OVERVIEW
Perth is a very cosmopolitan city spread over a great distance. It claims to have more restaurants per head of population than any other city in Australia and as an avid eater, I can certainly vouch for this.
Perth does not have have any special cuisine, rather it has adopted a world wide approach to dining and embraces every cuisine. Ther is an abundance of restaurants including:
- Asian - Chinese (all tyles), Japanese, Korean, Thai, Malay, Vietnamese, Singaporean, Indonesian and more.
- Middle Eastern - Lebanese, Turkish, Syrian and so on.
- European - English (Pub Grub), Scottish (yuk Haggis), Italian, French, Spanish etc.
- Others - South American, Mexican, Indian, Pakistani.
- Australian - Seafood, Indigenous and even Game (Crocodile, Emu, Kangaroo, Buffalo, Rabbit etc).
Almost all major shopping centres have a Food Hall or Food Court that provide tantalising variety's of cuisine at very reasonable prices for the budget concious. These Food Halls also abound throughout Perth and cater for everything from breaky to dinner.
DISTRICTS
For the more up market type efficianado there are a number of "districts" that have a myriad of restaurants and these are:
- Northbridge - located just over the railway line in Perth, this area is the nightspot of Perth and contains the majority of nightclubs and restaurants/bars frequented by the younger set and those looking for a good meal. Nearly every cusine is available at reasonable prices.
- Fremantle - is the port for Perth and is located approximately 20 km from Perth. Fremantle is famous for it Fish and Chips and seafood restaurants, particularly around the Fishing Boat Harbour and the cappuchino strip in South Street.
- Subiaco - another quaint area with an abundance of shops and al fresco dining establishments. Very popular on weekends with the in crowd.
- Leederville - just outside of Perth. Oxford Street is fast becoming the place to be seen dining or just enjoying a coffee.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The following are my recommendations for fine dining:
- Indian - try the 9 Mary's Restaurant (cnr Hay and Milligan Streets Perth). This is a licenced restaurant and provides a unique blend of Indian cuisine. Food is excellent and service is "top notch". For the brave hearted, try the curry, makes your eyes water.
- Chinese - the Jade Dynasty restaurant in Francis Street Perth. Licenced and provides excellent choices for the most avid eater.
- Australian - The Coolgardie Safe, located at 101 Edward Street Perth is a small but well patronised restaurant that provides a unique Australia experience.
- British Pub Grub - try one of the many "Moon and Sixpence" or "Rosie O'Grady's" dotted throughout the metropolitan area, always good for a pint and filling meal.
- Buffet Dining - if you enjoy a good buffet then you can't go past the Montery located in the Sheraton Hotel in Adelaide Terrace. While a bit on the pricey side ($39.50 for lunch) it does represent fine dining in a self service environment, although it does have a al a carte menu. It also has a wine smorgasbord for about $15.95 featuring some of the best wines from WA and surrounds.
- Casual Dining - for a great lunch or dinner you can try Benson's which is located in the Saville Apartments cnr Hay and Bennett Streets East Perth. Try the smoked salmon and salad focaccia with chips.
- Quality Seafood (and a great on-the-river view) - Try either Zafferano's or Matilda Bay Restaurants in Nedlands
- Vietnamese - Phi Yen in Northbridge (opposite the Northbridge Hotel)