Il Lido Italian Canteen

Perth’s pristine coastline stretches a staggering 50 kilometres. Yet when it comes to finding a place to enjoy a beachside meal, the options are surprisingly limited.

Across the road from one of the city’s most photographed paddling pools, Cottesloe’s Il Lido (which translates to “beach” in Italian) is the perfect place to sip an Aperol Spritz. Housed in a former 1930s cabaret hall, the cantina offers “peasant style” food, made modern, from breakfast through dinner, seven days a week.

Grab a prized table outside for house-made orecchiette, tossed with marscapone, broccoli and crumbed pork sausage. Or char-grilled cuttlefish served simply with olives and citrus.

Inside the room is relaxed, decorated with raw timber, matte tiling and long communal tables. The walls set the scene, with shots of the Amalfi coast and Milan.

As you’d expect, the floor-to-ceiling racks of house wine showcase different Italian growing regions, a Barolo from Piedmont is the highlight.

On the bar, you can’t miss the two espresso machines serving locally roasted Mano a Mano beans as single origins and cold drips.

A recipe from Il Lido is featured in The Broadsheet Italian Cookbook. Buy your copy at shop.broadsheet.com.au.