Overview
Perth's balmy summers aren't just a blessing for beachgoers. If you're fond of cooling down on dry land with a spritz in your hand and the sun's rays on your face, this is your time to shine. Perhaps more than most, this summer is certain to bring friends and family together. A chaotic few years, the gorgeous climate, tasty cocktails, the carefree vibe that floats across the Indian Ocean as soon as the season hits — that'll do it.
If you're wondering where to head, we've teamed up with Aperol to pick nine must-visit spots that'll take care of this year's holy trifecta: spritzes, all that glorious sunshine, and ample space for you and your pals. Plus, to celebrate togetherness, Aperol is picking up the tab for 100,000 spritzes this summer to make your summer soiree even sweeter.
COUPLE YOUR CULTURE FIX WITH A COURTYARD SPRITZ
Located within the Perth Cultural Centre, Picabar is an ideal spot to visit before or after getting your culture fix at one of the neighbouring cultural institutions, including Blue Room Theatre and the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
The sprawling courtyard is filled with bench seats, making this Northbridge haunt a great place for groups. Try share plates like the corn fritters with sriracha sour cream; burrata with prosciutto, rockmelon and mint; or lamb ribs with date sauce and spiced crumb — and wash it all down with your favourite summery bev.
GRAB A TABLE BY THE GARDEN AT COOGEE COMMONS
When farm-to-fork dining is what you're after, Coogee Commons is your answer. The former Coogee Hotel has had new life breathed into it since the abandoned site was revived back in 2018. The rehabilitated land is now home to extensive gardens that supply produce for the site's restaurant and bar.
The menu at this seaside venue has been built around its gardens and changes with the daily harvest. Grab a table outside and settle in for a long lunch with mates as you enjoy the sights of the lush gardens that surround you.
HAVE A SPONTANEOUS POST-SWIM SIP AT IL LIDO
This beachside espresso bar and restaurant was a cabaret hall in the 1930s but these days it specialises in serving Italian-inspired fare daily from 6.30am.
Perched opposite the picturesque Cottesloe Beach, Il Lido is the ideal spot for that spontaneous post-swim spritz with your mates. The bar tables and outdoor dining areas are reserved for walk-ins, but you can book a table in the canteen area if you want to secure a spot for lunch or dinner. Love oysters? Join oyster expert Jerry Fraser — dubbed the King of Oysters — on Sundays from 1pm for freshly shucked suckers and hosting that harks back to the building's cabaret origins.
KEEP ONE HAND FREE AT THIS SOUTH FREMANTLE FAVOURITE
You might expect going to a brewery to be a beer-only experience, but the folks at Running with Thieves also serve premium spirits and cocktails at this bustling bar, restaurant and retail outlet.
The South Fremantle venue reflects the suburb in which it is located offering a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere with loads of natural night and share tables that are ideal for large groups. Food-wise, the menu focuses on things that can be eaten with one hand so you can keep the other one free for what you really came here for — your bev.
TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO EUROPE WITHOUT LEAVING PERTH
Sunning yourself in a courtyard with a drink in hand is essential summertime behaviour — especially when that venue will transport you to Europe — metaphorically speaking. To insert yourself in that image without leaving Perth, make tracks to Vincent Wine on the outskirts of the CBD.
This neighbourhood bar has been named after both its location (just within the boundary of the City of Vincent) and the patron saint of winemakers — Saint Vincent. The wine list is 200-bottles strong and focuses on French, Italian, Australian and New Zealand producers with a daily edit of ten vinos to enjoy by the glass. Plus, there's cocktails, charcuterie and French-inspired main courses to enjoy all summer long in the dappled light of the courtyard.
SHARE PIZZA WITH YOUR PALS AT MONSTERELLA
Situated on the corner of Grantham and Jersey Streets in Wembley, this suburban pizza joint exudes relaxed vibes and caters to all — Monsterella is BYO, open seven days a week, delivers to nearby suburbs and has gluten-free pies.
We suggest trying the Milliano, loaded with buffalo mozzarella, Italian pork and fennel sausage, caramelised onions and oregano, topped with pecorino and truffle oil; or the Capri, loaded with fior de latte, leg ham, mushrooms, grilled artichokes and black olives. Pair your pizza with a spritz or BYO wine and enjoy a balmy summer evening at one of the tables outside in the sunshine.
BE SPOILT FOR CHOICE AT THIS WEMBLEY WINE BAR
When you're in the mood for a spritz with a twist, Mummucc has you covered. The Wembley wine bar offers four spritz varieties: the classic Aperol spritz; the Limoncello spritz; the Mamma T spritz with blood orange and sage; and an Aperitivo spritz with Averna, lambrusco, tonic, lemon and mint.
Mummucc is open from Wednesday–Sunday, with a food menu filled with irresistible Italian food. Start with the Skull Island tiger prawns with bottarga butter and chilli vinegar or the smoked sardines with chopped cannolini and charred sourdough. For mains, try the sopressini with chestnut mushrooms, white vermouth and sage pangrattato followed by the cannoli or tiramisu for dessert.
Celebrate summer with someone you love and an Aperol spritz on the house. Aperol's 100,000 spritzes will be up for grabs till Sunday, January 2, 2022. For more information and to register for your refreshing freebie, visit the website.