There has long been a massive list of reasons to visit Fremantle/Walyalup, from South Beach to Fremantle Prison, to the Markets, but the key attraction drawing even the most stubborn of city dwellers down to this seaside suburb is the food coming out of Fremantle’s best restaurants.
At Urban List, we've eaten our way through all Freo has to offer to bring you our absolute hit list. Here are the best restaurants in Fremantle you really need to try.
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Vin Populi
11 High St, Fremantle WA 6160
Image credit: Vin Populi | Duncan Wright
Brought to us by the same legends behind No Mafia in Northbridge, Vin Populi (Italian for 'wine for the people') is a light, breezy and sophisticated wine bar slash restaurant serving up antipasti, fresh made pasta and beautiful local meats alongside a cracking 160-bottle Italian-Australian wine list and sexy Italian cocktails.
As an offending pasta paramour who ensures spaghetti is a diet staple, I can confirm that there’s no better place to carb-load in Freo. There would likely be a riot if the tagliatelle ossobuco or potato agnolotti were ever removed from the menu, and I would be leading the charge.
My good friend Phoebe, a very strict celiac, also tells me that the gluten-free pasta is the best she’s tried. “The first time I went I had to triple check that the waitstaff hadn’t accidentally served me regular pasta. The people I was dining with couldn’t tell the difference, it’s better than any of the gluten-free pasta I ate in Italy."
Suku
Shop G8-V3, 28 William St, Fremantle 6160 WA
Image credit: Suku | Elle Borgward
From humble beginnings in the Freo Markets, Suku is now a permanent fixture in FOMO Fremantle. Brought to the flash foodcourt by Indonesia-born duo Ria Zulkarnaen and Nick Mailenzun, the vibrant, laid-back eatery has been serving up the bold, authentic flavours of Bali since landing in the precinct in 2021.
I’ve been slowly working my way through the menu since Suku first opened in FOMO but keep coming back to the signature dish: the fragrant, flavourful, and fabulously chaotic nasi Bali. Featuring a packed plate of white rice, hand-shredded chicken, a satay skewer, crispy chicken crackling, veg and a spicy sambal matah, the combination of textures, colours and flavours make this dish a standout. Pro tip: add a Bintang to relieve the heat from the sambal and pretend you’re back on the beaches of Seminyak.
La Lune
73 George St, East Fremantle WA 6158
Image credit: La Lune | Natasja Kremers
Located in a charming heritage building on George Street in East Fremantle, La Lune might just be the most beautiful restaurant in Freo. But it’s not just a pretty face: the Parisian-inspired food and wine offering more than lives up to the chic setting.
I recently lived out my francophile fantasy with a mid-week Martini Parisiennes and Bavette a La Lune—a terrifically tender flank steak served with a glossy bearnaise and mountain of fries. The entire experience, from the smooth French accents of the knowledgeable waitstaff to the elegantly plated dishes, felt like a brief but beautiful escape to the Marais.
Next time you need a French food fix, come by with your crew for steak tartare, swimmer crab vol-au-vents and succulent duck breast; do date night right with une table pour deux on the George Street terrace, or perch at the bar solo for oysters and French bubbles. Magnifique.
Nieuw Ruin
12 Norfolk St, Fremantle WA 6160
Image credit: Nieuw Ruin | Instagram
Brought to us by the talented team behind Foxtrot Unicorn, Nieuw Ruin is Freo’s unassuming restaurant that always delivers an exceptional experience. Urban List Perth’s editor Danielle Davies has become its number one fan after a recent visit.
“From the artful plating to the incredible curated wine list to the intentionally mismatched flatware, there’s an attention to detail that elevates the dining experience,” says Danielle.
You’ll find a killer crew of local champs behind the bar slinging unique drops from the 250+ wine list, while head chef Blaze Young flexes her award-winning culinary skills across a sustainable menu plump with seasonal local produce, fresh seafood and lesser-known cuts that will challenge you to try something new.
“Blaze’s ever-evolving pate en croute is not to be missed—flaky pastry and a gelatinous meaty filling that speaks to Blaze’s ethos of nose-to-tail cooking. For the less adventurous, see the cauliflower pie for a great bite.”
