Perth is a city that truly surprised me with its vibrant food scene. From bustling markets filled with local produce to world-class restaurants serving up innovative cuisine, Perth offers something for every palate. Whether you’re in the mood for casual bites or gourmet dining, the city has a variety of options that will make any food lover’s trip unforgettable. During my stay, I made it a point to explore the best local eateries in Perth, and I want to share some of my favorites with you.
1. Bread in Common – Artisan Breads and More
If you’re a fan of freshly baked bread and wholesome, rustic meals, Bread in Common in Fremantle is a must-visit. It’s located in a renovated warehouse and offers a warm, communal dining experience. The smell of freshly baked bread hits you the moment you walk in, and it’s a place where you can sit for hours enjoying good food and great company.
Location: 43 Pakenham St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
How to Get There: From central Perth, it’s a 30-minute train ride to Fremantle, and then a 10-minute walk from the station.
My Experience: As a bread enthusiast, this place was heaven for me. The menu is centered around their homemade bread, and I started with their signature sourdough, which was paired with whipped butter and olive oil. The crust was perfectly crisp, while the inside was soft and airy – everything I could ask for in a loaf of bread.
For my main course, I chose the lamb shoulder, slow-cooked to perfection. It was tender and flavorful, served with sides of pickled vegetables and roasted potatoes. The combination of the earthy bread and the rich lamb made for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Price Range: AUD 15–30 for small plates, AUD 30–45 for mains
My Recommendation: 4.8/5 – A perfect spot for those who love artisan food with a casual, communal vibe.
Booking Platform: Available on OpenTable and directly through their website.
2. Manuka Woodfire Kitchen – A Taste of the Outback
Manuka Woodfire Kitchen is another gem in Fremantle that offers a unique dining experience. It focuses on simple yet flavorful dishes cooked over a woodfire. The ambiance is intimate and cozy, making it an ideal spot for dinner after a day of exploring.
Location: 134 High St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
How to Get There: It’s a 10-minute walk from the Fremantle train station.
My Experience: I was intrigued by the concept of woodfire cooking and eager to try their menu. I started with a small plate of wood-fired octopus, which was perfectly charred and tender. The smoky flavor from the fire added a new dimension to the dish.
For the main, I ordered the slow-roasted beef ribs, served with roasted pumpkin and garlic yogurt. The beef was melt-in-your-mouth delicious, with a deep, smoky flavor that only woodfire cooking can impart. The sides were equally impressive, especially the pumpkin, which was sweet and caramelized on the outside.
Price Range: AUD 18–25 for small plates, AUD 35–50 for mains
My Recommendation: 4.7/5 – If you love woodfire flavors and a cozy atmosphere, this is the place to be.
Booking Platform: Reservations can be made through their website.
3. Long Chim – Authentic Thai Flavors
Long Chim is one of Perth’s most famous restaurants, and after my visit, I can see why. Located in the heart of the city, it offers authentic Thai street food in a stylish setting. The dishes are bold and packed with flavors, bringing a true taste of Bangkok to Perth.
Location: State Buildings, Barrack St & St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia
How to Get There: A 5-minute walk from Elizabeth Quay in central Perth.
My Experience: I’m a huge fan of Thai food, so Long Chim was high on my list. I started with the green papaya salad, which was fresh, spicy, and had just the right amount of crunch. The balance of sweet, sour, and spicy was perfect.
For the main course, I went with the signature pad see ew – stir-fried noodles with beef. The smoky flavor from the wok combined with tender beef and chewy noodles made it an unforgettable dish. I also couldn’t resist trying the Thai fried chicken, which was crispy, juicy, and full of spices.
Price Range: AUD 12–20 for appetizers, AUD 20–35 for mains
My Recommendation: 4.9/5 – If you’re craving authentic Thai flavors, Long Chim is a must-visit.
Booking Platform: Available on OpenTable and through their official website.
4. Shadow Wine Bar – European Elegance in Northbridge
Located in the trendy Northbridge neighborhood, Shadow Wine Bar offers a sophisticated dining experience with European-inspired dishes. The setting is chic, with dim lighting and a modern aesthetic that makes it perfect for a special night out.
Location: 214 William St, Northbridge WA 6003, Australia
How to Get There: A 15-minute walk from the Perth train station or a short ride on the free Red CAT bus.
My Experience: I visited Shadow Wine Bar on a Saturday evening, and the ambiance was buzzing. I started with the burrata salad, which was creamy and fresh, served with heirloom tomatoes and olive oil. The simplicity of the dish let the quality of the ingredients shine.
For the main course, I opted for the duck leg confit, served with lentils and a rich red wine sauce. The duck was cooked to perfection – tender and flavorful with a crispy skin that added texture to the dish. Paired with a glass of local wine, it was the perfect end to a memorable meal.
Price Range: AUD 15–25 for starters, AUD 30–45 for mains
My Recommendation: 4.6/5 – A great spot for a romantic dinner or a celebration with friends.
Booking Platform: Available on OpenTable and via their website.
5. Bivouac Canteen and Bar – Middle Eastern Delights
Bivouac is a quirky spot located on William Street in Northbridge. The menu is inspired by Middle Eastern flavors, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. It’s the kind of place where you can relax with friends, enjoy a variety of shared plates, and experience something a little different.
Location: 198 William St, Northbridge WA 6000, Australia
How to Get There: It’s a 10-minute walk from Perth’s central train station.
My Experience: I visited Bivouac with a group of friends, and we decided to share a variety of dishes. We started with the hummus, which was silky smooth and topped with crispy chickpeas and sumac. Paired with warm flatbread, it was the perfect appetizer.
For the mains, we shared the lamb shoulder, slow-cooked and served with pomegranate and mint. The lamb was incredibly tender, and the sweetness of the pomegranate added a unique twist to the dish. We also tried the falafel, which was light and crispy, served with a tangy yogurt sauce.
Price Range: AUD 12–18 for small plates, AUD 25–40 for larger dishes
My Recommendation: 4.7/5 – Perfect for those looking to share plates with friends and experience bold Middle Eastern flavors.
Booking Platform: Available on OpenTable and their official website.
Perth is a city that truly delivers when it comes to food. From casual street eats to fine dining experiences, I found myself constantly impressed by the quality and diversity of the dishes available. Each of the eateries I visited offered something unique, whether it was woodfire cooking, authentic Thai flavors, or Middle Eastern-inspired small plates.
