Winter is. † † you know the Game of Thrones line.
As the wild weather comes, so does the hunger for experiences that warm our bodies and stomachs.
Summer salads and flocking to the sunniest beer garden are distant memories because now is the time to stay warm and enjoy something healthy and hearty.
Here are some of Perth’s coziest meals to enjoy this winter.
1. Vindaloo Lamb Shank, Brown Street Grill
Camera IconVindaloo Lamb Shank, Brown Street Grill. Credit: Jackson Flindell/The West Australian
If the venue’s name doesn’t give it away, looking at this delectable lamb shank with charred naan will reveal that this kitchen cooks with fire.
Chef Stuart Laws has put together a simple yet delicious menu where the ingredients do the talking, and this vindaloo lamb shank with jeweled rice, garlic naan, and pickled shallots says winter warmer to us.
2. Brodetto di pesce, Pappagallo
Camera icon Brodetto di Pesce, Pappagallo. Credit: Included
This trattoria in Leederville offers guests the ultimate winter gift: a seafood stew from the owner’s hometown of Vasto in Italy.
Peel the wood-fired bread that coats the brodetto di pesce and be rewarded with a warm and fragrant blend of fish, shrimp, mussels, clams, baby squid, red peppers, and garlic in light cherry tomato sauce. Better yet, the packaging can include all the delicious sauces – Bellissimo.
3. Shared Lamb Shoulder, Strange Company
Promising to fall off the bone and melt in your mouth, this hearty sumac and fennel lamb shoulder with spiced yogurt is sure to warm your bones even on the coldest day.
Chef Christophe Mannon-Bakaj says the dish is designed to sit in the center of the table and share with friends over wine.
4. Sunday Roast, Young George
For over seven years, the chefs at this East Fremantle institution have been serving a Sunday roast after it’s been cooked low and slow overnight.
While plenty of other wood-fired dishes are sure to turn up the heat on the menu, it’s hard to get past the wood-roasted pork, pumpkin, baked polenta, and sauerkraut to end the weekend with.
5. Shared Lasagna, Il Lido
Another exclusive Sunday treat, and perfect for your next date night, is this traditional lasagna for two.
Charred and cheesy in all the right places, Il Lido’s recipe includes fresh ground beef, provolone, and Parmesan. Add to your calendar now.
6. Sticky Date Pudding, The Shorehouse
Camera icon Sticky date pudding, The Shorehouse. Credit: Included
If you’re already drooling just reading the name of this dessert, you’re not alone. When made right, this moist pudding with sticky sauce is the dreamiest winter treat.
This beachfront beauty’s cuisine serves its rendition with classic fudge sauce, not-so-traditional sage ice cream, and hazelnuts.
7. Cobb Bread, The Guildford Hotel
Camera IconCobb Bread, The Guildford Hotel. Credit: Included
Nothing says winter food coma like cheese or carbs, and this dish combines them both.
The Guildford Hotel’s creamy cobb bread is packed with truffle cheese filling, and dukkah crumb, all in crusty bread served with grissini sticks.
8. Bread and Butter Pudding, Common Bread
When you make bread that is so delicious, it makes sense to use it in as many dishes as possible.
The Fremantle fave of the classic English dessert has its namesake in the pudding and the burnt toast ice cream.
9. Red Dragon, Ramen Ichiraku
Not only will a bowl of this warm your insides, but you’ll also probably need to peel off a layer and grab a tissue for your runny nose.
Perfect for chili lovers, it features half a soft-boiled egg, wood ear mushroom, scallions, nori, and a stock that goes from level one to level five, the latter aptly called “Dragon Slayers.”
10. Shakshuka, Boucla
Whether spiced porridge topped with a poached pear or a savory option with sticky egg and bread, warm winter brunch options hit all the right notes.
Served with pickled tomatoes, bell peppers, fried eggs, labneh, and Turkish bread, this Mediterranean-inspired cafe’s shakshuka is sure to keep you full all morning. However, if there is still room in your stomach, try one of their delicious cakes.
fire it up
Stay warm by the fire at these cozy locations
the cabin
This intimate cabin-style wine bar makes you feel like you’re nestled next to the fireplace in Aspen rather than in the heart of Mount Hawthorn.
An ideal place to watch the winter storms roll over the ocean is by the fireplace in this beachfront restaurant.
The Royal
Mulled wine, cozy sofas, and a fireplace – need we say more? If that’s not enough to get you out of your dressing gown, then perhaps their new addition of rotating pies — from chicken and leeks to beef bourguignon — will be on a Friday.
habit
For the ultimate winter experience, come down on a Saturday night and enjoy the live jazz and the crackling fire.
Rose and crown
For a mini winter getaway, grab a coffee and head to Guildford to enjoy a meal by the fire in one of WA’s oldest pubs.
