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Searching for Perth's Best Breakfast [Part II]: Western and Southern Suburbs
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Writer. Storyteller. Mother.
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Published June 5th 2014
A Comprehensive List of the Good, the Bad and the Delicious
Grandma always said breakfast was the most important meal of the day, but there is no reason why you should be limited to boring cereal and toast. Over the past few years I have visited over forty restaurants across the city in search for Perth's best breakfast.
My top recommendations have been picked out in bold and they have been sorted alphabetically.
Part II covers my search for the best breakfasts south of the river and in the western suburbs and Part 1 covers breakfasts north of the river and in the central/city suburbs.
Click on the titles to be taken to a full review of each restaurant.
WESTERN SUBURBS
Atomic Café – a busy, all day eatery in the Claremont quarter, Atomic is nice enough, but a bit forgettable. There is a decent breakfast menu with a range of options with the biggest 'extra's menu in Perth. The huge queue for takeaway coffee can slow things up a bit, but it's okay for a sustaining feed before you spend up big at the Quarter,
Open daily from 6.30am (7am on Sunday) at The Square, Claremont Quarter, 9 Bayview Terrace, Claremont
Boubar – tucked into Hampden Road, which stretches between the massive university and hospital campuses in Nedlands, Boubar is a tiny sliver of grown-up fun, dripping with cool, but still relaxed and friendly. The menu is as small as the room, with a strong focus on eggs and toast. On paper it's not breathtaking, and there's not a lot for carnivores, but it is good quality and the service was excellent.
Open daily from 6.30am at 31A Hampden Road, Nedlands.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/BoubarCafe
Brew-Ha – to be fair, Brew-Ha in the heart of Subiaco doesn't advertise itself as a foodie destination. It is however, a mecca for tea and coffee-lovers. The fact it doesn't have a kitchen obviously limits the type of food available, but what is offers is tasty, generous and locally sourced: think toasted sandwiches, muffins and croissants.
Open daily from 6.30am at 3-4, 162 Rokeby Road
Website: www.brew-ha.com.au/
Café Café – sitting just outside the busy Subiaco train station, this local institution is always busy and does a roaring trade in takeaway coffee and muffins for commuters and cyclists. It's a bit more hit and miss if you plan on dining in, with both delicious and lacklustre breakfasts whenever I have visited. The prices are noticeably lower than many other places in Subi.
Open daily from 6am at 29 Station Street, Subiaco.
Caffé Vero - is one of those places where looks can be deceiving. A simple enough exterior, in the middle ground of Rokeby Road, hides a spacious and comfy covered deck out the back. At first glance the menu seems simple, but there are some treasures lurking including the avocado and mixed herbs on toast with feta. It's also open when many of its surrounding compatriots are closed.
Open daily from 7.30am (weekdays) and 8am (weekends) at 137a Rokeby Road, Subiaco.
Website: www.caffevero.com.au/
TOP FIVE
Chapter 88 – I have visited a few times and I still can't decide whether I like the food or the service better. When you are given a chocolate and a smile along with your coffee it can't help but brighten your day, but the enormous servings and exciting menu is also a quick way into my heart. If you're in a hurry grab a muffin with your takeaway coffee, if you have time, try the Big Green. Recommended.
Open daily from 7am at 39/88 Broadway, Nedlands
Clancy's Fish Cafe – breakfast might not be the first thing you think of when you think of Clancy's but with that view and access to one of the best beaches in Perth, it's popular with swimmers, walkers, families and everyone else. The food is okay and there are some interesting options that aren't very breakfasty if you're bored with eggs and toast. Casual and fun.
Open daily from 7am at 195 Challenger Parade, City Beach
Website: www.clancysfishpub.com.au
Delish - at the north end of Floreat Forum is a popular eatery with what could be the world's biggest menu. Packed with grannies and families and cyclists and dog lovers, this cheery place feeds people all day, mainly because that's how long it takes to read the menu.
Open daily from 7.30am at Shop 79, Floreat Forum, Howtree Place, Floreat.
