Perthians struggle to survive during the cold hard months of winter - not to mention our love lives! But sparks still fly in winter and Perth is filled with restaurants and bars worth rugging up for. Whether you’re going out for a celebratory anniversary meal, or braving both the cold and a first date, our top picks will set you up for the ultimate date night.
Author: Abbey Fowler
Perthians struggle to survive during the cold hard months of winter - not to mention our love lives! But sparks still fly in winter and Perth is filled with restaurants and bars worth rugging up for. Whether you’re going out for a celebratory anniversary meal, or braving both the cold and a first date, our top picks will set you up for the ultimate date night.
Balthazar Bar Restaurant
If you are nostalgic for a bit of old-fashioned courtship, and are looking for something with a touch of elegance, look no further than Balthazar. Set within an original Art Deco apartment building, the team at Balthazar showcase local produce through thoughtful, classy dishes. Just as much thought goes into their wine list, which is so extensive you’ll be sure to find something special.
Shadow Wine Bar
Featuring a classic European dining style and one of the most impressive wine lists in Perth, you will easily slip into the late hours of the night at Shadow Wine Bar. Their menu features an assortment of antipasto, including classic cuts of charcuterie and select European cheeses - perfect for wine-pairing. With high ceilings, a rustic interior and draping curtains for added mystery, this moody bar is perfect for a moonlit date night.
Lulu La Delizia
Hidden in the hub of Subiaco lies a small, cosy pasta joint that prides itself on serving up high-grade handmade pasta and celebrates the flavours of the Venetian spice route. If you’re going out on a date with a foodie, they will certainly leave Lulu La Delizia impressed by the dedication that goes into perfecting the craft of pasta-making. Most days there is a queue to get in, so be sure to book ahead.
Strange Company
Open for just over a year, Strange Company has already made its mark on historic Fremantle as a uniquely modern venue with a refined and open aesthetic. Their Spanish-inspired tapas menu, featuring Jerusalem artichokes, duck and pork rillettes and mushroom croquettes, are perfect for a table for two. With their wide variety of local beers and wine, you won’t be strangers for long!
No Mafia
A busy joint in the middle of Northbridge, No Mafia serves traditional Italian food like you’ve never had before. Make sure to leave some room for dessert – their lemon and olive oil sorta with honeycomb mascarpone is sumptuous! Whether you are looking for a casual place to grab a quick bite, or hoping for something a little more intimate, No Mafia is the perfect place to get your night started
Petition Kitchen
Located in one of the most beautiful and old buildings in the city, Petition’s romantic ambience sets the scene perfectly. With the launch of their new winter menu just a few weeks ago, you can find comfort in hearty dishes such as their veal and duck leg ragu with braised shallot. They manage to keep things classy, but still casual enough to have a chat to the friendly waiter about how your date is going.
Young George
Well-positioned in the quaint suburb of East Fremantle in an iconic corner building, Young George is all about making big statements. The dishes are made for sharing – think beef chop nachos and halloumi with strawberry and agave. With nightly specials (pizza if you’re lucky), this neighbourhood eatery is well worth the trip regardless of where you live.
Odyssea
If your idea of romantic involves watching the sun sink into the ocean, this is the spot for you. With views over City Beach, Odyssea celebrates all the flavours of Australia, in dishes such as their chargrilled kangaroo and linguine with Shark Bay crab. If you are looking to go on a real journey, why not book in for one of their degustation evenings?
Images Credits: Balthazar, Shadow Wine Bar, Lulu La Delizia, Strange Company, No Mafia, Petition Kitchen, Young George, Odyssea.