An array of upscale choices plus terrific cheap ethnic spots make Perth's restaurant scene as sophisticated as Sydney's and Melbourne's -- which is to say, excellent. You'll find a great range in "restaurant city," Northbridge. Friday and Saturday nights tend to be very busy, so service can suffer. Midweek is less busy, quieter, and generally more pleasant. In addition to the eateries listed below, many hotels have excellent restaurants, including the Globe at the Parmelia Hilton and Opus at the Richardson.
Many outlets emphasize the use of fresh local produce. Western Australia is blessed with several climate zones plus pristine ocean waters, so look out for seasonal berry, stone, citrus, and tropical fruit; lamb, beef, veal, and goat; seafood such as rock lobster, abalone, and prawns; freshwater crustaceans, such as marron and yabbies; and superb fish, including dhufish, snapper, red emperor, and cobbler.
For inexpensive pasta, a Turkish bread sandwich, or excellent coffee and cake, you can't beat Perth's homegrown DOME chain of cafes. Look for the dark green logo at Trinity Arcade between Hay Street Mall and St. Georges Terrace (tel. 08/9226 0210); 149 James St., Northbridge (tel. 08/9328 8094); 13 S. Terrace, Fremantle (tel. 08/9336 3040); and 26 Rokeby Rd., Subiaco (tel. 08/9381 5664) -- to name a few.
Western Australian law bans smoking in enclosed public spaces, including restaurants.
Looking for a Late-Nite Bite -- Eating after midnight in Perth can be a problem. Fast Eddy's (tel. 08/9321 2552) and Vulture's (tel. 08/9227 9087; corner William and Francis streets; open until midnight Sun-Thurs, and 3am Fri-Sat) are options; otherwise try Chung Wah Lane in Northbridge. It's more "China Alley" than Chinatown, with several Chinese restaurants, including Uncle Bill, tucked behind a red-gilt Chinese gateway at 60 Roe St. (behind the Bus Station, btw. William and Lake Sts.). The restaurants on this strip all open daily between 5 and 6pm and close at 4am.
In Northbridge -- The area is jampacked with cafes and restaurants, many reflecting the waves of migration that have made this part of Perth a staging point in their assimilation. Italian, Greek, Chinese, and Vietnamese have all lived here and now cook here.
