Where To Eat and Drink in Perth CBD: A Restaurateur's Guide

Over the past decade, Emma Ferguson and her partner, Dan Morris (above), have become Perth hospitality fixtures. First, steering southern Italian spot No Mafia in Northbridge, then the sophisticated Balthazar in the CBD and, most recently, their love letter to Italy, Vin Populi in Fremantle. Across all of these venues, Ferguson’s philosophy is, “What are we drinking? Then, what are we going to eat with it?” These are some of her favourite spots in Perth CBD.

Petition for champagne and oysters

“I like to start an evening at this bar in the historic State Buildings. I tend to order champagne from a grower-producer if there’s one on the list but I also like Charles Heidsieck. If they have Albany rock oysters, that’s where I’m going – they’re little and sweet and yummy. I always sit at the bar.”

Lalla Rookh Bar & Eating House for interesting wine

“This wine-focused pub is my cheeky break spot if I get half an hour between meetings. It’s great for an Italian snack, maybe a pizza, and a glass of wine. Last time I was there they were pouring a Benjamin Leroux premier cru chardonnay from Burgundy. They’re always opening something fresh and exciting.”

Long Chim for fish curry

“This David Thompson restaurant has a funky, cool vibe and fun waiters. The lamb skewers are a great place to start and I recommend their sour orange fish curry. The wine list has some lovely aromatic whites, which go really well with spicy flavours. I’d suggest a German riesling or, if they have it, something from the Swan Valley winery Chouette, perhaps a chenin or rosé.”

Howard’s Groove for coffee

“I visit this café three or four times a week – it’s my favourite in the city. I love coffee and with two children under three, I need it. I’m an Italian purist: before 11, I’ll have a little bit of milk, maybe even a macchiato; if it’s after 11, it’s always an espresso. They use Twin Peaks Coffee Roasters beans and play awesome tunes.”

Andaluz Bar & Tapas for tapas and wine

“When I last popped into this cool bar, I had a glass of Fefiñanes albariño from Bodegas del Palacio. It’s my favourite albariño Foxtrot Unicorn out of Spain – clean and minerally but with a beautiful texture. The tapas changes with the season but might include spicy peppers or jamón with manchego cheese. It’s classic Spanish flavours in a gritty, raw space.”

Foxtrot Unicorn for a Negroni

“For me, there’s no party without Campari and I like to pop into this speakeasy-style bar for a Negroni. The owner is a great bartender and they also do interesting jaffles. It’s dark, moody and decorated with old prints and taxidermy – a great retreat if you’ve had a tough day or if it’s hot outside and you want a little bit of AC.”