Wondering how on earth it's May already? Yep, us too. This year's been an absolute whirlwind already. Between all the mandates, restrictions, border closures and staff shortages, it’s kinda hard to believe that we're still seeing SO many awesome new Perth restaurants, bars and cafes open their doors.
It can be hard to keep up with all the new openings happening around Perth, and really, you shouldn't have to. That's our job.
Here are the best new restaurants, bars and cafes in Perth that you really need to visit.
Milky Lane
Perth CBD
A relentless string of beastly food creations has made this east coast burger brand a viral social media sensation—so much so, that Perth fans demanded a look in. And we're glad to say, those demands have finally been answered. The legendary burger house has opened its first west coast outlet on Barrack Street in Perth's CBD and you better believe there'll be plenty of epic eats to get your gob around. These guys are known for whipping up the most outlandish specials—just think mac n cheese doughnuts, crispy lasagna nuggets and ice cream waffle tacos—alongside a swag of seriously epic burgers, sides, desserts, cocktails and milkshakes on their not-so-regular regular menu. Come with a BIG appetite and open mind, 'cause when it comes to these guys, there is nothing they can't pimp the absolute shiz out of. Oh and word of warning: capacity is limited while the team get up to speed, so make sure you book ahead!
Sana
Fremantle
Hummus fans rejoice. The opening of Sana in the heart of Fremantle has us clearing our schedule. Sana is a fresh-faced Middle Eastern restaurant with a tapas-style menu we never knew we needed. This means you can order one of everything on the menu to “share” and not feel guilty about it. The Sana plate is their answer to a grazing board, but with all the dips, pita and grilled meats you could ever need. The baklava and pannacotta are essential, so none of this “too full” business please.
Wild In The Street
South Fremantle
The newest opening to hit the bustling South Freo Strip, Wild In The Street has a very cool beach club vibe that makes it near impossible to say no to one more round—no surprise considering one of the guys from La Cabana is also behind this new coastal tapas and cocktail house. The long hallway gives way to a bright sun-lit space with terracotta-hued tiles, vibrant pink and blue rendered walls, plenty of plants and large sculptural art that hangs from the ceiling. Once you’ve taken a seat and snapped a pic of the killer interiors, go right ahead and order a round of cocktails to the table—the Apple Up is a definite crowd pleaser—and a few heapings of focaccia with romesco while you decide what else is needed…hint: Mamasita’s slow-cooked chicken empanadas are always needed.
The Beaufort (Lotus And Cypher)
Mount Lawley
The one we've all been waiting for: the new multi-level venue from the team behind The Old Synagogue, The Beaufort, is finally here. Make your way through the terracotta-hued facade and you'll find layers of lush terraces to drink in with stairs that wind through the venue, taking you to all the different bars and eateries tucked within the complex. The standout here has to be Lotus, the delectable South East Asian restaurant headed up by Head Chef Sundoo Kim (whose extensive resume includes the likes of Chin Chin in Melbourne). Together with the group's Executive Chef Leigh Power, Chef Kim has crafted a punchy share style menu that will blow you away. Our tip: book ahead (it's filling up fast) and just go the 'feed me' menu and let the kitchen make the decisions because it's all far too good to pick between...although if you do throw in one extra dish, let it be the flakey butter chicken puffs. From there you can nip upstairs to try snag a seat on one of the rooftop terraces for a sundowner cocktail or two before hunting down the hidden speakeasy, Cypher, for some more late-night tipples.
Vinotto
Swanbourne
Perth's love of European-inspired suburban wine bars sees no bounds, with yet another absolute little gem popping up in the form of Vinotto. This one is in Swanbourne, in a very convenient little possie right across from the train station, with a vibe that is casual yet classy (much like its clientele)—just picture a terrazzo bar, terracotta hues and exposed brick with light timber furnishings and devils ivy—and a tight selection of drinks and bites. It's wine focused, so you'll find loads of top drops curated by manager slash somm Caitlin Johnston (formerly at The Humble Onion) alongside cocktails and digestifs that really suit the relaxed Euro mood they're going for. The food menu has been designed around what you're drinking and will change regularly to reflect that, with chef Justin Wong (ex Tiny's) serving up some mind-blowing bar snacks out of a kitchen that is so small, it's literally just the corner of the bar. Vinotto is a great spot for an after work wine or date night, just be warned, the locals fill it up fast so maybe knock off early for this one.
Deli's Continental
Inglewood
After a little confusion around the exact opening date (apologies to anyone else who ended up disappointed), we’re beyond psyched to see the legends at Deli’s Continental finally open the doors to their new permanent home in Inglewood. If the name rings a bell, it’s probably because the whole of bloody Perth was lining up daily to score one of their insane conti rolls when they first popped up in a Maylands laneway a while back. With the new location they’ll be expanding operations and doing some tasty new things like rolls, focaccias, toasties, Roman-style pizzas (think thin and crispy), tray pizzas, cookies, coffee, and much more, along with their classic contis of course. Given the cult-like status these guys have amassed, we suggest you get down early if you want first pick of the goods on offer.
