While we’re often happy to dive into a big bowl of something cheap and cheerful, there’s a time and place for a meal that’s a little more refined – perhaps even a meal that’s involved tweezers and some foam or an emulsion. We’ve rounded up the best of Perth’s bougiest degustations, for when your pockets are deep and your palate fancy.
The one, the only! We couldn’t mention Perth’s degustations without mentioning the wickedly talented team at Wildflower. Perched atop the appropriately bougie State Buildings, the fine dining powerhouse has both four and six-course tasting menus, both of which journey through the six Noongar seasons and fittingly utilise uniquely Western Australian ingredients.
State Buildings, 1 Cathedral Avenue, Perth
Considered, delicate and genre spanning, ANY Dining – one of the CBD’s newest eateries – is bringing a fine dining flavour to Queen Street. Step out of the hustle and bustle and into their tranquil dining room: a sanctum of calm. At the Chef’s Counter, you’ll be able to see your five-course tasting menu prepared up close and personally.
26 Queen Street, Perth
If you’re venturing outside the city for your fine dining, Vasse Felix is a non-negotiable. The much-lauded Margaret River winery boasts an equally much-lauded restaurant that is regularly named as one of Australia’s best. Reflecting its position both geographically and in reputation amongst Australia’s best producers, the restrained menu is steadfastly dedicated to seasonality.
4357 Caves Road, Wilyabrup
Fleur’s sumptuous dining room is the perfect setting for their equally sumptuous tasting menu. 2022 saw the fine dining branch of The Royal shift its focus towards France – with classic techniques utilised alongside a healthy dose of Australian irreverence and willingness to push boundaries.
531 Wellington Street, Perth
After closing shop at Shenton Park’s iconic Petite Mort, chef Todd Stuart has opened a new venture in Highgate, Twenty Seats. As its name would suggest, the restaurant only hosts 20 diners each night for its meticulous 10-course tasting menu, allowing for a phenomenal level of attentiveness from the entire team.
301 Lord Street, Highgate
When we think of bougie dining, we can’t help but think of Heritage. With its classic, bistro-inspired good looks and old-world confidence, it’s exactly the place to sit back and let the experts take charge. And when you’re treated to secret, off-menu delights? Well, that’s even better.
Brookfield Place, 131 St Georges Terrace, Perth
There’s something primal about meat and fire coming together, but Nextdoor’s scrupulous and refined approach is hard to deny – especially if you visit on a Friday night for their “full sensory experience” Chef’s Table. Fittingly named, the restaurant is an extension of the offerings at the neighbouring Olsen Butcher, a third-generation, family-run premium butcher.
79 Angelo Street, South Perth
Approaching Balthazar’s mysterious, practically medieval door is just the type of anticipation-building we hope for when it comes to an opulent dining experience. Balthazar manages to strike the balance between thoughtful precision and laissez-faire decadence, with a tasting menu that showcases the best of WA produce.
6 The Esplanade, Perth
Andly Private Kitchen may be one of West Leederville’s best-kept secrets. Although Andly has been open since 2015, it’s seldom talked about in the same buzzy way that many other (often less-deserving) eateries do. The refined, always-changing degustation menu traverses through the Chinese provinces, utilising the best WA produce on offer.
50 Oxford Close, West Leederville
Tucked away down an East Perth side street, this Japanese eatery is one of 2021’s surprise hits, earning legions of fans with their traditional edomae-style sushi and 16-course omakase. As well as premium A5 wagyu and bluefin tuna, Egawa An is the only place in Perth where you can test your bravery and eat fugu.
1B/197 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth
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Header image: Wildflower