Best Restaurants in Perth: The Ultimate Local Dining Guide
Perth’s isolation has bred a self-reliant and highly creative food scene. You aren't just eating Australian food here; you are eating the logic of the Indian Ocean and the Swan Valley. The city focuses on hyper-local sourcing, with heavy emphasis on Western Australian rock lobster, truffle from Manjimup, and Margaret River wagyu. The vibe is Mediterranean-meets-modern-Australian. Chefs here lean into wood-fire cooking and open-air dining. Whether you want a high-end degustation overlooking the water or a hole-in-the-wall noodle bar, the best restaurants in Perth deliver quality without the pretension of Sydney or Melbourne.
Must-try dishes in Perth
When deciding where to eat in Perth, start with these iconic local staples that define the Western Australian palate:
- WA Rock Lobster: Freshly caught off the coast, often served grilled with garlic butter or in a chilled roll.
- Abrolhos Islands Scallops: Known for their sweetness and firm texture, usually served on the half-shell with minimal garnish.
- Marron: A rare freshwater crayfish native to WA, prized for its delicate, sweet meat.
- Leeuwin Coast Oysters: Briny, plump oysters sourced from the cold southern waters near Albany.
- Wood-Fired Sourdough: Perth takes bread seriously; look for loaves fermented for 48 hours and charred in stone ovens.
- Continental Roll: A local cult classic featuring layers of deli meats, cheese, and antipasto on a crusty roll.
Best restaurants for a splurge
If you have a celebration or just want the highest caliber of service and plating, these three establishments are the city’s heavy hitters.
Wildflower (Perth CBD)
Located on the rooftop of COMO The Treasury, Wildflower offers a menu based on the six seasons of the Indigenous Noongar calendar. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic city views. The food is artistic and deeply tied to the land, featuring native ingredients like finger lime and pepperberry. It is the premier destination for a sophisticated, distinctly West Australian fine-dining experience.
Lulu La Delizia (Subiaco)
This is arguably the best pasta bar in the country. Chef Joel Valvasori specializes in the flavors of Friuli and the Veneto. The space is intimate and often loud, focusing on handmade silk-thin pasta and rich, soulful ragus. It feels like a neighborhood trattoria in Italy but operates with world-class precision. Order the saffron spaghettini or whatever the daily special dictates.
Hearth (Perth CBD)
Inside the Ritz-Carlton at Elizabeth Quay, Hearth celebrates the ritual of cooking over embers. Almost everything here touches the fire, from the smoky butter to the charred local seafood. The room is elegant and understated, allowing the bold, smoky flavors of the grill to take center stage. Their tasting menu is a masterclass in controlled wood-fire technique.
Best casual restaurants and local favorites
These are the reliable spots where locals go on a Tuesday night. The food is excellent, but the atmosphere is relaxed.
Double Rainbow (Northbridge)
Situated within the Rechabite multi-level entertainment complex, this fast-paced Asian kitchen serves bold, unconventional plates. Think kimchi fries, spicy pork belly, and grilled octopus with fermented chili. The energy is high, the music is loud, and the flavors are aggressive in the best way possible. It’s perfect for a group dinner before a night out.
Propeller (North Fremantle)
Converted from an old bus garage, Propeller serves Middle Eastern-inspired share plates in a sun-drenched courtyard. The menu moves from grilled halloumi and hummus to slow-cooked lamb shoulder and wood-fired flatbreads. It captures the Fremantle lifestyle perfectly: breezy, outdoor-centric, and focused on communal eating. It is a staple for those who value fresh, vibrant ingredients.
Si Paradiso (Mount Lawley)
This is part bar, part restaurant, and part late-night disco. Si Paradiso serves some of the best wood-fired pizzas in the city, using a 48-hour fermented dough. The vintage Italian aesthetic—complete with an amphitheater-style courtyard—makes it the coolest spot in town. Don't skip the small plates like fried school prawns or the rotating crudo selections.
State Buildings – Post (Perth CBD)
Post is a contemporary Italian osteria located in the former General Post Office. It is professional, polished, and consistent. It’s the ideal spot for a business lunch or a clean, well-executed dinner of veal cotoletta or handmade pappardelle. The setting is historic and grand, but the service remains friendly and approachable.
