

Nieuw Ruin

The fanfare that followed Nieuw Ruin’s 2021 opening has proven to be warranted. While the star of the show is arguably their “weird wines” and standout cocktails – their food is certainly vying for the spotlight. With a kitchen helmed by rising star, Head Chef Stephen Chen under the guidance of Executive Chef (and certified star) Blaze Young, the menu is part bar snack, part European comfort, all delicious. (The cauliflower pie has become the stuff of legend, and when enjoyed on a cool winter’s night you’ll find it hard to argue.)

12 Norfolk Street, Fremantle

No Mafia

It could be said that No Mafia’s specialty is “Stuff That Goes Really Well With a Glass of Wine”. Which, for the record, is a category we’re well and truly on board for. While we’re a fan of perching on the front balcony for some Spritz-fuelled people watching during those hot Fringe nights every summer, there’s little more comforting than diving into a bowl of their signature braised duck pappardelle.

252 William Street, Northbridge

Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King

A big name can be more of a burden than a blessing – after all, it’s easy to disappoint when expectations are high. What about if you call yourself the Tonkotsu King? Luckily, cult ramen chain Ramen Keisuke has no such issue. Founded by Keisuke Takeda, the rich, creamy, flavourful pork broth is the real star of the show. Spicy options and complimentary boiled eggs make this ramen worth the wait, rain or shine.

33 Milligan Street, Perth

Daph’s

Daph’s has been a slow burn success since opening mid-2021, quietly building a solid reputation for their six-course degustation. The menu showcases local, seasonal produce from their fire-driven kitchen, building on the legacy of the restaurant’s previous tenant, Rusty Pig. While the offerings are constantly changing, previous stars have included fire-seared duck breast served alongside a burnt peach purée, charred porterhouse with dauphinoise potato and red amaranth, and coal roasted cabbage with Cajun buttermilk dressing.

1/226 Oxford Street, Leederville

GROUP GATHERINGS

The group chat’s been abuzz with scheduling snafus and you’ve finally got the gang together… But where the hell do you go? Whether you’re walking the dietaries tightrope or you’re just looking for somewhere that won’t mind a crowd, these are our go-to spots when our party is more than two:

Double Rainbow

Part of multi-level behemoth the Rechabite, ground level restaurant Double Rainbow has quietly become one of our go-to spots to start a lively night out, before catching a show upstairs, or just about any reason we can cook up. Serving up a mixture of fast and furious Asian fusion with a big Korean tilt, you can expect big flavours and some party vibes.

224 William Street, Northbridge

Pappagallo

Nestled in between Leederville and Mount Hawthorn, 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

Si Paradiso

Si Paradiso, under the guidance of chef Paul Bentley, just continues to go from strength-to-strength. Of course there’s the winning fluffy-edged, ferment-y pizzas ever present – but they’re accompanied by an array of share plates that have taken things up a notch (or ten). Crab crespelle, charcoal lamb skewers with chermoula and toum, “Paradiso” bread with cacio butter and charred eggplant dip? While they no longer advertise the option “add caviar if you’re a baller” (boo!), we nevertheless maintain that the dance floor has some strong competition.

1/446 Beaufort Street, Highgate

Threecoins & Sons

While Threecoins is technically the elder sibling of Testun, its recent-ish relaunch has given us a reinvigorated enthusiasm for the more traditional, ten-year-old trattoria – although more traditional can only be defined in relation to its irreverent sibling down the road. Comforting Italian classics are melded with that signature bold flavour and high voltage approach… Think pinsa topped with mortadella, pineapple salsa and pickled peppers, a linguine served with prawn bisque and lemon-spiked mascarpone or lamb chops with a pistachio and mint agrodolce.

12/776 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley

Shui

Shui – as in feng shui, not like shoey – has taken over the old Funtastico site with great aplomb, 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

Lions And Tigers

With the roaring success of Duck Duck Bruce (RIP), it made perfect sense for the crew to expand into a dinner service. Taking up residence on Bannister Street, just a short stroll from the cafe, Lions And Tigers was born in 2019. It’s got all the same good vibes and humour we’ve come to expect from the cafe, focused into Indian-inspired, flavourful fare and an equally electric fitout.

6-8 Bannister Street, Fremantle

Lotus

Nestled within the multi-level, multi-venue Mount Lawley colossus The Beaufort, Lotus is the pub’s slightly more refined dining room. Celebrating flavours spanning across South East Asia, the modern menu is packed with all-star dishes – like the butter chicken curry puff, which has become an oft-discussed topic in the Perth is OK! offices ever since we tried it.

521-525 Beaufort Street, Highgate

King Somm

The undeniable draw of King Somm might be enough to make us move to Bayswater – that’s what fans we are of this neighbourhood pizzeria. Wine connoisseurs will surely be into their rotating selection of lo-fi drops, while pizza snobs can get into the 72 hour, “pasta riporto” dough and judicious use of toppings. Add in a team stacked with hospo veterans? Now that’s worth moving for.

13 King William Street, Bayswater

Header image: Vin Populi