Where Chefs Eat: The Best Special-Occasion Restaurants in WA According to Eight Top Chefs

We all have our go-tos – the restaurants we book when have something to celebrate or an occasion to mark. But what about the people who run our favourite kitchens and can dish out a celebration-worthy meal with a snap of their fingers? Where do they go to treat themselves?

Here are the best special-occasion spots in WA, according to eight top chefs.

Drew Dawson, The Cool Room

“We visit Capri for all our major milestones. There’s something so welcoming about the service and the dining room, and the food always leaves me feeling content. It really feels like visiting a family member’s house for dinner. Being so far away from where I grew up, that really resonates with me.”

Pippa Canavan, Bar Love

“We’re going to Le Rebelle and ordering the crab toast, and a bottle of something fancy from the secret wine menu – Sarah Atkinson always has the goods.”

Glenn McCue, Jujube Dining

“For special occasions or any celebrations, I head to Lalla Rookh. Its wine list is one of the best in WA and you can drink any bottle with a small corkage fee. Walking into the wine bar, you feel like you’re transported to a small wine bar in a side street in the middle of Europe. The pizzas are super underrated. And if the ox tongue skewers are on the menu, they’re a must-order.” 

Sofika Boulton, Sonny’s

“I think I’ve probably given these guys a million shoutouts but I’ll keep doing it – Vasse Felix is still putting out banger menus. I’ll always make the effort to go there when I get the chance. They definitely always make it feel special.”

Tom Harper, Besk

“I love Si Paradiso. The food is fun and delicious. The crab crespelle! The pizza is great too and it’s nice to be able to crack on in the garden for a drink and sometimes a dance after.”

Sarina Kamini, cookbook author

“Leeuwin Estate, every single time. I love chef Dan Gedge’s handle on acidity and the clever texture he builds. The restaurant is surrounded by karri trees, so there’s always a sense of still and calm. And it’s family: I worked at Leeuwin for the better part of five years, and my son Cailean is now there as dishy.”

Marcello Segalina, Il Falco

“Straight to Hearth restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton in Elizabeth Quay. With Brian Cole leading the kitchen team, it’s one of the best dining experiences you can get in WA.”

Rohan Park, The Flackyard

“I’ll be headed to Hearth at Ritz Carlton for my partner’s upcoming birthday. Ask any industry heavyweights and they’ll say the latest iteration of the restaurant, headed up by Brian Cole, is serving up some bloody special dining experiences.”