The Standard

Standard by name, definitely not standard by nature. This expansive Northbridge venue boasts a picturesque rooftop bar, idyllic exposed-brick beer garden and elegant indoor dining area — basically, all the things you want in a bar. From the bespoke timber tables — custom made by Perth outfit Dunk N Wagnell — to the floral arrangements scattered throughout, it's all about the details, which owner John Parker has absolutely nailed. That should come as no surprise as Parker has run high-end restaurants in Melbourne and Auckland for decades and has a portfolio of popular Perth venues, including Halford and Saint Larry Cafe.

But there's more to this aesthetically pleasing converted warehouse than just clever design — it nails food, too. Chef Chase Weber serves up warming, share-friendly fare, think slow-cooked beef shin with rendang glaze ($45), wood-baked goat's brie with burnt honey and oat wafer ($17), and miso buttered mushrooms with scallop potatoes and wakame seasoning ($17). The drinks list features wine by local producers, shake your own espresso martinis, share-style Pretty Punches and a gin made exclusively for the venue by West Perth distillery Hippocampus.

While the venue lends itself to all manner of occasion and is a good choice any day of the week, we suggest dropping in on Mondays or Sundays to start or end the week right. On Hawker Mondays you can taste a hawker-inspired dish for an easy $10 and on Lazy Sundays you can indulge in a spinning lazy susan feast for a neat $50.