At Urban List, we firmly believe there’s nothing like a long and luxurious lunch to make you feel like you’re living your best life. No other meal has quite the same feel to it; there’s something about lingering through the middle of the day, over a meal that’s usually pretty utilitarian, to give you a sense of time and life slowing down for a bit.
While the Perth/Boorloo dining scene boasts a pretty laidback vibe all round, there are some places more conducive of all-afternoon-lunch-affairs than others. So grab your friends, park up for a bite and wind up accidentally-on-purpose staying all day at one of these best spots for a long lunch in Perth.
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The Standard
28 Roe St, Northbridge WA 6003
Image credit: The Standard | Supplied
With a sunny rooftop deck made for boozing and grazing all afternoon, The Standard has been a long lunching staple for yonks. But after a very Euro summer style revamp, the Northbridge icon has shot straight to the top of our hit list. Think saganaki with burnt honey, octopus with green olive and capers, and ricotta gnocchi with black pearl mushroom, nutmeg and parmesan. Washed down with cocktails courtesy of queen of beverages Elise Godwin, you really can't go wrong.
La Lune
73 George St, East Fremantle WA 6158
This jaw-dropping bar and restaurant inspired by Parisian bistros is the place to long lunch. Just picture steak frites and martinis with your besties in the sunny street front terrace. Need we say more?
Vin Populi
11 High St, Fremantle WA 6160
Image credit: Vin Populi | Supplied
Brought to us by the same legends behind No Mafia, 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.
“If you travel around our beautiful Italian countryside, it’s not uncommon to see chalkboard menus hanging outside small trattorie. We wanted to bring that tradition here to the restaurant, not just for the look but for the spirit behind it. Using a chalkboard allows us to update our menu daily, based on what’s fresh and seasonal,” says restaurant manage Silvia Sciarri and head chef Leonardo Crescenzi.
If the menu seems daunting, there’s no need to worry. The team at Vin Populi take good care of their guests.
“You’ll also notice our menu descriptions are quite short. That’s on purpose. It’s because we want our team to walk you through the menu, share a few stories, explain the dishes, recommend pairings, and make you understand what makes each dish special. It creates a connection, a conversation, and a more personal experience.”
At their core, Vin Populi’s goal is to transport you on a trip to Italy, even if it’s only for a couple of hours. This place has been packed since opening, so they decided to bless us with new Friday lunch hours like the angels they are. Consider it the perfect excuse to knock off early.
Shui
12 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco WA 6008
With mouth watering menu items like prawn crumpets, hot hoi sin duck air doughnuts, beef tartare with fried shallot ice cream and wood roasted pork belly served with mien 'crack' sauce, it's easy to over order at Subiaco's charming new modern Asian eatery, Shui. But hey, when the food's this good you may as well go all in. Throw on a Coco Bananas or Only Fams Martini from the cocktail list and don't leave til you wipe those plates clean.
Nieuw Ruin
12 Norfolk St, Fremantle WA 6160
Image credit: Nieuw Ruin | Instagram
With its French-leaning menu and cool laidback atmosphere, it's all too easy to spend a coupla hours wining and dining on the verandah of this gorg little heritage cottage in Fremantle. But the real reason you'll want to linger a while at Nieuw Ruin is to work your way through the insane wine list, where you'll find a great balance between interesting and unique wines and more elevated classics according to ops manager Shirley Yeung.
“When we opened with a 300+ bottle list, we wanted to have a diverse offering of wines that highlighted WA local and regional winemakers and as you can imagine—our state produces a lot of great quality wines so that definitely took up a big chunk of the list," says Shirley. "The other sections included some great French and European wines, but the team favourite was always Chardonnay and I think that was and still is reflected in our list.”
Foodwise, it's hard to put a foot wrong, and you'll find a menu stacked with seasonal produce and representative of chef Blaze Young's nose-to-tail approach to cooking. The rotating handmde terrine, which comes wrapped in a buttery pastry, is a must, as are the iconic curried fries, or go all in on one of Nieuw Ruin's signature pies (right now it's a cauliflower and cheddar number doused in French onion gravy).
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La Condesa
483 Hay St, Subiaco WA 6008
Image credit: La Condesa | Ryan Cubbage
As soon as we hear Clint Nolan's name, we know we're in for a venue that just begs us to stay for an hour or four. Naturally he's struck gold again with his latest opening, La Condesa. Think of this upscale Mexican cantina as the classier older sister of Northbridge fave, La Cholita—serving marvellous Mexican eats and god-tier margaritas but in a more refined Tulum-inspired setting.
For a long lunch, Clint suggests digging in and getting hands on with the food offerings.
