100 Restaurants That Have Closed in Perth

First published in July 2018

For the best part of the last decade, Perth has been all about the latest brand spanking new café, bar or restaurant. While this dining boom has been going on, there have been many venues quietly closing their doors. There are so many restaurants that have closed in Perth over the last few years. 

With recent high profile closings, I realised that about 15-20% of the spots I’ve dined at in the last 8 years have closed. There’s lots of restaurants closed in Perth that I never even made it to before they shut up shop, like Greenhouse, Cantina 663, The Terrace Hotel, Fromage Artisans, GoGos, Rochelle Adonis, Red Cabbage and the iconic Witches Caldron. I was probably the only person in Perth never to enjoy their garlic prawns!

So why are all the restaurants closing?

Restaurants close in Perth all the time. It’s the nature of the dining scene. What we saw 2017-2019 was a lot of more hospo businesses failing than usual and failing fast. Then came COVID-19 – which threw in a massive, unforeseen curveball when these already-struggling spots had to dodge snap lockdowns, capacity limits and crippling event cancellations. 

There is a huge oversupply of restaurants in Perth. There is simply too many seats and not enough bums to fill them. When the Trustee, Fuyu and Restaurant Amuse closed their doors in 2017, I thought that there would be a slow-down in new openings, but there’s still a new café, bar or eatery opening every 5 minutes. Hat’s off to these restaurateurs taking a punt – they are very, very brave!

Customers complain about the high price of eating out in Perth. This is a valid reason for people dining at home. If you look carefully there is definitely quality, value for money dining still to be had. Hospitality workers put in the hard yards, particularly the kitchen teams. I’ve seen the blood, sweat and tears, not to mention ridiculous amounts of overtime. They deserve to be paid fairly and well. The margins in any hospitality business are tight. It’s no wonder they have to hike their prices to try to break even, due to sky high rents, wage bills, quality produce and other overheads.

Chefs and other hospitality staff are spread very thin, so staffing issues can easily mess with quality and consistency. Chef often finds it difficult to find good kitchen staff, which is a Perth-wide problem. I know a few restaurant owners that had amazing restaurants, with schmick fit outs, and a really good concept, but just didn’t find enough quality staff to realise their dream. This was a pre-COVID problem, that is far worse now, with no international workers. 

There’s those restaurants that have renovated or rebranded, those old stalwarts that just didn’t keep up with the times and then the places that were excellent, but couldn’t survive in a climate of fast “Uber Eats” style home dining. The brunch trend is sure to have contributed too, with many people opting to dine and socialise over cheaper, non alcoholic brunches than going out for a more expensive dinner.

Do you dine out often? Have your eating habits changed?

Restaurants that have closed in Perth

Here’s a nostalgic list of just some of those restaurants that have closed in Perth that are gone, but not forgotten. Where do you miss?

1. FuYu, Nedlands A Mod Asian favourite by chef David Coomer is now Lawleys Bakery.

2. Wok St Chow House, Northbridge When I walked by in 2018, the building’s frontage was being demolished. The restaurant, which was also formally Darlings Suppa Club and Lake 47 before that, was closed.

3. Suburban Table, Mosman Park was a brilliant restaurant run by Chef Josh Prosser. They closed the restaurant to focus on South East Larder, a modern Asian take away, which unfortunately has also closed it’s doors. Josh was vocal about the negative affect Uber had on his small business.

4. Barque, East Fremantle the ex-mod Asian spot on the vibrant George Street was buzzed about Cook and Mason, which has now also closed.

5. Celtic Kitchen, Joondalup this casual café didn’t last very long at all, then it morphed into Lemongrass Thai Kitchen. The building is currently up for lease (July 2018).

6. Stix Bar, Burswood this classy little restaurant was too much of a hidden gem, concealed amongst the apartment blocks between Crown and Optus Stadium. I miss their French Martinis! Now this spot has reopened as the 3 B’s (Burswood Bar and Grill). 

7. Pata Negra, Nedlands before FuYu, Chef David Coomer’s Spanish joint was a favourite of ours. Now Lawleys Bakery. David now has his own truffle farm in Manjimup.

