Eat & drink
IL LIDO Cottesloe’s seaside cantina and wine bar (illido.com.au) pumps from breakfast until late but to witness it at its best, go at noon and snag an outdoor table. The towering Norfolk Island pines, views of the ocean and red gingham tablecloths equal relaxed lunching of the highest order. Roberto Zampogna’s cooking is as punchy as it is accessible. The clams strewn with shallots and prosciutto lardons is a reliable go-to while the daily arancini comes with (optional) matched wine.
MILLBROOK WINERY An hour from the CBD by car, this model cellar-door restaurant (millbrook.wine) is far enough away to feel like an escape yet close enough to be in daytrip territory. The picturesque tree line and lake make excellent social media fodder but the focus quickly shifts to what’s on your plate: a reflection of the heirloom produce picked that morning from Millbrook’s sprawling organic kitchen garden.
WILDFLOWER Perched atop the historic State Buildings, Wildflower (wildflowerperth.com) is a fitting showpiece for one of Australia’s great hotels, Como The Treasury. The restaurant celebrates Western Australia, from the focus on native ingredients – such as blue swimmer crab paired with finger lime and a eucalyptus granita – to a menu inspired by the six seasons of the Indigenous Nyoongar calendar.
MANDOON ESTATE It’s home to some of the Swan Valley’s oldest vines but this manicured, postcard-perfect property has no intention of living in the past. Comprising
a cellar door, fine-dining restaurant, brewpub and new boutique hotel, Mandoon Estate (mandoonestate.com.au) is a modern operation bringing vim to Western Australia’s oldest wine region.
BREAD IN COMMON A noisy, mess-hall-style dining room inside a converted warehouse. Woodfired ovens named Hansel and Gretel. This bakery-restaurant (breadincommon.com.au) distils Fremantle’s charming boho spirit into a versatile and user-friendly package. Executive chef Scott Brannigan transforms peak ingredients into satisfying share plates, such as sweet corn enlivened with avocado and jalapeño. The dishes partner nicely with the famous house-baked breads and the thoughtful drinks list.