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Header image courtesy of Tiish
Aren’t a majority of us guilty of snapping pictures of our food before we tuck in? Our photo-heavy social networks have transformed the food and beverage industry for generations to come—it’s all about documenting and broadcasting what we eat, and perhaps most importantly, where we eat.
If you are among those who like to fill your feed with vibrant coloured-images of berry-topped granola bowls and neon green smoothies, you might want to consider taking a trip to Perth. There’s no pretending that Australians don’t like to drink—it’s ingrained in the local culture. Be its craft beers, creative cocktails, or a humble pour-over coffee, these beverages don’t just offer the taste of Perth—they’re also perfect for the ‘gram. Here are the best spots to sip on brews and nibble on bites that are both aesthetic and delicious.
Located at the Corner Milligan Street, this cool spot is among eateries that are taking things up a notch by adding a sophisticated touch to the region’s freshest produce and indigenous ingredients. Head chef Sven Sander makes use of freshly picked vegetables from the garden and oyster mushrooms grown on-site for his creations. Make your social media drool-worthy by ordering their buttery, crispy, and fluffy slices of pancakes served with fresh berries enticingly piled high on top of yoghurt and cheesy, savoury styles.
The interiors, designed by State 28, are vintage chic, with subtle touches of grey and ivory. There are floor-to-ceiling windows, some with their own pretty little window-sill garden of vines and indoor plants, extensive spaces brightened by natural light, and an open-kitchen.
Tiisch, 9B 938 Hay Street (Corner Milligan Street), Perth WA 6000 | (+61) 8 9678 5150
Perth takes pride in its unspoilt long stretches of coastlines, yet there are surprisingly few excellent sea-facing dining options. The Shorehouse is a much-needed new arrival where you can turn up in thongs, with sand still stuck to your toes, and not be mortified (they say!). This bright and beautiful cafe sits proudly over the majestic Swanbourne beach and offers an array of expansive spaces, each with unrivalled ocean views.
Head chef Oliver Gould cooks up a storm by combining the freshness of Australian seafood with contemporary Mediterranean flavours. Showstopper dishes include the black mussels cooked in embers with native kelp and sea vegetables, crisp bacon served with delicately prepared egg rolls, and chia bowls that are both flavoursome and photogenic. There is also a whole section on their menu dedicated to Bloody Marys, you know it’s serious business! Get ready to paint your feed red with their ridiculously tasty variety of the humble tomato juice.
The Shorehouse, 278 Marine Parade, Swanbourne WA 6010, Australia | (+61) 8 9286 4050
A rustic old boiler at the back of a sun-kissed courtyard is the only remnant of when this place was a laundromat back in the 1930s. Surprisingly large inside, the café has multiple spaces for patrons to spend time in, including an on-street alfresco seating area.
Light and crisp Perth air flows through its homey but elegant interiors, full of timber, exposed brick, and repurposed wooden furniture. While one half of the café seats its cheery diners, an exquisite bar with French bay windows opens out to the busy Angove Street humming with locals and visitors. You’re likely to spark a friendly encounter with someone from the neighbourhood.
The food menu is as quirky as its interiors. Bring a twist to your morning routine with cloud eggs—nests of puffy whipped egg whites with a sunshine yolk centre or the crowd-favourite Italian bruschetta with ripe red tomatoes and roasted pumpkin. The Old Laundry’s deliciously plated fresh spring salads will make you want to pick up your fork before your phone.
The Old Laundry, 22 Angove Street, North Perth WA 6006, Australia | (+61) 8 6162 1105
Flora and Fauna is a pavement café that is guaranteed to take your Insta game to the next level. In summers, Perth’s roadside bistros come to life and serve as the perfect place to soak up the scenery and the sun. Everyone has their own secret address, but ones like this are hard to miss.
Technically, Flora and Fauna occupies just 18 square metres of land. But boy, does it make a statement with an impressive flower façade, a cute sunlit terrace, and plant-based food options with salads bathed in vibrant colours. The mismatched chairs, fold-out tables scattered across the laneway, statement wallpaper, and a revolving gallery of unique vintage finds on the wall—there’s a bizarre harmony in almost everything.
The daily selection of made-from-scratch vegan treats looks just as beautiful. Their handmade cakes and roasted coffees are to die for, and the Smashed Pumpkin with Pine Nut and Avo, which is essentially a flavour and colour explosion on the plate with intricately arranged flower patterns, well-seasoned greens and puree, and a side of freshly baked sourdough bread, will definitely make you and your Insta followers realize how wonderful meat-free life really is.
Flora and Fauna, 4/70 Aberdeen St, Northbridge WA 6003, Australia
The Botanical Café, located in the iconic King’s Park, deserves mention not so much for its ambience as it does for the magic Executive Chef Chris Taylor whips up in his kitchen by allowing Australia’s finest produce to speak for itself—natural flavours, simple yet deftly prepared and respectfully handled. The cafe also has its own brand of cleanskin West Australian wines. So, if you’re looking for somewhere to eat where the surroundings are just as appetizing as the food, then Botanical Café has got your back!
The cafe offers relaxed indoor and outdoor settings, overlooking Swan River and Perth City, to enjoy quality food and service while visiting the park and its attractions. The interior of the cafe feels almost like a greenhouse, featuring larger than life glass panels for windows that let in plenty of natural light.
Be sure to order one or two of their gourmet burgers—there’s something about their great crusty burger with an ooey, gooey, cheesy filling that just puts all other cheeseburgers to shame. Team that with their home-brewed craft beers, famous for their well-roundedness, velvety textures, and sweet malted notes to complete your meal.
Botanical Café, Fraser Avenue, Kings Park WA 6005, Australia | (+61) 8 9482 0122
Manasee is a Hong Kong-based freelance writer by profession and lover of fascinating cultures, lip-smacking cuisines, and a vibrant social life. Having worked as a travel guide all across APAC, Manasee has dug deep into historical fun facts, architectural styles, and the best places to eat and drink in the places she visited. As a travel writer, Manasee aspires to inspire readers to follow in her footsteps. After a long day of work, you can find her binge-watching Netflix shows with a glass of crisp wine.
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