"I love to order the WA snapper, cooked Yucatan style with mole amarillo and a punchy salsa verde. Make it a meal with spiced rice, guac, and warm tortillas for the table so we can wrap up the fish in pillowy blankets and make our own tacos. Best served with a spicy passionfruit marg.”
We have to agree, the spicy passionfruit marg is up there with the best thing we've sipped all year.
Indigo Oscar
99 Marine Parade, Cottesloe WA 6011
If you thought the coastal views were good at Il Lido, hop across the road to Indigo Oscar, where you can catch incredible ocean views through colourful stained glass windows.
As for what makes it the perfect venue for a long lunch? It's all about the escapism according to hospo manager Sofia Giros.
“It’s the unbeatable combination of location, atmosphere, and flavour," says Sofia. "Set on the front row of the stunning Indian Ocean, our beachfront venue offers uninterrupted views and the laid-back energy that defines Cottesloe, while our menu brings vibrant dishes inspired by the heart and soul of Latin America. It feels like having a mini holiday.”
Set in the historic Indian Teahouse right on Cott beach, the Latin-inspired venue has superb views over the water that pair perfectly with a lazy afternoon downing spicy margs and crab arepas.
Old Young's Kitchen
10581A W Swan Rd, Henley Brook WA 6055
Image credit: Old Young's Kitchen | Instagram
You might want to ask mum for a lift to this beaut long lunch spot in the Swan Valley, because Old Young's cocktail list is far too good to ignore. Paired with Chef Rohan Park's tight selection of contemporary share-style dishes loaded with responsibly sourced native ingredients and the unbeatable outdoor dining space under the vines, this is an absolute must-try. Pop on a spirit tasting next door if you're feeling extra bold.
Post
1 Cathedral Ave, Perth WA 6000
Few things come close to the elegance of Perth's State Building's complex, so it should go without saying that its Italian osteria, Post, will have any special long lunch covered. Dress fancy but comfy, because you'll need to make room for that mind-blowing tiramisu to finish.
Besk
264 Railway Parade, West Leederville WA 6007
If you manage to actually snag a seat, Besk is a great spot to haul up for an afternoon of sips and grazing with your mates. We're big fans of the cool urban fit-out, delicious share-style menu and of course, the ridiculous number of craft beers and outstanding wine on offer. Besk makes it their mission to offer a curated drinks list that perfectly pairs with a lunch of choice.
“Just as our kitchen menu evolves with seasonal produce, we curate our drinks lists to complement the changing of the seasons, no matter your drink of choice. A constantly shifting myriad of cocktails and wines by the glass are reinforced by a varied line-up of international and local beers on tap,” explains Besk co-owner Ben. “Rare and exotic beers from all across the globe add even more options and our friendly team are always ready to talk you through our extensive range or whip up the perfect cocktail for whatever mood you're in.”
Be warned, it’s very easy to lose track of time (and count of drinks) at this trendy West Leedy bar.
Si Paradiso
1/446 Beaufort St, Highgate WA 6003
Image credit: Si Paradiso | Instagram
Si Paradiso’s retro Italian vibes will have you feeling like vintage Amalfi has arrived in Perth. Expect epic drinks and a space you'll never want to leave, all backed up by their mouth-watering Italian eats that are perfect for sharing over lengthy lunches. Grab a seat in the laidback amphitheatre, order a round spritzes and settle in, you’ll be here ‘til sundown.
Bread In Common
43 Pakenham St, Fremantle WA 6160
Bread is the main game at this lofty warehouse space in Fremantle, and with a menu designed to accompany their doughs, you’ll be (unregretfully) eating a lot of it. The menu is seasonal, but expect winners like rustic lamb ribs or baked eggplant to emerge from the long, open kitchen.
The Shorehouse
278 Marine Parade, Swanbourne WA 6010
Come for the iconic Insta-pic underneath the striped yellow umbrellas, stay for the fried cauliflower and downright delicious Bloody Mary menu. Shorehouse lends itself to a long lunch of any form: relax and celebrate on the deck in the midday sun, enjoy a fine, lingering meal in the restaurant, or have a casual catch-up in one of the booths by the entrance. Venue manager Emma Parker shared her thoughts on what makes The Shorehouse such a lovely venue.
“There’s nowhere quite like The Shorehouse — the award-winning sanctuary nestled in bushland above Swanbourne Beach, where you’re surrounded by nature and the uninterrupted blues of the Indian Ocean. It’s one of the only places in WA where bush, park and sea meet in perfect harmony. Book a spot on the deck, and what starts as a long, lazy lunch can effortlessly stretch into a golden sunset dinner.”