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Republic Of Fremantle
3 Pakenham St, Fremantle WA 6160
Boy oh boy were we excited to hear that our fave Freo distillery has finally opened the doors to its last section of the venue—a spacious dining hall at the rear of the building by the incredible Mueller still. With the new space, comes a full restaurant menu. Yep, no longer just home to glorious little bar snacks, Republic Of Fremantle's new dining menu features a rotating selection of flame-forward dishes developed by Head Chef Emily Jones using the freshest seasonal produce. Think woodfired beef from Blackwood Valley accompanied by seasonal leaves and cumquat gin vinaigrette, grilled asparagus and beef fat potatoes.
Jetty Bar And Eats
126 Beach St, Fremantle WA 6160
Image credit: Jetty Bar | Emma Bryant
This unassuming shed on the Swan must not be underestimated. Inside Jetty Bar And Eats, you’ll find Mediterranean-inspired share plates, copious cocktails, light and breezy interiors, and some of the very best waterfront views in Perth.
It’s just as suited to an easy midweek meal with your fam as it is for a boozy bottomless brunch with the core crew on weekends. I did both over summer and on both occasions, everyone at the table had a ball, but feasting with friends with two hours of free-flowing Tommy’s Margaritas is pretty hard to beat.
Manuka Woodfired Kitchen
134 High St, Fremantle WA 6160
No one cooks over coals better than the team at Manuka Woodfire Kitchen. This Freo institution has been going strong for 10 years, serving honest, hearty food with fiery flavour in the warm High Street space.
Chef-owner Kenny McHardy’s produce-driven plates change with the seasons, but the woodfired flatbread has a permanent spot on the menu. I’ve popped in on the way home from work just for the bread and smoked garlic butter before, it’s that good. If the wood-roasted chicken with miso sauce is on the menu, you’re in for a treat.
Lions And Tigers
8 Bannister St, Fremantle WA 6160
Image credit: Lions And Tigers | Instagram
Coming to us from the team behind Duck Duck Bruce (RIP), Lions and Tigers is the kind of place that Fremantle locals try to keep hidden from the rest of Perth. It’s not exactly a secret gem—in fact, it’s often booked out and always buzzing—but there are far too many locals who haven’t made their way yet considering it’s undoubtedly one of Perth’s best restaurants.
The team has perfected modern Indian cuisine and every dish I’ve ever tried is teeming with flavour. The sourdough naan is basically a right of passage and you don’t want to go past the roti tacos—the filling changes on the reg so you can keep going back for something a little different.
La Cabaña
400 South Terrace, South Fremantle WA 6162
Image credit: La Cabaña | Elle Borgward
La Cabaña opened with a bang earlier in 2020 with its delicious Mexican fare. Brought to you by the team behind Eat No Evil, this menu takes fresh Western Australian produce and injects it with the most authentic Mexican flavours. Add a margarita to start then finish with a shot of mezcal and you can’t go wrong.
Madalena’s Bar
406 South Terrace, South Fremantle WA 6162
Image credit: Madalena's Bar | Elle Borgward
A bar on the coast sounds pretty good to us. Add in some share plates full of local seafood and a bit of live music and you’ve got us sold. No wonder Madalena’s Bar made such an impression on South Terrace when it opened in 2018. The team here has a huge focus on sustainability and work closely with guys at Fins Seafood to make sure they’re only dishing up the freshest local bites.
My oyster-loving gal group and I have had many-a mollusc at this South Freo boteco. On any given Saturday, you’ll find us parked up yapping and snacking on the sunny alfresco, or knocking back cocktails in the recently opened upstairs bar.
Tonic & Ginger
92 South Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160
Image credit: Tonic & Ginger | Supplied
There is no denying the impact of Tonic & Ginger on the Fremantle food scene. Sitting inside The Old Synagogue along with siblings The Arbor, Mr Chapple and L’Chaim, you could while away an entire day here. Our ideal night? Swing by The Arbor for a casual drink, get some food in your stomach at Tonic & Ginger, then head downstairs to L’Chaim for an old school cocktail; and why not head back in the morning to soothe your head with a Gesha coffee at Mr Chapple. This funky eatery has loads of personality, style and a vibe that screams Fremantle. Think Cookie Melbourne circa 2010; Asian fusion that will have all your taste buds firing.
Emily Taylor
19-29 Henderson St, Fremantle WA 6160
Image credit: Emily Taylor | Elle Borgward
Meet Emily Taylor, the 450-person bar and restaurant opened as part of the new Warders Hotel, neighbouring the Freo Markets. You might be thinking, a hotel restaurant, really? But honestly, it doesn’t get much better than throwing back a cocktail or two as you tuck into a yummy Asian feast in Emily Taylor’s huge leafy courtyard. The menu is broken down into dumplings, buns and bites, share plates, and their signature Emily Taylor roast duck which you won’t want to miss.
