Food and Drink
Global Bites in the city: Italy
18 Aug '223 min read
Palatable for even the fussiest of eaters, it’s no surprise Italian food is one of the most widely celebrated cuisines around the world.
Lalla Rookh
When Italians migrated to Australia in the late 19th century, we swiftly embraced their simple and fresh cuisine, from wood fired pizzas, to fettuccini al ragu, which was later appropriated into spaghetti bolognese.
As deli’s began to pop up around the country, we embraced Italian coffee, good extra virgin olive oil for cooking (not just for medicine), along with lots of garlic. Today, it’s woven so deeply in our culture you almost forget it’s Italian. Take for example, the obligatory addition of an antipasto platter with afternoon drinks, or everyone’s go-to meal when you’re time poor, pesto pasta.
No Mafia
William St, Northbridge
This cool street facing bar on William Street nods to the wine bars in Italy’s south. No Mafia is equal parts a drinking hole as it is a reliable dinner spot. While it’s a laid back venue, they are serious about keeping it authentic. Designed to share, the menu is well-balanced with fresh options like rocket salad and school prawns to cut through heartier dishes like the Pappardelle with Braised Duck and Mushrooms.
Lalla Rookh
St Georges Terrace, CBD
A term of endearment frequently used in Persian poetry, Lalla Rookh is also one of Perth City’s best loved and longest standing Italian restaurants. Combining flavours from the north and south of Italy, this menu is shaped with seasonal and coastal influences. With a few different dining options, there’s the romantic wine cellar, ideal for shared plates from their ‘piccolo’ section to pair with one of the wines on display. But if you’re after an up-levelled experience, their restaurant lounge is the spot for their il Capo or ‘let us feed you’ menu, where they serve up six seasonal specials as a series of shared plates. Make sure not to leave without trying one of their handmade pastas!
Lalla Rookh Garum
Hay St, CBD
Looking to treat yourself to an high end authentic experience? Here, you will find award-winning authentic Roman Italian cuisine. Garum's menu focuses on both Ancient Roman techniques and modern Italian classics set in a stylish and relaxed atmosphere. Choose from their range of traditional inspired Italian dishes such as Tonarelli Cacio e pepe or Paccheri Pork Ragu, perfect for your mid week carb fix!
Garum Francoforte Spaghetti Bar
William St, Northbridge
This unpretentious micro-restaurant is the perfect spot for your lowkey date night. Hidden down Williams Lane, Francoforte Spaghetti Bar has a small yet creative menu that highlights their specialty, Spaghetti. With options like the Kangaroo Bolognese or the Kale Pesto, there's a flavour for everyone to enjoy. Make sure you get in early as this spot doesn't take bookings!Santini Bar & Grill
Murray St, CBD
Located on Level 1 of the gorgeous QT building, Santini Bar & Grill serves up classic Italian dining, pairing it back with everything that is loved about WA. Their open plan kitchen shows off the smoky wood fire coals and hanging handmade pasta, while bold terracotta and turquoise hues of the dining room transport guests to the Mediterranean. Their extensive menu of homemade pastas, woodfire pizzas and fresh seafood dishes makes for a delicious night out.
Santini Bar & Grill