Located along the Swan River about 15 minutes away from both the CBD and Fremantle, Applecross is known for its leafy Jacaranda lined streets and stunning waterfront homes.
The Applecross restaurant scene is small but mighty, with some longstanding faves that have been slinging the good stuff since the 90s. And with a flurry of new high-rise developments in the area, we reckon it's only going to get better.
From low key pubs and burgers to riverside gems and pasta houses, we've rounded up the best restaurants in Applecross, plus a few gems from the neighbouring 'burbs of Mount Pleasant and Ardross too.
Clancy's Fish Pub
For a cracking seafood feed, craft brews and laidback vibes, Clancy's always has your back. Much like its Fremantle and Dunsborough outposts, this trusty fave kills it time and time again. If you're up for answering questions in between smashing down one of Perth's best fish and chips, be sure to sign up for the weekly quiz night—it's always a good time.
Highway Burger
Promising the tastiest burgs on the ‘highway to hell’ alongside pinball, beer, epic sides and all-round fun vibes, Highway Burger delivers big burgers with big flavours. Choose from a mix of smashed beef, buttermilk fried chicken and veggie options, all made with 100 per cent WA grown or made produce.
The Quarter Acre Hotel
Before the Quarter Acre Hotel came around, there weren't too many cool drinking holes down this end of Applecross. So it's no wonder locals regularly pack this contemporary corner pub out. Grab a seat in the lush courtyard under one of the bright yellow umbrellas and get stuck into crowd pleasing eats like soft shell crab tacos, chargrilled chicken and beef burgers with chips. The outdoor area is dog and kid friendly, with a cute little sandpit for the tiny tuckers to play in.
Gucce
A long-time Applecross favourite, Gucce Fine Italian Cuisine is a stylish little haunt serving up homemade pasta, authentic wood-fired pizzas and Mediterranean-style eats (we recommend the gnocchi and the barramundi). The generous servings will leave you feeling warm, fuzzy and full of Italian amore.
The Rowing Pavillion
This brand spanking new bar sitting pretty overlooking the Swan River is a dreamy place to meet up with mates and enjoy the sweeping views of the city just over Canning Bridge. The Rowing Pavilion is the new love child of the hospo legends behind General Public, so you know that they’ve got a delicious menu (think sticky lamb ribs, king prawns and crispy kale tacos all great for sharing) and some boozy creations ideal for celebrating with your nearest and dearest.
Hoodburger
The cheeseburger kings at Hoodburger don’t do things by halves. Get yourself a triple burger with cheese or one of their incredibly juicy chicken tender burgs that will no doubt leave you with a waterfall of sauce running down your arm, but hey it’s worth it.
Ohnamiya
Ohnamiya might just be Applecross' best kept secret. The tiny Japanese joint on Kearns Crescent offers up a charming homestyle Japanese dining experience that won't break the bank, with an epic range of set meals and donburis to choose from, along with curries, super fresh sashimi, sushi rolls and more. When in doubt, the classic karaage chicken rice box is always a winner and comes in under $15.
Himali Gurkha Nepalese Restaurant
I could happily pop a few of the lollipop chicken wings and momo dumplings at Himali Gurkha any night of the week. And clearly the rest of Applecross agrees, because this Nepalese icon has been around since 1995 and is still always packed to the brim each and every weekend.
Paste Thai Restaurant
We reckon every neighbourhood should have a good Thai restaurant and Paste well and truly fits the bill. We're obsessed with the massaman beef and pineapple rice, but if you've got some cash to splash the barramundi with three flavour sauce—think: sour, spicy and sweet—is out of this world.
The Raffles
Established way back in 1896, The Raffles is an absolute institution. And while things have definitely changed over the years, you can always rely on killer riverside views, tasty eats and good drinks. If you're up for a lively atmosphere and cheap feed, Wednesday is the night to go, with half priced pizzas on from 5pm til late—just make sure you book a table because it gets crazy busy.
Melting Pot Cafe
Specialising in Indonesian, Malaysian and Thai dishes, you really do get a melting pot of flavours at this affordable neighbourhood restaurant. Melting Pot's slow cooked beef rendang is one of the best in Perth and you really can't go wrong with their mie goreng and Malaysian fried chicken. It's also one of the few Asian restaurants that caters to gluten intolerances and allergies—over 40% of the menu is available gluten free.
Chimek
Dishin’ out some of the crunchiest fried chicken going around, Chimek was such a hit at the Freo Markets that they now have restaurants all over Perth—which means more chicken for us. Not strictly Korean, but definitely infusing some American, Korean and even Mexican flavours, try their Gochujang (original KFC) or the honey soy sesame.
Il Ciao
If you were hoping to place a pick-up order at Il Ciao in Applecross or stop by unannounced for dinner, you’ll be horribly disappointed. This place is often packed out it's so dang popular, so you best book ahead. No surprises since the Perruzza family have been running this Applecross hot-spot since 1998. It's all about the Italian classics here—chilli mussels, pasta and wood fired pizza that guarantees to keep even the fussiest eaters happy.
7 Spices
Friday nights are buffet night at 7 Spices in Applecross where you can get yourself all the curry, dhal, condiments and rice your stomach desires. If you’re not a fan of buffets (we get it, COVID did a number on us all), they also have a regular dining menu. Kick off with an onion bhaji, grab a couple of curries (we love the chicken tikka) and some garlic buttered naan to soak up all that spicy sauce.
Looking for more ideas? Try Fremantle's best restaurants.
Image credit: Clancy's Fish Pub, Quarter Acre Hotel, Elle Borgward (The Rowing Pavilion), Ohnamiya, Raffles, Chimek