The Perth dating scene has significantly changed in the last 10 years – for the better. There are so many new dating venues popping up, it’s hard to keep track.
So we thought we’d do a handy guide to the top 15 places to go on a date in Perth. Have a shave, get that bikini wax and get your dialling finger ready, because you’re about to get lucky in love in one of the best cities in the world.
This inner-city date venue spans 3 levels and its history is just as big. This 100-year-old flour mill has been transformed into a Spanish bodega cocktail bar, with an in-house bakery and butchery.
There’s plenty of seating and dining options to choose from here, depending on your mood. Share a Pizza on the rooftop bar, or enjoy a Charcuterie board or Gourmet Hot Dog with a side of Crispy Duck Fat Potatoes in the main dining space; and then finish on a sweet high, with a Coconut Pudding with Coconut Mousse and Passionfruit Gel. Or if you want to indulge, there’s always a Cheese Plate with lavosh and condiments. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to drinks too, as they have the largest gin and fortified wine collection in the city. You could come here three times in a row and have a different experience, one for the must go list.
16 QUEEN ST, PERTH, simon@theflourfactory.com
Feast on Garlic Prawns (It’s okay when you both do it), Pan Roasted Snapper, Potato Gnocchi or Charcoal Chicken, in the Main Bar. Or Spice it up in The Apple Daily Bar & Eating House, with some Salt & Pepper Soft Shell Crab, followed a delectable dessert selection of Kaffir Lime Custard with Lychee Salad and Watermelon Ice. It will get you salivating, which is great if you get a little nervous on dates.
BROOKFIELD PLACE, 125 ST GEORGE’S TCE, PERTH, +618 6323 3000
If you’ve still got room after mains, you have to try the Snickers Bar Peanut Butter Ice-cream. After this heavenly treat, you might be a shoe-in for another date or at least, a thank you kiss.
133 ST GEORGES TERRACE PERTH
Try a little champagne with their sumptuous selection of 3 raw plates, then after mains try the cheese & quince paste platter for dessert. Your date will sure to be impressed by the view, the deliciousness and the company.
278 MARine Parade, Swanbourne, +618 9286 4050
There’s loads of delicious Bits and Pieces, Charcuterie boards, Tapas and Share Plates to nibble on; and a heavenly array of desserts like White Chocolate Parfait with Poached Strawberries, Peach and Candied Pecans. Your senses will be stimulated and your date impressed with a fine evening of culture.
414A MURRAY ST, PERTH, +618 9321 2508
Get comfy on the long plush couches in this inner-city hideaway, as you share a rum cocktail from an ornate teapot with miss-matched cups and saucers. Nibble on the free popcorn, as you watch the bearded bar staff work their magic. Then, settle in with an order of cheeseburgers and fries, and when you’re in the mood for some sweet loving, try the New York cheesecake as a finisher. It will leave you wanting more…
131 ST GEORGE’S TCE, PERTH, +618 9226 5596
Share a cheese plate or a Woodfired Pizzas and watch the world go by; and if you want to sweeten things up, try the Cinnamon Donuts with Strawberry and Chocolate Sauce. All these delectable morsels can be washed down with a glass of French, or a bottle of Margaret River’s finest drop.
104 MARine Parade, COTTESLOE, +618 9383 1100
One of the downsides of Perth dating is going to a place for dinner at 8.30, only to be told the kitchen is closed. Well, this place is your answer to extending your date from a drink, to a bite to eat – as its kitchen is open until midnight, 7 days a week. Take in the views of the city at night, in the upstairs bar and settle in for dinner with the stars as your backdrop. The conversation will flow as much as the cocktails.
