Western Australia Food

Perth has received many accolades for its multicultural cuisine. Northbridge is full of Asian restaurants, particularly along William St. Meanwhile, James St. takes you from Greece to Thailand and back again through China and Italy as you walk from William St. towards Russel Sq. Mt. Lawley is also a good place to find cafes and restaurants. There is dining in the CBD, but it’s generally either chains or posh places; if you’re on a budget, it’s not the best option. Grab meats and produce at City Fresh Gourmet Deli, 375 William St. (☎08 9237 5659; open M-Sa 7am-8pm, Su 7am-7pm), or head to Woolworths in the Murray St. Mall directly across from the bus station (open M-Th 8am-7pm, F 8am-9pm, Sa 8am-5pm, Su noon-6pm). For cheap pasta, cereals, and deli foods, elbow through the crowds at Kakulas Brothers Wholesale Importers, 183-187 William St. (Open M-F 8am-5:30pm, Sa 8am-5pm. Cash only.)

• Il Padrino, 198 William St. (☎08 9227 9065; www.ilpadrinocafe.com). Perth’s best pizza ($16-25), even complimented by Pope John Paul II. $13.50 pizza and pasta at lunch Tu-F and dinner Tu. All pizzas $13 to take-away, all pasta $12.50 to take-away. Open Tu-F 11:30am-3pm and 5pm-late, Sa 5pm-late. AmEx/MC/V.
• Tarts, 212 Lake St. (☎08 9328 6607). A fantastic neighborhood cafe that buzzes during lunch hour. Ginormous homemade pastries ($5), smooth green avocado with olive oil and cracked pepper on thick toast ($8), and scrumptious panini ($11). The servings are generous, and the quality is worth every penny. Open daily 7am-6pm. AmEx/MC/V.
• Valentino’s, corner of Lake and James St. This bright blue Italian eatery serves one of the cheapest breakfasts in Northbridge (pancakes with bacon and maple syrup; $9). Wood-fired pizzas start at $10. Open M-Th 10am-11pm, F 10am-midnight, Sa 7am-midnight, and Su 7am-11pm. MC/V.
• Chef Han’s Cafe, 245 William St. or 546 Hay St. (☎08 9328 8122). Chef Han is the emperor of local budget cuisine. Speedy and delicious heaps of vegetarian-friendly noodles and stir-fry ($9-14). Open daily 11am-10pm. AmEx/MC/V.
• Villa Italia, 279 William St. (☎08 9227 9030). In a city addicted to caffeine, the espresso ($3) here stands out. M-W pasta $12.90, otherwise $14-19; M-W after 5:30pm pizza $12.90, otherwise $13-18. Open M-Th 11:30am-late, F 7am-late, and Sa 8-11:30am and 6pm-late. AmEx/MC/V.
• Maya Masala (☎08 9328 5655), at the corner of Francis and Lake St. An “Indian brasserie,” dishing up curry plates ($17-21), tandoori ($10-20), and dosa ($9-16). Reduced prices for takeaway. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm and 5:30pm-late.
• The Beaufort Street Merchant, 488-492 Beaufort St. (☎08 9328 6299), in Mt. Lawley. A combination grocer, bottle shop, gift shop, and cafe, this classy but rustic-looking stop is a delight to peruse. Much of the food is made on premises; savory pastries from $8.50-11 (watch as they write your order on the stainless steel countertop in permanent marker!). Try the delicious sweet potato fritter with hummus and artichoke ($9.50). Open M-Th 8am-9pm, F 8am-9:30pm, Sa 7:30am-9pm, Su 7:30am-7:30pm.