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The Specials Board: The Perth Restaurants Serving up Something Extra This May

New month, new flavours — these are the standout new dishes and deals to check out this month.
Concrete Playground
May 22, 2026

Overview

Dining out in Perth is always a good idea, but May brings a few extra reasons to lock in that booking. Across the city, venues are serving up a little something extra this month — an ideal excuse to try somewhere new, or even revisit an old favourite.

That's where American Express delicious. Month Out comes in, spotlighting the restaurants, bars and cafes that keep Perth's thriving dining scene ticking. All month long, eligible Amex Card Members can unlock an exclusive offer at participating venues once they've saved it to their Amex Card*, with some also serving up limited-time dishes and menus. Many of these spots are also part of the Amex Shop Small program, which celebrates local businesses and encourages Perthites to shop local, meaning every meal is a chance to support neighbourhood favourites.

In this month's Specials Board, we're highlighting some of our favourite ways to dine out as part of Amex delicious. Month Out. Get in while it's good.

Refined European dining and old-world charm at Balthazar

Hidden within a heritage building on The Esplanade, Balthazar has long been one of Perth's go-to spots for polished, quietly confident dining. The menu champions premium West Australian produce presented through a European lens — you'll find freshly shucked oysters, duck parfait, market fish and richly layered mains — all backed by a deeply considered wine list that's easily among the city's most impressive. The low-lit dining room and warm, intuitive service only add to the appeal of this bona fide Perth institution.

Family-friendly woodfired pizzas at Il Falco

Mount Hawthorn's family-friendly pizzeria Il Falco keeps things classic with a lineup of woodfired pizzas ideal for easy, crowd-pleasing meals. Think: bubbling margheritas, spicy salami-topped slices and richer combinations loaded with cured meats, mozzarella and fresh herbs, all served in a relaxed, welcoming space made for casual catch-ups and weeknight feasts alike. There's also a tight lineup of Australian and Italian wines, plus cocktails and spritzes to keep things ticking along. And with a bit taken off the bill this month, adding one more pizza to the table suddenly feels very justified.

Bold brunch plates and standout pastries at Forklore

West Perth favourite Forklore has built a loyal following for its creative, Japanese-inspired take on brunch. The ever-evolving menu currently features dishes like tontori congee, hamburger omurice and a hefty chicken katsu sando, while the pastry cabinet stars creations — like pandan pound cake and a kaya toast-inspired morning bun — that rarely stick around for long. It's all backed by specialty coffee and a lively neighbourhood atmosphere.

Bangkok street food-inspired plates and bold cocktails at Long Chim

Long Chim brings the heat to the basement of the State Buildings with a loud, lively take on Bangkok street food that's big on spice, smoke and punchy flavour. The menu moves from fiery curries and wok-fried noodles to grilled skewers and crisp stir-fries, all designed to hit the table fast and disappear even faster. Add a bright cocktail list, a globetrotting wine program and a dining room that hums well into the evening, and it's easy to see why it remains one of Perth's go-to group dining spots.

Late-night Asian flavours and punchy cocktails at Double Rainbow

Inside Northbridge nightlife hub The Rechabite, Double Rainbow brings big mess-hall energy, with a menu grounded in Korean flavours and drawing inspiration from across Asia. Expect everything from flavour-forward dumplings to woodfired seafood and meats, all designed to pair with the venue's playful cocktail list and vibe-heavy setting. It's loud, colourful and made for nights that stretch well past dinner — and with a little extra value coming back your way this month, you've got every excuse to stick around for another round.

Whisky, comfort food and late-night bites at Varnish on King

Hidden down a basement laneway in the CBD, Varnish on King pairs one of Perth's biggest whiskey collections with a menu built around deeply satisfying comfort food. Snack and sip with smaller plates like smoked mac and cheese and bourbon-glazed chicken wings, or go all in with large-format beef ribs and steaks — it all holds its own alongside bold cocktails and an impressive whiskey selection. The low-lit space leans moody and old-school, making it an easy pick for after-work drinks that accidentally turn into dinner. And if another round and a few extra snacks end up on the table, so be it.

Seasonal local produce and polished all-day dining at Petition

Set within the State Buildings, Petition blends heritage charm with a contemporary, produce-driven approach that takes it from morning through to night. Seasonal West Australian ingredients appear across everything from refined breakfasts and fresh seafood dishes to handmade pasta, premium steaks and generous share plates. There's also a strong drinks offering spanning local wines, craft beers and classic cocktails — best enjoyed beneath the venue's soaring ceilings and muted, pared-back interiors.

*Limits and exclusions apply — check here for the full details.

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