Subiaco is having a moment right now and we could not be more excited. This incredibly vibrant hub is home to brand-spankin' new places to eat and drink, oh-so lush experiences and of course your old favourites.
With countless coffee spots, amazing multicultural eats and loads of shops to stroll through, there’s a whole lot going on that you’re going to love. While it was pretty hard to narrow it down, we’ve teamed up with See Subiaco to bring you our pick of the bunch.
Where To Eat And Drink
DILLY DALLY
Taking up its residence where the Witches Cauldron used to hail is the newbie on the block, Dilly Dally. The Italian-style eats and huge wine list are worth indulging in during a Sunday-long lunch.
LADY OF RO
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.
BARK SUBIACO
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 an Australiana shrine. Bam. We just gave you three more.
SUBIACO HOTEL
The restored Subiaco Hotel has been a favourite by locals and wanderers throughout the years as it continues to adapt and dish out the goods. If you’re craving a good steak or something a bit fancier, there’s definitely something at this iconic spot to suit everyone.
LULU LA DELIZIA
It’s a no-brainer as to why Lulu La Delizia is celebrated by Perth's (and Australia’s) most discerning Italian food aficionados. The pasta is divine, the wines delicious, and it’s a cute and cosy spot that will score you date night brownie points.
LOUIS BOEGLIN
Louis Boeglin is the king of French pastries. Buy one—or ten—for yourself and a signature gateaux for your Mum’s birthday (we guarantee favourite child status). Our pick? The peanut chocolate gateaux or chocolate caramel tart. You simply can't go wrong.
JUANITA’S
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.
CHERUBINO CITY CELLAR
Beloved winemaker Cherubino City Cellar has opened a cellar door in Subi with casual wine and cheese tastings every Saturday. be sure to bring a few empty bags because you’re going to want to fill them with as much wine as you can carry.
REFUGE SMALL BAR
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
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.
THE VILLAGE BAR
Subi's go-to spot for a cheeky pint and an awesome quiz night, The Village Bar is full of good times. Located bang on Hay Street, this place is open all day for coffee, lunch and dinner. With weekday lunchtime specials always on (hint, just $18 for a double cheeseburger, fries with truffle mayo, and a schooner of beer or glass of wine), this is certainly the place to be.
Where To Get Your Caffeine Fix
BOUCLA
If Boucla is still on your hit list, you need to get there now. While you’re sipping your delicious coffee, order one of everything from the cabinet. You won’t regret it.
ARCHITECTS AND HEROES
There’s a reason Architects and Heroes has earned its cult status within the coffee geek world. There’s the regular ol’ lattes as well as cold brew, siphon and steampunk. If you want to step outside your coffee comfort zone, let it be here.
BLACKLIST COFFEE
Things are done a little differently here. While you can grab your normal takeaway order, Blacklist invites customers to dine in and taste a range of rare blends and high-end single origins. The experience costs $12 and is a must-try for those stylish, serious coffee drinkers among us.
LOUIS BAXTERS
Louis Baxters is a staple on the Subiaco coffee-lovers itinerary for its great, reliable coffee, tasty treats and chilled-out vibes. It’s also dog-friendly if you plan on bringing your pooch.
HONEY BEANZ
Honey Beanz dishes out superb coffee and the food menu is also just as good. We love the Korean bim bim bap burger and all the usual suspects to wash down with your morning cappuccino.
PITCHER AND IRON
Repeat after me: Coffee and waffles. Yes to the coffee and heck yes to the waffles. Nutella, apple crumble, speculoos—choosing your coffee is going to be the easy part here. Please bring a friend or three and pitch in to share.
COMMUNITY COFFEE CO
Buy coffee, drink coffee, smell coffee. Whatever you need to fill your caffeinated dreams, the crew behind Community Coffee Co will cover all bases.
Things To See & Do
SUBURBAN VIBES IN SUBIACO
From Friday 8 October until Saturday 16 October, Suburban Vibes will bring their intimate live music experience to Subiaco where you can catch homegrown talent in iconic locations including laneways, galleries, bars, and other unexpected places. Among our list of must-see performances are Jordy Maxwell & Teischa at The Corner Gallery, Jack Davies & The Bush Chooks & Nika Mo at The Regal, Banjo Lucia & Ben Catley at The Subiaco Hotel, Sam McGovern at Hiddlestone Lane and a secret show with Duncan Saige, Clay Western & Illishx (ticketed show at a secret location / BYO food & drinks). Make sure to mark it in your cals because it's bound to be a huge week of tunes.
