Subiaco is quickly becoming one of Perth’s ultimate food and drink playgrounds, and we’re here for it. Whether you’re in search of upscale Mexican margaritas with the girls at La Condesa or indulging in moody Mediterranean delights for date night at Intuition, there's something for every craving and occasion in this buzzing neighbourhood.
With a combination of sleek new hotspots and beloved locals, it’s time to swap your usuals for something on this side of town. Ready to eat, drink and repeat? Here’s the lowdown on Subi’s must-try spots.
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Yiamas
26 Denis St, Subiaco WA 6008
Image credit: Yiamas | Instagram
The smoky smell of proteins on the charcoal grill hits you from the second you walk through the door at Yiamas. It’s a delicious hint of what’s in store, with a menu of Ancient Greek eats by executive chef Justin Scarvaci.
“Our food is ancient Greek with a strong Turkish and Lebanese influence,” shares Justin. “All the dishes have a place in Greek history. It's really about bringing the flavours and traditional recipes of Ancient Greece into focus through a modern Australian lens.”
But don’t expect souvlakis or touristy takes on moussaka here. Instead, it’s food made for sharing with bold, smoky flavours running through everything from mezze to massive cuts of meat.
One of the most iconic dishes on the menu is also one of the smallest: the sour cherry dolmades. “They’ve been on since day one and are ordered by almost every table,” says Justin. “We do a slightly lighter Turkish version using red lentils, bulgur and dried sour cherries, cooked in whey to give them a lactic tang. They're served with Greek olive oil and avgolemono—and we encourage people to eat them with their hands.”
Intuition Wine and Kitchen
279 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco WA 6008
Image credit: Intuition Wine & Kitchen | Website
One of the newest kids on the ever-growing Subi block (not that we’re complaining), Intuition Wine & Kitchen is a cosy neighbourhood spot serving all about Modern Mediterranean with just enough French flair to make you feel très fancy. Head chef and owner Mathieu Wyatt hails from Lyon (aka France’s culinary capital) where he spent years working alongside Michelin-starred chefs, but it was his mum and grandma who taught him the magic of soulful cooking.
According to Mathieu, you’d be mad to miss the Stirling Ranges eye fillet, sourced locally, seared and paired with a rich truffle jus that takes three days to make. Then there’s the mulled red wine crème brûlée, a personal favourite of the Urban List Perth team. “In 16 years of cooking, I’ve never seen it done anywhere else,” says Mathieu. “It’s got those warm, spiced notes from the wine, but still gives you that classic brûlée crack on top. It’s familiar but also a little unexpected, and guests are always pleasantly surprised.”
There’s no right or wrong here, just honest cooking, a stellar wine list, and a gentle nudge to trust your gut.
Shui
12 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco WA 6008
Image credit: Shui | Instagram
You wouldn’t be the first to mispronounce Shui, (hint: it’s shway as in feng shui, not shoey), but regardless of whether you get the name right or not, you’re in for one hell of a good time at Rokeby Road’s buzzing modern-Asian restaurant.
Executive chef Leigh Power and head chef Shannon Holdsworth helm the kitchen, pumping out punchy plates that pack serious flavour. With beef and bamboo dumplings, cured kingfish spring rolls, sticky ox cheek and (my personal favourite) dan dan noodles on the menu, it's easy to over order here. But hey, when the food's this good, you may as well go all in.
Shannon’s hot tip? Do not skip the sushi rice bread with black garlic and chilli butter. “In my opinion, you can never go wrong with bread and butter. Rice transformed into bread, it compliments everything else on the menu,” he says. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t take one home almost every night.”
La Condesa
483 Hay St, Subiaco WA 6008
Image credit: La Condessa | Instagram
Need to spice up your life? Order the passionfruit and jalapeño margarita at Subi’s modern Mexican cantina La Condesa. The slightly more mature older sister of Northbridge fave La Cholita, La Condesa’s spicy margs will put a pep in even the most lacklustre of steps, but that’s just the beginning.