8. Chophouse, Perth CBD We loved Chophouse, but it was hit by the mining slump on the terrace. It was briefly reopened as a British gastropub, The Butchers Arms, which shut it’s doors. It’s now home of Friends Restaurant – a Perth stalwart that for many years lived at the Hyatt Centre, run by industry veterans Clyde and Lesley Bevan. 

9. West at Ku De Ta, East Perth One of the most spectacular implosions. The thing that struck me most about West and Ku Dining was the lack of floor to ceiling river views. We really loved the food at West. The cost of parking and ticket clock watching, coupled with a remote location didn’t help it’s cause. Embargo, a pop up bar that’s usually found around the city, set up shop at the former Ku De Ta for the summer of 2018/19. Now it’s known as Long Neck Brewery. 

10. Shiro, Perth CBD This tasty Japanese overlooking leafy Central Park has been closed for some time.

11. Mattisse, Scarborough Every time I went to Mattisse it was empty! It was the biggest victim of the Scarborough Beach redevelopment. I think it opened about 4 years too early.  Now it’s gone back to it’s pre-millennium roots as the Lookout bar. Another of the Reid family’s venues, The Breakwater at Hillarys has changed hands and is now focused on a more value for money offering.

12. Wild Duck, Nedlands This delicious fine diner which moved to Perth from Albany quietly closed a couple of years ago and became casual Mexican, Santa Fe for a time. In Feb 2019 it reopened as Asian-fusion spot Mel & Co Garden, which has also closed.

13. Health Freak, Joondalup This venue changed to The Healthy Plate Café once it made the move to Lakeside Joondalup and that has now re-opened as trendy Tiago Kitchen. This has also now  closed and is home to the popular Uptown Pizza. 

14. Alphabet Soup, Various This pop up restaurant by one of my favourite Perth Chefs Mellissa Palinkas enjoyed a popular run at cafés all around Perth. Mellissa is now busy co-owner and Head Chef of Young George and Ethos  Deli + Dining Room. Pop up’s come and go, but I particularly loved Alphabet Soup!

15. The Brown Fox, West Perth Now the British styled Mayfair Lane, run by wine aficionado Foni Pollitt and partner Chris. Here the pub grub is a little bit fancy – their stake tartare is to die for.

16. Cookie Dough Biscuits, East Fremantle This cute as a button café on the George Street strip became Alder & Co, then Ari & Esmay. It’s now the hugely popular Ethos  Deli + Dining Room. 

17. Yocal, Fremantle  was a typical, hippy-chic, eclectic Fro café. Found just off the cappuccino strip, it’s now known as Duck Duck Bruce Café.

18. Hippo Creek added 3 more restaurants that have closed in Perth to the long list. Not only did the popular steakhouse close in Hillarys, but also it’s Subiaco and Waterford restaurants. I miss the massive Assagai meat skewers… drool! The spot was home to chain Hurricanes Grill for a time, which has also closed and it now chain theme steak house (four words that scare me), Wild Wild West.

19. Restaurant Amuse, East Perth Perth’s finest fine diner closed it’s doors in 2017. Chef surprised me with a wedding anniversary dinner at Amuse and it was superb. Owner and Head Chef Hadleigh Troy has now opened a café in Vic Park – Hampton and Maley, which is outstanding. I’ve been for a spur of the moment brunch and I can’t wait to head back and take some good photos next time.

20. Kustom Cupcakes, Lathlain The decadent cupcake bakery is long gone. I miss their chocolate coated Oreo and Reece’s peanut butter cups. 

21. Park & Vine, City Beach At Empire Village, wasn’t around for long. When we dined there, we were the only table, which sadly didn’t make for a very enjoyable atmosphere. It’s re-opened as another Mary Street Bakery, so it’s sure to serve outstanding coffee, brunch and baked goodies!

22. The Wine Store, East Fremantle  We had a good brunch here years ago, but haven’t made the trip back since it became Young George, owned by Chef Mellissa Palinkas (previously Head Chef at The Cabin). Young George is seriously delicious and I ticked it off my to-try list in 2019!

23. Gooseberries Café, Kensington Now the cosy cottage is home to The Little Banksia and their epic brunches look as tasty as ever!

24. Snags & Sons, Leederville We were sad to see the posh dog spot go, but the ever so yummy Spanish Pinchos, has more than made up for it.

