Omeed Mehdi. Photography Ross Wallace

Locals Love Victoria Park

Last Updated: 04 Mar 2015
Renee Bergere

Riverfront location a stone’s throw from the city centre, thriving dining scene and vibrant community – five locals reveal what they love most about living and working in Vic Park.

EAT

Omeed Mehdi, owner of Cafe Gelato, has been a Vic Park kid since 1990.

Red Basil | This little gem has quickly become one of the most popular eateries in Vic Park, showcasing great food at a very affordable price. The Massaman Curry is to die for!
Echye's | You'll be welcomed with open arms by this family-run business that cooks hearty, traditional Eritrean cuisine. A unique dining experience – eating with your hands is encouraged.
The Prophet | It's no wonder this place has been rated one of the best Lebanese restaurants in Australia. Everything on the menu is mouthwatering.
Bookings are essential.
Kuza | This urban-chic, high-end Japanese is sure to impress on a first date or a 10th wedding anniversary celebration. Love the funky vibe and amazing sashimi.
Spicy Affair | The strip offers plenty of choice for Indian restaurants, but this would have to be cream of the crop.
Kabuki | An old favourite for takeaway Japanese that never disappoints. Lunchtime queues are worth the wait.
All Night Pizza Cafe | A landmark of the strip, this has become an institution for the classic 2am kebab after a big night out. If you like your soccer, this is the place to be when the big games are on.
To To | A great atmosphere and even better food. Don't shy away from trying new things on the menu – everything is impressive.
Good Fortune Roast Duck House | As the name suggests, this bustling Chinese restaurant has the most amazing roast duck in Perth. The humble chicken rice is a favourite of mine – a simple dish, but they do it so well.
Galangal | A dark horse, located in the back streets of Vic Park, it's been voted Best Thai in Australia 2014 and it really lives up to its reputation. Do your taste buds a favour and check this place out!

Joni Sercombe

DO

Joni Sercombe is Chair of the Vic Park Collective, a group making Vic Park uniquely awesome.

Collective Conversations | A bit like TED talks with drinks, these free sessions pop up at a different Vic Park location each time. I've been enjoying hearing about topics such as how to open a small bar, how to join a giving circle, or how to upcycle a bike.
Vic Park Community Garden | Having a cup of tea under the huge tree at the Vic Park Community Garden, sitting among all those plants, has the feel of a botanical garden. And for those of you who like to get elbows-deep in mulch, there are regular workshops.
Koolroom Gallery | You might not have heard of this one, except by word of mouth. This former underground cool room has been converted into a gallery, artist studio and project space, with a lowbrow, street-art flavour.
Vic Park Bowls Club | If you are looking for cheap pints, your local bowls club is a good place to start. The Vic Park Club runs barefoot bowls every Wednesday evening.
Vic Park Farmers Market | I have been down here many a morning with a hangover and/or friends. It will take you a few times to try all of the tasty breakfast options. A few of my favourites are the pulled pork banh mi, the rice pudding, the bagels, or the dumplings.
Vic Park Croquet Club | I only heard about this place the other day, and don't know why it isn't more popular. They give you a quick lesson before you start, and it's BYO, so this autumn I can foresee a croquet and gin combo with friends.
Vic Park Centre for the Arts | Traditionally a haven for Sunday painters, this gallery is now starting to look at how it can better support and exhibit an emerging stream of professionally trained artists.

Lee and Derek Baston

SHOP

Lee and Derek Baston own Baston & Co Property, and spruik this great strip and the people who live, work and play near it.

Crow Books | The kids immerse themselves in comics and all things 'vampire', while we hit the central leather couch to leaf through a travel book, or ROFL at the witty array of cards for all occasions.
Woven and Willow | Mother-daughter duo Deborah and Kristy listened to the cry from locals for more women's and children's fashion some years ago, and Woven was born in 2007. These ladies have not looked back.
Nosh Gourmet Food & Gifts | If you needed the definition of 'Heaven', here it is. It's got chocolate, cheeses, dips – the majority of which is WA-made – as well as a great range of giftware, cookbooks and gift hampers for any occasion.
White Lily Home and Gift | We dare you to leave without buying something. A recently added section for the men in your life has proved popular, as have the quirky soaps, beautiful leather travel wallets, and adorable baby section.
Toys in the Park | It's how we remember toy stores being, before the big chains and the internet. Chances are that the owner, Jan, will know exactly which Lego pack you bought your child last. Free gift-wrapping is always a bonus.
The Good Store | Our family and many others travel from all over Perth to this store. Don't know what to get someone who has everything? This really is your shop. Plus, the service is always top notch.

Elethea Molloy

DRINK

Elethea Molloy owns The Little Print Shop with her husband, Andy.

The Precinct | Great beer and wines, both local and imported, plus a cool open-space layout with an interesting alternative-style menu. Pull up a window seat after work, and watch the world go by.
The Balmoral | This is where Andy and I met, so on a personal level it's always a bit special. Their menu has come on in leaps and bounds over the last 12 months or so, and they now do some amazing food. The beer's cold, and on a hot day, with the mist fans on in the beer garden, you can't ask for much more.
The Publican | Great for live music, and there's always interesting stuff going on. They offer a really nice choice of tapas-style eats and a la carte menu dining.
Vic Park Hotel | A little further down the track for me, this is great for a casual pub meal but has a dining section, too. More of a sports bar in feel, but the locals are all friendly and the staff always happy to see you.
Broken Hill Hotel | The beer garden here is huge and provides a great atmosphere for a summer night. The heritage and history of this place is a unique experience in itself.

Talks

Latest stories