Angel's House
24 Essex St, Fremantle WA 6160
Brought to us by two brothers who grew up in the Provence region in southern France, Angel's House is a French restaurant with a mission to make French food less intimidating. With a casual alfresco area and share plates on the menu, it's the perfect spot for a drink and a nibble, but you can also go for the full-blown French affair if that's more your style. Think chicken vol-au-vent, boeuf bourguignon and riz au lait and you're on the right track.
Bib & Tucker
18 Leighton Beach Blvd, North Fremantle WA 6159
Boasting one of the best beachside views in Perth, Bib & Tucker is the perfect spot for an after swim cocktail (or, even better, build your own G&T with their wide range of Gin and Tonics) in your slides on a hot summers day or that long lunch you’ve been dreaming of while sitting at your desk all week. The modern Australian menu is the perfect complement to the exquisite views and it definitely does not fail to deliver on taste.
Bread In Common
43 Pakenham St, Fremantle WA 6160
Image credit: Bread In Common | Instagram
When talking Fremantle food there would be no list without Bread In Common. Prior to its establishment, the Fremantle food scene was about BYO pizza and pasta (not that there is anything wrong with that) but Bread in Common upped the ante when they came along with their menu inspired by locally sourced, seasonal produce based all around—you know it—bread. Their long tables and shared menu make them the perfect spot to break bread with your friends.
Young George
48 George St, East Fremantle WA 6158
Late-night bar and kitchen, Young George is everything. We’re serious—the cellar downstairs is perfect for a private venue, the bottleshop next door offers a great range of beverages and the location is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Not only that, but Young George manages to bring up-market and neighbourhood casual to meet somewhere sweetly in the middle. It doesn’t hurt to know that the kitchen is totally waste-free.
Ethos Deli + Dining
88 George St, East Fremantle WA 6158
Image credit: Ethos Deli + Dining | Instagram
Ethos opened after the COVID lockdown from the same team behind Young George and it has delivered on every front. The idea behind Ethos is simple—good food, inspired by traditional recipes, plated with a zero-waste approach. Ethos is all about preserving and finding a use for every part of the ingredient they use, using compostable packaging and recycling whatever they can. Whether you’re stopping by for a sandwich from the New York-style deli or sitting down for a heavenly meal, you won’t be disappointed.
Nunzio’s
20 Essex Street, Fremantle, WA, 6160
Nunzio’s is hidden away on Essex Street, and from the outside, you’d be mistaken for thinking it’s just another pretty Fremantle home. But step inside and you’ll be treated to cosy restaurant vibes and incredible Italian fare. You’re going to want to order something from the insanely delish pasta menu—think duck ravioli, linguine with red emperor fish and squid ink spaghetti. Then if you’re keen to carry on the night, head to Whispers Wine Bar on the same street and have a wine in this 19th-century limestone flour mill.
La Sosta
1/85 Market St, Fremantle WA 6160
Tucked upstairs away from the streetside action on Market Street, La Sosta is one of those places that if you don't know about it, you could miss it. But boy what a tragedy that would be. This Italian joint serve up seriously silky handmade pasta and super fresh seafood, plus, they also boast charming service, stunning interiors and a killer balcony that is screaming out for an aperitivo hour drink. You can't go wrong with a big bowl of carbs, so sit back from a glass of wine and dig into handmade pork ravioli, gnocchi coated in mushroom sauce or squid ink spaghetti served with crab and cherry tomatoes.
Sailing For Oranges
33 South Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160
Image credit: Sailing For Oranges | Elle Borgward
Opening up in the old spot previously home to The Monk, right in the middle of the iconic Freo coffee strip, Sailing For Oranges is giving us a sunny taste of the Mediterranean minus the expensive flights. Just picture a bright street front terrace, a table full of delectable share plates and an ice cold spritz in hand. If you're searching for a new long lunch spot this summer, this is it.
Komatsu
G12/10 William St, Fremantle WA 6160
If you ever found yourself waiting for a seat at this Freo Market fave, take solace in the fact that they've opened a new venue down at the new FOMO precinct called Komatsu that features all the old Dosukoi faves in a whole new setting. The traditional ramen is practically perfect in every way, but right now we're kind of obsessed with the prawn gyoza ramen.