Inside the Telum-inspired dining room, you’ll find the terrific tacos, quesadillas, larger plates and a bunch of snacks. I always order the corn ribs dripping in jalapeñpo yoghurt for a messy, salty-sweet start to the meal, before moving on to as many tacos as I can manage.
The back bar is stacked with 100% agave tequilas and mezcals for whatever you’re in the mood for, whether that be something smoky, spicy or smooth. And if you’re not quite ready to call it a night, slip out the side and into Bar Banter—a hidden back-alley bar from the same crew, slinging strong drinks and late-night snacks 'til the early hours.
Lulu La Delizia
5/97 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco WA 6008
Image credit: Lulu La Delizia | Instagram
It’s a no-brainer as to why Lulu La Delizia is celebrated by Perth's (and Australia’s) most discerning Italian food aficionados. This snug Subi dining room has built a national reputation on silky pasta, slow-cooked sauces, and warm, genuine hospitality from chef-restaurateur Joel Valvasori and his talented team.
As Joel puts it: “Everything we do is centred around being able to give you the best pasta experience.” The tagliatelle della Delizia with veal and pork ragu is an all-time crowd favourite, and the orecchiette with North West king prawns, baby zucchini, garlic, white wine and chilli is a close contender. But Joel’s tip? “Always listen out for the day’s special!” It could be ricotta cavatelli with roasted artichokes, or maybe spaghetti tangled with Shark Bay honey bugs alla busara. Whatever’s on offer when you visit, trust that you’re in very good hands.
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Lums Wine Bar
433 Hay St, Subiaco WA 6008
Image credit: Lums | Instagram
We could quite happily spend every arvo sipping vinos at Lums, the fresh-faced heritage beauty from the legends behind fellow Subi bar, Bark. Set within a two storey 1920s heritage terrace along Hay St, the building is overflowing with character, homely vibes, good drops and grazing goodies that will pull you back night after night.
Il Locale
4/420 Hay St, Subiaco WA 6008
Image credit: Il Locale | Supplied
You’ve likely spotted the iconic pink and yellow pizza boxes all over town, proof that Il Locale has fast become one of Perth’s most loved pizzerias.
After first opening in Scarborough in 2021 with no investors and no hospitality pedigree, founder Mathieu Bourget has turned a wild idea into a fast-growing movement. “Il Locale means ‘the local’ in Italian—and that’s exactly what we set out to build,” he says. “Not from a textbook or a restaurant empire, but from the ground up—with banging pizza, big energy, and a space where people feel at home.”
That same passion can be found at the Subiaco outpost, where the playlist is pumping, the ovens are blazing, and the pizzas come out hot, fast and full of flavour. Mathieu’s go-to is the La Locale—a bold flavour bomb topped with roasted potatoes, Italian sausage, red onions, basil, and fior di latte. “It’s like a pizza that gives you a high five and a hug at the same time,” he says.
Lady Of Ro
345 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco WA 6008
Image credit: Lady Of Ro | Instagram
Lady of Ro earned its stripes some years ago thanks to its great food, laid-back vibe, oh and it’s BYO. Could you think of anything better? The Greek meze, slow-cooked meats and chargrilled seafood are all worthy contenders of taking a spot on your table.
Bar Amelie
118 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco WA 6008
Image credit: Bar Amelie | Instagram
Bar Amelie serves up modern Australian-style tapas and share plates as well as beautiful brunches and high tea, making it the ideal place for a good old grazing session with the girls. Helmed by owner and chef Kat Dehavilland, the venue is rooted in nostalgic flavours and refined technique, with dishes that are equal parts comforting and creative.
