Quay Perth’s waterfront location at the base of Perth’s CBD serves as the perfect launchpad for exploring the CBD’s vibrant food scene. If you feel like staying in, the ground floor coffee shop Community at Quay, hits the spot from 6:30am weekdays and 7:00am on weekends. Up on the rooftop, HQ Bar + Kitchen offers more than just convenience, with a focus on local producers and Asian-influenced seasonal menus. If you’re up for exploring however, walk around Quay Perth and you’ll realise you’re within a stone’s throw of the city’s best eating, drinking and culture.
Coffee, Breakfast and Lunch Bites
Community Coffee
Subiaco-based coffee roastery Community Coffee has not one, but two outposts in the CBD on either side of Quay Perth. On St Georges Terrace, find their coffee window pumping out liquid gold alongside a range of morning sweet treats and freshly made baguettes. Or venture in the other direction to their Mercantile Lane location, and you’ll find their residing food truck serving one of the best egg sandos in Perth. Think fluffy scrambled egg, cheese and chipotle mayo all between two thick slices of white tin loaf. Add bacon if your heart desires.
Howard’s Groove
A retro basement cafe, Howard’s Groove is a hidden haven on Howard Street where you can escape from the bustle of the CBD. Using locally roasted coffee from the team at Twin Peaks Coffee, the brews are undoubtedly some of the best in Perth. They also serve up flavour-packed sourdough toasties — try the Chilli Gonzales (heads up, it’s got a kick).
Howard’s Groove
Mary St Bakery
Mary St Bakery has become a cornerstone of the Perth bakery scene over the past decade, and for good reason. At their city outpost, tucked in just behind Quay Perth, you’ll be torn trying to decide between one of their comforting, ever-changing toasties, or their range of flaky pies and sausage rolls. Of course, no visit is complete without surrendering to one of their famed doughnuts or a slice of decadent chocolate salted caramel cake.
Le Vietnam
It’s at Le Vietnam in Barrack Street’s Bon Marche Arcade that you’ll find DJ Lee, a former globe-trotting DJ, drawing a crowd daily for his meticulously crafted bahn mi. These aren’t your stock standard rolls though — every element, from the the fluffy-on-the-inside-crusty-on-the-outside rolls to the various fillings, is handmade with care on site. While the original three-meat combination is a must-try, it’s hard not to be tempted by the allure of the daily specials. Think Japanese wagyu beef, lamb barbacoa or honey butter smoked turkey — a recent collaboration with Perth’s barbeque masters, Big Don’s.
Le Vietnam
Dinner and a Drink
Balthazar
Since opening its doors in the 90s, Balthazar has remained a stalwart of Perth’s ever-evolving dining scene. This European wine bar embraces a classic three-course structure and the dishes elevate WA’s local produce with European flair. Start with wagyu beef tartare before moving on to duck breast with orange and fennel alongside a glass of wine from a carefully curated wine list by Emma Ferguson of No Mafia & Vin Populi.
The State Buildings
The State Buildings stand as a pinnacle in Perth’s dining scene, hosting a myriad of fine diners under one roof. For a laid-back drink and light bite, head to Beer Corner for craft brews, Wine Merchant for a glass from their carefully curated list, or underground bar Lola’s Underground for a late-night cocktail. David Thompson’s Long Chim offers the bold and aromatic flavours of Thailand while Post brings the finer flavours of Italy to the table. But if it’s a dining experience to top all others that you’re after, visit Wildflower and discover the distinctive flavours of Western Australia’s native ingredients.
Long Chim
6HEAD
For dinner with a view, cross the road and find yourself at acclaimed Sydney steakhouse, 6HEAD. Perched on Elizabeth Quay at the base of the Chevron building, the team here allows the quality of the produce to speak for itself, whether it’s the extravagant $370 per kilo signature tomahawk or the more casual, yet equally refined, wagyu burger. Steak may be the star of the show, but seafood also shines in both the raw bar and main plate offerings.
Lalla Rookh
Lalla Rookh’s alfresco courtyard makes for the perfect space to flock to for a relaxed aperitivo. Pair a glass of wine with ‘piccolo’ plates such as their TFC (Tuscan Fried Chicken) or a slice of the pizza del giorno. For the full Lalla Rookh experience, retreat to the dining room and journey through the Il Capo menu —a six-course shared feast that celebrates seasonality and the flavours of the diverse regions of Italy. Finish up with tiramisu before stopping by their wine store for a bottle to take back to your room at Quay Perth.
Lalla Rookh
Andaluz
With its unmistakable soul and vintage charm, Andaluz nestles unassumingly on Howard Street and is cooking up traditional tapas. Sink into chesterfield lounges as you sip on a crisp glass of cava, perfectly paired with golden, crispy croquetas and spiced patatas bravas. For those who wish to linger over more substantial plates, find succulent chuletas de cordero (lamb cutlets) and sizzling gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns) — hallmarks of the Spanish cocina.
Late Night Drinks and Casual Bites
Terrarium
With floor to ceiling glass windows and vibrant greenery inside and out, Terrarium lives up to its name, serving as a lush urban oasis to unwind at day’s end. At the helm is 2024 WAGFG Bartender of the year Xander Stucken, who crafts a cocktail menu one can only be in awe of. Classics here are anything but classic. Take the Anthurium — a Negroni elevated by Aperol, rock melon, mandarin, and lemon myrtle. Sunshine in liquid form.
Terrarium
Alfreds Pizza
Blink and you’ll miss the telephone box door on Barrack Street which hides the entrance to Alfred’s Pizzeria. Descend the stairs and find yourself in a grungy, dimly-lit basement where the smell of fresh, made-to-order pizza will hit you straight away. Available whole or by the slice, wash it down with their impressive range of craft beers and cocktails. A basement gem which guarantees a good time.
Foxtrot Unicorn
What was once an old bank vault and home of The Western Australia Club now houses Foxtrot Unicorn, a late-night speakeasy brimming with character where the staff shake some of the most imaginative cocktails in Perth. In need of a late-night snack? Sink your teeth into one of the crunchy jaffles. Fillings vary from the gooey comfort of mac & cheese to a rich Bolognese, and there’s a nod to nostalgia with Nan’s curried cauliflower.
Foxtrot Unicorn
View more details on Quay Perth as well as special WAGFG reader rates at their listing on WAGFG Stays.