25. Hopscotch, Roleystone was a gem in the Perth Hills, now under new ownership, it’s been stepped up a gear as the Naked Apple Cider House. Great food, drinks and grounds to explore for the kids.

26. Ace Pizza, Highgate was a cool lil spot with dark lighting, comfort food and seemed to tick all the boxes. This venue has had a run of bad luck with Ace Pizza becoming the short-lived Rockefeller. Italian eatery “No Menu” couldn’t turn this around either.

27. Plenty Thai, Perth CBD This casual Asian spot hidden down Shafto Lane was my go-to pre concert spot to grab a cheap n cheerful bite to eat before heading to Perth Arena. Now Fifteen Soi Shafto Thai Bistro.

28. Beluga, Claremont Chef and I loved to dine at Beluga (waaay back in 2013). The classy spot was opened by ex West Coast Eagles Dean Cox,  Andrew and Rayne Embley. Now Miss Chows.

29. Naked Fig, Swanbourne This eclectic spot overlooking Swanbourne Beach closed long ago. Now it’s much more light and bright as Shorehouse, which is owned by The Kailis Group.

30. Basq, Currambine. I was SO SAD when I heard this northern suburbs eatery had served it’s last meal. We always enjoyed their quality offering and in my opinion it was one of the only great spots to dine north of Hepburn Avenue. The venue is now Chapters Bistro.

31. Guylian Belgium Chocolate Café, Perth CBD. This sweet café was only open for about a year, not even enough time to write up my blog about it – but it did make my list of restaurants that have closed in Perth!!

32. Shipping Lane, North Fremantle. This Leighton Beach eatery had the best of both worlds… top notch sushi coupled with a mouth-watering Mod-Aus menu. It was briefly Freemans Restaurant, now it is known as Pura Vita, an Italian style Trattoria. 

33. Urban Bowl, Perth CBD. Urban Bowl, by Chef Che Tam Nguyen, was a great spot to grab a quick lunch in the city before close it closed it’s doors. I loved the fresh bowls and tasty spring rolls.

34. Hermosa Cantina, Wembley. Chef and I were one of the only customers dining in the large venue, which was opened by the people behind the uber-popular Tropico, North Beach. The tapas spot was fine, but nothing out of the ordinary. Keep your eyes peeled for tasty new spot Cam Street Social.

35. Zephyr Restaurant, North Beach – a popular little restaurant that tried it’s best, but ultimately didn’t keep up with the times. I think a lot of restaurants that have closed in Perth have shut for this reason.

36. Penny Garden, West Swan Previously found next to Yahava Coffee, it’s now set up shop at Carilley Estate in the Swan Valley.

37. Feast Café, Wembley was a fresh spot was brimming with delicious salads and was a mecca for mummies who coffee, as it had a sound-proff playroom (Yes!!). Now known as The Kitchen on Cambridge.

38. Yabba Dabba, Dalkeith was a tasty little café nestled deep in the leafy suburb of Dalkeith. Now, it’s The Local on Waratah.

39. Bibs Tuck Shop, Yanchep was a fab little spot in the outer north, and has been taken over by the people behind brilliant Burns Beach Café. Now Lil Sista’s the teeny tiny café is well worth a visit if you live out that way.

40. Xarcuteria, Claremont technically wasn’t a café, but celebrated Chef David Coomer’s Claremont Deli served the most delicious take away pork belly rolls! And other quality smallgoods. I hear its still owned by the Coomer family, and now called Walt’s Cnr Deli. Will be worth checking out!

41. Tubs Gelato, Guildford was found on the James Street strip. Though it’s now shut, I hear it has made way for another ice cream parlour. 

42. Maddison Cottage, Guildford was a gorgeous little cottage on the James Street strip that made the prettiest high teas. Run by a mother and daughter team, their home-made food and pretty tea-services were a treat. 

43. Hurricanes, Hillarys. Previously Hippo Creek, this spot closed it’s doors recently, making that area of Hillarys Boat Harbour look rather deserted. I had dined there, but never blogged about it as I felt it was WAY too expensive for what it was…. a chain steakhouse with fairly average food.