If there’s one not to miss, it’s the wagyu brisket ricotta gnocchi. “It started as a comfort dish I’d make at home on long nights but we’ve elevated it with care and technique,” says Kat. The gnocchi is pillowy and light, the brisket is sous-vide tender, and the truffle jus takes three days to build. Pair it with the milk-clarified piña colada, its velvety texture and tropical profile are a perfect foil to the dish’s richness.
Bark
502 Hay St, Subiaco WA 6008
Image credit: Bark | Instagram
The guys behind Bark say they’ll know your name, as well as your dog’s, so we’re really not sure what other reason you could possibly need to get yourself here. Good drinks, board games and a ridiculously good halloumi and hot chip wrap. Bam. We just gave you three more.
Subiaco Hotel
465 Hay St, Subiaco WA 6008
Image credit: Subiaco Hotel | Instagram
The restored Subiaco Hotel has been a favourite among locals and wanderers throughout the years as it continues to adapt and dish out the goods. Whether you’re craving a good steak and somewhere to watch the footy, a bottomless brunch or a work lunch, there’s definitely something at this iconic spot to suit everyone.
Juanita's
341 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco WA 6008
Image credit: Juanita's | Instagram
Juanita’s is known as Subiaco’s watering hole and a home away from home. Head there for a bite to eat or reflect with an old friend over a glass of juicy wine and a side of hot chips topped with their insanely good salt and vinegar seasoning.
Mistelle
1/205 Nicholson Rd, Shenton Park WA 6008
Image credit: Mistelle | Website
Head out of central Subi to the border of Shenton Park for a taste of Parisian charm at Mistelle, an effortlessly chic French bistro dishing up Euro vibes in the leafy west. Owners Marie and Thomas put it best “At Mistelle, everything is made with love—from the food, to the playlists, to the wine list”. To kick things off, we’d recommend going straight for the roasted nectarine, with honey and stracciatella, think equal parts juicy, creamy, sweet, savoury, ah… we're getting carried away, just get it!
Cherubino City Cellar
169-171 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco WA 6008
Image credit: Cherubino City Cellar | Instagram
Part wine bar, part refined restaurant and part bottle shop, Cherubino City Cellar brings the polished elegance of the Cherubino label into Subiaco. It’s the vision of husband-and-wife duo Larry Cherubino and Edwina Egerton-Warburton, designed to be approachable, intimate, and always a little bit special.
“City Cellar is first and foremost a wine bar,” says Egerton-Warburton. “But above all, we want everyone—regardless of age or background—to feel genuinely welcome.”
You’ll find their celebrated wines amongst others behind the bar—available by the glass, bottle or to take home—as well as a neat list of cocktails, including the house-made, barrel-aged Negroni that speaks to the team’s attention to detail. “We also take a lot of pride in our service, so we hope every guest feels looked after and relaxed throughout their visit.”
The menu is short but incredibly sophisticated, and the signature bone marrow is a must-try. Roasted over sage and rosemary, it’s theatrically set alight with absinthe before hitting the table. “The flames release the beautiful aromatics of the herbs,” says Egerton-Warburton. “It’s a dish that turns heads every time.”
Add in lamb cutlets, stracciatella and a late-night menu for those lingering over a final glass, and you’ve got one of Subiaco’s most quietly impressive spots to eat, drink and unwind.
Refuge Small Bar
5/50 Subiaco Square Rd, Subiaco WA 6008
Image credit: Refuge | Instagram
Hanging out for craft beer and hipster beards? The cool kids behind Refuge will impress even your most adventurous beer mates with its solid tap list, and the cocktails are equally as good.
Storehouse
9 Alvan St, Subiaco WA 6008
Image credit: Storehouse | Instagram
Didn't know there was a hotel in Subiaco? Now you do. It’s the Vibe Hotel, and one of the best bits about it is the picture-perfect rooftop restaurant and bar boasting sweeping views of the city. The wholesome meals are designed to share and we reckon you should dive right in with the Rapple cocktail—it tastes just like an apple and rhubarb pie.
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Main image credit: La Condesa | Supplied
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