My Top 5 Perth Eats have taken a back seat the last year or so as I juggled life as a mum to an active junior burger (aka almost 2yo toddler), small business owner and food blogger.
Since my last Top 5 Perth Eats, I’ve been working with my team of writers to make sure foodie cravings feature what I love about Perth. Now that everything is on track here’s my Top 5 Perth Eats for 2016 to date.
Top Perth Eats #1 NAO Japanese - the best ramen in Perth
I find I often get tempted to try the hottest new Perth restaurant in the little “me time” I have rather than revisiting my old favourites. So I was really glad that I was dissuaded by the rain to trek too far on Saturday as my friend Mahara and I ended up revisting my favourite Perth restaurant for ramen.
I used to walk 15 minutes each way during my 1-hour work lunch break just to have NAO’s ramen. The walk and rushed lunch was completely worth it and after reacquainting with NAO’s ramen over the weekend I’d do it daily if I was working in the city again!
15 minutes before NAO’s doors opened for lunch we took a seat outside with another group that had just arrived. Our names were taken, menus were provided then our orders were taken before we were even seated. We were seated at 12pm on the dot and our massive bowls of ramens arrived a few minutes after.
I had my usual miso flavoured spinach ramen with roast pork. I went for the large serving and extra pork…
It was $40 including drinks and we rolled out in less than 20 minutes. Now that’s what I call a good lunch! Although probably not the best thing to do before dress shopping!
Top Perth Eats #2 SPROLO – the best pandan waffles in Perth
OMG I have finally found a toddler friendly Perth café with innovative menu items and a cool atmosphere.
Over the last two years when out and about with my daughter junior burger, I have had a fair share of average coffee at super kiddy cafes or amazing coffee at not so kid friendly Perth cafes. So I was over the moon when dining with my mummy friend & Perth blogger The Breakfast Confidential at Sprolo (check out her Sprolo review here).
The pandan waffles were just out of this world, the waffles were soft and light on the inside, slightly firmer on the outside. The pandan waffles were served with coconut crumble, berry compote, ice cream and brandy snaps when we went together. At my most recent Sprolo visit, the pandan waffles were served with a berry semifreddo which was even better. I love it when fusion is done right!
Coffee was great (they roast their own coffee) and there was a kid corner for junior burger to play but of course she wanted to explore Sprolo’s kitchen and everywhere she wasn’t supposed to go. The staff were friendly and careful. Best of all I felt comfortable that the diners would be understanding if my junior burger happen to make some noise as there was a kid corner which “welcomes kids”.
Top Perth Eats #3 SHADOW WINE BAR – the crab spaghettini is as good as they say
We celebrated our 6-year wedding anniversary at Shadow Wine Bar & Dining Room in January and loved this crab spaghettini - surprisingly filling for the small portion.
We walked in at 8pm without a reservation on a Saturday night, enjoyed great wines at the bar before scoring a table by the window. Amazing service, food and atmosphere - would recommend to anyone!
Top Perth Eats #4 LONG CHIM – go the spicy Thai fish cakes
Long Chim is pricey but for the atmosphere and authentic Thai food it is worth it for a special occasion. I had my first experience of Long Chim at my friend and gluten free blogger Chomp Chomp’s 40th Birthday but didn’t get there in time to eat - joys of working in the hospitality industry. Impressed by the cocktail and service, I couldn’t wait to get back there. A week later, my brother and I were looking for dinner options after the Taste Great Southern launch – not that we needed it but more so because I like to make the most out of my nights out.
The fish cakes (9 pieces for $22) was our favourite, it had a really nice cucumber dressing and pickled onion…
The massaman beef curry, chinese broccoli with crunchy pork, crab fried rice and deep fried pork were also super tasty.
If you’re heading here, make sure you ask for Host A’s recommendations – she’s the best. Everything A recommended we loved.
Top Perth Eats #5 CIRCA – great brunch menu
I love it when I’m out for brunch and there’s actually a brunch menu that’s not just breakfast rolled over to brunch.
Circa has been around for ages but I’ve never been in as it’s not kid friendly – there’s no high chairs and there’s stairs which makes it hard to get in with a pram. So it was great that my soon to be sister-in-law blogger little miss bacon had her birthday there as Circa has a great brunch menu.
I absolutely loved Circa’s croquettes with tomato puree, mozzarella, poached eggs and rocket…
The portion sizes were great, prices were decent with $22 being the most expensive menu item, coffee was good and the service was friendly. I’d def be heading to Circa more often but just without junior burger.
