TAKE A LOOK AT THE MAP OF Western Australia’s capital city and you’ll realize that long, skinny Perth is obsessed with water. Shiny skyscrapers and fancy homes line the snaking Swan River, while wind-cooled suburbs sprawl north and south, hugging the Indian Ocean for over a hundred kilometers. Some of the nicest Perth restaurants, too, follow the same trail.
During the Aussie summer, the city’s fervor for water ramps up, presenting as a preoccupation with waterfront dining. Join the locals at these top restaurants and experience the best of Perth on a plate.
Gibney
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Indoor bar seating at Gibney. Photo by D MAX photography/Courtesy of Gibney
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Gibney’s outdoor terrace is perfect for summer. Photo by D MAX photography/Courtesy of Gibney
A surefire place to spot Perth A-listers, or “Perthonalities,” is Gibney, the hottest upmarket opening of 2024. Located opposite South Cottesloe Beach, Gibney nestles between some of Perth’s most expensive homes.
In a modern take on service-oriented European brasseries, Gibney’s welcoming, attentive service is a deviation from Perth’s characteristic laid-back vibe. Waitstaff in waistcoats buzz around the plush interior of semi-circular velvet booths, monumental columns and flourishes of marble. One of the best Perth restaurants for views, its floor-to-ceiling glass invites the ocean blues in—but the best summer tables here are on the glorious shaded terrace.
The open kitchen bustles, and head chef James Cole Bowen puts his stamp on parrilla-grilled classics. The starters are outstanding, like the warmed oyster with smoked chilli and lardo, and the blue swimmer crab tartlet. For mains, the Glacier 51 Toothfish is juicy and firm, while the Black Onyx 3+ steak simply melts in the mouth.
There’s an element of theater, with Caesar salads being assembled table-side. The bar director trundles around his spritz trolley, crafting custom cocktails like a smoked negroni, or the signature Gibney Gibson. Ask about the impressive wine and spirits offerings, showcasing up to eight different vintages from the same producer.
gibneycottesloe.com; meals for two approx. $A150
Chef’s Table @ Hearth
In the heart of the city, the swanky Ritz-Carlton, Perth perches right on the Swan River at Elizabeth Quay. Hearth, the hotel’s flagship restaurant is committed to Western Australian produce, and presenting indigenous flavors that you simply won’t be served elsewhere.
In a new concept for Perth restaurants, Hearth has launched the Chef’s Counter, an exclusive dining experience for only six diners per sitting. Guests arrive to a rolled-up menu bearing their name and take their high seats overlooking the action of the kitchen pass.
Guests are quickly on a first-name basis with head chef Brian Cole, who chats as he prepares their five-course degustation meal, generously weaving in his own inspirational journey from Sierra Leone to Ghana and eventually migrating to Australia as a refugee.
Standout courses here are the native marron crayfish with a sliver of wagyu beef tongue, smoky Fremantle octopus, and the local dry-aged duck featuring native rosella flower. In a choose-your-own-adventure course, Brian tailors beef or pork to the preference of diners.
The matching West Aussie, mostly organic wines feature famous premium labels from Margaret River, along with triumphs from lesser-known producers.
ritz-carlton.com; Chef’s Counter five-course menu $180 per person, additional $160 premium wine pairing per person
Indigo Oscar
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Indigo Oscar is inside the Indiana Teahouse building. Courtesy of Tourism Western Australia
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Bright, summery interiors. Courtesy of Indigo Oscar
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A dining room with a view. Courtesy of Indigo Oscar
The current iteration of the Indiana Teahouse building, right above Cottesloe Beach, only dates to 1995, although for locals, it’s now impossible to imagine this patch of coastline without it. Inside, you’ll find the funky Indigo Oscar, and to dine any closer to the water, you’d need your swimsuit.
The view is simply mesmerizing, and in summer, the windows are thrown open to the cooling southwest breeze, known as the “Fremantle Doctor.” From the tropical-themed interior with a soundtrack of Latin beats, you’ll overlook the swimmers, frolicking in the shark-netted aqua waters. Ferries speed out to Rottnest Island and on the horizon container ships wait to dock in Fremantle.
But more than just an unforgettable location, the food here is a Latin American-inspired joy. Seafood lovers will relish the Shark Bay crab tostadas with guacamole and the Abrolhos Island scallop ceviche with pineapple. Carnivores will devour the flavour-laden beef scotch fillet with peach pico de gallo.
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Shark Bay scallops, pisco butter, parmesan. Courtesy of Indigo Oscar
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Cocktails (left) and Crispy Cod Taco (right). Courtesy of Indigo Oscar (2)
There’s an award-winning wine list, but the spicy margherita is unbeatable. Take in the sunset over the shimmering Indian Ocean and be swept up in Perth’s watery love affair.
indigooscar.com.au; set menu A$80 per person, a-la-carte mains priced from A$32-59
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Lede and hero image courtesy of Tourism Western Australia.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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Written By
Carolyn Beasley
Carolyn Beasley is an Australian based in Perth, and she has previously spent nine years between Malaysia, ..Read More