Website: www.delishfoodandcoffee.com.au/
Domain on Loch – located in a restored old house hidden in the middle of Nedlands this friendly café takes you back in time, but can slow down time as well. It's nice that a number of dishes are available in child-size, and there are some unusual items for grown-ups on the ever-changing menu. Try the breakfast pizza.
Open daily from 7am at corner Loch and Bedford St, Claremont.
Fortysevenkirwanstreet – in the middle of a (very lucky) residential street in Floreat, this is a place that love breakfast almost as much as I do. I know this because the breakfast menu is twice as long as the lunch menu, and half the lunch menu is from breakfast anyway. It's small and doesn't take bookings, but the staff are friendly and the food is delicious. The corn fritters were some of the best I have ever eaten.
Open daily from 7am at 47 Kirwan Street, Floreat.
Website: https://www.facebook.com
Little Pantry – a hidden gem in Shenton Park, this tiny little nook has an equally tiny al fresco area out the back, and a small but interesting menu on weekends. During the week you are limited to the prepared croissants, toasties, mueslies and muffins in the front display case but you're not going to be sad. The food is tasty and fresh and the staff willing to help.
Open daily from 7am (8am on Sunday) at 206 Nicholson Rd, Shenton Park
Website: www.thelittlepantry.com.au/
Moss Black – a hidey hole in the burbs, Moss Black is an unpretentious, perfectly nice little café. Don't bring a large group expecting to be fed, but if you're on your own or with a friend, it's is a quiet place to grab a bite. I always have the BLT and it's filling and good value. The menu is small but it is all made on site and they have a specialist baker to make the delicious breads.
Open weekdays from 7am at 1/24 Cardigan Terrace, Jolimont
Naked Fig – with a relaxed feel overlooking Swanbourne Beach (but no nudity), some curious decoration and some really unusual menu items, breakfast at the Fig can be lots of fun. There is a small dedicated kids menu plus they are at the ready with colouring in and pencils, but the kids' meals are a bit small if your child has a healthy appetite. Try the 'bucket' of coffee if you're in need of some serious caffeine.
Open daily from 7am at 278 Marine Pde, Swanbourne.
Website: www.thefig.com.au/Find/naked#
Scope Café – located at the south end of Floreat Forum, this little café is a favourite with locals. With an eclectic and casual space, crowd pleasers on the menu, the food is simple and tasty without being anything flashy. Bring your dog and grab one of the outside tables.
Open daily from 7am at Shop 73, the south end of Floreat Forum, Howtree Place, Floreat
Steve's Fine Wine and Food – Steve's is no longer the sticky floor, loud music, uni hang out it once was. Now it's styled to within an inch of its life and it looks and feels expensive. Unfortunately, this hasn't necessarily translated into anything particularly special, at least not at breakfast when I visited. The butter was top quality.
Open daily from 8am at 30 The Avenue, Nedlands
Website: www.steves.com.au/
The Subiaco Hotel – Although it tends to be crazy town on football days, and is still undergoing its major renovations, the breakfasts at the Subi are consistently good. Although the serving sizes are not massive, there are some interesting items on the menu, and you will be glad of options such as Moroccan brik pastry with duck egg and Turkish sausage or the Subi donuts with chocolate sauce. Can't wait to see the finished product.
Open daily from 7am at 365 Hay Street, Subiaco
Website: www.subiacohotel.com.au/
Three Five Three –despite some serious staffing issues on the day I visited, the food was still top notch and I am convinced this is the only place in Perth to offer a breakfast degustation. Open only on weekends for breakfast, and with the degustation only available on Sundays, your opportunities are limited. However, they have one of the biggest boozy breakfasts around, and you can match your alcohol to your dego if you have half a day to kill.
Open Saturdays and Sundays from 8am at 353 Cambridge St, Wembley
Website: www.threefivethree.com.au/home.html
Tiamo – Tiamo is convenient. It's bang smack in the middle of the UWA/SCGH district, it's there, it's open, and it's big enough that you never need to worry about finding a seat. Some of its dishes are hit and miss, such as the enormous pancakes and the teeny tiny poached eggs, and service can be patchy, but it's generally pretty good. Hang around for lunch – the pastas are pretty good.