44. Robs Pit Stop BBQ, Kalamunda closed after being open less than a year. It was a great concept, with lip smacking meats and huuuuge US style cups of mac n cheese, but well off the beaten track. 

45. Miss Kitty’s Saloon, Inglewood was THE place to be when I started my blog in 2013. Miss Kittys was a little bit quirky and had delicious food, like the gravy smothered poutine. Now home to Ninth and Merchant (where we had a yummy brunch) by the people behind Blake Street Merchant.

46. Moana Coffee, Perth CBD, a hidden coffee spot in the Hay Street Mall was perhaps a little too hidden. I loved the heritage spot for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city with a coffee on their balcony. It’s now been renovated and opened as Moana Chambers. I’m excited to check it out.

47. Missy Moos, Mount Hawthorn was a popular nursery rhymed burger joint at the Mezz Shopping Centre. Though we did like it, honestly it had some very stiff burger competition around Perth. 

48. Hainault Café, Bickley is still home to Hainult Winery, the owners have handed the reigns of their café to husband and wife team Chef Benoit Lasplace (formally from the Print Hall and Rockpool kitchens) and his wife Chantelle. Now Mistelle, a French bistro inspired spot, the balcony overlooking the vines is a brilliant spot for a lazy lunch. Find out more about Mistelle on their website.

49. Café Avellino, Wanneroo was a suburban pizza joint that was a great spot for families, as it has a casual vibe and indoor playground for toddlers. Good news for pizza lovers, it’s still serving pizza as Eight Slices.

50. Max Brenner Chocolate Bar, Joondalup (& Whitfords) is an international chain that didn’t catch on in WA. While Little Chef would have happily re-visited many times, I’m a bit wary of sugar-loaded treats.

51. Chatford and Co, Kalamunda served up very tatsy food, but in café-loaded Kalamunda, it was off the main street where not many people could find it. A shame.

52. JJ Kings, Floreat was an under the radar spot, where I had a delicious Mothers Day brunch a few years ago. The café is now Floreat Local.

53. Ibiza N2 Gelato, Mount Lawley has closed it’s doors on the Beaufort Street strip, but you can still get your sweet fix of nitrogen made gelato from their new spot in Morley.

54. Bistro de Artistes, Subiaco owned by iconic Perth Chef, Alain Fabregues (previously of the Loose Box), closed the doors of his Hay Street eatery, blaming high rents and no doubt the cost of parking in Subiaco. We loved his French cuisine.

55. The Resident, Nedlands is a recent closure. I spotted it while we were checking out another Hampton Street spot (newbie Mel & Co Garden) and noticed that The Resident had shut up shop and had “For Lease” signs plastered all over the windows. 

56. Baby Mammoth, Northbridge – The William Street small bar served it’s final Poutine on April 13th 2019. Specialising in bottled boutique beers and great food, with a South African twist, it will be very missed. Hopefully Chef Ryan Lambson pops up somewhere else.

57. New Normal Bar + Kitchen, Subiaco – We enjoyed pulling up a stool at the bar and enjoying delicious share food at this Subiaco gem with rooftop bar. Head Chef Charlie Vargas is now over at the brilliant Flour Factory, while his talented Sous, Chris Malone is heading to London soon to work on an exciting new opening.

58. Swan Valley Café was a brilliant spot for vegetarians and vegans. I particularly loved their offering of 100% gluten free food and herbal teas (blended by inhouse naturopath). I will miss their GF chocolate mud cake!

59. Five Bar, Highgate and neighbouring Clarence’s closed within days of each other. I used to love a pre-dinner drink at the Beaufort Street staple, one of many venues to close on the once-bustling dining strip.

60. Laneway Lounge, Perth CBD was a fab spot for a cocktail and boogie to some live music. Admittedly, I don’t go out on the town like I did #MumLife . I wonder if this was a problem, as the bar seemed to have a more mature crowd, that wouldn’t be out on the razz every weekend.

61. California Pizza Kitchen, Hillarys. This US import promised big things, but didn’t quite have the staying power. It was an immense venue (in the old Jettys building) and even after reducing it’s floor space (and I assume it’s rent), it couldn’t last the distance.

