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Western Australia: Foodie heaven in and round Perth

February 26, 202611 minute read
Western Australia is blessed with a variety of weather and soil types that allow for a wide range of food products to be produced, from fruits, vegetables and grains to meat and dairy products. So despite Perth being one of the most remote capitals in the world, these conditions ensure it is something of a foodie heaven for those who live there or come to visit. We paid a visit at the end of winter, just a week in a winter that had perhaps been colder and wetter than usual, but we found lots of tasty and healthy options to keep our energy levels up.

Perth: Foodie heaven, all year round

We had accommodation that gave us the freedom to cook if we wanted to (we didn’t really) as well as store and prepare breakfast and lunch makings for the days it wasn’t convenient to find a restaurant, food court or snack bar. It’s also a good way to cut costs if you’re on a tight budget as there are well stocked supermarkets and delis across the area around Perth where we spent our time. Visiting the Markets is also a popular outing across Australia and the Fremantle Markets were one of our first stops. We went home laden with salad makings for our dinner, two big boxes of the largest and sweetest strawberries we’ve ever eaten, and some sweet treats for in-between. The Markets are older that Australia (born 1901). They were opened in November 1897 on the corner of South Terrace &, Henderson Street and are still going strong today. They open Friday to Sunday between 9am and 6pm and apart from things for your appetite that have lots of beautiful crafts and souvenirs to take home. Many of the stalls are manned by the artisans themselves so stop for a chat.

Foodie heaven
Fremantle Markets, Henderson St entrance

Our accommodation was in Fremantle, because that area and Perth City were the main places we would be visiting, so we looked for some great food options in both. We’re not really foodies, but we do enjoy good and healthy food, which is available across Australia, for all price points. Something to note: While a tip is always appreciated, there is not really a tipping culture in Australia, so it’s your choice whether you want to say an extra thank you. 

Fremantle area

Seafood in Fremantle is super fresh and two of the most prominent places to enjoy it are beside the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour. The best place to sit are out on the verandah and deck, overlooking the water and you have an umbrella over your table, even if it’s under the roof, because of the of the seagulls. Warning: Don’t feed them, or they might SOY. You have been warned! But though we only visited three eateries at the Harbour this time, including the Little Creatures Brewery, there are lots more for you to explore.

Cicerello’s

Foodie heaven, Fremantle,MATTA Fair 2017,Freo for foodies
Cicerello’s Landing, Fremantle

Located in: Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour

Reservations: cicerellos.com.au
Check them out on Instagram and they do have a  Facebook page, though it seems to be currently not working.
Famous for their fresh seafood, they also have a large aquarium with ‘fresh lunch’ or an early dinner. They’ve had plenty of practice, they’ve been there since 1903. You can eat inside and there’s outdoor seating on the verandah and close to the water. They also have vegetarian options and Wi-Fi’s also available. 
We just went for simple battered fish and nice fat chips and some coleslaw, which came fresh and well cooked. The SOY warnings should not be ignored. Even the seagulls know the food is good, so please help keep them at bay by clearing your plates when you finish. There are bins and containers near the entrance between the verandah and the inside, so leave your empties there.

Kailis’ Fishmarket Café

Reservations: kailisfremantle.com

While you can reserve a table before you go, not a bad idea if it’s a big group, most people just ‘walk in. You can choose a table outside on the waterfront, or inside if it’s a rainy day. They’ve been serving Fish ‘n’ chips and seafood BBQ since 1928 and they have a gelato bar to finish off with something sweet. They also offer vegetarian options and have a kids’ menu as it’s a very kid friendly environment. The menu is pretty extensive and when our food was ready (self- service remember), we collected more that we expected. We did over-order, but they will give you something to take it home in if you can’t finish. We were happy with our selections, and walked out as satisfied tummies.

Kailis Fishmarket cafe – it’s easy to overorder, everything is tasty.

Little Creatures

We visited on an evening when they were closing early, so we weren’t able to relax and enjoy our meal, though what we were able o finish was tasty enough to suggest we mark it as one for the future. They are currently closed for renovations, so keep an eye out by watching their socials. They are still open however for brewery tours.

Little Creatures Brewhouse, Do a tour, stay for dinner

At ‘home’

Eating out all the time in Australia is like everywhere else, it can become expensive, but there are plenty of markets and supermarkets where you can pick up easy meals. Fresh fruit and vegetables and salad makings are quick and easy and paired with a ‘Bachelor’s handbag’ you have a ready meal. This is a fresh hot roasted chicken and the best come from Woolworths, aka ‘Woolies’. If you have leftovers, they can be used for sandwiches or on rolls for lunch. TIP: The chickens are marked with the time out of the oven and they drop the price when it hits 3 hours. They’re still good, but you’ll save a bit.

Swan River Gelato

Italian Street Kitchen
Raine Square,
121 William St, Perth
We discovered the Italian Street Kitchen while walking along William St and as it was a cool rainy Sunday, we thought it would be great for lunch. But they were totally full, so we gad to find an alternative. But we decided it looked so welcoming that we’d go and book a table for dinner. Best decision we made that afternoon. The staff were friendly, the restaurant was spacious but cosy and the excellent Italian food was definitely worth a recommendation and it will be on our list when we’re next in Perth.

They’re right in the CBD, not far from Perth Station, just beside the entrance to Raine Square Food Court downstairs, which was a bit quiet on a Sunday. They’re also right next door to a Coles Supermarket and upstairs in the State Building you’ll find fancy upmarket restaurants.

Home cooking in style

Betty’s Burgers

They have multiple locations in Perth, including
Forrest Chase (Shop 101/200)
Murray St, Perth
Social Media: Follow them on Instagram (Instagram) and (Facebook)

We can see why this is a popular spot for classic burgers and shakes, because they actually look like real food! Nice fat burgers and real lettuce. Their salads didn’t disappoint either, though we didn’t try their shakes, there’s always next time.

Betty’s Burgers – they’re real burgers and good for a quick meal.
Rottnest Island, The Lane Cafe
Located in: Thomson Bay settlement mall, across from the bakery

On the beach

Cottesloe Beach is one of Perth’s most famous and accessible beaches, easily reached by public transport. Catch the Fremantle train and get out at Cottesloe. A walk along Forrest beside the Golf Club brings you out near the Surf Lifesaving Pavilion. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a brunch at local cafes like Magic Apple Wholefoods. Enjoy a walk north along the beach.

Cottesloe Beach and Surf Club
Magic Apple Wholefoods
Service options: Vegan options · Kids’ menu
Hours: Monday & Tuesday 7 am–3:30 pm

Swan Valley: Western Australia’s Oldest Wine Region

We visited Mandoon Estate for lunch and a ‘tipple’ as part of a quick day trip to the Swan Valley. The Estate is part of the first vineyard farmed in the Swan Valley and as such the vines are among the oldest in the state. Their lunch is definitely worth the stop, as were the wines.

Mandoon Estate

# Australia, Perth, Things To Do
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