Open daily from 7am at 57 Hampden Road, Nedlands
Website: www.tiamocafe.com.au/
Walk Café – located just off Rokeby Road in the heart of Subiaco, the Walk Café is popular and can be very busy on weekends. The menu is extensive and has some really interesting options for those who are sick of eggs on toast. You're not really encouraged to have a long leisurely breakfast if there are people waiting for a table, and service can slip when it's really busy, but there must be a reason it is so popular.
Open daily from 7.30am at 97 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
Website: www.thewalkcafe.com.au/menu.htm
Witches Cauldron – Located in the heart of Subiaco, the Witches Cauldron is a constant – it is always open, always popular and relatively consistent. Their serving sizes are enormous, you won't go home hungry and their free mint lemonade is worthy of a visit. The Cauldron is a bit pricey but as mentioned, the servings are generous. It won a Gold Plate for best breakfast in 2013, I wish the baked beans were house-made though.
Open daily from 7.30am at 89 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco
Website: witchs.com.au/
SOUTH OF THE RIVER
Canvas – if the phrase 'small but interesting' was ever going to be used, it should be in relation to Canvas. Hidden in the grounds of the Fremantle Arts Centre, this little gem has some fascinating dishes including one which was voted by Gourmet Traveller as one of Australia's best breakfasts. With the type of quirky outdoor courtyard where fairies might actually live, the menu is also 'small but interesting'.
Open daily from 8am at 1 Finnerty St, Fremantle
Website: www.canvasatfremantleartscentre.com/
Walter's River Café – Located close enough to Stirling Highway and Canning Highway to be accessible but far enough away to feel completely remote, Walter's River Café overlooks the River at Point Walter Reserve. The café is casual and relaxing and there is a kid-friendly playground immediately outside the window. Perfect. There is an interesting and reasonably priced menu, with options such as breakfast bruschetta and corn and zucchini fritters.
Open daily from 8am at Point Walter Reserve, Bicton.
Website: www.waltersrivercafe.com.au/
My top recommendations have been picked out in bold and they have been sorted alphabetically.
Part II covers my search for the best breakfasts south of the river and in the western suburbs and Part 1 covers breakfasts north of the river and in the central/city suburbs.
Click on the titles to be taken to a full review of each restaurant.
WESTERN SUBURBS
Atomic Café – a busy, all day eatery in the Claremont quarter, Atomic is nice enough, but a bit forgettable. There is a decent breakfast menu with a range of options with the biggest 'extra's menu in Perth. The huge queue for takeaway coffee can slow things up a bit, but it's okay for a sustaining feed before you spend up big at the Quarter,
Boubar – tucked into Hampden Road, which stretches between the massive university and hospital campuses in Nedlands, Boubar is a tiny sliver of grown-up fun, dripping with cool, but still relaxed and friendly. The menu is as small as the room, with a strong focus on eggs and toast. On paper it's not breathtaking, and there's not a lot for carnivores, but it is good quality and the service was excellent.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/BoubarCafe
Brew-Ha – to be fair, Brew-Ha in the heart of Subiaco doesn't advertise itself as a foodie destination. It is however, a mecca for tea and coffee-lovers. The fact it doesn't have a kitchen obviously limits the type of food available, but what is offers is tasty, generous and locally sourced: think toasted sandwiches, muffins and croissants.
Open daily from 6.30am at 3-4, 162 Rokeby Road
Website: www.brew-ha.com.au/
Café Café – sitting just outside the busy Subiaco train station, this local institution is always busy and does a roaring trade in takeaway coffee and muffins for commuters and cyclists. It's a bit more hit and miss if you plan on dining in, with both delicious and lacklustre breakfasts whenever I have visited. The prices are noticeably lower than many other places in Subi.
Open daily from 6am at 29 Station Street, Subiaco.
Caffé Vero - is one of those places where looks can be deceiving. A simple enough exterior, in the middle ground of Rokeby Road, hides a spacious and comfy covered deck out the back. At first glance the menu seems simple, but there are some treasures lurking including the avocado and mixed herbs on toast with feta. It's also open when many of its surrounding compatriots are closed.
