City of South Perth cafes and restaurants

Journalist's background: It used to be that the South Perth area only had a few quality restos to choose from – Coco’s, Red Cabbage, Incontro – but over the past three years it has exploded with so many more cafes/restos/bars to choose from. What do you think has caused this change? Has it had anything to do with the council?

Please attribute the following quotes to City of South Perth Mayor Sue Doherty.
We are incredibly lucky to have such a broad range of businesses and in particular great cafes, bars and restaurants in the City, placing South Perth among Perth’s top urban destinations for retail, hospitality and tourism.

The City works to create a thriving environment for all local businesses. Our Economic Development Strategy outlines our commitment to facilitate economic growth and investment, and build more sustainable, liveable and prosperous local communities within our City.

I understand both Angelo and Preston streets are two of the main foodie hubs in the area. How is this the case?
These are both such unique areas. They have so much character, a really distinct village feel and atmosphere. I think that’s what people and indeed business owners love about these areas.

On Angelo Street you’ll find plenty of cafes and bars, coffee shops and gourmet food stores, while Preston Street in Como has a history of great eating places, however more recently has come into its own with Malaysian restaurants, cool cafés, gourmet gelato shops and small bars moving in. People have really embraced these precincts and I think they’ll only continue to grow.

Can you tell me a bit about Waterford Plaza? I hear Varsity has just moved in and also that it is chock full of great Asian restaurants and cafes. What do you think the main reasons are behind this centre’s success?
Waterford Plaza in Karawara is a favourite with students, particularly Curtin University students. I think the success of it as a food hub comes down to its really diverse and affordable range of great food options. There are over 27 places to eat and drink including Chinese, Korean and Thai restaurants. From Nomstar Ramen, a noodle house that was recently rated as one of the best ramen restaurants in Australia, to the newly opened Varsity Bar that serves up American-style burgers, there’s no shortage of choice.

Is there anything on the horizon (food and beverage-wise) that I need know about?
South Perth foreshore is currently home to Embargo Container Bar just near the Coode Street jetty. It will be there until Sunday 18 December. It’s a family-friendly venue, with food vans, great live entertainment and a licensed bar. It’s a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy the sunshine and in the evening spectacular river views and the City lights.

South Perth StrEATS will return to South Perth foreshore near Ellam Street early next year. Starting 4 January and running through to 30 April, every evening from 5-8pm there will be a host of food vans serving up a delicious selection of foods from around the world. It’s a great opportunity to get outdoors with family and friends, and enjoy the foreshore over dinner.

On Sunday March 26 next year our annual Angelo Street Marketplace will feature over 100 stalls including more than 20 food vendors serving an array of cuisines including Thai, Indian, American, Brazilian, French, Mexican, Italian, Middle Eastern and more. Cafes, especially, seem to dominate the area, as opposed to full-blown restaurants.

Why do you feel this is?
As a whole, Perth’s food and café scene has boomed in recent times and we’re experiencing that in our City too with a host of new cafes and coffee shops popping up. There’s been a real trend towards café dining and coffee culture. I think people enjoy the relaxed nature of it. The interesting locations of the cafes and how they have become regular places for locals has come as a surprise.

Each bring with them their own uniqueness and in the main focus on food to accompany the coffee.

Do you feel South Perth/Como area has its own identity? If so, how would you describe it in terms of eating out/drinking out? 

Yes, it is all about scale, uniqueness and accessibility. Those elements generate places that create a sense of community and belonging. In terms of its food scene, South Perth has a mix of high-end restaurants and casual cafes that cater to both the business cliental and residents who work and live there. South Perth has some very special, established restaurants that take full advantage of their riverfront location, boasting some of the most spectacular views in Perth. In contrast, Mends Street and Angelo Street offer a great mix of casual restaurants, cafes and pubs and I think people like the relaxed nature of these type of venues.

Como is distinct and definitely has its own character, in particular the Preston Street precinct which has become a real food hub with its mix of small boutique-style specialty coffee shops, cafes and restaurants. 

It has a very cool, urban atmosphere. The art deco Cygnet Theatre and public street art on a number of the buildings sets the tone for what is very vibrant and attractive area.

In addition, throughout the suburbs of Manning, Kensington, Karawara and Salter Point there is a scattering of casual cafes which have become popular with locals and visitors alike. The quality of the food on offer is the great attractor.

How do you see the area improving in terms of food and beverage offerings over the next three years?
I think the City’s food and beverage scene will continue to flourish and further establish itself as a thriving destination for discerning foodies. There’s definitely a demand for quality food, cafes, restaurants and bars in the City and I can only see that demand increasing as the City’s population continues to grow.