If you haven’t had the chance to visit this beautiful oceanside venue, add this one to your list asap.
Cooee
171-173 Mounts Bay Rd, Perth WA 6000
Image credit: Cooee | Instagram
With its idyllic riverside location and tantalising food and drink offering, we reckon Cooee is the perfect spot for your next long lunch.
“Cooee is such a special place for a long lunch, it really is a destination. Set in a heritage building right at water level on the Swan River, it offers a sense of calm and escape, with the city skyline just across the water,” Sofia Giros tells us.
The Mediterranean-influenced share-style food menu features plenty of fancier seafood bites, but honestly, you'll regret not throwing a bowl of hot chips and their ginormous tomahawk on the table.
“It’s the kind of place people come to celebrate a milestone, entertain visitors, or simply treat themselves to something special in one of Perth’s most beautiful settings.”
Il Lido
88 Marine Parade, Cottesloe WA 6011
The perfect combination of fine and casual dining, Il Lido's food is a hug on a plate—a long, lingering hug. Lovingly crafted, produce driven Italian fare in a warm and welcoming beachfront canteen makes for the perfect long lunch, and that’s before even cracking into the award-winning wine list.
Coogee Common
371 Cockburn Rd, Coogee WA 6166
Image credit: Coogee Common | Elle Borgward
Coogee Common is the epitome of farm-to-table dining in Perth, with much of the menu developed around the seasonal produce grown right in the garden outside. Venue manager Flavia Mello told us a little bit about their garden-to-table philosophy.
“At Coogee Common, we try to explore the flavours we grow as much as possible to make sure our guests truly feel the garden on their plates. Our menu changes frequently - we like to think of the garden as our big boss. It tells us what’s in season, what’s thriving, and what will bring the freshest flavours to the table.”
The prime location means that it’s easy to unwind, offering a place to relax.
“Even though we’re only a short drive from the city, our garden-view tables offer a space to unwind, slow down, and disconnect. Coogee Common is the perfect place for special celebrations or simply the chance to reconnect with nature, feel fresh, and leave inspired.”
Plus, for any green thumbs out there, you can book a tour of said garden to learn all about their farming techniques before plonking down for a lovely, slow lunch.
La Cabaña
400 South Terrace, South Fremantle WA 6162
If La Cabańa's margaritas and tacos aren't the exact ingredients needed for the ultimate long lunch, then we don't know what is. Kick things off with a margarita and some ceviche in the breezy courtyard before making your way through all of the tacos and tostadas.
Island Market
364 W Coast Dr, Trigg WA 6029
Image credit: Island Market | Instagram
A bonafide neighbourhood joint with a distinctly slow yet vibrant feel, Island Market's ‘thing’ is their filled pitas with lamb or chicken shawarma, pork and falafel as filler options. Or, grab a cocktail and just try to narrow down your order from the shared plates menu—deciding what to order takes long enough to constitute a long lunch alone.
Madalena's
406 South Terrace, South Fremantle WA 6162
Fresh, sustainably caught seafood and one of the best wine lists in Perth, Madalena's is the kind of place where afternoons disappear. Snag a table outside in the sunshine so you can soak up those South Freo vibes.
Emily Taylor
19-29 Henderson St, Fremantle WA 6160
Image credit: Emily Taylor | Instagram
If your idea of a good long lunch involves overloading on dumplings, crispy squid, and yummy cocktails, look no further than Emily Taylor—the 450-person bar and restaurant nestled inside Fremantle's beautiful Warders Hotel. The food is on point, but it's the bright and breezy rear courtyard and killer drinks list that truly makes this spot so good.
Bib & Tucker
18 Leighton Beach Blvd, North Fremantle WA 6159
With oceanic views as good as that offered from the Bib & Tucker deck, any meal here is bound to become a long one. The vibe is pitched somewhere between luxurious and laidback, which is basically exactly what you want for a long lunch.
Jetty Bar
126 Beach St, Fremantle WA 6160
Aptly named Jetty Bar And Eats, this unassuming "shack on the water" from Miles Hull (Little Creatures, Alex Hotel, Quarter Acre) is easy to miss but step inside and you’ll be rewarded with stunning waterfront vibes, cool decor, approachable wines and some very attractive cocktails. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, they're whipping up the most delicious range of Mediterranean-inspired share plates that'll see you through any afternoon.
Once you've worked your way through these, check out:
- Perth's Best Restaurants In The CBD
- The Best Restaurants In The Swan Valley
- Perth's Best Restaurants For Large Groups
Main image credit: Coogee Common | Elle Borgward
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