Open daily from 7.30am (weekdays) and 8am (weekends) at 137a Rokeby Road, Subiaco.
Website: www.caffevero.com.au/
TOP FIVE
Chapter 88 – I have visited a few times and I still can't decide whether I like the food or the service better. When you are given a chocolate and a smile along with your coffee it can't help but brighten your day, but the enormous servings and exciting menu is also a quick way into my heart. If you're in a hurry grab a muffin with your takeaway coffee, if you have time, try the Big Green. Recommended.
Open daily from 7am at 39/88 Broadway, Nedlands
Clancy's Fish Cafe – breakfast might not be the first thing you think of when you think of Clancy's but with that view and access to one of the best beaches in Perth, it's popular with swimmers, walkers, families and everyone else. The food is okay and there are some interesting options that aren't very breakfasty if you're bored with eggs and toast. Casual and fun.
Open daily from 7am at 195 Challenger Parade, City Beach
Website: www.clancysfishpub.com.au
Delish - at the north end of Floreat Forum is a popular eatery with what could be the world's biggest menu. Packed with grannies and families and cyclists and dog lovers, this cheery place feeds people all day, mainly because that's how long it takes to read the menu.
Open daily from 7.30am at Shop 79, Floreat Forum, Howtree Place, Floreat.
Website: www.delishfoodandcoffee.com.au/
Domain on Loch – located in a restored old house hidden in the middle of Nedlands this friendly café takes you back in time, but can slow down time as well. It's nice that a number of dishes are available in child-size, and there are some unusual items for grown-ups on the ever-changing menu. Try the breakfast pizza.
Open daily from 7am at corner Loch and Bedford St, Claremont.
Fortysevenkirwanstreet – in the middle of a (very lucky) residential street in Floreat, this is a place that love breakfast almost as much as I do. I know this because the breakfast menu is twice as long as the lunch menu, and half the lunch menu is from breakfast anyway. It's small and doesn't take bookings, but the staff are friendly and the food is delicious. The corn fritters were some of the best I have ever eaten.
Open daily from 7am at 47 Kirwan Street, Floreat.
Website: https://www.facebook.com
Little Pantry – a hidden gem in Shenton Park, this tiny little nook has an equally tiny al fresco area out the back, and a small but interesting menu on weekends. During the week you are limited to the prepared croissants, toasties, mueslies and muffins in the front display case but you're not going to be sad. The food is tasty and fresh and the staff willing to help.
Open daily from 7am (8am on Sunday) at 206 Nicholson Rd, Shenton Park
Website: www.thelittlepantry.com.au/
Moss Black – a hidey hole in the burbs, Moss Black is an unpretentious, perfectly nice little café. Don't bring a large group expecting to be fed, but if you're on your own or with a friend, it's is a quiet place to grab a bite. I always have the BLT and it's filling and good value. The menu is small but it is all made on site and they have a specialist baker to make the delicious breads.
Open weekdays from 7am at 1/24 Cardigan Terrace, Jolimont
Naked Fig – with a relaxed feel overlooking Swanbourne Beach (but no nudity), some curious decoration and some really unusual menu items, breakfast at the Fig can be lots of fun. There is a small dedicated kids menu plus they are at the ready with colouring in and pencils, but the kids' meals are a bit small if your child has a healthy appetite. Try the 'bucket' of coffee if you're in need of some serious caffeine.
Open daily from 7am at 278 Marine Pde, Swanbourne.
Website: www.thefig.com.au/Find/naked#
Scope Café – located at the south end of Floreat Forum, this little café is a favourite with locals. With an eclectic and casual space, crowd pleasers on the menu, the food is simple and tasty without being anything flashy. Bring your dog and grab one of the outside tables.
Open daily from 7am at Shop 73, the south end of Floreat Forum, Howtree Place, Floreat
Steve's Fine Wine and Food – Steve's is no longer the sticky floor, loud music, uni hang out it once was. Now it's styled to within an inch of its life and it looks and feels expensive. Unfortunately, this hasn't necessarily translated into anything particularly special, at least not at breakfast when I visited. The butter was top quality.