Astral Weeks
Northbridge
Opening in an unassuming little spot in Chinatown, Astral Weeks is Perth's first ever vinyl listening bar. It's inspired by top-class listening bars in Japan and around the world and is the perfect place for music lovers to share a drink and a yarn while getting stuck into whatever's spinning on the day. They've spared no expense on the vintage hifi system, so the sound quality is unlike anything else in Perth. As for who's deciding on what's actually spinning, it'll largely be down to the staff who are all musicians/DJs (so don't worry, you're in good hands), but there are plans to get some exciting guest selectors curating your listening on different nights too. At the bar, you'll find your usual natty wines, spirits and beers, plus, some awesome sake options too.
Dandelion
Karrinyup
Hospo legend John Parker (The Standard, The Royal, Fleur) has done it once again with this gorgeous multi-level bar and restaurant situated amongst the endless foodie joints in Karrinyup. Downstairs is flooded with natural light, high ceilings and decadent marble, while upstairs it's more dimly-lit and laidback, looking over the rest of the space. These overachievers have also managed to distil their own spirits with some serious gin and vodka to team up with their fresh zingy bites off the menu—the seafood share-style plates a definite highlight.
Ruin Bar
Northbridge
Say hello to Ruin Bar, the new craft beer haven from Miles Hull (Jetty Bar, Quarter Acre and Alex Hotel, to name a few) in Northbridge. Taking over three heritage retail spaces on the corner of Beaufort and Newcastle, Ruinbar serves up a gritty Berlin-inspired beer bar aesthetic across three beer rooms, with a scaffolding-clad outdoor beer yard sprawling out into Leadlight Laneway providing a breezy outpost for a balmy evening brew or two. For now, there's no sign of a kitchen, just the odd food truck popping up to keep you fed while downing those pints. However, there are plans of opening a pizza shop within the space later in the year.
Old Young’s Kitchen
Swan Valley
With a chef of Rohan Park’s calibre at its helm, Old Young’s Kitchen has to be one of the best spots to eat in the Swan Valley, hell even the whole of Perth. It’s the new restaurant that opened up alongside Old Young’s Distillery, and it’s absolutely gorgeous—just picture terracotta hues, contemporary decor, and long wooden tables sitting pretty under vines that practically scream boozy long lunch. As for the menu, Park has really leaned into his experience working with native Australian ingredients (something he’s well-versed in given his time at Fervor) to create a tight selection of contemporary share-style dishes. Grey saltbush, samphire, Geraldton wax, lily pilly, quandong and more all find their place on plates, and given the team’s dedication to sourcing ingredients responsibly, it’s a great way to explore native produce and flavours. Standout dishes include the kangaroo tartare, crocodile chorizo and market fish which is served up with the creamiest lemon myrtle-infused house miso creme fraiche that you will one hundred per cent be licking off the plate. Pair the mind-blowing feast with a few tipples from the banging little cocktail menu (the clarified pina colada was our favourite), and you’ll wonder why you don’t go to the Swan Valley more often.
Nextdoor
South Perth
This moody suburban restaurant and bar is an offshoot of the neighbouring Olsen family butchers located literally 'next door' (get it) and offers up a unique butcher-to-plate experience unlike anywhere else in Perth. So yes, a next-level meat selection is kinda expected…I mean, it's pretty hard to ignore the open flame and wafting aroma of wagyu steaks sizzling on the wood fire grill as you walk in. But what you might not expect is the more sophisticated eats Head Chef Ashleigh Pattison and her team are putting up alongside the quality cuts. Seemingly simple bites are stripped back to reveal some seriously clever cooking incorporating bold internationally-inspired flavours, delicate plating and waste minimisation (tick, tick, tick). Book a seat at the intimate fire grill for one of Perth’s best chef’s table style degustations.
Gage Roads
Fremantle
They may have been brewing some of WA's favourite beers since 2004, but Gage Roads have only just opened up a public-facing brewhouse for all their frothheads to enjoy, and let us tell you, it's bloody beautiful. While those fresh pints poured directly from tank to tap and picturesque portside views are the major drawcard, the pub-style eats will also go down a treat. Kick things off with a round of fresh oysters and one-hand bites like Fremantle lobster rolls or tacos. Then work your way up to larger plates like Rottnest Island swordfish schnitzel with caviar bearnaise, Harvey beef striploin or Single Fin battered local fish and chips. There’s also a woodfired pizza menu that’ll hit the spot when you want something simple to share.
