Must-see restaurants in Western Australia

  • Balthazar

    Perth

    Low-lit, discreet and sophisticated, with a cool soundtrack and charming staff, Balthazar has an informal vibe that's matched by exquisite food and a…

  • Jules Cafe

    West Coast Australia

    Putting a hippy spin on heritage York since 1990 (Che Guevara poster, World Wildlife Fund sticker, trance tunes, patchouli incense…you get the picture),…

  • Peninsula

    West Coast Australia

    There's been a pub here since 1911; the 'Pen' is the latest incarnation, a sassy 21st-century bar at the base of the Sebel Mandurah, with a shady beer…

  • Leeuwin Estate

    West Coast Australia

    An impressive estate with tall trees and lawns gently rolling down to the bush, Leeuwin Estate offers behind-the-scenes tours, wine flights and tastings,…

  • Little C's Pizzeria

    West Coast Australia

    In a twin-business arrangement with the Sandpiper Bar & Grill next door, Little C's does takeaway small-town discs with witty, rock-and-roll names to keep…

  • Tiisch Cafe Bistro

    Perth

    High ceilings and white walls inspire a European ambience at this leafy CBD cafe. A serious drinks list includes cold-brew coffee, matcha latte and…

  • Padbury's

    West Coast Australia

    A wall of WA wine, chunky heritage floorboards, brick arches and broad flagstone pavers greet you at Padbury's, an upmarket cafe-restaurant at the base of…

  • Cott & Co Fish Bar

    Perth

    This sleek seafood restaurant and wine bar is part of the renovated and historic Cottesloe Beach Hotel. Order local oysters and a glass of Margaret River…

  • Restaurant Upstairs

    West Coast Australia

    With its interior decked out with photos from the owners' global wanderings, the classiest dining spot in town does wonderful things with local seafood…

  • Quiet Life

    West Coast Australia

    Sit outside under the grapevine at this sweet old cottage, now a hip cafe serving up outstanding speciality coffee and delicious filled bagels (such as…

  • Tall Timbers

    West Coast Australia

    Tall Timbers' upmarket pub food stretches from gourmet burgers to confit duck, but its real point of difference is wines from all over southwest Australia…

  • Mrs Jones

    Southern WA

    Settle in with locals and tourists at this spacious spot with high ceilings and exposed beams. There's interesting cafe fare, often with an Asian or a…

  • La Veen

    Perth

    La Veen's sunny brick-lined space, around the corner from fashion and design stores, showcases some of the city's best breakfast and lunch dishes – and it…

  • Sails Restaurant

    West Coast Australia

    Ask a local for a smart food recommendation and this is it: the town's most upmarket choice, at the Hospitality Inn. The dishes can be hit-and-miss but…

  • Little Hanoi

    West Coast Australia

    Contemporary Vietnamese comes to the northern end of the Rockingham strip, with lofty ceilings, industrial lighting and walls adorned with conical straw…

  • Boughshed

    West Coast Australia

    The views are fabulous (and the visiting birdlife is prolific – just don't feed it!). Stylish Boughshed has plenty of areas in which to nurse a coffee or…

  • Jack & Jill

    West Coast Australia

    …went up the hill to fetch an excellent cup of coffee. While they were there they enjoyed some breakfast tacos with scrambled eggs, black beans and green…

  • Little Guildford

    West Coast Australia

    Pram-pushers of all persuasions favour Little Guildford – there are plenty of highchairs on hand, and room to pram-park on the shady street-side terrace…

  • Cervantes Bar & Bistro

    West Coast Australia

    Cervantes' tavern is the hub of town life, serving pub meals that are a cut above. Local seafood is the star – lobster, squid, mussels, snapper and…

  • Cafe Poste

    West Coast Australia

    Guildford's faded old post office is an Italianate 1897 edifice, reborn as a garden cafe. Horticulture and interior design are the main thrust here – the…

  • Old Pearler Restaurant

    West Coast Australia

    Built from shell bricks that account for the incredible acoustics, this atmospheric nautical haven serves decent seafood. There are no outdoor tables or…

  • Lobster Trap

    West Coast Australia

    On Lancelin's rather aimless main street, Lobster Trap has the best coffee in town, plus wraps, salads, curries and lobster (aka crayfish) served myriad…

  • Mrs S

    Perth

    Mrs S has a quirky retro ambience, the perfect backdrop for beautifully decorated cakes, a healthy breakfast or a lazy brunch. Menus – presented in Little…

  • Dongara Hotel Motel

    West Coast Australia

    Locals love the Dongara's legendary servings of fresh seafood, steaks and 'Asian Corner' curries, mie goreng and pad thai. There's a shady outdoor terrace…

  • Nornabar

    Southern WA

    This light, sunny bar and cafe soundtracked with cool jazz and enlivened by colourful local art serves playful, globally inspired dishes. There's a…

  • Cafe Moka

    West Coast Australia

    Mandurah's best breakfast option is well positioned to soak up the morning sun on the end of the Dolphin Quay boardwalk – an urbane cafe on the fringe of…

  • Sandpiper Bar & Grill

    West Coast Australia

    It doesn't look too inspiring from the outside, but this breezy, American-style bar-bistro has a really interesting menu: Thai Penang duck curry, slow…

  • Sayers

    Perth

    This classy Leederville brunch cafe has a counter groaning under the weight of an alluring cake selection. The excellent breakfast menu includes coffee…

  • Skeetas

    West Coast Australia

    A long-running restaurant in a scenic location on the marina, Skeetas is a consummate all-day option, skating from eggy breakfasts to black angus beef…

  • RiverBank Estate

    West Coast Australia

    The pick of the region's winery restaurants, rustic RiverBank delivers excellent Mod Oz cuisine on its wrap-around verandah (or inside if it's hot). It's…

  • Low Key Chow House

    Perth

    Noisy and bustling (just like the Southeast Asian street-food places it references) eating at Low Key Chow House is a fun experience best shared with a…

  • Jaffle Shack

    West Coast Australia

    The humble jaffle (toasted sandwich) is showcased at this rustic surfer-chic cafe. Fillings range from classic Aussie combos such as Vegemite and cheese…

  • Boatshed Market

    Perth

    This upmarket, former boatbuilding shed is stacked with fresh produce, aged meat, local fish, deli goods, French pastries and artisanal bread as well as…

  • The Common

    West Coast Australia

    Pizza, burgers and hearty mains come with a side order of salty maritime breezes at this relaxed bistro a short walk from the surf at Gnarabup. Pair the…

  • RiversEdge Cafe

    West Coast Australia

    Next to the visitor centre, this busy cafe has a fabulous deck out the front overlooking the slow-roaming Avon. The menu offers few surprises (burgers,…

  • El Público

    Perth

    Interesting and authentic spins on Mexican street food, all served as small plates that are perfect for sharing. Menu standouts include duck carnitas…

  • Kitsch

    Perth

    Southeast Asian–style street food, Thai beers and a light-strung frangipani tree make Kitsch a great spot for a few laid-back hours of tasty grazing…

  • Dôme

    West Coast Australia

    The nicest aspect of this large branch of a WA cafe chain is the glorious old building it's housed in – an old nurses' quarters with a modern annexe. Pull…

  • The Provincial

    West Coast Australia

    Stencil art and a lifesize wire mesh shark adorns this cool little taste of the city, an atmospheric bar particularly renowned for its wood-fired pizzas …

  • White Elephant Cafe

    West Coast Australia

    Combining a simple pavilion and a spacious deck, White Elephant's location just metres from the cobalt waters of Gnarabup beach offers some of the best…