This Perth food guide has been hanging on my mind for quite a while, and I would do anything just to head back for some of the best and most wholesome servings I had there. Alas, let me not bore you. And if you’re heading over to Perth, have fun watching your waistlines while enjoying all these goodies.
Perth food guide: Beaches cafe @ Cottesloe beach
Cottesloe is an AMAZING place if you love the sun, the sea, and some damn good breakfast and brunch. I also had a smashing cappuccino with cocoa powder on top while I was in the area. I couldn’t live a day in Aussie without having my morning cuppa.
The pancakes
By far one of the BEST pancakes I’ve had in the world. This was as good as it gets…… I had the whole stack to myself, no questions asked.
Eggs Benedict
I’ve never really liked this because of the hollandaise sauce. But when it was cut open, I saw the egg yolk runny and oozing out, making me slightly tempted to have a bite. But of course, the hollandaise sauce put me off quite a bit. So I can’t comment on this except steal my friend Aaron’s words: “OH MY GOD!!!”.
Big breakfast, full works
It was….. Good. Better. Best???? The portion was substantial, scrambled eggs excellent, and I couldn’t fault it. Overall, this was a hearty meal I had while enjoying a nice long walk along Cottesloe Beach! A down-to-earth cafe with food at affordable prices, quick execution, and staff with fantastic humour. A terrific place to take a break and laze about with a book if you have the time.
- Address
122 Marine Parade Cottesloe WA 6011 Australia
- Opening Hours
Breakfast and Lunch
Perth food guide: Cicerello’s (Fremantle)
Located at Fremantle, JW and I were looking for breakfast in the “wrong” area. So we hung out at Fremantle, known for its seafood specialty restaurants, and many of them fought over the title of “Best Fish N Chips”.
Of course, I had another coffee to start. A cappuccino, but iced this time! I’d say, in general, the coffee is very good in WA. I will not make additional comments except try to convert you into a coffee addict by the end of this post.
Of course, we had to order the Fish N Chips. But we didn’t just get the usual. Instead, we got the Barramundi Fish N Chips with Squid Calamari on the side.
Barramundi Fish N Chips with Squid Calamari
The batter was light, the fish was fresh, and the calamari was cooked right, not rubbery. Unfortunately, the fries were mediocre, and I wouldn’t have wasted my calories on this! It tasted like MCD fries!!! Such a shame that it accompanied such a delectable platter of seafood.
I liked this place a lot, in terms of the food and the view at least… But I would advise not sitting outside as I did. Unless you want to get attacked by seagulls who are absolutely VICIOUS once you start moving out of your seat.
JW got up before me and walked off while I sat there getting off my seat, and WALA…. In a matter of SPLIT SECONDS, I got attacked by maybe 5-6 seagulls SWOOPING down on me and pecking frantically at my unfinished plate of fries.
- Address
Fisherman’s Wharf 44 Mews Road, Fremantle 6160
- Opening Hours
7 Days A Week: 10.00 am – Till late
(Closed Christmas day)
Perth food guide: El (Margaret River Town)
While in Western Australia, you HAVE to visit the Margaret River region, a distance from the city. We stumbled upon El Rio, Mexican joint selling burritos, tacos, totopos, salsa and whatever Mexican delicacies you can think of. If you aren’t very clear about what Mexican food is really about, fret not, they had one of the most FRIENDLY and informative staff here at El Rio. I was very impressed by the waitresses’ attentiveness and knowledge at El Rio. I felt so comfortable paying for the service charge!!
Totopos (Corn chips) and salsa $7
Of course, we ordered this. It was so Mexican and I am a HUGE fan of salsa and chips. The portion was small but good enough for an appetiser which was an absolute delight! The chips were warm and toasted before being served to the table. The salsa was served fresh out of the kitchen, unlike the bottled versions used at less authentic Mexican joints.
Grilled barramundi (Taco) $7
A fresh serving of grilled barramundi was topped with mango salsa, lettuce, chipotle mayo some jalapeno and served warm on a porcelain dish. Recommend this as a starter, not a main.
Chimichanga $25
The chef’s special choice of meat, cheddar & rice, tossed in enchilada sauce and sour cream, was encased in a fried flour tortilla. It also came with a serving of Mexican rice and beans. The meat was so tender and went exceptionally well with the sauces making us go, AHHH……
Churros con chocolat & cajeta caramel $14
We could never say no to dessert… The churros were fried and dusted with icing sugar, served alongside a milk chocolate and caramel sauce. Yes, this was an amalgamation of perfection.
