13 Fremantle hidden gems for foodies

The port city of Fremantle is the perfect place for foodies who crave secret restaurants and a fine place to wet their whistle. Here, find the city’s hidden hotspots.

Fremantle hidden gems attract those who crave expression, peace and – especially – a fine place to drink. From secret bars to repurposed heritage buildings to innovative menus, these are the restaurants and bars that need to be on your Fremantle hit list.

1. L’Chaim

“That’s the wrong door," someone giggles as a group of strangers push through a set of library shelves ahead of us. My friend Sally and I find ourselves laughing, too, as we follow them beyond the foyer walls. On the other side, black-and-white-clad bartenders sing and shimmy to Runaround Sue as they shake and stir flamboyant cocktails for canoodling couples.

Hidden in the basement of Fremantle’s Old Synagogue, L’Chaim – a Hebrew toast that means ‘to life’ – is reminiscent of speakeasy bars of the 1920s and 1930s: think red-velvet semi-circular booths, crystal chandeliers, framed mirrors, tasselled lamps, candlelight, top-shelf liquors and a feature wall tastefully decorated with bound books and retro knick-knacks.

Drinks at L'Chaim, Fremantle, WA — L’Chaim is hidden in the basement of Fremantle’s Old Synagogue.

I ask the bartender, Dylan, to make me “something artistic to watch" and he obliges. After witnessing careful measuring, pouring, heating and dancing flames, he produces my bespoke cocktail, which he describes as “a cross between a hot buttered rum and a blazer". The warm, thick, boozy liquid tastes like spiced butterscotch – perfect for the waterfront city’s cooling autumn evenings.

Inside the same complex, you’ll find the offering has expanded to include three other venues. South-east Asian fusion at Tonic + Ginger, a trendy beer and wine garden named Arbor and a rooftop terrace bar with a decent menu of nibbles.

Red velvet chairs at L'Chaim, Fremantle, WA — L’Chaim is reminiscent of speakeasy bars of the 1920s and 1930s.

2. The Old Courthouse

Sally and I are on a self-guided weekend bar tour, which began earlier in the evening at, The Old Courthouse , its name reflecting its lineage as the city’s courts and police station from 1899 to 2001. Today, the civil and criminal courts are restored to serve as spectacular dining rooms that welcome patrons who like rotisserie chicken with a side of convict history. The original magistrate’s bench and prisoner dock (which once housed hometown legend Bon Scott) take prime placing in each dining room.

the old courthouse fremantle meals — Enjoy rotisserie chicken with a side of convict history.

3. The National Hotel & Rooftop Bar

The Old Courthouse is another rescue of a derelict heritage building by Karl Bullers, managing director of The National Hotel and Rooftop Bar, the iconic local landmark that cost about $7 million to renovate.

“When I came to look at this building in 2012, it was a burnt-out wreck. There were no staircases, no floors," says Bullers, “But we came up scaffolding onto this rooftop and I thought, ‘This is amazing, I really want to buy this now’. The view made me overlook the difficulties involved in bringing it to life."

It’s the bird’s-eye views that draw a crowd to The National Hotel for gin cocktails and premium wines. Catch this place on a sunny, blue-sky day and you’ll think you’ve taken an elevator to heaven. At least that’s how Sally and I feel as we sip bright beverages in the open air of this (almost) hidden gem.

exterior view of national hotel fremantle — Take in bird’s-eye views from the terrace. (Image: Tourism WA)

4. Darling Darling

We trade pretty drinks and fresh air for the moody darkness of Darling Darling, a small bar with massive character. This ship-themed rum bar is well-hidden, save for a sandwich board on the footpath, so unless you’re privy, you may walk by and never be brave enough to duck through the leather-clad doorway. But fortune favours the brave as we saunter to the bar, peanut shells crunching underfoot, and order two Dark and Stormy (spiced rum and ginger beer) cocktails. We sit at the end of the bar looking for Captain Jack Sparrow and getting lost in the sea dog memorabilia as we make plans to return on a Sunday night when a local fiddler plays sea shanties.

Darling Darling Fremantle — Get lost in sea dog memorabilia.

5. Nieuw Ruin

Ironically, I visit not one but two restaurants that only feature share menus. The sky is weepy and grey the day I scurry down Norfolk Street in search of Nieuw Ruin. With no real signage, it’s possible to be none the wiser that an exquisite wine-centric bar hides behind the modest frontage of this restored cottage.

