Back in 1959 when Perth’s Narrows Bridge opened to connect the north and south sides of the Swan River, they could have been two different countries. So, what’s changed? Not much, apparently. Debate still rages on which side is the Promised Land. Both have compelling arguments.
Northerners rave about coastal beaches and a vibrant lifestyle while southerners boast easy access to the river and – their jewel in the crown – Fremantle. As for dining out, there’s plenty of reasons to head north, and especially on its coastal stretch with a smorgasbord of options along the 23 km from Perth to Hillary’s. From budget friendly sangers to fancy fare with panoramic views, we showcase the popular hangouts within a half-hour meander from the CBD.
Coastal kingdom
At Georgetown, formerly known as Cottesloe, you’ll find a trio of venues from George Kailis that are a window into what West Australians love. At Gibney, the luxurious new grill restaurant is drawing lovers of a Martini and a Champagne list that has to be seen to be believed. That’s before you get to James Cole-Bowen’s menu, particularly strong on seafood.
Shorehouse, technically at Swanbourne is a little more casual than Gibney, is winning on the view, and continues the theme with an ice bath brimming with Champagne.
Back in Cottesloe the soon to open Magic Apple adds an even more casual beachside offering to the Kailis stable.
Image: Gibney
Beach life
At City Beach you’ve got all the ingredients to work, rest and play from breakfast at the ever solid Odyssea, to sinking sunset beers at Clancy’s Fish Bar.
Not forgetting of course that the Mary Street Bakery crew went from city to surf several years ago. While their Empire Village outpost isn’t beach side you’ve got the elevated bakery staples expected. Take out for a morning on the beach or eat in.
Image: Mary Street Bakery
A double-take
In Doubleview, three venues proudly wave the flag for the ‘burbs. The Corner Dairy, former home to Gibney’s Cole-Bowen, lives up to its promise of good food, good booze, and good times with beef tataki toast and a few Funk ciders. For an early morning fix, order a magic (double ristretto topped with steamed milk) through the coffee window.
Drink from the chalice of frivolity at St Brigid where respected hospitality duo, Siobhan Blumann and Hamish Fleming, prove they are top of their game with soy plum braised duck cigars and sublime pet nats.
Stagger onwards to the Mexican/Californian vibe at Jalisco, a cute little tequila bar and Taqueria where you can be like surfers and order Cali Burritos and Cannonball Mezcals. Choose from exotic margaritas.
Image: Corner Dairy
Down on the boardwalk
The Mexican fiesta continues on Scarborough’s beachfront in the Rendezvous Hotel with El Grotto belting out tacos and tequilas every day till late. Have your fill of Mexican lamb birria quesadillas and chicken flautas, both highly recommended.
If sandwich slinging is your style, head to Two Slices and build your own with quality stracciatella, porchetta, salami and antipasti. Add herbs plucked from the in-store planter.
Toastface Grillah, in the Indian Ocean Hotel does what it says on the label – promising cheesy goodness in the Gravy Baby – pulled beef, gravy, cheese straws, pepperjack send cheddar. Buffalo Wings are equally popular with the hordes popping in regularly for a fix.
Furry friends wag their tails at General Public Co where they are welcome provided they don’t steal the pepperoni sourdough pizza or brisket-loaded fries. Here, dogs do dessert, with the pupsicle. Akai bowls for Sunday brunch are de rigeur as are drops from the Australian wine list.
At Il Locale, Neapolotian pizza reigns supreme but devotees also regularly rock up to sister venue, Bodega for nonna’s house made ragu, decadent tiramisu and exquisite European wines.
At Skol things take a decidedly Scandinavian turn with fried squid tentacles, salmon gravlax and kranski Skol dogs. The Drekka (cocktails) list offers Freya’s Kiss, a peach-infused Cointreau number. Lip-smacking.
Image: El Grotto
Up the coast
Bone marrow Bolognese toastie anyone? Community Coffee thought you would never ask. Loot Coffee is the drawcard in Duncraig’s Hawaiian Shopping Centre, but punters are panting for beef brisket and gravy, and truffled egg sandwiches and other Big Loaf Bakery items like cinny scrolls.
Soft-shelled crab burgers, salt air and a glass of Rocky Ridge Session Pale Ale sum up coastal dining at Waterman’s Bay.
Small plates, nibbles and the occasional pornstar martini at Little Bay are sidekicks to the panoramic view, all brought to you by Mark and Elizabeth Ahearn who also own Meelup Farmhouse in the south west.
At Trigg, Island Market is the place to watch the sun go down on a Monday night with a plate of chilli mussels from a menu boasting farm-to-table food with a middle eastern feel. Taramasalata with pita from the woodfired hearth is best enjoyed with a glass of Fizzy Plonk.
Image: Island Market
Harbour Heaven
Downstairs at Hillarys Beach Club Bar Cichetti is about as beachy as it comes where locally-caught seafood comes with the sound of waves slapping the shore. Seafood marinara and fritto misto form part of the well-priced five course feed-me menu.
The Heart offers a different take on the classic British pub with a Black Angus fillet beef roast every Sunday. With Yorkshire pud and gravy, of course. Add a pint of Guinness, lie back and think of Ireland.
And for coffee? Hillarys Beach Club’s Coffee Kiosk does the trick every day from 6am with baristas on the tools serving fresh pastries.