62. Co-Op Dining, East Perth was a wonderful fine diner – particularly for a surprise anniversary dinner (thanks Chef!). I hope Head Chef-Owner Kiren and his wife Kellie open somewhere else in future – that cooking talent is too good not to share with Perth.

63. Pancakes At Carillon, Perth CBD has very quietly flipped it’s last pancake after many decades in the city. Whether you loved a sweet pancake drenched in maple syrup or a savory crepe, it was a firm family favourite.

64. Hyun, Claremont was a modern Asian with a surprise Korean-French twist. Chef and I were unconvinced that kimchee married seamlessly with French flair.

65. Tim Ho Wan, Perth CBD opened with a lot of hype in September 2018 and closed less than a year later. People’s expectations of Michelin starred standard food fell very short, in an ever competitive CBD dining scene.

New Additions...
66. Last drinks have been called at Down The Hatch, Joondalup. The hidden laneway spot had a strong local following.

67. I really loved Helm, in Fremantle’s Fishing Boat Harbour, part of the Little Creatures offering. It quietly re-branded and is now sailing strong with a more casual offering under the name of Harbourside Freo.

68. Found on the James Street strip, in Guildford, tapas spot Jezebelle has now made way for the new “Rusty Old Boat” Fish and Chip bar.

69. My own paw-fect pup, Ruby, loved Furbaby Café, Balcatta. Perth’s very own dog-centric café & boutique has closed permanently. Where will she get her pupachino?!

70. Chef Lorenzo sadly closed his brilliant Woodfire Kitchen, Ellenbrook. The suburban spot’s authentic Italian fayre was absolutely delicious. Lorenzo now enjoys travelling Perth markets and events in his pizza “Fire Truck”.

71. This small, but mighty Hills Winery had an AMAZING platter game. Due Jolly Winery, Pickering Brook, was wedged in between Core and La Fattoria, both worth a visit.

72. This Mantle staple served up legendary pizza. Magna Pizza, Fremantle, has closed it’s doors. As has Don Tappa and all it’s Mantle stablemates.

73. I loved the vibe at May St Larder at the Mezz. The Mount Hawthorn spot is still owned by hospitality power duo Eamon Sullivan and Chef Scott Bridger – now rebranded as the more grown up “Pogo”.

74. The teeny tiny Kalamunda favourite, Collodel Ice Cream, shut up shop after many years of serving up fresh sorbets and gelatos to the hills community.

75. BLK Espresso, was a tiny Perth City coffee shop. Found on the lower level of Carillon Arcade, like many in the CBD, it struggled with declining foot traffic.

76. Double Double, Subiaco is now BARK – the smallest small bar and café in Subi!

77. We chowed down on an epic seafood platter at golden triangle favourite Mosmans, Mosman Park. This riverside restaurant has been closed for redevelopment – the old structure is making way for a larger hospitality and accommodation offering.

78. The Precinct, on Vic Park’s Albany Highway strip, was home to a solid tapas menu. After it changed hands, it traded as Chalk n Cheese Bar, which also now seems to have closed.

79. I was devo to hear every fromage lover’s paradise the Cheese Barrel had closed. The top Swan Valley spot’s sister venue – the Olive Farm Cellar door is still well worth a visit.

80. Cam St Social was a solid restaurant by Chef Darren Walker, but is in another of those venues, that seem to change hands regularly. The Wembley spot was formerly home to Hermosa Cantina.

81. Tom’s Kitchen at Fairbrossen Estate was a lovely spot for a slap-up Sunday lunch, overlooking lush vines below. The Perth Hills venue is still open and platters are now offered by Caviar Catering at the café.

82. Beaufort Street café Ninth & Merchant, (at the Inglewood end) closed and made way for General Public Food Co. It was the sister venue of Blake Street Merchant which also closed in Aug 2021.

83. The House of Conti, at historic Woodvale winery Conti’s, closed to COVID-19 and never reopened. Harry’s at Conti now takes it place, and I hear very good things.

84. We enjoyed an epic meal at Stadium Café, a little Lathlain brunch spot. We still miss those fried chicken waffles!

85. Mel & Co Garden, Nedlands (in the old Wild Duck building) was very left of field, attempting to appeal to Millennials with a “made for Instagram menu”. Indonesian restaurant Tempayan is now here – I wonder if the beautiful cockatoo mural is?

