17 Superb Restaurants In Fremantle | Australian Traveller

A collection of the most delicious eateries to visit in the foodie-haven.

Fremantle has made a name for itself as a culinary destination, brimming with all sorts of restaurants from interesting Asian-fusion, to modern Italian trattorias continuing the strong legacy that Italian immigrants brought to the port city many years ago.

Heading to the port city? These are the best restaurants to visit during your stay.

1. La Cabana

Authentic Mexican using local Freo produce 100 metres from the white sand of South Beach. The folks at Freo favourite La Cabana really have nailed it. For added local flair, they even have a fresh produce exchange where locals can bring in supplies from their garden in exchange for ‘taco dollars’, which the head chef creates menu specials around. Try the Baja (fish) taco and the Tommy’s Margarita.

Address: 400 South Terrace, Fremantle

Opening hours: Wed & Thurs 4pm-10pm; Fri 12pm – 10pm; Sat 9am-12pm, 12.30pm – 10pm; Sun 9am-12pm, 12.30pm – 8pm

2. Tonic + Ginger

Arguably the best food in Fremantle. Tonic + Ginger , situated within The Old Synagogue, does Southeast Asian fusion in a remarkable way, with all dishes designed to be shared. We recommend the yellow curry made with local snapper, Asian herbs and coconut. And while you’re at it, order a cocktail from the unique and inventive list – it’s hard to go past the Yuzu Kiss, a combination of yuzu gin, mandarin, lime and honey.

friends dining at Tonic & Ginger, Fremantle — Share incredible Southeast Asian fare at Tonic & Ginger. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Address: 92 South Terrace, Fremantle

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 11.45am – 1.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm; Fri & Sat 11.45am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm; Sun 11.45am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm

3. Emily Taylor

Emily Taylor is another stand-out Fremantle restaurant that sees people coming from all over Perth to sample its distinctive Asian-fusion menu. For a light meal, get baos and beer or crunchy spiced bites and wine.

the restaurant exterior of Emily Taylor at The Warders Hotel, Fremantle — See for yourself why people keep coming back to Emily Taylor. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

For something substantial, the roast duck, curries and aromatic fish with fresh herbs. Either way, you’ll be booking a second visit to come back for more.

al fresco dining at Emily Taylor, Fremantle — Dine al fresco at Emily Taylor. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Address: 19-29 Henderson St, Fremantle

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11.30am – 10pm; Sat 9am – 11pm; Sun 9am – 10pm

4. Madelena’s Bar

Madelena’s Bar is ideal for those who love seafood and are passionate about wine. The second-story bar overlooks South Beach and the Indian Ocean, while the restaurant delivers – in the restaurant’s own words – a culinary experience, serving sustainable seafood with local produce.

Address: 406 South Terrace, South Fremantle

Opening hours: Wed 5pm – 10pm; Thurs 4pm – 10pm; Fri & Sat 12pm – 12am

5. La Lune

La Lune is a little taste of Paris right in the heart of East Fremantle.

the dining interior of La Lune, Fremantle — Nab a seat at La Lune. (Image: Photography by Jack Love)

Grab one of their small bistro tables outside on the sidewalk, and watch George Street go by while sipping rosé from Provence and tucking into their modern French menu. The Bavette de La Lune is a stand-out.

a long dining table at La Lune, Fremantle — The French-inspired venue is a chic spot for a tipple. (Image: Photography by Jack Love)

Address: 73 George Street, East Fremantle

Opening hours: Tues-Sat 11am – 10pm

6. Lions & Tigers

This vibrant restaurant, bar and art space in the heart of Fremantle’s historic west end dishes up creative Anglo-Indian plates designed for sharing. Plus, the restaurant is also dog-friendly and even sponsors a dog shelter – so by dining on their inventive and flavourful cuisine, you’re also doing good.