“There is no reason we don’t have a sign," says Nieuw Ruin venue manager Maria Marter. “We just haven’t found the need as we’ve built up a great customer base via word of mouth."

Once inside, it’s easy to see why: elegant decor, communal tables, wine bottles galore and welcoming staff. With more than 300 wines from around the globe on offer, I remain loyal to WA and order a glass of pinot noir from Margaret River.

Since I’m dining solo, I forgo the share plates and decide on its signature dish, a gourmet flaky pie. For autumn, it’s cauliflower and cheddar served swimming in French onion gravy. Its rich, comforting flavours warm my belly and my soul. Chef Blaze Young creates a new pie as the seasons change, and it’s now my life’s mission to taste each one.

meals at Nieuw Ruin fremantle — No sign needed to eat your heart out at Nieuw Ruin.

6. Emily Taylor

It’s Friday evening when I sample lobster-filled dumplings and crispy spring rolls at Emily Taylor. This buzzy bar and kitchen, part of the Warders Hotel, honours its two-fold namesake: a sailing ship named after the wife of the builder who transported spices between South-East Asia and Fremantle at a time when Aussie food was known to be rather bland.

But nothing about Emily Taylor is dull. The share-plate menu is packed with bold spices and feisty flavours hiding inside dumplings and duck dishes. Once finished, I determine to return for the weekend Yum Cha Bottomless Brunch. With Sally, of course.

Emily Taylor's fremantle — Sample South-East Asia fare at Emily Taylor’s.

More hidden Freo faves

7. DaRawNature Studio Gallery

This tucked-away gallery/cafe just off High Street is a gathering place for artists to create, collaborate and caffeinate in authentic surroundings.

Address: 5 Henry Street (down the alley).

8. Ghetto Blaster

A hole-in-the-wall, one-man show that serves up mean coffee, home-baked muffins and cordial chat Monday to Friday mornings.

Address: 47 Pakenham Street.

exterior shot of ghetto blaster — Grab the best coffee in Freo.

9. The Sunshine Harvester Works

From Fremantle’s best pizza to craft beer to bao buns and more, this collaboration of kitchens is off the beaten path, but worth the hike.

Address: 2/1 James Street.

dumplings at Sunshine Harvester Works Fremantle — Sample a range of cuisines with this collaboration of kitchens.

10. Republic of Fremantle

Head to this West End distillery for craft gin and vodka distilled on site, or to make your own at its Gin School.

Address: 3 Pakenham Street.

Republic of Fremantle, Distillery in Fremantle, WA — Republic of Fremantle is an urban distillery in the heart of the West End. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

11. Gimlet

This tiny blue-panelled space, part of the Warders Hotel , does double duty as a cafe during the day and cosy candlelit bar at night.

Address: 19–29 Henderson Street.

gimlet bar fremantle — Sit down to Gimlet. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

12. Kuld Creamery

Owners Kaitlyn and Mati create flavoursome dairy and vegan small-batch ice cream inspired by their North American roots.

Address: 11 Essex Street.

Kuld Creamery, Fremantle, WA — Try small-batch ice cream that’s big on flavour at Kuld Creamery.

Time your visit to Margaret River just right, and you can spend the ultimate weekend wining, dining and exploring the region with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

Wine, world-class produce, surf, sun and beaches: it’s an alluring combination. And the reason so many pin the Margaret River region high on their travel hit-lists. There’s drawcard after drawcard to the southwestern corner of Western Australia, and the Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover food and wine festival showcases the best of it over the course of one weekend in November. It’s never been easier to sip, see and savour the Margaret River region.

In partnership with Pair’d Margaret River Region, Range Rover invites you on a seven-day itinerary of refined adventure, where luxury and exploration go hand in hand. It’s the perfect WA road trip, and there’s no better way to do it than in a Range Rover.

Day 1

the pool at Pullman Bunker Bay — Check into Pullman Bunker Bay.

There’s no more popular West Australian road trip route than that between Perth and the Margaret River Region. It’s an easily digestible, three-hour drive, with worthy pit stops along the way.

Make the first of them one hour and 15 minutes in, at Lake Clifton. Here, find a 2000-year-old living thrombolite reef. Drive for a further 40 minutes and chance meeting some of Bunbury’s dolphin population at Koombana Bay.

Pullman Bunker Bay is the final stop, just over three hours south of Perth. This beachfront, five-star resort is the ultimate base for exploring the Margaret River Wine region.