CATCH A SHOW
The Regal Theatre has been a Subiaco since 1938 and is home to a jam-packed lineup of shows from musicals to comedy and plays. If you’re ready to head out and looking for something a little different from your stock standard date night, head to the website and check out what’s coming up.
GET UNWINED
UnWined is gracing Subiaco on Saturday, October 23 and Sunday, October 24 this year. There will be a star-studded lineup of anything and everything to do with wine, craft beer, ciders and local food goods. You will want to get your hands on these tickets.
SET YOUR SIGHTS ON LOCAL ART
Jump on your bike or take a leisurely stroll through the Subi Art Discovery Trail. Here, you’ll uncover awe-inspiring artwork like murals and sculptures scattered in the heart of Subiaco as well as some interesting historical facts. Grab a coffee, get going, and stop for a drink afterward.
PAMPER YOURSELF
Subiaco is home to one of our all-time favourite day spas Olive & July. The ultra-lush salon is as pretty as a picture and is a one-stop shop for glam lashes, brows and beauty treatments like phenomenal massages and facials. Book yourself in and we promise you won’t be disappointed.
GET SWEATY ON A BIKE
Some people are just kinda crazy and enjoy a good sweat sesh. If you’re one of these people, we won’t judge you, as long as you meet us for coffee afterward. Subiaco is soon to be home of the newest Cyclebar studio where you can thrash out a hefty bike workout while listening to some pretty sweet beats.
TAKE UP A NEW HOBBY
One thing we’re grateful to old mate Rona for is the way that everyone’s jumped on the bandwagon to learn a new hobby or get involved in artisan creations. The Painted Teapot is a ceramic painting studio where you can book a painting session, walk in and choose from a variety of ceramics to paint - there’s everything from mugs to plates and home decor. It’s all kinds of therapeutic.
WIND BACK THE CLOCK
Jana Beauty has to be one of Perth’s leading places to go for all things skin. With over 30 years in the skincare game, the moment you walk into Jana you’ll feel relaxed and pampered. Expect to see visible results. If you’re a skincare addict, don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Where To Shop
SIMON JOHNSON
Food shopping counts right? Simon Johnson is home to a damn fine selection of Aussie and imported luxury produce. Think seriously good cheeses, champagne, chocolates, spices and everything in between. They also do some very pretty hampers for the special foodie (or wine snob) in your life.
FRAME
Frame has to be one of our fave little stores on the Subi strip as stockists of beautifully designed local clothing labels Chalice and Conchita. Whatever you’re on the hunt for, you’ll want to find an excuse to pop into this uber-stylish boutique.
SPOILT GIFTS AND HOMEWARE
We kinda have a thing for those extremely cute, well-stocked gift and homeware stores where you just want to grab a basket and fill it with all sorts of quirky stuff. And Spoilt is no exception. Stuff for adults, kids and babies, the house, garden and self-care, if you have someone who's hard to buy for, or you just want to treat yo’self, Spoilt has you sorted.
EMPORIA STORE
If you fancy yourself a bit of a fashion lover, Emporia is where you’ll have no trouble splashing some cash. The hand-picked selection of local, national and international labels features everything from comfy loungewear to super-glam black tie dresses.
LUCY IN DISGUISE
Lucy In Disguise is a hidden gem full of second-hand and vintage clothing as well as decade-inspired costumes. So if you’re trying to up your sustainability game or love hunting for an epic bargain you’ll be feeling all sorts of fresh as you walk out of Lucy’s.
SUBIACO BOOKSHOP
The Subiaco Bookshop will have you feeling like you’ve woken up in a Harry Potter film set. The independent book store is full of hidden treasures for anyone who loves diving headfirst into a book—new books, classics and rare finds mean you won’t walk away empty-handed.
With so much to eat, see and do in Subiaco, it’s no wonder it’s at the top of our list of places to visit in Perth. To find out more about what’s happening in Subiaco, click here.
Image credit: Refuge Small Bar
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