17 of the best restaurants in Fremantle

A collection of the most delicious eateries to visit in the foodie-haven.

Fremantle has made a name for itself as a culinary destination, brimming with all sorts of restaurants from interesting Asian-fusion, to modern Italian trattorias continuing the strong legacy that Italian immigrants brought to the port city many years ago.

Heading to the port city? These are the best restaurants to visit during your stay.

1. La Cabana

Authentic Mexican using local Freo produce 100 metres from the white sand of South Beach. The folks at Freo favourite La Cabana really have nailed it. For added local flair, they even have a fresh produce exchange where locals can bring in supplies from their garden in exchange for ‘taco dollars’, which the head chef creates menu specials around. Try the Baja (fish) taco and the Tommy’s Margarita.

Address: 400 South Terrace, Fremantle

Opening hours: Wed & Thurs 4pm-10pm; Fri 12pm – 10pm; Sat 9am-12pm, 12.30pm – 10pm; Sun 9am-12pm, 12.30pm – 8pm

2. Tonic + Ginger

Arguably the best food in Fremantle. Tonic + Ginger, situated within The Old Synagogue, does Southeast Asian fusion in a remarkable way, with all dishes designed to be shared. We recommend the yellow curry made with local snapper, Asian herbs and coconut. And while you’re at it, order a cocktail from the unique and inventive list – it’s hard to go past the Yuzu Kiss, a combination of yuzu gin, mandarin, lime and honey.

Address: 92 South Terrace, Fremantle

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 11.45am – 1.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm; Fri & Sat 11.45am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm; Sun 11.45am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm

3. Emily Taylor

Emily Taylor is another stand-out Fremantle restaurant that sees people coming from all over Perth to sample its distinctive Asian-fusion menu. For a light meal, get baos and beer or crunchy spiced bites and wine.

For something substantial, the roast duck, curries and aromatic fish with fresh herbs. Either way, you’ll be booking a second visit to come back for more.

Address: 19-29 Henderson St, Fremantle

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11.30am – 10pm; Sat 9am – 11pm; Sun 9am – 10pm

4. Madelena’s Bar

Madelena’s Bar is ideal for those who love seafood and are passionate about wine. The second-story bar overlooks South Beach and the Indian Ocean, while the restaurant delivers – in the restaurant’s own words – a culinary experience, serving sustainable seafood with local produce.

Address: 406 South Terrace, South Fremantle

Opening hours: Wed 5pm – 10pm; Thurs 4pm – 10pm; Fri & Sat 12pm – 12am

5. La Lune

La Lune is a little taste of Paris right in the heart of East Fremantle.

Grab one of their small bistro tables outside on the sidewalk, and watch George Street go by while sipping rosé from Provence and tucking into their modern French menu. The Bavette de La Lune is a stand-out.

Address: 73 George Street, East Fremantle

Opening hours: Tues-Sat 11am – 10pm

6. Lions & Tigers

This vibrant restaurant, bar and art space in the heart of Fremantle’s historic west end dishes up creative Anglo-Indian plates designed for sharing. Plus, the restaurant is also dog-friendly and even sponsors a dog shelter – so by dining on their inventive and flavourful cuisine, you’re also doing good.

Address: 8 Bannister St, Fremantle

Opening hours: Tues-Fri 5pm-11pm; Sat 12pm – 11pm

7. Vin Populi

In the heart of Fremantle’s west end lies this little slice of Italy. Stepping into this sleek bistro feels like arriving at a Florentine eatery at aperitivo time.

The blackboard menu features antipasti, pastas, secondis and sides, and the local-come-Italian wine list is expertly explained by the resident sommelier.

Address: 11 High Street, Fremantle

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 4pm – 10pm; Fri & Sat 12pm – 11pm; Sun 12pm – 10pm

8. Young George

With a seasonal menu curated by the locally renowned Melissa Palinkas, The Young George is a must-visit in the chic George Street precinct of East Fremantle. Hot tip: after dinner, head down to their underground wine cellar-come-bar for a post-meal tipple.