Address: 8 Bannister St, Fremantle

Opening hours: Tues-Fri 5pm-11pm; Sat 12pm – 11pm

7. Vin Populi

In the heart of Fremantle’s west end lies this little slice of Italy . Stepping into this sleek bistro feels like arriving at a Florentine eatery at aperitivo time.

the restaurant interior of Vin Populi, Fremantle — Step into this sleek Italian bistro at Vin Populi.

The blackboard menu features antipasti, pastas, secondis and sides, and the local-come-Italian wine list is expertly explained by the resident sommelier.

pouring a drink into a glass at Vin Populi — Vin Populi serves up excellent Italian fare. (Image: Vin Pop Media)

Address: 11 High Street, Fremantle

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 4pm – 10pm; Fri & Sat 12pm – 11pm; Sun 12pm – 10pm

8. Young George

With a seasonal menu curated by the locally renowned Melissa Palinkas, The Young George is a must-visit in the chic George Street precinct of East Fremantle. Hot tip: after dinner, head down to their underground wine cellar-come-bar for a post-meal tipple.

Address: 48 George Street, East Fremantle

Opening hours: Wed-Sat 11.30am – 12am; Sun 11.30am – 10pm

9. Salsa Rossa

A true classic, Salsa Rossa is an icon of East Fremantle serving hearty modern Italian. Only a handful of tables are huddled into the converted terrace home, where diners enjoy an intimate ambience created by the cosy fireplace and sounds of Roy Orbison.

Address: 77 George Street, East Fremantle

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 5pm – 9pm

10. Capri Restaurant

A true old-fashioned Italian dining experience – which is what you’d expect from a city that has benefitted so greatly from Italian immigration. This perennial, family-run place has a relaxed vibe, serving northern Italian cuisine – in true rustic Italian style – with each meal coming with a complimentary soup and bread starter

Address: 21 South Terrace, Fremantle

Opening hours: Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sun 12pm – 2pm, 5 – 9pm; Sat 5pm – 9pm

11. Nonna’s Pizzeria & Cucina

This South Fremantle, family-owned-and-operated restaurant specialises in its 48-hour sourdough pizza bases. They also offer a range of pastas, antipasti share plates and mains. Plus, in true Italian style, they have daily aperitivo between 4-6pm, where you get an Aperol or limoncello spritz with pizza bread and dips for $15.

a woman dining pasta with wine at Nonna’s Pizzeria & Cucina — Order authentic Italian pasta at Nonna’s Pizzeria & Cucina.

Address: 388 South Terrace, South Fremantle

Opening hours: Wed & Thurs 5pm – 9.30pm; Fri 5pm – 10pm; Sat 12pm – 10pm; Sun 12.30pm – 8.30pm

12. Manuka Woodfired Kitchen

Manuka Woodfired Kitchen is a Fremantle institution, that pairs locally sourced ingredients with the spirit of woodfire cooking. Everything from potatoes and broccoli to prawns and chicken is roasted over the fire – the chef’s tasting menu is an excellent way to try everything.

Address: 134 High St, Fremantle

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 5.30pm – 9pm; Sat 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 9pm

13. Shirley’s

From the team behind Manuka comes Shirley’s , a small restaurant bar serving share plates perfect for those who want a communal dining experience.

the colourful restaurant interior of Shirley's, Fremantle — Stop by Shirley’s if you love Manuka.

Expect dishes such as potato gnocchi with beurre nosiette, parmesan, and baby capers, and The fun fit-out is an added bonus – think eye-popping wallpaper covered in palms and tropical birds, to pink neon lights and bright velvet booths.

friends dining at Shirley's, Fremantle — Catch up over a glass or two at Shirley’s.

Address: Shop 6, 124 High Street Fremantle

Opening hours: Wed-Sat 5pm – 11pm

14. Ode to Sirens

Only in Fremantle will you find a vinyl record-themed restaurant , where the kitchen dishes up Greek-inspired fare while a DJ spins tunes in the middle of the room.

people dining in the dimly lit interior of Ode to Sirens — Ode to Sirens is a vinyl record-themed restaurant serving up Greek-inspired fare.

