Perth is a good food city, with a strong cafe culture, plenty of fresh seafood, a lively craft beer scene and two outstanding wine regions within reach. The sunny climate means a lot of eating happens outdoors, and the city is surrounded by farmland and coast, which brings fresh produce to the table. This guide covers what to try, where to base yourself for food, and how to fit meals around the main sights.
Coffee and breakfast
Perth takes its coffee seriously, and you will find independent roasters and cafes in the city centre, in Northbridge, in Fremantle and in the beach suburbs. A flat white and a plate of eggs, avocado or fruit toast is the classic local start to the day. Fremantle has a well-known cafe strip on South Terrace, which is a good place to sit and watch the town go by after a morning at Fremantle Prison. In the city, laneways and small streets hide good cafes, so walk a block or two off the main roads.
Seafood
Western Australia's coast supplies a lot of the country's seafood, including rock lobster, which locals often call crayfish, along with prawns, snapper, whiting and oysters. In Fremantle, the fishing boat harbour has long been a place for fish and chips by the water, and restaurants around the harbour serve fresh catches. On the road north, the town of Lancelin is known for lobster, and many day tours to the sand dunes and the Pinnacles include a lobster lunch. Wherever you eat seafood, ask what is in season and what was caught locally.
Wine in the Swan Valley
The Swan Valley is the oldest wine region in the state and sits just 25 to 30 minutes from the city, which makes it an easy half-day or full-day outing. Beyond wine, the valley is known for breweries, distilleries, chocolate, nougat and fresh fruit, so it suits a mixed group where not everyone drinks wine. A guided tour is the sensible way to visit, because you can taste without driving and the cellar doors are spread out. Tastings and lunch are often included, and the pace is relaxed, which suits a day when you want to unwind rather than sightsee.
Wine in Margaret River
Margaret River is further away, about three hours south, and is best known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. It has a larger and more varied dining scene than the Swan Valley, with winery restaurants, breweries, chocolate makers and cheesemakers. A day tour is possible, but an overnight stay lets you slow down and enjoy a proper lunch. If you can, combine the wine with the caves, the forest and the coast, because the scenery is half the appeal. The Busselton Jetty is a handy stop on the way.
Markets and street food
Fremantle Markets are open Friday to Sunday, and the food stalls offer everything from crepes and noodles to fresh juices and baked goods. It is a good lunch for families, because everyone can choose something different, and it is covered, which helps in hot or wet weather. Elsewhere, you will find farmers' markets in many suburbs on weekends, and food trucks and pop-ups around the city, so ask your hotel for what is on during your stay.
Drinks and evenings
Northbridge is the main entertainment district, with bars, pubs and live music, while Elizabeth Quay and the Barrack Square area offer waterfront dining. Rooftop bars in the city, including the one at COMO The Treasury, give a view over the river, and Fremantle has pubs and breweries with outdoor seating. Cottesloe Beach is a classic place for a sunset drink, and it is easy to reach by train.
Where to stay for food
If you want to walk to restaurants every evening, the city centre and Fremantle are the best bases, and COMO The Treasury, The Westin Perth and Esplanade Hotel Fremantle all put you close to a good range of choices. Book popular restaurants ahead on weekends, and check opening days, because some places close on Mondays or Tuesdays. Carry a little cash for markets, and ask about dietary needs when you book tours, since vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are widely available but not guaranteed on every menu.
Tips for tours and tastings
If you plan a wine day, eat a proper breakfast, drink water between tastings and pick a tour with lunch included. Many tours pick up from city hotels, so confirm the meeting point the day before. Ask about local specialities at each stop, because small producers often sell items you will not find in shops, and keep a cool bag in the car or tour bus if you plan to buy cheese or chocolate in warm weather.
