Western Australia’s Best Hidden Gems, According to 10 Chefs

When you find an absolute gem of an eatery, it can be tempting to gatekeep it. You’ve found a spot you love, and you don’t want to return to see the place so swamped you’re unable to find a table.

These 10 hospitality professionals are no gatekeepers. Below are the bars, restaurants and takeaway joints that our favourite chefs, bartenders and cookbook authors love.

Drew Dawson, The Cool Room

“It’s not really a hidden gem anymore, as it should be on everyone’s radar, but I’ll always shout out Suku for their delicious Indonesian menu and warm hospitality. We love eating there and always feel genuinely welcomed. The food hits every craving while still being perfectly balanced. The specials are exciting, and the core menu never disappoints.”

Glenn McCue, Jujube Dining

“After years of driving by and heading to the more ‘popular’ Vietnamese places in the area, I recently found Pho Hung in Marangaroo. It’s pretty small and fills up very quickly. I always get the bun bo Hue; it sets me up for a busy day and makes me feel whole.” 

Sofika Boulton, Sonny’s

“There’s a tiny little charcoal chicken place near my house called On Fire Charcoal Chicken. Inconveniently, it’s closed on my days off, but whenever I get the chance to go there, I absolutely will take it. The half chicken with spicy rice and a fattouche salad is my go-to.”

Sarina Kamini, cookbook author

“I’m not sure if it’s underrated, but I’ll say Windows Estate. They have a mineral line through their whites that I love.”

Jess Roe, Petition

“Laika in Lathlain. It’s a wonderful venue with great coffee. It’s the perfect spot to start your day, especially sitting in their outdoor garden. I also love Wise Winery in Eagle Bay. It’s a must-visit for incredible views and amazing food. If wine isn’t your thing, their cold-pressed strawberry pink gin is an absolute standout.”

Pippa Canavan, Bar Love

“Fu Lu Shou next to Uncle Billy’s is one of my favourite bars in Perth. That’s down to the absolutely lovely Alex and Ryan, who is always using his chemical engineering degree to make some weird and wonderful beverage. You have to ask him about it though, because he is shy.”

Tom Harper, Besk

“Another place close to me that’s a bit of a hidden gem is Samari Cambodian Restaurant. We often pop in there for curry with roti when we are feeling too lazy to cook. Simple tasty food and it’s BYO!”

Marcello Segalina, Il Falco

“Emperor’s Kitchen in Leeming is likely underrated. It has a delicious selection of handmade dim sums and classic Chinese dishes.”

Rohan Park, The Flackyard

“Sonny’s in Mount Hawthorn. Rising hotshot Sofika Boulton (ex- Bar Rogue and Wildflower) is putting out some really tight gear from her kitchen in this relatively new and slick-as-hell neighbourhood bar headed up by the rockstar Jess Blyth.”

Melissa Zanatta, ex-Cosy Del’s

“There’s a place in Swan Valley called The Tapas Bar. It does small tapas sharing plates. The flavours of everything are just incredible. It’s super affordable too. I’ve taken family there when they visited from Sydney, and every time for $60 to $80 we walk out full. Not to mention it’s just beautiful out there.”