Best cheap eats and street food
Perth has a thriving immigrant population, which translates to incredible value-for-money dining if you know where to look.
Re Store (Leederville & Perth CBD)
You cannot claim to know where to eat in Perth without visiting the Re Store. Since 1936, this deli has been the authority on the "Continental Roll." For a few dollars, you get a massive roll stuffed with mortadella, salami, coppa, and marinated vegetables. It is a local rite of passage. Expect a line during the lunch rush.
Authentic Bite Dumpling House (Northbridge)
For the best xiao long bao in the city, come here. This no-frills spot is always packed for a reason. You can watch the chefs pleat dumplings through a glass window while you wait. The skins are thin, the soup is hot, and the prices are remarkably low. It’s the gold standard for a quick, satisfying Chinese meal.
Short Order Burger Co (Perth CBD & Fremantle)
Perth’s burger game is competitive, but Short Order remains at the top. They use grass-fed beef and brioche buns that actually hold their shape. The "BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger" is a standout. It’s greasy in exactly the right way, served in a dimly lit, industrial-style space. No gimmicks, just better ingredients.
Viet Hoa (Northbridge)
A Northbridge institution that has been serving reliable Vietnamese food for decades. It’s large, bright, and efficient. The pho broth is clear and fragrant, and the crispy skin chicken is legendary. It’s the kind of place where you can get a massive bowl of noodles and be out the door in 30 minutes for less than $20.
Best breakfast and brunch
Coffee culture in Perth is intense. Brunch is not just a meal; it is the primary social activity on weekends.
Sayers Sister (Northbridge)
This cafe is known for big, creative plates and eclectic decor. It’s almost always busy, serving everything from leek and potato croquettes with poached eggs to decadent French toast. The coffee is consistently excellent, and the service manages the high volume with ease. It feels like a cozy, cluttered living room in the middle of the city.
Mary Street Bakery (Various Locations)
With several spots across the city, Mary Street is the king of Perth’s bakery scene. They are famous for their sourdough and their fried chicken buttermilk pancakes. Their donuts—with flavors like lemon curd and sea salt or salted caramel—are worth the calories alone. It’s the best place for a quick pastry or a long, sit-down breakfast.
Bib & Tucker (North Fremantle)
Owned by Olympic swimmer Eamon Sullivan, this spot offers one of the best views in the state. Perched right on Leighton Beach, you can eat toasted granola or shakshuka while watching the Indian Ocean. The menu focuses on "modern rotisserie," but the breakfast offerings are arguably the most popular. It is the quintessential Perth coastal dining experience.
Best rooftop or view dining
Because Perth gets more sunshine than any other Australian capital, elevated dining is a priority.
The Standard (Northbridge)
The Standard features a lush rooftop garden that feels like an urban oasis. The view looks back toward the Perth CBD skyline, providing a striking contrast to the greenery. The menu is "Perth-Global," with dishes like glazed pork cheek and crisp eggplant. It is the best spot for a sunset drink that turns into a full dinner.
Storehouse (Subiaco)
Located on the 9th floor of the Vibe Hotel, Storehouse offers 360-degree views from Subiaco to the city. The space is open and airy, focusing on wholesome, shareable plates like roasted cauliflower and grilled barramundi. It’s a sophisticated escape from the street-level bustle, perfect for a long lunch or an evening cocktail.
Best food neighborhoods to wander
If you don't have a reservation, head to these areas for a high density of options.
- Northbridge: The city’s cultural heart. It has the best concentration of Asian cuisine, late-night bars, and experimental kitchens. Start on William Street.
- Leederville: Oxford Street is lined with cafes, tapas bars, and gelato shops. It’s walkable, vibrant, and great for people-watching.
- Fremantle: Known for "Cappuccino Strip," but the real gems are in the backstreets and near the port. Look for high-end seafood and craft breweries.
- Mount Lawley: Beaufort Street is the place for trendy bistros, wine bars, and high-end pub food. It has a more polished, upscale vibe than Northbridge.
Please note that operating hours and reservation availability are subject to change based on seasonality and demand.