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.
1. The Flour Factory
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
2. Print Hall
As Perth people would know, there is literally nothing open on a Monday night *cue tumbleweeds*. This is a real shame, as it’s a great night to have a date. Which is why this place is so fantastic. Hallelujah! Monday nights are back on the dating menu! And what a delicious one it is too.
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
3. Trustee
Right in the heart of the business district, this French-style bistro with a quirky drinks list is a great after work date option, especially as the service is speedy. Sip on delicious cocktails in their new Angel’s Cut rum bar, before you whisk your date over to the table to dine from their delectable Á La Carte menu.
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
4. The Shorehouse
The Shorehouse is a perfect weekend date spot. Watch the sunset while you tantalise your taste buds with a homemade Cold-Drip Negroni. Then settle in on the deck amongst the fresh salty air, to take in the breath-taking pink and orange hues. (If that doesn’t dial up the romance, I don’t know what will.)
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
5. Laneway Lounge
This is an exciting date venue, a modern fusion of New Orleans and Old Paris, with so many options! You could take a trip back in time in their Live Dining Room, with some live music and one of the largest selections of Gin and Whiskeys in Australia. Book a Tuesday night for dinner & their open mic night, a Wednesday or Thursday for dinner & live jazz, or a Friday for dinner & a live acoustic set. There will be many a conversation starter in here.
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
6. Bobéche
This is another great Monday night date option, with a twist. Escape the city and descend down the staircase to this fun, carnival style speakeasy bar that offers an old world spirit with their spirits.
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
7. The Beach Club @ The Cott
This beautifully decorated beachside bar is a perfect weekend date venue. Your date will extend for hours, with the smorgasbord of people watching and delicious dining options on offer. And you could start or finish here – that’s the beauty of this day to night venue.
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
8. The Standard
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
9. Bluzou
This slick new vodka bar was inspired by fun times and good company and is a fun place to have a Friday night date.
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
10. The Raffles Hotel
This is a date venue with a bit of history, The Raffles was “the people’s local” for over 120 years. Now it’s a glorious heritage-listed art deco hotel and sophisticated riverside public house; all thanks to The Art Deco Society of Western Australia, who campaigned for a decade to save it from demolition. If you’re on a first date, this historical tit-bit could make a conversation icebreaker.
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
11. Lamont’s
This lunch and dinner date venue is a wine bar, come restaurant, come wine store. Did someone say wine? It offers an extensive full range of some of the best international and national wines – much of which are imported directly from European cellars, and all of which can be enjoyed in-store or purchased as take-aways. Great if you want the date to keep going into the night. There is a god!
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
12. Propeller
This novel all-day date venue option is located in an old refurbished bus garage, in the heart of North Freo. It has a friendly neighbourhood vibe, but even if you’re not a local, the staff will have you and your date feeling comfortable.
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
13. Bad Apples
Tucked neatly in the corner of this quaint part of Ardross, is a not so bad apple of a place – and a perfect weeknight date venue.
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
14. Asado
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
15. Kitsch Bar Asia
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
