While Perth’s food scene may not be as impressive as Sydney’s, it is shaping up to be a serious contender. Move over, Melbourne! (Left image by @papi.katsu, Right image by @printhallperth)
Mention Perth and you’re likely to be met with, “What is there to do there?” And while life is a lot slower in this part of Down Under, Perth, being Australia’s fourth most-populated city, boasts a slow life that most rat racers didn’t know they needed. Having been here only a handful of times, it wasn’t until my last trip that I got to experience the culinary scene of this beautiful city. And I seriously didn’t expect to have a religious experience over a plate of fire-roasted beetroot in Perth, but here we are.
That’s the thing about Perth’s restaurant scene; it sneaks up on you like that friend who suddenly got really into fermenting things during lockdown and now actually knows what they’re talking about. While Melbourne always seems to be the top pick where culinary is concerned in Australia, this once-forgotten city (that is also sun-drenched) has undergone some major glow-up.
Let us take you on a journey through some of the best spots that’ll have you screaming, “Take my money!”
1. Long Chim
This list doesn’t start with any sort of “throwing shrimps on the barbie” but instead, we invite you to “come and taste” the Thai food at Long Chim. (Long Chim means “come and taste” in Thai.)
The vibe here gives Bangkok street food but with a serious makeover. Thanks to Aussie royalty of Thai cuisine, chef David Thompson, the restaurant was able to capture the beloved chaotic energy of Bangkok’s street food scene but in a setting where you won’t have to perch on a plastic stool (though sometimes those are the best meals, let’s be real).
The mural-covered walls and exposed brick give the restaurant an edgy vibe that says “Yes, we’re in a historic building, but we’re not uptight about it.” The Panang Curry Of Chicken is the kind of dish you’ll think about months later while eating your packed lunch at work, and is far from bland. Order the starter dish Miang Hham – betel leaves wrapped around a flavour explosion of coconut, ginger, chilli, and lime. It’s the kind of heat and explosive fusion of different tastes you won’t want to miss.
Address: Corner of Barrack Street & St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Contact: +618 6168 7775
2. Manuka Woodfire Kitchen
Tucked away in Fremantle (or “Freo” as the locals call it—because Australians abbreviate EVERYTHING), Manuka Woodfire Kitchen is what happens when a chef decides that fire is the ultimate ingredient. Chef Kenny McHardy has created a space that’s all about letting amazing Aussie produce shine, with most dishes kissed by the flames of his wood-fired oven.
The menu changes based entirely on what’s fresh and in season. One day you might find perfectly charred local octopus, the next it’s free-range chicken that’ll make you question every other roast chicken you’ve ever had.
The space feels like that perfectly curated rustic-chic apartment you wish you had: warm woods, exposed brick, and the hypnotic glow of the fire. It’s the kind of place where you can actually taste the chef’s philosophy on the plate, which is basically “respect good ingredients and don’t mess with them too much.” And it is best shared.
Pair anything with a Margaret River wine (the region is just a couple hours south and produces some seriously good stuff), and you’ve got yourself a meal that’ll make you consider a permanent move to WA (Western Australia).
Address: 134 High St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
Contact: +618 9335 3527
3. Print Hall
Housed in the former headquarters of The West Australian newspaper, Print Hall is like that overachiever friend who does everything well, and you kinda envy them for it. This multi-level venue includes the Print Hall Dining Room, Apple Daily Bar & Eating House, Bob’s Bar rooftop, and the carbylicious pasta bar, Stampa.
The building itself is stunning—all heritage features with modern updates—and each level has been carefully curated with its own dining experience. The main dining room boasts sophisticated modern Australian cuisine that allows local ingredients to shine on each plate served. Think manna crab with Avruga caviar. You’ll never eat crab cakes from the frozen section again, after this.
Their wine list is so extensive it should come with its own search function, featuring both local West Australian brands and some international classics. After dinner, you can head up to Bob’s Bar for cocktails with a view and a side of Perth history—the bar is named after former Prime Minister Bob Hawke, who apparently once held the world record for drinking a yard glass of beer in 11 seconds.
Address: Print Hall– Brookfield Place. 125 St George’s Terrace, 11/125 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Contact: +618 9200 3700
4. Papi Katsu
Here, the menu is a modern (and uber cool) interpretation of Japanese classics. Their Karaage Chicken is the kind of dish that ruins all other karaages for you—perfectly crispy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside, and seasoned so perfectly you’ll wonder if they’ve somehow tapped into your taste buds’ preferences.
Their cocktail game is equally strong, with Japanese-inspired concoctions that complement the food beautifully. The yuzu highball is like summer in a glass, and their sake selection will convert those who don’t quite fancy this famed Japanese alcohol.
Don’t let us get started on the aesthetics of this eatery. Super trendy!
Address: Lower Level/125 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Contact: +618 6255 9889
5. Mary Street Bakery
Brunch is not just that awkward time slot in between breakfast and lunch, nor is it an excuse to be late for a breakfast meet after a night out. It’s a lifestyle choice, and no food scene is complete without a killer brunch spot.
This is where Mary Street Bakery is Perth’s reigning champion. With multiple locations across the city, the brand has built a cult following for its perfect pastries, unforgettable breakfast dishes, and coffee that would satisfy even the most pretentious Melbourne barista.
Their donuts are the stuff of legend—filled with seasonal custards (hello, passionfruit donuts) and creams that’ll have you spring out of bed first thing on a weekend morning. But the real stars are their proper breakfast dishes. The fried chicken buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup might sound like a heart attack waiting to happen, but trust me, it’s worth shortening your lifespan for. And who knew hot cross buns could taste so, so, SoooOOOooo good—theirs are named Hot X Buns.
The interiors of each Mary Street Bakery are bright, airy, and filled with plants, making them the perfect backdrop for brunch. We love that Mary Street doesn’t just deliver on aesthetics but also on flavour.
Address: Multiple locations