- Address
115 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River
Western Australia 6285
- Opening Hours
Open Every Day, 5pm till late
Free WiFi!
Perth food guide: Margaret River Chocolate Factory Cafe
Another gem…. The in-house cafe in Margaret River Chocolate Co.
We can’t miss out on their Hot Chocolate, could we? MMM… The peals of milk chocolate can be seen unstirred at the bottom and are so uniquely Margaret River Choc Co.!!! Ended off with an Oreo Cheesecake, which was ok but not exceptional.
Roast Beef Panini $15.95
I thought it’d be just a regular, run-of-the-mill panini. But it wasn’t. Sandwiched between a nicely toasted and crusty exterior of a flattened panini were melted cheese and roasted beef slices with a portion of sweet caramelised onions. I couldn’t get enough of this… JW and I actually ordered this to share. Still, we regretted that decision when we both took a bite out of this mind-blowing Panini sandwich.
Kudos to a company specialising in chocolate for developing a kitchen this good! The portion was big enough to share (although you probably wouldn’t want to out of greed), and I’d definitely be back for this.
- Address
5123 West Swan Rd West Swan, WA 6055
- Opening hours
Mondays to Sunday, 9:00am-5:00pm
Free WiFi
Perth food guide: Koko Black (Perth, City)
I don’t remember hearing much about Koko Black before I stepped into Perth. Still, according to Angela and Aaron (my Aussie childhood buddies!), they serve some of the BEST chocolate desserts in Australia.
Belgian Chocolate Mousse $10.50
A velvety chocolate mousse, complemented by a crunchy chocolate soil. This looked almost too beautiful to eat!! I liked the difference in texture and also because they used slightly “dark“ chocolate! It wasn’t too sweet and overbearing on my palate.
Hot chocolate $6.50
Their signature. We just had to have it.
- Address
140 William Street, Perth 6000
- Opening Hours
Monday & Tuesday 8.30am – 5.30pm
Wednesday, Thursday 8.30am – 10.00pm
Friday 8.30am – 11.00pm
Saturday 9.00am – 11.00pm
Sunday 10.30am – 5.00pm
Perth food guide: Chocolateria San Churro
I’d say this is one of Australia’s most POPULAR churro joints. We saw it quite a lot while we were in Sydney as well. And well… For a churro joint to have that many franchises? It’s got to be good. At least good enough for it to survive.
Churros for $8.95
We got this because it was the safest option and also because it was the first thing I had the last time I was wandering Fremantle with my best friend, Sheila. We added an extra sauce on the side to try both the caramel and chocolate sauce. The churros here are less fried and have a dash of cinnamon sprinkled on top. The sauce was less “smooth” than I’d expected, but nonetheless, amazing once you stuff it into your mouth.
- Address
91 Market Street, Fremantle, Western Australia, 6160
- Opening Hours
Mon-Thu: 9.30am-10pm
Fri-Sat: 9am-11pm
Sun: 9am-10pm
Free WiFi
Perth food guide: Mother (formerly The Raw Kitchen)
Located in a warehouse, this restaurant was bustling with life on a weekday night which tells you about its popularity. Once you step in, you feel you are transported years back into the era of industrialisation, where restaurants didn’t look as they do today. Once seated, you are greeted by smiley waitresses, and a simple, no-nonsense menu is handed over to you. Up to now, you can kinda guess what I am trying to say, can’t you? Mother is not your typical restaurant. Instead, it’s a FULL FLEDGED VEGAN restaurant serving some of the best vegan options, which will wow your socks. Of course, most people (even myself) would shun the thought of having vegan food. But I was so, so wrong. So, the FOOD, let’s get to the food.
Blue Moon $9.50
A fantastic blend of blueberry, lavender, banana, agave and almond milk. An instant perk-me-up drink free from caffeine!!!!
Pad Thai zucchini noodles $24
Tossed in raw almond satay sauce, capsicum, baby corn, snow peas, tamarind, kaffir lime, fresh herbs & mung bean sprouts, this took Pad Thai to a whole new level. No, it’s not like the spicy versions we get at our favourite Thai restaurants. But you will enjoy a different kind of “noodles”. No space for carbs here! I’d take Zucchini noodles any day!!!