Open daily from 8am at 30 The Avenue, Nedlands
Website: www.steves.com.au/
The Subiaco Hotel – Although it tends to be crazy town on football days, and is still undergoing its major renovations, the breakfasts at the Subi are consistently good. Although the serving sizes are not massive, there are some interesting items on the menu, and you will be glad of options such as Moroccan brik pastry with duck egg and Turkish sausage or the Subi donuts with chocolate sauce. Can't wait to see the finished product.
Open daily from 7am at 365 Hay Street, Subiaco
Website: www.subiacohotel.com.au/
Three Five Three –despite some serious staffing issues on the day I visited, the food was still top notch and I am convinced this is the only place in Perth to offer a breakfast degustation. Open only on weekends for breakfast, and with the degustation only available on Sundays, your opportunities are limited. However, they have one of the biggest boozy breakfasts around, and you can match your alcohol to your dego if you have half a day to kill.
Open Saturdays and Sundays from 8am at 353 Cambridge St, Wembley
Website: www.threefivethree.com.au/home.html
Tiamo – Tiamo is convenient. It's bang smack in the middle of the UWA/SCGH district, it's there, it's open, and it's big enough that you never need to worry about finding a seat. Some of its dishes are hit and miss, such as the enormous pancakes and the teeny tiny poached eggs, and service can be patchy, but it's generally pretty good. Hang around for lunch – the pastas are pretty good.
Open daily from 7am at 57 Hampden Road, Nedlands
Website: www.tiamocafe.com.au/
Walk Café – located just off Rokeby Road in the heart of Subiaco, the Walk Café is popular and can be very busy on weekends. The menu is extensive and has some really interesting options for those who are sick of eggs on toast. You're not really encouraged to have a long leisurely breakfast if there are people waiting for a table, and service can slip when it's really busy, but there must be a reason it is so popular.
Open daily from 7.30am at 97 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
Website: www.thewalkcafe.com.au/menu.htm
Witches Cauldron – Located in the heart of Subiaco, the Witches Cauldron is a constant – it is always open, always popular and relatively consistent. Their serving sizes are enormous, you won't go home hungry and their free mint lemonade is worthy of a visit. The Cauldron is a bit pricey but as mentioned, the servings are generous. It won a Gold Plate for best breakfast in 2013, I wish the baked beans were house-made though.
Open daily from 7.30am at 89 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco
Website: witchs.com.au/
SOUTH OF THE RIVER
Canvas – if the phrase 'small but interesting' was ever going to be used, it should be in relation to Canvas. Hidden in the grounds of the Fremantle Arts Centre, this little gem has some fascinating dishes including one which was voted by Gourmet Traveller as one of Australia's best breakfasts. With the type of quirky outdoor courtyard where fairies might actually live, the menu is also 'small but interesting'.
Open daily from 8am at 1 Finnerty St, Fremantle
Website: www.canvasatfremantleartscentre.com/
Walter's River Café – Located close enough to Stirling Highway and Canning Highway to be accessible but far enough away to feel completely remote, Walter's River Café overlooks the River at Point Walter Reserve. The café is casual and relaxing and there is a kid-friendly playground immediately outside the window. Perfect. There is an interesting and reasonably priced menu, with options such as breakfast bruschetta and corn and zucchini fritters.
Open daily from 8am at Point Walter Reserve, Bicton.
Website: www.waltersrivercafe.com.au/
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Why? Because breakfast is the most important meal of the day
Where: Perth's western and southern suburbs
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Your Comment
Don't tell me that the pancakes at Domain on Loch are meant to be for one; that's enough for three people! They look delicious though.
by Bryony Harrison (score: 4|11936) 1531 days ago
I've had beautiful breakfasts at Manic Café, Como; The Little Banksia, Kensington; Hoopla Espresso, Kensington; George Street Café and Patisserie, Kensington; Frisch and Barc, Como; Secret Garden Café, South Perth; The Mends Street Café, South Perth; Gusto Food South Perth; Halo Espresso South Perth; Dux Restaurant Café, Como; Millpoint Caffe Bookshop, South Perth. We are spoiled for choice in this neck of the woods!!
by Meldr (score: 0|2) 739 days ago
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