The culinary scene in Western Australia has reached new heights in 2025, with five exceptional eateries scoring top marks in STM's annual restaurant reviews. These venues, spanning from the pristine south coast to the heart of Perth and Fremantle, have been recognised not just for their stunning settings, but for delivering outstanding food and service that matches their surroundings.
The Perfect Score Club: Five Venues That Excelled
In a year of fierce competition, five restaurants managed to secure an impressive score of 18 out of 20 from The West Australian's team of expert reviewers. The list showcases the diversity of WA's dining landscape, featuring beachside havens, suburban gems, and sophisticated city bars.
Ilma Beach House in Bunker Bay set a high bar early in the year. Reviewer Jade Jurewicz, visiting in February, was prepared to be critical of a venue potentially relying on its outlook. However, she conceded it might boast the best view of any restaurant in WA. More importantly, the modern Australian, Mediterranean-influenced menu was excellent across the board. Standout dishes included a nostalgic prawn cocktail, charred octopus with tomato oil, and a decadent braised lamb with smokey baba ghanoush.
In Subiaco, The Embassy by Devlin’s captivated Simone Grogan with its Art Deco charm and a tree growing in the middle of the dining room. The polished service and modern Australian menu featured highlights like Shark Bay scallops with a golden thyme crumb and a rich Willow Bend lamb with black garlic. The experience was sealed when owner Simon Devlin opened a bottle of champagne with a sabre at a nearby table.
From Suburban Surprise to City Sensation
Kate Emery revisited Nogi Lane in Dianella in June, four years after its 2021 opening. What began as a remarkable cafe beside a bottle shop had evolved into a slick brunch outfit with table service. Emery hailed the miso mushrooms on toast with hummus, feta, and a poached egg as "a triumph... Tremendous. No notes", while her husband was equally evangelical about the eggs Florentine.
The Perth CBD welcomed a new Asian diner, Light Years, which left a lasting impression on Jade Jurewicz. A dish of cumin lamb pancakes haunted her dreams until a November revisit confirmed its brilliance. The theatre of assembling the seared lamb, fermented chilli, and goddess sauce in thin pancakes earned a "10/10, no notes" verdict. Other stars included a tuna tartare with "wasabicado" and an expert twice-cooked crispy skin chicken.
Fremantle's Natural Wine Gem
In South Fremantle, Madalena’s Bar won over Katherine Fleming with its combination of natural wine expertise and outstanding food. A November lunch featured flawless Albany rock oysters, a delicate Coral Bay pink snapper crudo, and a blue tuna dish Fleming branded "nigh on a perfect dish". The service elevated the experience further, with staff offering complimentary dessert wine for a delay so slight Fleming hadn't even noticed it.
These top-scoring venues were joined by a strong field of honourable mentions, each scoring a 17 out of 20. This list included Fremantle's Elske, Subiaco's Intuition Wine & Kitchen and Cantina di Lulu La Delizia, Scarborough's Bodega and La Capannina, Mt Lawley's Local & Aesthetic, Leederville's Seoul Hoppers, Perth's Source Foods, and Fremantle's Jetty Bar & Eats.
The 2025 reviews highlight a consistent trend: WA diners no longer have to choose between a beautiful location and exceptional food. The state's best restaurants are delivering on all fronts, creating memorable experiences that start with the view and finish with flawless execution on the plate.