Walls are adorned with enlarged vintage record covers, and the tables and chairs are a garage sale jumble of nostalgia.

people dining at Ode to Sirens in Fremantle — You’ll find colourful paintings on the walls.

Address: 25 High St, Fremantle

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 4pm – 10pm; Fri & Sat 12pm – 12am; Sun 12pm – 10pm

15. Lola’s

Lola’s is a family-style pizza and wine bar on the cappuccino strip. Pizzas are huge, the drinks list pairs perfectly (the negronis are spectacular) plus is extremely kid-friendly, with staff offering high chairs, crayons and colouring for parents toting little ones.

pizzas and negronis on the table at Lola's, Fremantle — Pop by Lola’s for pizzas and negronis.

Address: 134 High St, Fremantle

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 5pm – 9pm; Fri-Sun 12pm – 9pm

16. Niew Ruin

Nieuw Ruin is a small bar and eatery filled with three tonnes of reclaimed jarrah, two charcoal grills and over 300 bottles on its wine wall. Head chef Blaze Young borrows from her grandmother’s recipe books to fill her menu with forgotten classics using super fresh, hyper-local produce. Enjoy delicious dishes such as dhu fish, kifler potato, beurre blanc, roe and Caramel basque cheesecake, and strawberry compote.

Address: 12 Norfolk Street, Fremantle

Opening hours: Wed & Thurs 5pm – 12am; Fri-Sun 12pm – 12am

17. Bread in Common

Originally built as a pharmaceutical warehouse in 1898, this building has been restored into what is now a mainstay of Fremantle’s culinary scene. As the name suggests, Bread in Common bake their own bread, as well as ferments, pickles and preserves using seasonal and local produce. Plus, the kitchen uses responsibly sourced seafood and farming practices to reduce environmental impact and create honest, ethical menus.

people dining at Bread In Common — Bread in Common is now a mainstay of Fremantle’s culinary scene. (Image: Jarrad Seng)

Address: 43 Pakenham Street, Fremantle

Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 11.30am – 10pm; Fri & Sat 11.30am – 11.30pm

Thirsty for a post-dinner tipple? Here are 12 of the best bars in Fremantle.

Discover the perfect road trip stopover between Perth and wine country.

Western Australia punches above its weight when it comes to coastal hot spots, but no other town or city has seen a tourism boom quite like Mandurah. Named Australia’s Top Tourism Town in 2023 , it’s the relaxed, beachside break you’ve been searching for. And it’s perfectly placed, sitting between Margaret River and Perth, as it’s just a 55-minute drive from Perth’s CBD. Which is why we’ve put together your ultimate Mandurah guide.

Aerial view of Mandurah. — Plan your perfect coastal escape to Australia’s Top Tourism Town of 2023.

The best things to do in Mandurah

Wetlands and rivers, ocean and inlet; Mandurah’s laid-back lifestyle centres around the aquatic. Its waterways cover twice the ground of Sydney Harbour – measuring some 134 square kilometres in total – and form a unique environment for oceanic and estuarine flora and fauna to thrive.

In the city’s estuary lives perhaps the region’s most famed inhabitants – a resident pod of 100 bottlenose dolphins – and the inlet’s silty bottom is home to the prized blue manna crab. Spot the former breaching and playing on an hour-long dolphin cruise through the channels, or try your hand at catching the latter by wading through the estuary’s shallows with a scoop net in hand.

While swimming at the circular Kwillena Gabi Pool, chance encounters with the local wildlife aren’t uncommon. The sheltered estuarine pool takes its name from the traditional custodians of the land, the Bindjareb people, and directly translates to ‘dolphin waters’. Jutting out of the eastern foreshore, it’s enclosed by a ring of net-free floating pontoons, which allow the dolphins to swim freely through the attraction.