Day 2

After a leisurely morning breakfast with an ocean view, start your Range Rover and head towards the Dunsborough town centre. Browsing the decidedly coastal-themed goods of the town’s many independent boutiques is a great way to while away the hours, breaking up the sartorial with an artisan gelato snack stop, or some good old-fashioned Australian bakery fare.

Leave room; you’ll need it for the Good Natured Gathering dinner at Wayfinder. Indulge in a four-course feast by chef Felipe Montiel, which uses produce from the winery’s market garden to enhance a selection of sustainably sourced seafood and meat. But food is just the support act. It’s organic wine that’s the star of the show, generously poured and expertly paired to each dish.

Day 3

Settle in for cabernet at Cape Mentelle Winery.

With a grand total of 20 wines from vintage 2022 to try, it’s a good thing Cape Mentelle’s International Cabernet Tasting kicks off early. Make your way to the estate for a 10:00 AM start, where a global selection of wines will be poured blind, before a long lunch by Tiller Dining is served.

Given that the Margaret River is responsible for more than 20 per cent of Australia’s fine wine production, it’s only right to delve into it while in the area.

Continue exploring the region via taste and terroir aboard Alison Maree, a whale-watching catamaran, as you cruise Geographe Bay . Admire the rolling green hills and crisp white beaches of Quindalup in sunset’s golden light, all the while sipping through the Clairault Streicker catalogue and dining on canapes.

For a more substantial dinner, venture into Busselton for a seven-course British x Australian mash-up , courtesy of Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion) and Oliver Kent (Updown Farmhouse, UK). They’ll be putting their rustic yet refined spin on the likes of local marron, wagyu and abalone – championing the simple beauty of the world-class ingredients.

Day 4

Wrap your fingers around a wine glass and wiggle your toes into the sand at Pair’d Beach Club x Range Rover on Meelup Beach. Sit down to an intimate wine session with sommelier Cyndal Petty – or a four-course feast by Aaron Carr of Yarri – and revel in the open-air beach club, bar and restaurant’s laidback coastal vibe. It’s a whole new way to experience one of the region’s most renowned beaches.

Follow up a day in the sun with a casual Italian party at Mr Barvel Wines . Purchase wines –including the elusive, sold-out Nebbia – by the glass and enjoy canapes with the towering Karri forest as a backdrop.

If you’d prefer to keep it local, head to Skigh Wines for the New Wave Gathering , where the region’s independent wine makers and their boundary-pushing wines will be on show. Street-style eats, a DJ and complimentary wine masterclasses complete the experience.

Day 5

pair'd Grand Tasting — Taste your way through Howard Park Wines. (Image: C J Maddock)

Spend the morning at your leisure, driving the winding roads through the Boranup Karri forest in your Range Rover. Soak in the views at Contos Beach, and call into the small cheese, chocolate and preserve producers along the way.

Make your next stop Howard Park Wines for The Grand Tasting presented by Singapore Airlines . Numerous wine labels will be pouring their catalogues over four hours, accompanied by food from chefs Matt Moran and Silvia Colloca, with live opera providing the soundtrack.

Cap off a big weekend with one last hurrah at Busselton Pavilion. Six ‘local legends’ – chefs Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion), Mal Chow (Chow’s Table), Aaron Carr (Yarri), Ben Jacob (Lagoon Yallingup), Corey Rozario (Dahl Daddies) and Laura Koentjoro (Banksia Tavern) – will be preparing a dish each. Dance the night away as vinyl spins and the sun sets on another day.

Day 6

Ngilgi Cave western australia — Head underground. (Image: Tourism WA)

After a busy few days of wining and dining, it’s wise to observe a rest day. There’s no easier task than unwinding in the Margaret River Region, also famous for its high concentration of world-class beaches.

Relax on the grassy knoll as you watch the region’s most experienced surfers braving the World Surf League break at Surfer’s Point, or don your own wetsuit and try out one of Gracetown’s more beginner-friendly waves. Swimmers will find their Eden at Meelup Beach, Eagle Bay, or Point Piquet, where the sand is brilliantly white and the water as still as a backyard swimming pool.

Not into sun, sand, and surf? Head underground at Mammoth Cave, just one of the region’s many stalactite-filled caves.

Day 7

Burnt Ends event at Pair'd — Farewell the Margaret River.

Pack up your Range Rover with new favourite wines and newfound memories, ready for the three-hour journey back to Perth.

Prebook your discovery journey through the south-west corner of Western Australia with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

12 Fremantle hidden gems for foodies