It’s vitamin D season, so slap some SPF on and join us at all the best outdoor dining spaces in Subiaco.
When you live in one of the sunniest places in the world (makes up for the isolated bit, doesn’t it?), it would be rude not to take advantage of the ability to dine under that cloudless blue sky of ours. We have plenty of options splashed around Subiaco and we’ve rounded up a list of faves.
Wholefood Circus
107 Nicholson Road, Shenton Park
Surrounded by fresh herbs and fruit trees, pull up a pew in the Torre family’s Circus’ back garden for something fresh and delicious. The all-year round brunch hot spot converts into ‘Circus Nights’ for a couple of evenings per week over summer. Whether you’re served by passionate owner Rachel or everyone’s charming South American friend Felipe, their house-made focaccia will be eaten with a smile.
Bagel O’s
115 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
Is there anything more satisfying than a bagel towering to tipping point with fillings? We think not, so eating said bagel while people-watching on the busiest section of Rokeby Road is high on our hit list. If you’re a roast beef and caramelised onion jam person or a cream cheese traditionalist, Bagel O’s has a mouth-watering selection of freshly baked bagels perfect for scoffing, streetside.
Bar Banter
Hiddlestone Lane, Subiaco
Warm up for a fun night out in Subi at this uber chic back lane bar, which is serving up some of the best cocktails in our sunshine state. We recommend the Green Olive Martini with crushed green olives or a summer cocktail special of Strawberry Tan Lines Slushy, which is a heady mix of tequila, coconut, strawberry, Licor 43 and lime. Aribba! Line your stomach with their year-round menu favourite of Korean fried chicken wings with Gochujang sauce.
Bar Amelie
118 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
If you have a little four-legged friend who would like to join in the fun of dining outdoors, head to Bar Amelie’s deck. Bring Fido along and your besties and prepare to make a night of it, exploring their tried and tested collection of small and large share plates (top tip: do not miss out on the roast potatoes and lamb rack). From Tuesday to Sunday, finish off your night in style with Bar Amelie’s take on classic desserts and a
liqueur affogato.
Accent Café
292 Hay Street, Subiaco
Whether you’re a people-watching pro or a peaceful princess, Accent Café has a secret garden space for everyone. From its quietish location set back from Hay Street, the front terrace provides a steady flow of traffic while you enjoy something from the all-day breakfast menu (choose the waffles, we beg you). The back garden is a delightful reprieve from the hustle and bustle, with hanging pot plants and dappled sunlight from the timber beams creating a lush setting. The Quality Business Awards Australia recently awarded Accent with the title of ‘Best Café in the City of Subiaco’ so pull up a chair amongst the flowers and see if they got it right.
Café Café
29 Station Street, Subiaco
The original Subiaco coffee shop where we once went for our first cups of foamy cappuccinos and flaky croissants, Café Café is an absolute institution. New management in August has revitalised the upstairs booths and menu, but when it’s warm outdoors, you can’t beat an avocado toast with poached eggs from the bustling outdoor area. For the sweet tooth fiends, the Canadian pancake stack doused in maple syrup will hit the spot.
Storehouse Subiaco
Level 9/9 Alvan Street, Subiaco
Order yourself a Butterfly Spritz and hit the balcony for Subiaco’s best views, hands down. Atop the Vibe Hotel, Storehouse is a rooftop bar and restaurant giving serious New York vibes as you look out at the sun setting to the west and the twinkling lights of Perth’s city skyline to the east. Go for breakfast before the heat gets too much (chilli scrambled eggs has our heart), bring your biggest sunglasses for lunch or toast the day at dinner or drinks in the evening.
The Paris end of Rokeby Road
333 to 361 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
We can’t name just one with this cluster of top-notch cafes, bars and restaurants that spill out onto the footpaths at the top end of Rokeby. Far be it for me to tell you how to live your life, but if you’re looking for an easy way to make your stomach rejoice from some of Subi’s most fabulous outdoor venues, here’s what I’d do. Start your day with some of Perth’s best coffee from Boucla or Café Melograno (hello, brilliant new seasonal menu), bravely endure the sizeable queue and get yourself a Jean-Claude Parisienne roll for lunch, watch the fading sun with a negroni from Juanita’s and finish the day with ravioli at Piccolo Trattoria or Greek share plates from Lady of Ro.
The Little Pantry
206 Nicholson Road, Subiaco
Another stalwart of Subiaco’s daytime dining scene, The Little Pantry boasts a serene, hidden garden space at its rear. An undercover outdoor area is great for summer rain, but there’s nothing like perching at one of the big communal tables beneath the wall mural while you enjoy brunch (bircher muesli or pumpkin bruschetta goes down a treat post-ocean swim). It’s recently reopened with new owners and their renowned perfect cups of coffee have been well received by locals.
Other notable mentions
Mistelle – sensational French classics with a chic Champagne terrace for balmy evenings.
The Unicorn Bar – popular local bar with tables out the front on Nicholson Road to enjoy your drinks and people watch.
Delisio – everybody’s favourite spot for an authentic pizza and bowl of pasta – the tables out
the front fill up fast.
