From steaks cooked over an open flame to creative snacks that pack serious flavour, head chef at Nextdoor, Elliot Sawiris, knows how to deliver a dining experience that’s as casual as it is precise. It’s a theme that’s reflected in his list of favourite spots to eat and drink around Perth. Whether he’s catching up with hospo mates at Pica Bar, grabbing a slice at Palace Arcade, or savouring a late-night in Chinatown, Elliot’s picks are as unpretentious as they are satisfying.
Where You’ll Find Perth’s Hospo Crew on a Monday
Pica Bar is my watering hole. I usually catch up with a few hospo mates on a Monday there to chat over the week’s trials and tribulations. You see a lot of hospo people there, which isn’t surprising. It has a really easy going atmosphere; it’s nice to sit under the trees in the corner and unwind after a long week. We usually snack on the dip with flatbread and cold cuts. It’s a friendly place and the food is pretty solid.
A Late Night Meal That’s Perfect After Service
City Garden Chinese Restaurant in Chinatown has an amazing dish of sliced cold pork belly that’s served with heaps of fresh garlic and soy sauce. It’s similar to Korean bossam, and it just hits the spot. It’s super fresh and super savoury. It’s just what you want to eat after working a long shift behind a grill and a charcoal oven that sits at 500 degrees all night.
Delicious Food That Won’t Break the Bank
Tak Chee House in Northbridge is hard to beat. It’s a no-frills spot that always fills up. Everything on the menu looks tempting, but I’ve got a go-to: Hainanese chicken rice and a can of Sprite. It’s simple but incredibly satisfying. You can choose between breast or thigh meat; I always opt for the breast. It’s delicate and always cooked to perfection.
European Classics Done Well
Sofika Boulton is putting out some seriously good food at Sonny’s in Mount Hawthorn.. She also does the best basque cheesecake in Perth. The top is scorched to a deep, almost menacing black. You cut through that dark shell and the interior is all creamy luxury: soft, rich, almost oozing. It’s not something you want to sleep on. At Nieuw Ruin in Fremantle, Stephen Chen cooks classics with A1-execution. His päté en croûte is on point. Everything on the menu is impressive, and the wine list is a lot of fun to work your way through. It’s the perfect spot for a date night.
Time Crisis and a Slice
Palace Arcade is the venue for all occasions, really. They have three venues now, and each one fits into its respective area perfectly. Saran (Raj Singh Bajaj), the owner, basically had a warehouse full of arcade games that he’s been collecting since he was very young. He’s done a great job of creating a fun atmosphere and a food and drink offering that really fits with the arcade experience: think pizzas and fried chicken. It’s not fancy food, but it’s delicious. I usually grab a slice of Hawaiian pizza and can’t leave without playing a few rounds of Time Crisis.
Sunday Arvo
When I’m not flipping steaks, you’ll usually find me at Testun or Threecoins and Sons. They both tick the three pillars of hospitality: good food, good drink and great hospitality. These are my Sunday arvo regulars.