Their modern Australian/Asian fusion cuisine is mouth-watering. You can devour the Caramelised Squid with Green Mango, Mandarin Salad and Cuttlefish Cracker; or warm your heart with the Yellow Fish & Pineapple Curry, with Gooey Rice Balls and Coconut Sambal. Then when you’re done, you can wash it down with one of their tantalising cocktails. Like the Caribbean Blush: a mix of Chachaca, Aperol, Passion Fruit, Prosecco & Lemon Sherbet, and garnished with Pineapple Puree and Thyme;
28 ROE ST, NORTHBRIDGE, +618 9321 2508
Order some delicious tapas to share, before you impress your date with a delicious cocktail from their huge menu. And before you can say salted caramel infused vodka, your tantalising concoction will have already been shaken and poured. Their vodka martinis are particularly good – if you’re part of the espresso martini appreciation society – and of course, there’s beer on tap and other spirits if you want to go old school.
THE BASEMENT, 26 QUEEN ST, PERTH, +61481396162
Make mid-week post-work date plans at this riverside gem. Polish off a bottle of crisp Sem Sav, while you share a Surf Board plate of freshly shucked oysters, chilled prawns, fried squid, house smoked salmon condiments and crusty ciabatta. And if there are any conversation gaps, fill it with one of their classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Moscow Mule, or look to the stunning river views for inspiration.
70-72 CANNING BEACH RD, APPLECROSS, +618 9314 9000
Their seasonal tapas menu focuses on fresh WA produce, with simple, flavoursome and delicious dishes to choose from like, Blue Swimmer Crab with crushed pea and lemon enhanced EVOO, or Juniper Salted Quail with caramelised orange and fresh chevre. But before you sneak off to finish your takeaway wine, why not have a cheeky caramel Affagatto nightcap.
12 Station ST, COTTESLOE, +618 9385 0666
They offer a Levant and Mediterranean inspired menu, with innovative pizzas, like the egg meat lovers pizza with Turkish chilli, and tapas dishes like pork ribs and chargrilled octopus. Keep the creativity flowing with a coffee cream filled profiterole with hazelnut toffee, or a strawberry rose and white chocolate pavlova for dessert. The conversation from the food alone will keep one another entertained.
222 QUEEN VICTORIA ST, NORTH FREMANTLE, +618 9335 9366
All their dishes are designed to share, which is a great way to break the ice on a first date. Take a bite from their Wagyu sliders, Pork Belly and Duck Tacos; then share a spoon and get intimate, with a delectable Crème Brulee. Vegetarians and gluten banishers needn’t fear, as they easily accommodate menu changes. Always good to know when your date has intolerances; and after a date here, you won’t be one of them. How do you like them apples!
6/16 RISELEY ST, ARDROSS, +618 9321 2508
Enjoy a late night date towards the end of the working week, in this trendy Claremont venue. Its Argentinian street food and parrilla BBQ menu will take you to Sth America, in business class.
Share plates from the South-American streets, like Empanadas, Jerk Chicken and Choripans (chorizo hotdog), and indulge in the Dulce de Leche inspired desserts. Then wash these delicious morsels down with divine Argentine wine, and kick the week’s ass with creative cocktails like a Chai Martini or a Passionfruit Mojito. The flavours and conversation are sure to be stimulating.
34 ST Quentin Avenue, CLAREMONT, +618 6424 9877
This oriental delight was recently voted best venue for Romance & First Date by Dimmi in 2016 and offers delish seasonal cuisine from Bangkok, China, Malaysia and Singapore.
You can share many delights on offer, like Lamb Massaman, BBQ Szechuan Chicken, or Whole Market Fish With Chilli & Tomato. Then finish with divine desserts like a Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwich with a chocolate cookie and salted caramel. Or you’re up for an adventure; go on a Leederville Food Safari in a rickshaw from Ria Malay to Kitsch, and then Foam Coffee Bar, for a nightcap.
229 OXFORD ST, LEEDERVILLE, +618 9242 1229
5 reasons why singles are unlikely to find a partner this Valentine’s Day, and the…
For the first time in the technology generation without instant gratification of being able to…
It is interesting and challenging times we find ourselves in. For many people the constant…
Most people find the road to love hard enough in a perfect world, let alone…
He’s too touchy feely, she’s as cold as ice. Where is the octopus and ice…
Heading into Christmas and the New Year it is natural to reflect on the year that…