Gage Roads
Peter Hughes Dr, Fremantle WA 6160
Image credit: Gage Roads | Elle Borgward
They may have been brewing some of WA's favourite beers since 2004, but Gage Roads only recently opened a public-facing brewhouse for all their froth heads to enjoy, and let us tell you, it's bloody beautiful. While those fresh pints poured directly from tank to tap and portside views are a major drawcard, the restaurant has the kind of pub grub you want for a big family feast by the sea, with seafood, tacos, and pizzas aplenty.
It’s my go-to spot when I’m trying to impress friends visiting from over east: sitting on the jetty-side terrace, snacking on ceviche and sipping on schooners as the sun sets and container ships slip in and out of the port will convert even the most resistant out-of-towner into a Fremantle fan.
Little Creatures
40 Mews Rd, Fremantle WA 6160
There isn’t much to say about Little Creatures that hasn’t been said before. The iconic Freo brewery is full of all the good things we look for in a pub—loads of tasty menu options, a backyard for soaking up the sunshine, a huge indoor dining area, craft beer and a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to soak up the busy port-side vibe and enjoy the best of what the city has to offer. The wood fired pizzas are hard to pass up but if you can, there’s loads of other menu goodness including oysters, marinated octopus, nachos, steak sandwiches and fresh fish. One of Fremantle's best restaurants for sure!
Moon & Mary
4/45 Henderson St, Fremantle WA 6160
Brought to us by the founder of Miss Chow's, newcomer Moon & Mary has three distinct spaces under the one roof: there’s the speakeasy bar Best Behaviour, the modern Dining Room, and Rec Yard, an outdoor beer garden that was once an outdoor area of the old Fremantle prison.
The modern Asian dishes are packed full of zesty flavour and you can expect plates like wagyu carpaccio, cured kingfish, and crab and prawn wontons before moving on to the likes of twice-cooked confit duck, roast pork belly and WA rock lobster.
My foodie friend Martika has been raving about it since she visited, but it was the unique private dining rooms that really stood out. “Two of the former prison cells from the Old Fremantle Lockup have been transformed into cosy private dining rooms. They’ve kept the original structure, doors and walls, so it’s full of character and history.”
The Bridge House
1 Harvest Rd, North Fremantle WA 6159
Nestled between the two iconic bridges that divide north and central Freo, the 100-year-old cottage, now known as The Bridge House oozes modern sophistication paired with casual comfort that makes this the most gorgeous spot for a bite to eat with your nearest and dearest. Head Chef Sean Calliste has designed a Modern Australian, European-leaning menu that heroes fresh, seasonal and ethically-sourced produce and the wine list blends both old and new world excellence. Given the seasonal nature of what's on offer, the menu changes on the reg. Our advice remains the same - order one of everything.
Cassia
3/45 Henderson St, Fremantle WA 6160
Image credit: Cassia | Instagram
Cassia is like no backyard BBQ you’ve ever experienced. Taking the concept of a classic BBQ and elevating it with a mod-Oz menu of meat-heavy share plates, this new gem is a welcome addition to Freo. The team behind Cosy Del’s and Laika are responsible for the hotspot, with Dawid Duda’s fire-fuelled menu suited to both meat lovers and veggie inclined.
Share-style smoked meats, fresh seafood and seasonal veg are front and centre. It’s almost impossible to pick a favourite, but the O’Connor beef tartare with smoked yolk emulsion, Shark Bay blue swimmer crab rillette and Amelia Park lamb belly are up there. Don’t skimp on the sweets, either! Last time I dined at Cassia with 10 hungry friends, the white chocolate brulee with mandarin sorbet stole the show.
H&C Urban Winery
181 High St, Fremantle WA 6160
The converted warehouse space that once housed vegan hotspot Mother is now home to H&C Urban Winery, a lofty, leafy wine pub packed with plants and plonk. At the rear of the venue, the clever crew make their very own small-batch wine, while the front half of the space can host up to 400 thirsty punters. In addition to the 25+ vinos they have by the glass, you’ll find over 100 by the bottle, 12 beer taps, and an impressive food menu of snacks, share plates and elevated pub classics.
Keep an eye out for their bargain midweek food and bev specials (we’re talking $25 for a plate of pasta and glass of wine every Monday), and the regular, rotating, rowdy Sunday sessions. From personal experience, you may want to consider sacrificing a day of annual leave on Monday, too. The H&C crew know how to end the week with a bang.
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Main image credit: Urban List Staff | Supplied
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