If that’s a little too close for comfort, book a kayak tour with Down Under Discoveries . The dolphins have been known to cruise beside the paddle-powered crafts, which are a fun, family-friendly way to explore the city’s inner waterways.

Dolphins swimming in Mandurah. — Watch dolphins glide by as you explore Mandurah.

You don’t have to be on the water to appreciate the coastal city’s aquatic beauty, with 600 kilometres of cycleways and scenic walking trails traversing Mandurah’s estuary, inlet and coast.

Follow the 30-kilometre coastal trail and you’ll come face to face with one of Thomas Dambo’s headline-making ‘Giants of Mandurah sculptures, Santi Ikto, along the way. There are five sculptures around Mandurah in total, hidden among gum-filled reserves or sitting sentry over the water.

Head to the Mandurah Visitor Centre to pick up a map to pinpoint their exact location and download the traveller’s companion to learn more about the sights along the way. Or join a three-hour e-bike tour from The Bike Kiosk and you’ll stop by two of the giants – Santi Ikto and Yaburgurt Winjan Cirkelstone – as you sightsee central Mandurah.

The towering Santi Ikto, one of Thomas Dambo’s iconic Giants of Mandurah. — Meet Santi Ikto, one of the legendary Giants of Mandurah.

Where to eat in Mandurah

Mandurah’s culinary scene reflects its laid-back lifestyle, with large, honest meals and locally brewed beer. After visiting Lake Clifton’s 2000-year-old thrombolites, head to the peppermint and gum-shaded beer garden at Thorny Devil Brewery . Tuck into a platter of house-smoked meats and an ale pulled fresh from the tanks. Closer to town and right on the waterfront is Boundary Island Brewery ; here, woodfired pizza, pub-style seafood dishes and easy-drinking brews are centre stage.

On a Murray River Lunch Cruise , the focus is as much on the environment around you as the food you’re filling up on. Help yourself to the colourful salads and freshly cooked meats on the buffet as you meander up the winding, jarrah tree-lined waterway, stopping at the heritage Cooper’s Mill for a quick walking tour along the way.

Keep your eyes trained on the Creery Wetlands as you pass – you’ll spot much of the region’s migratory birdlife, and, as always, might see the playful bottlenose dolphins in the inlet.

The most memorable meals aren’t necessarily always the fanciest, and lunch aboard a self-skippered Mandurah BBQ Boat is a testament to that. All food and beverage prep is left up to you as you cruise through the canals, sausages and steaks sizzling away on the central hot plate.

If seafood is more your kind of fare, board the Wild Seafood Experience , where dolphin cruise meets long table lunch. Eight courses of crab, crayfish and scallops await.

A table filled with plates of crab, crayfish, and scallops. — Dine on the water with eight courses of ocean-fresh fare.

Where to stay in Mandurah

With so many waterways comes abundant waterside stays. Like the self-contained Seashells Mandurah on the shores of Comet Bay. The calm, oceanic outlook from the one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and villas is as close to Maldivian as Mandurah gets. Families especially enjoy the property, bouncing between the protected cove and the beachfront pool for endless hours of fun.

The Sebel Mandurah , just a hop, skip and jump from the Mandurah Ocean Marina, has a different outlook entirely, overlooking the estuary and lively foreshore on the other side. It’s also within walking distance of the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre , cinema and a swathe of waterfront bars and eateries.

But you can’t get any closer to the water than on a vessel from Mandurah Houseboats . You don’t need a skipper’s ticket to hire one, nor do you need comprehensive boating experience; just a full driver’s license and your undivided attention during the pre-departure tuition will do. Then you’re free to take to the estuaries and tributaries for a few nights of peaceful rest, surrounded by the very element that makes Mandurah so special.

A houseboat cruising in Mandurah along the river — Captain a houseboat to explore Mandurah at your own pace.

Plan your next WA getaway in Mandurah.

17 of the best restaurants in Fremantle