Expect the unexpected from this CBD corner landmark, where elevated pub classics sit alongside the city’s best vantage point for people watching.
With an appearance that’s part-way between gastropub and English hunting lodge, Perth’s original, gold rush-era watering hole The Royal feels recognisable as the quintessential pub, but subverts expectations too. From the décor, where chandeliers and gilded mirrors pay homage to its history, to the collection of horror-themed holographic portraits including a zombified Mona Lisa and off-menu twists on classics, this place knows how to surprise.
It’s the golden syrup and wattleseed tart with a generous scatter of salt and a singularly spectacular scoop of vanilla-bean gelato that’s a must.
Take the burger: Angus beef, pickle, obligatory dash of mustard and sauce may appear to be same old, but a biting char to the patty, a disk of crisp fried cheese, and a pillowy bun elevate the dish. While the pasta, a heaping fettuccine tossed in a rich pesto, topped with a snowcap of pecorino, gains texture from crisp pangrattato.
A short-but-sweet two-item dessert menu tempts you to order one of everything, but it’s the golden syrup and wattleseed tart with a generous scatter of salt and a singularly spectacular scoop of vanilla-bean gelato that’s a must.
A meeting place for the after-work crowd, don’t expect the city street-side scene to inspire intimate conversation, but an extensive wine list and 14 beer taps offering crafts and classics deliver the goods right where they’re needed.
