We don’t know how it happened, but we blinked and suddenly, summer was over. The only thing hotter than the weather this summer? These seven new Perth venues. Here – in alphabetical order – are all the venue openings we got excited about in December, January and February.

Angelwood Pies, Leederville

This grab-and-go pie shop has a chef with Michelin cred, so it’s no surprise it’s been selling out by midday. Get in early and you’ll find a dozen variations of Australia’s iconic snack, plus sausage rolls and nostalgic sweets. Traditionalists will always find classic mince and chunky steak on the menu, alongside a dozen rotating fillings – like Keralan curry – for those feeling a little more adventurous. There are several vegetarian and vegan options, and house-made takes on corner store sweets such as passionfruit musk sticks and vanilla slice.

Ginza Nana Alley, CBD

Anyone who has travelled through Asia will tell you about the thrills of scarfing down soup perched on a stool while squeezed elbow-to-elbow with locals in a diner tucked down a dimly lit alleyway. Ginza Nana Alley, from Daisuke Hiramatsu (of Hifumiya fame) and the crew at Tsukumo Group, brings that same experience to Perth. Pick up yakitori skewers, onomichi-style ramen from Hiroshima, crystal-clear oden and tonkatsu within the tight corridors of the new eatery.

Never miss a Perth moment. Make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter today.

SUBSCRIBE NOW

The Leadlight, Northbridge

When The Leadlight opened in December it was a major win for Northbridge and many rejoiced as the inner-city suburb finally got the beer garden it deserved. Taking over the old Ruinbar site, the team behind Picabar has created a relaxed neighbourhood spot with an Italian American-inspired bistro menu and 18 tap beers.

Lil’s Rooftop, CBD

Pre-pandemic, the 600-capacity space formerly known as Tiger Lil’s was a hotspot for revellers and, despite lying dormant since 2020, its heaving dance floor, neon red lanterns and sticky bar are etched in the memories of millennials across the city. Following an extensive revamp, the familiar space has been reborn as Lil’s, a polished bar and Mediterranean-inspired eatery that still knows how to throw a party.

Lola’s Underground, CBD

Dunsborough’s favourite wine bar has swapped ocean breezes for city lights. From its new home in the State Buildings, Lola’s Underground is serving up its unmistakable menu of bold wines and sharp cocktails. Hospitality veterans Michelle Forbes and Nella Antonic understand that great venues aren’t just about good food and wine, they’re about making people feel like they belong, and putting people at ease is their specialty. Lola’s cocktail menu leans European with spritzes, Negronis and a French Manhattan sitting alongside the Lola Martini which, when ordered dirty, owes its salty edge to a mother brine of Sicilian olives. A drink at Lola’s feels like a postcard from abroad.

Lovers Deli and Canteen, White Gum Valley

When Lovers Deli & Canteen opened in December we declared it a contender for the home of Perth’s best chicken schnitty. Topped with brown butter, capers and a lemon-and-herb sauce, and served with a separate bowl of greens, the schnitzel sounds relatively straightforward – but elevated simplicity is the core focus at the nostalgia-driven cafe. The diner, deli and lunch bar hybrid is the passion project of Mia Gammon and Jake Carter, who also own Good Things Cafe. The space oozes old-school charm with timber veneer panelling, chrome counters, glossy green features and plush banquette seats.

Wang Xiang Noodle, Willetton

At Wang Xiang Noodle, Albee Huong and head chef Kok Hau Chee are dishing out nearly 400 bowls of specialty pork noodles. The bowls of moreish broth, tender thin pork and crispy fried nuggets were quickly embraced both by homesick East Malaysians and Perth’s noodle-obsessed community. For the rice lovers, the menu boasts a chicken rice dish from Chee’s grandfather’s family recipe, and to drink there are cups of hor ka sai, a mix of dark coffee, evaporated milk and Milo, pulled straight from the menu of a Malaysian kopitiam.

Additional reporting by Lucy Bell Bird, Jessica Rigg, Madeline Wallman and Ange Yang.