10 Best Lunch Spots in Northbridge, Perth

When a restaurant is as jam-packed as the menu is compact, you know the food has got to be consistently good. In keeping with its namesake, the star dish honours a traditional recipe using WA grown chickpeas served with freshly baked Iraqi bread and beef, mushroom, salad or whatever the chef dreams up. There’s plenty of mezze plates and baklava ice-cream sandwich or rose water granita to finish, not to mention a good selection of brews, cocktails and wines, including a few drops from Lebanon. Embracing Middle-Eastern culture, the walls are lined with artworks, including works from light and calligraphy artist Karim Jabbari. “We exist to break stereotypes and challenge people’s misconceptions of the Middle East,” says co-owner Kaitlin Zammar.

Western Australian’s usually love their fish and chips at sunset with the sand between their toes, but now and then they do venture inland for a fishy fix. Freshness isn’t sacrificed even if their seafood has travelled those extra few kilometres to this urban enclave. Hand-cup chips, batters of the week, freshly prepared salads and gluten-free options sets The Chippery apart from the usual salt and grease affair. Not to mention their tacos, burgers and cones of fish, squid and popcorn chicken; and their truffle chips may just change your life.

Reminiscent of an old-fashioned American diner and encouraging guests to eat with their hands, Meat Candy pays homage to good old-fashioned eating; including a price tag to match with no dish over $20 except for the generous sharing platters of smoked meats. Remember a time when Kentucky Fried Chicken was a treat anticipated for its juicy drumsticks and secret recipes of herbs and spices? Hardly a fast-food joint, nonetheless Meat Candy has perfected juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside southern fried chicken. Of course, there are the crowd-pleasing pulled pork and meaty sandwiches not to mention the Brussel sprouts easily popped inside your mouth much like lollies, or candy in keeping with the American reference. Refreshing brews and cocktails like Southern Iced Tea and vodka-based Tito’s Mule help cut through the looming meat coma post-feast.

When eating dim sum, a certain amount of dumpling promiscuity is not only expected, it’s encouraged. Originated in the Canton region, yum cha was introduced for travellers on the Silk Road wanting tea breaks and accompanying snacks, known as dim sum. On a much smaller scale, the hungry hordes circumnavigating Northbridge are also on the constant prowl for steamed, fried and baked goodies careening around on trolleys. If in doubt, join the longest queue, but the Royal Seafood Restaurant is a tried and tested favourite.

Decorated in a riot of colour and flavour, Mela Indian Sweets & Eats has both the southern and northern Indian classics covered. Dahl, paneer, tandoori, vindaloo, masala, dosa and biryani are just a few of Perth’s favourite Indian things. Come on the weekends for street food, also known as chaat, much like tapas to the Spanish. Since their opening over a decade ago, regular patrons knowingly save room for the cardamom and saffron soaked sweets.

Situated in a former police station in the Perth Cultural Centre, theatre, art, book and music buffs are well-placed for pre, post and anytime productions. Not that an excuse is ever needed to plonk down on a recycled crate for sharing plates from the land and sea. The drinks are as playful as local personality Jerry Fraser, Perth’s famed oyster shucker, whose witty banter is as entertaining as his effortless shucking on Wednesday evenings and Friday afternoons from midday.

Northbridge Brewing Company beckons a midday brew, particularly on a sunny day overlooking the Northbridge Piazza. With an onsite brew house crafted at the hands of Master Brewer Ken Arrowsmith, Pale Ale, Lager, Wheat Beer, Koscho and IPA comprise of their award-winning core range. The brew team didn’t stop there though and are rightly proud of their 20 seasonal small batch styles, which include Japanese Porter and Mango Wheat Beer. Steaks, beer, battered chips, burgers and pizzas are the ideal accompaniment.

As a staple Northbridge classic for over 20 years, the locals drive from all over the metropolitan area to line up for their roasting meats. The hanging ducks in the window alert the rest of the population who mightn’t already be in the know. Every duck is cleaned, air dried, seasoned and roasted in a closed oven. Delightfully chaotic, other highlights include Peking duck, mud crab, octopus, roast pork, suckling pig and they even manage to sneak in minced pork into their long bean dish.

Family run for over 30 years, Viet Hoa is a hive of clicking chopsticks any time of the day or night. Yet, they always seem to magically produce a table for the consistent stream of patrons craving their Vietnamese and Chinese menu. Famous for their pho, noodles, satays, stir-fries, soup and thick shakes, they serve one of the best Hai Nam Chicken and Rice in Perth. Yes, a big claim indeed.

If Tony Soprano were still alive, this would be the kind of place he’d want to frequent, if only to be contrary on the name front while drinking a Godfather Old Fashioned and feasting on the Chef’s Selection. White anchovies and an Italian cheese trio with honey and bread or pan-fried squid, salami, tomato and chickpeas should keep the thugs at bay. Not that any underground shenanigans would go unnoticed in this lively locale. There’s a good selection of Western Australian, South Australian and Italian beers, reds, whites and sparklings. Linger into the evening for the progressive Tre Amici with antipasto at No Mafia, pasta at Francoforte Spaghetti Bar and gelato at Chicho Gelato all within stagger distance.