Address: 48 George Street, East Fremantle

Opening hours: Wed-Sat 11.30am – 12am; Sun 11.30am – 10pm

9. Salsa Rossa

A true classic, Salsa Rossa is an icon of East Fremantle serving hearty modern Italian. Only a handful of tables are huddled into the converted terrace home, where diners enjoy an intimate ambience created by the cosy fireplace and sounds of Roy Orbison.

Address: 77 George Street, East Fremantle

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 5pm – 9pm 

10. Capri Restaurant

A true old-fashioned Italian dining experience – which is what you’d expect from a city that has benefitted so greatly from Italian immigration. This perennial, family-run place has a relaxed vibe, serving northern Italian cuisine  – in true rustic Italian style  – with each meal coming with a complimentary soup and bread starter

Address: 21 South Terrace, Fremantle

Opening hours: Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sun 12pm – 2pm, 5 – 9pm; Sat 5pm – 9pm

11. Nonna’s Pizzeria & Cucina

This South Fremantle, family-owned-and-operated restaurant specialises in its 48-hour sourdough pizza bases. They also offer a range of pastas, antipasti share plates and mains. Plus, in true Italian style, they have daily aperitivo between 4-6pm, where you get an Aperol or limoncello spritz with pizza bread and dips for $15.

Address: 388 South Terrace, South Fremantle

Opening hours: Wed & Thurs 5pm – 9.30pm; Fri 5pm – 10pm; Sat 12pm – 10pm; Sun 12.30pm – 8.30pm

12. Manuka Woodfired Kitchen

Manuka Woodfired Kitchen is a Fremantle institution, that pairs locally sourced ingredients with the spirit of woodfire cooking. Everything from potatoes and broccoli to prawns and chicken is roasted over the fire – the chef’s tasting menu is an excellent way to try everything.

Address: 134 High St, Fremantle

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 5.30pm – 9pm; Sat 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 9pm

13. Shirley’s

From the team behind Manuka comes Shirley’s, a small restaurant bar serving share plates perfect for those who want a communal dining experience.

Expect dishes such as potato gnocchi with beurre nosiette, parmesan, and baby capers, and The fun fit-out is an added bonus – think eye-popping wallpaper covered in palms and tropical birds, to pink neon lights and bright velvet booths.

Address: Shop 6, 124 High Street Fremantle

Opening hours: Wed-Sat 5pm – 11pm

14. Ode to Sirens

Only in Fremantle will you find a vinyl record-themed restaurant, where the kitchen dishes up Greek-inspired fare while a DJ spins tunes in the middle of the room.

Walls are adorned with enlarged vintage record covers, and the tables and chairs are a garage sale jumble of nostalgia.

Address: 25 High St, Fremantle

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 4pm  – 10pm; Fri & Sat 12pm – 12am; Sun 12pm – 10pm 

15. Lola’s

Lola’s is a family-style pizza and wine bar on the cappuccino strip. Pizzas are huge, the drinks list pairs perfectly (the negronis are spectacular) plus is extremely kid-friendly, with staff offering high chairs, crayons and colouring for parents toting little ones.

Address: 134 High St, Fremantle

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 5pm – 9pm; Fri-Sun 12pm – 9pm

16. Niew Ruin

Nieuw Ruin is a small bar and eatery filled with three tonnes of reclaimed jarrah, two charcoal grills and over 300 bottles on its wine wall. Head chef Blaze Young borrows from her grandmother’s recipe books to fill her menu with forgotten classics using super fresh, hyper-local produce. Enjoy delicious dishes such as dhu fish, kifler potato, beurre blanc, roe and Caramel basque cheesecake, and strawberry compote.

Address: 12 Norfolk Street, Fremantle

Opening hours: Wed & Thurs 5pm – 12am; Fri-Sun 12pm – 12am

17. Bread in Common

Originally built as a pharmaceutical warehouse in 1898, this building has been restored into what is now a mainstay of Fremantle’s culinary scene. As the name suggests, Bread in Common bake their own bread, as well as ferments, pickles and preserves using seasonal and local produce. Plus, the kitchen uses responsibly sourced seafood and farming practices to reduce environmental impact and create honest, ethical menus.

Address: 43 Pakenham Street, Fremantle

Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 11.30am – 10pm; Fri & Sat 11.30am – 11.30pm

Thirsty for a post-dinner tipple? Here are 12 of the best bars in Fremantle.

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