Winter is officially here. It’s time to rug up and make your way to one of Perth’s snuggest eateries for a meal to warm the soul.
This winter, Perth’s favourite restaurants are turning up the heat and dishing out seasonal must-eats such as slow-braised beef cheeks, roasted winter vegetables and rich, drool-worthy desserts designed to inspire warmth.
Here are nine of Perth's best eateries delivering big cosy vibes this winter – rain, hail or shine.
Core Cider
Escape to the hills this winter. Core Cider is an authentic farm venue that brings people together for farm-to-table food, artisan cider and sweeping orchard views. Book a table in the casual Orchard Bistro or enjoy a cider tasting in the cosy Harvest Room for 180-degree views of the orchard and surrounding forest. When it comes to the winter menu, think confit duck leg, miso-glazed aubergine followed by fresh rhubarb and apple crumble. Wash it all down with a mulled cider to warm up from the inside out. After lunch, discover where the magic happens in The Old Apple Shed. Core Cider is only 35 minutes from Perth – the perfect destination for a long lunch this winter.
Fenians Irish Pub
What better place for a warming winter meal than at Perth’s original Irish pub? Established in 1986, Fenians has been recently renovated but its authentic charm remains. Cosy up in one of the original booths for traditional, warming Irish food with a modern twist. Enjoy bangers and mash with Irish pork sausages or grab a burger from the extensive burger list. We can’t go past the traditional beef and Guinness pie. Oh, and did we mention the curry fries? Shoestring fries meet curry sauce and melted cheese. Say no more.
Funk Cider 2.0
Get funky this winter at funk 2.0. As hinted in the name, this is the second Funk Cider venue in the Swan Valley. The brothers behind Caversham’s Funk Cider House have created a venue with cosy indoor seating and WA’s longest beer tap serving up a healthy rotation of ciders, beers and experimental flavours. funk 2.0 kitchen boasts a seasonal Australian menu designed to pair perfectly with Funk’s creative beverages. This winter, expect hearty plates of cauliflower fried in cider batter or slow-braised lamb shoulder with cider jus. The majority of these funky dishes are gluten-free with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options available. Definitely a winner this winter.
Gramercy Bar & Kitchen
Family owned and operated Gramercy Bar & Kitchen is known for its classic cocktails and fine food in the Perth CBD. Located near Central Park, Gramercy Bar & Kitchen has taken a historic location and planted a small bar with a relaxed, informal vibe where you can enjoy anything from a speedy bite to eat to a gourmet dinner. Cosy up in a comfy booth and enjoy a locally crafted beer or a glass of vino from the ever-changing wine list, showcasing the best in local wines. On Wednesdays, whisky becomes the hero with a $10 masterclass and tastings.
Indian Ocean Brewing Co at The Marina, Mindarie
Indian Ocean Brewing Co. is a microbrewery, bar and restaurant with sweeping views of The Marina, Mindarie. ‘The Indi’ offers an extensive menu with fresh, seasonal share plates and all the favourite classics for when you’re craving the perfect pub feed this winter. Hop in for Hoppy Hour from 5pm to 6pm on weekdays and watch the early sunset in the winter sky while enjoying award-winning froths at Indian Ocean Brewing Co.
Parkerville Tavern
The Parkerville Tavern & Heritage Venue is a cosy, 120-year-old family pub and restaurant in the heart of the Perth Hills. Steeped in history, the bustling ‘Parky’ is a local favourite among friends, couples and families. This winter, indulge in a famous ‘parky pizza’ from the outdoor pizza oven (weather permitting) or enjoy a classic chicken parmy or steak sandwich in the cosy dining room or lounge area.
Millbrook Winery
Surrounded by Jarrah forests and undulating land, Millbrook Winery is a small batch winery and acclaimed restaurant in the historic town of Jarrahdale. This winter, enjoy a creatively designed seasonal menu using fresh ingredients from the eclectic, 90-year-old Millbrook orchard and heirloom vegetable garden. Think roasted winter vegetables and beef rump cap and cabernet poached pear, chocolate cake with mascarpone. With a diverse art collection, picturesque views and the warmth of an open fireplace, the Millbrook tasting room is the perfect place to relax before or after a meal.
The Henley Brook
Known to locals as ‘The Hen’, The Henley Brook is nestled in a three-acre paddock with a massive beer garden. Inside the restaurant, pull up a table nearby the double-sided fireplace. When it comes to food, The Hen is serving up some of the best pub grub created using locally grown fruit and vegetables which showcase the best of the Swan Valley. The extensive wine list is just as impressive as the food menu, making the most of WA’s oldest vines and championing the wines of the region.
The Left Bank
Located on the edge of the Swan River, The Left Bank is one of the most popular riverside pubs in Fremantle. Day or night, this iconic pub boasts stunning river views and a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Head inside and find a cosy corner to settle in and enjoy a warming pub-style menu of fresh seafood, pizzas and classic pub favourites this winter. Our pick? Lamb ragu with a warming sticky date pudding to finish.
But wait, there’s more. If you’re heading south on a winter road trip or simply craving a delicious pie or pastry, there’s no going past Miami Bakehouse and Pinjarra Bakery.
Miami Bakehouse
Miami Bakehouse is a legendary leader in creating healthy, unique and delicious food to eat on the go. Miami Bakehouse is known for its enormous range of mouth-watering gourmet pies, specialty breads and cakes – all handmade using locally sourced seasonal produce. This winter, warm up with the famous garlic prawn pie or traditional sausage roll, then treat yourself to a vanilla slice and hot barista coffee.
Pinjarra Bakery
With four locations across WA (Pinjarra, Waroona, Maddington and Port Kennedy), it’s easier than ever to warm up with an iconic award-winning pie from Pinjarra Bakery. Whether you prefer the traditional or are game to try a tasty new creation (think: BBQ beef brisket with campfire beans) there’s something to warm the hearts and hands of every pie lover.
Get snug with Destination Perth’s best winter warming eats this winter.