Roasted eggplant & mushroom pizza $24
With avocado, pickled onion, arugula and raw cashew cream…a VEGAN pizza?!?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? I am not. This was not a knock-off “pizza” that tasted like crap. This tasted good. The mushrooms had a meaty flavour and were then topped off with a cashew cream that was a fantastic substitute for pizza sauce. I am now a HUGE fan of cashew cream. WHO NEEDS MAYO WHEN YOU HAVE THIS!!! It tastes fragrant and healthy and is made up of GOOD FAT!
Raw nachos dehydrated hand-cut corn chips $24
This was accompanied by tomato salsa, walnut refried ‘beans’, guacamole, cashew sour ‘cream’ and chives. They dehydrate instead of bake/fry the nachos because they want to retain all the goodness inside these corn chips. The sour cashew cream was also… Wow. I am amazed by how they replace unhealthy cheese/mayo dips with condiments blended out of NUTS!!! This tasted so much better than regular unhealthy nachos and cheese!!! Indeed a guilt-free indulgence!
I would encourage everyone, vegan or not, to check this place out before leaving the city of Perth. I spent not a second GUILTY about the food I was gobbling down. Instead, I was so contented and enjoyed the meal to its fullest!
- Address
181A High St, Fremantle, WA 6160
- Opening Hours
Mon – Thu: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fri – Sun: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Perth food guide: Matilda Bay Restaurant
I wouldn’t give this place a miss, because the food was as good as the ambience was. We had the set menu, which was affordable, and will definitely fill you to the brim as you chat the night away in your private space.
Complimentary bread with butter
As with all great restaurants, you always start off with an unassuming platter of bread and butter. I say unassuming because they tend to shock you a little once you’ve taken a bite into that fluffy pillow of goodness.
Pork
And then dinner started with a confit pork belly, crunchy grains, avocado, and spicy grilled pineapple, which was plated exquisitely. The pork belly melted in my mouth. And I wasted no time trying to “cull” the fat off and let myself go that night. It was heavenly.
Rangers Valley Sirloin Steak
Served with vegetable ratatouille and goat’s cheesecake. I need not say more, do I? Medium rare steak, buttered and paired with cheese.
Duck
Crisp confit duck leg, baked duck ragout, green beans and french vinaigrette. Again, excellently executed. Crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside.
Grilled snapper fillet
Tossed along with vermouth steamed cockles, preserved lemon, fennel and pancetta. They must have got the snapper right out of the ocean along the restaurant because it was so fresh I thought it’d still be swimming in my tummy.
This place was amazing. It was costly but worth it. Come on! You’re already on holiday!
- Address
3 Hackett Drive, Crawley, WA 6009
- Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday: 11:00am-12:00am
Sunday: 11:00am-11:00pm
Perth food guide: Tuck Shop
I saved the best for last. If you’re in Perth City, you HAVE to, HAVE to, check this place out. Especially if you’re a brunch freak like I am!!! Coffee to start off.
Chorizo with paprika potatoes, peppers, onions, crispy pork and fried egg $18.50
One of their bestsellers. And evidently so. A MUST ORDER!!!!!!
Ciabatta with Tasmanian salmon, lemon ricotta and veggies $18.50
The bread was toasted to perfection (like all the other toasts in the cafe), and topped off with a generous serving of smoked salmon. A big resounding yes for those who do not wish to bust their diets.
Scrambled eggs and organic sour bread toast with a side of sausages $11.50
Cheaper in comparison to the other options on the menu but also substantial in size. I made a good choice, I believe.
Hand-cut chips with dips $7.50
You MUST order this to go with your meal. I promise you; you won’t stop at one. There is no “truffle madness” going on here, but it does taste pretty damn amazing even without the truffle oil. I can’t imagine if it was fried with truffle oil….
Smoked cod, potato and leek bake with a poached egg and cheddar toastie $18.50
Between the toast was some melted cheezy goodness which you could pull apart and watch it become all stringy and then chow down as you break the poached egg apart. Love at first sight, and a PARTY in my mouth!
The Tuck Shop had such DELICIOUSLY BRILLIANT food that people were scrambling to find a table all the time. It is always packed. But…. This is definitely worth queuing for.
- Address
Unit 1/180 Newcastle Street, Perth 6000
- Opening Hours
Tue – Sun: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
I will never forget the gastronomical experience I had in Perth. I hope this guide was as helpful as the one I did for Hong Kong! Many thanks to my childhood buddies Angela and Aaron for bringing me around to uncover hidden foodie haunts for everyone who reads this!