Naber and ||||
Leederville
Naber and |||| (pronounced neighbour and four) is another cool new spot that's opened up recently in Leederville. The space is split into two unique venues to suit your vibe. Naber is the more intimate and refined of the two, with a rotating chef's menu showcasing some incredible produce from their 'neighbours' and a seriously epic booze offering that'll leave any cocktail fiend wanting more—just order their cappuccino martini and you'll see what we mean. Meanwhile, |||| the breezy back-alley courtyard bar is slinging fun and affordable cocktails, punchy snacks and untapped disco vibes that will keep you there all day and night. Go for the yuzu highball if you want to grab a gram-worthy snap of the cute rubber ducky or the ridiculously refreshing watermelon cruiser if it’s too god damn hot out.
Bar Rogue
Mount Lawley
Bar Rogue is the new wine bar from the powerhouse duo behind Le Rebelle that's just opened up on Beaufort Street. No surprise to see the wine list is packed with some absolute gems, with bottles from Aussie and international vineyards, magnums pouring by the glass and rare finds that’ll have all the serious wine nerds swooning—not to mention, some awesome cocktails and low alc drinks on offer too. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, they've swapped their French bistro hits for a moreish little list of nibbles that don't lean into any particular cuisine but will all pair perfectly with a few beverages on a balmy evening. We can't choose favourites between the chicken skin and cucumber sarnie and the crunchy lobster taco, so I guess you'll just have to order both.
Daph’s
Leederville
Unassuming, quaint and nestled right across from the Re Store on Oxford Street sits Daph’s, a darling 20-seater restaurant that celebrates the power of fire through their six-course nightly degustation. They opened last year with a simple concept. Choose the 5.45pm or 8pm sitting, wine pairing or no wine pairing and the rest is done for you. Upon arrival, the magic begins with six back-to-back courses of deliciousness all made on their open fire. Head chef and owner Pepe frequently changes the menu based on the best seasonal produce and his newest creations, and we can guarantee that you will not be disappointed. The journey usually begins with their charred sourdough focaccia with homemade wholegrain mustard butter and eggplant chutney—and while this sounds simple, this bread is legendary—before dabbling through other coal roasted and flame-grilled delights. We can honestly say that Pepe’s charred porterhouse with the Café de Paris butter is up there with some of the best we’ve ever had.
Phat Lon
Leederville
Banh mi addicts should already be familiar with Jenny Lam (of Masterchef fame) and her close-knit family’s handy work. Their little Vietnamese lunch bar, Bunn Mee, is so good, it’s ALWAYS busy. So we were extremely excited to see this passionate team birth their second food baby, Phat Lon, located literally next door in the old Ria Malay site in Leederville. Dubbed ‘Perth’s first Vietnamese tapas bar’ the colourful venue is a full-on family affair inspired by the unique flavours and laidback vibe they’ve been missing from back home. Just think fresh and punchy nibbles like fermented pork with pickled leeks, red emperor salad with crispy taro fries and betel leaf wrapped beef skewers.
Will St
Leederville
WA’s border reopening means we can finally start turning our food-filled Bali dreams into reality again. But until you actually book that flight, the new joint from Will Meyrick, the chef-owner behind super popular Balinese establishments Sarong and Mama San (to name just a couple), might tide you over. Opening up late last year, Will St has been pretty popular for good reason. You'll find flavour-packed share plates inspired by Meyrick's extensive travels throughout Asia—he’s best known for uncovering unique regional dishes and street eats—alongside a thoughtful selection of cocktails, wines and beers to pair perfectly with the dishes on offer. Check out more of what to expect here and rest easy knowing it’s every bit as good as his iconic Bali restaurants.
Pirate Life Perth And TOMA
Perth CBD
Catering for up to 1000 people, the ambitious new Pirate Life Perth in Perth's west end is the latest opening from the hospitality legends at Sneakers & Jeans (responsible for The Flour Factory, Varnish On King, Caballitos, Hadiqa and Goody Two’s). Alongside the Pirate Life founders, they've spent years transforming the old Sony building on Murray Street, just over the road from Perth Arena and Yagan Square, and the massive space does not disappoint. There are three levels to explore, including an in-house brewery which you can peek into while enjoying a beer, a casual fine dining restaurant, TOMA, where you can get a gob-smackingly brilliant tomahawk, and two private dining rooms. Plus, there’s even more to come, with a basement bar and yard bar opening soon.
Servo
Leederville
Nestled in the newly created Electric Lane, Servo is the beautiful all-day restaurant and courtyard bar that has just opened as part of the Leederville redevelopment by FJM (the same people behind the State Buildings) and it's quite possibly our new favourite. Bold, bright and flavour-packed share plates are the name of the game, with the menu not following any particular theme beyond each dish being drop-dead delicious. And believe us, you will definitely be wiping each and every plate clean here. Our current fave is the eggplant with garlic yoghurt and some warm flatbread for dipping, coupled with a spicy marg for good measure.