86. Sushia Izakaya was a slick Japanese joint in the basement of Brookfield Place. It’s beautiful dining room was the perfect setting for enjoying fine Japanese cuisine.

87. Jamie’s Italian opened to all the bells and whistles, and permanently closed it’s doors during the first COVID-19 lockdown. In it’s early day’s, a good feed was guaranteed at this pukka place.

88. Scrumptious ice cream treats and wacky ‘n wonderful Asian flavours were found at Jersey Jack Gelato. Just one scoop wasn’t enough!

89. From it’s humble market stall beginnings, to the crowd-funded Hummus Club restaurant, this mid-eastern spot always brought the goods. Let’s hope it reappears in some form one day.

90. I was so surprised that the Rusty Pig team had already moved on, after the Leederville spot quietly closed. Daph’s Restaurant is now found at the small venue. And good news – cooking with fire is still a focus on their menu.

91. My favourite Maroccan, Meeka has it’s very last service on the 28th Aug 2021. I hope Head Chef, and co owner Leah Clarke pops up in another Perth Kitchen with her delicious tagines.

92. Cheesy spot Two Birds Fromagerie, in the Swan Valley quietly closed it’s doors. With the loss of the Cheese Barrel, cheese lovers are running out of options! My tip – head to The Cheese Shop in Kalamunda.

93. Popular Feral Brewery is still brewing, but has closed it’s Swan Valley Restaurant. The rustic spot was one of the OG brewers in the Swan Valley and was bought by Coca-Coala Amatil.

94. Glutards (like me) loved Kapitol Kitchen‘s GF, DF and keto friendly menu. The Wanneroo spot has reopened as Soul Coffee and TapasLounge, but sadly does not have as many gluten free options as it once did.

94. The fab seafood spot Cott & Co, at Cottesloe’s iconic Cott hotel closed it’s doors. It’s now known as the swanky Velvette Lounge, having enjoyed a schmick make over.

95. Ohhh I was really sad about this one – Billie H in Claremont was a brilliant little spot, with killer menu, drinks list and gramophone light feature. A new eatery has opened in it’s place – I her good things about Corvo Bar and Kitchen.

96. Once found at the base of the legendary Jacobs Ladder, this Health Freak was a good spot to recover with brunch after a sweaty work out session. HF Kings Park has shut up shop.

97. Shore Cafe was a brilliant brunch spot in Alkimos. Owner George opened up Oceans 27 next door and that became so popular that Shore Café, and it’s vibrant Alkimos ship mural is now the restaurant’s bar.

98. Ficus is yet another victim of the doomed Yagan Square Development. OK building, useless for hospitality. I loved Ficus when it first opened. Chef Andre (and his AMAZING charcuterie) can now be found at Vincent Wine.

99. Man, who could forget THAT cheese gravy?! Burger joint Greenhorns has been another closure due to the ghost town that is Perth CBD.

100. First a tiny spot in Joondalup, then an up market restaurant in Connolly, D’s Authentic Japanese is closed in April 2022.

To Add…

101. Tuckshop, Northbridge

102. Hampton & Maley, Vic Park

How do we stop this madness?!

We all have our favourite little independent restaurant or café in Perth. Support them. Sure there’s lots of large chain steakhouses and cafes, but I’m all about interesting food that will add to our food scene.

Don’t dine at the “It’s OK” place or “the foods average, but you get heaps for your money” eatery. Book a table at the little guy’s place, the person who is passionate about their offering, supports local growers and serves amazing food! We need these restauranteurs and Chef-Owners to stay in business for the future of Perth’s interesting and quality dining scene. Every one of these closed restaurants symbolises somebody’s dream failing, and that is so sad.

One thing that can be said for the hospitality industry is that it never stands still. It’s a constantly evolving thing, that is changeable to the economy and consumer trends. With so many venues competing for your dining dollar, one thing is for sure, it’s survival of the fittest in Perth!

This will be an ever growing list of Restaurants That Have Closed in Perth, which I’ll be sure to update.

Do you know of more restaurants that have closed in Perth? Let me know in the comments below!

Last updated Apr 2022.