Western Australia cemented its status as a premier culinary destination in 2025, with a remarkable wave of new restaurant and bar openings sweeping across Perth. The year delivered everything from long-awaited international arrivals and nostalgic family chains to sophisticated beachfront pop-ups and cosy community pubs, ensuring there was a new venue for every taste and occasion.
The Hottest New Venues of 2025
The year kicked off with significant buzz, setting a high bar for dining experiences. Ilma Beach House in Naturaliste quickly became a coastal icon, praised for its stunning ocean vistas and Mediterranean-inspired menu. Deputy editor of STM, Jade Jurewicz, hailed it as having the best views of any restaurant in Western Australia.
In the Perth CBD, Light Years generated immense hype with its vibrant interiors and punchy Asian fusion share plates, instantly securing a spot on must-visit lists across the city. The first half of the year provided a steady stream of new options before activity surged with the winter dining boom.
A major nostalgia wave hit Joondalup with the Australian debut of US giant Chuck E. Cheese. The venue drew crowds of families and curious adults eager for arcade games, pizza, and a dose of childhood throwbacks.
Coastal Vibes and Community Hubs
As warmer weather returned, the focus shifted to sun, sand, and seaside socialising. Sorrento Beach Club in Hillarys delivered perfect sunset cocktails and an instant holiday atmosphere. Similarly, Bert's at City Beach established itself as the place to be, offering all-day coastal dining and shareable snacks against a backdrop of stunning ocean views.
South of the river, Baldivis welcomed The White Horse Tavern, a highly anticipated local pub offering classic pub feeds and family-friendly spaces that quickly gained community appeal. On Perth's northern fringe, Yanchep Beach Club opened just days ago, providing a relaxed new hotspot for locals and tourists to enjoy this summer.
The iconic Cottesloe Beach Hotel gained a new culinary star with Tigerfish, where Southeast Asian flavours met iconic beachfront views. The restaurant, known for its bold, crisp and spicy share plates, was booked out for weeks, becoming an instant cult favourite.
Looking Forward to 2026
The momentum shows no sign of slowing, with several high-profile launches already slated for the new year. Eggslut, the beloved Los Angeles restaurant chain, will open its first Australian venue at Crown Perth in February 2026.
Also arriving at Crown will be Side Piece Pizza & Tekka Bar, promising New York-style pizza for casual catch-ups or late-night meals. Meanwhile, Little Creatures at Elizabeth Quay is set to offer a mix of WA produce, seafood, and re-imagined classics from its famous Fremantle menu, alongside its full range of beers on tap.
From drive-thrus to destination dining, 2025 proved that Perth's food and drink scene is more dynamic and diverse than ever, offering exciting new experiences that have kept the state's foodies talking all year long.
