Looking for somewhere different to book for dinner? Perth is home to some incredible Middle Eastern restaurants that offer a unique, flavour-packed dining experience.
Stemming from a variety of cultures, Middle Eastern food encompasses a variety of cuisines. It’s generally characterised by fragrant and copious spices, nuts, olive oil, and creamy elements. Lamb and goat are traditional meats. Chicken, beef, fish, and pork are also used, but less frequently.
So where can you find great Middle Eastern Food in Perth?
If you’ve ever enjoyed pita bread, hummus, or falafel, you’ve already ventured into the wonderful world of Middle Eastern food. But there’s much more to the cuisine than these iconic staples.
Here are our TOP 5 in Perth and Peel:
The Prophet – Authentic Cuisine in East Victoria Park
With a dozen or so ordinary tables, unadorned walls, bare lighting, The Prophet may not offer a fancy space. But the food out of this unbelievably small kitchen and at a wallet-friendly price is what is draws people. And flock to The Prophet they do.
With a reputation of having some of the best Lebanese food in Perth, this is ‘must book’ territory. If you turn up on any night of the week hoping to jag a table, you most likely will be disappointed.
Dining Middle Eastern style often includes shared plates and this is the best way to experience The Prophet. And their set menu is a great option with tonnes of delicious food, great flavours and authentic middle eastern dishes. Our favourites – Ladies Fingers (minced lamb, pine nuts and pomegranate molasses wrapped in filo), Falafel, Arnabeet (deep-fried cauliflower with a tangy tahini sauce), and their Garlic Chicken.
NOTE: If dining with the set menu, don’t fill up on the bread and hummus or we guarantee you’ll have no room for all the other delicious dishes to come.
| Website: | theprophetcafe.com.au |
Pogo – Modern Middle Eastern Influences in Mt Hawthorne
Featuring traditional Middle Eastern flavours with a contemporary spin, Pogo Restaurant always delivers on flavour. We love their dinner menu having dined there multiple times (Read the Review). Menu highlights include the best Hummus in Perth, Zaatar Fried Chicken, Spiced Chicken Skewers and Roasted Cauliflower just to name a few. Their Chocolate and Cardamom Tart is perfect for something sweet. And Pogo’s drink list is bursting with delicious cocktails, mocktails, wine and more! If you can’t decide what you want – Pogo also have a “Feed Me” set-priced menu where you’ll be served a selection of delicious dishes chosen by the chef.
But new this year is a Middle Eastern brunch experience! Pogo is now open for all-day dining. (Thursday-Sunday) From the incredible Chicken Roti to a sweet burnt honey Baked Kunefe Hotcake, Pogo’s all-day menu is inventive and super delicious.
Do yourself a favour and check out Pogo! It’s definitely our new favourite for breakfast and we‘ll be returning very soon.
NOTE: Located in the heart of Mt Hawthorn within the Mezz Arcade, Pogo has indoor and outdoor seating perfect for a sunny Perth day. Walk-ins are welcome or book a table online via their website.
| Website: | pogorestaurant.com.au |
Propeller – Modern Middle Eastern in North Fremantle
Built within and around a converted bus garage in the heart of the North Fremantle village, Propeller’s kitchen is lead by Head Chef Kurt Sampson. Their menu is designed for sharing and feasting and is a unique take on the bold, spiced flavours of the Middle East and Levantine regions.
Winners of ONE HAT from the National Good Food Guide 2021, you can be guaranteed an incredible meal at Propeller.
NOTE: Open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday. They also offer a Chef’s Choice set-priced menu taking you on a flavoursome journey. Make sure to leave room for dessert!
| Website: | propellernorthfreo.com.au |
Market Eating House – Inspired Middle Eastern in the South West
Bunbury has a burgeoning scene of small bars and restaurants. Market Eating House is a serious contender for one of Western Australia’s South West best places to dine. Since its opening in 2015, it has received glowing reviews. And featuring a seasonal menu, showcasing the abundance of the Geographe Region, we can confirm it produces truly inspired and knock-out flavoured Middle Eastern dishes.
Housed in a historic building in Victoria Street, the restaurant has a casual yet comfortable aesthetic with bare brick and exposed timber. With restauranteurs Brenton and Bec Pyke at the helm you know you are in for a treat – not only with authentic, soul warming food, but with fantastic service and hospitality.
Best enjoyed sharing style, menu is a revelation. Although we only sampled a few dishes, each one was full of flavour and a generous serving size. The Market Hummus with its spiced lamb, fried chickpeas and raisins served with a huge amount of wood-fired flat bread was delicious and plentiful. It would easily feed 4-6 people. The BBQ Chicken with cumin yoghurt, fermented capsicum butter, pinenuts and pita was divine. But the piece da resistance in our opinion was the Fesenjan Eggplant Salad with smoked labne, pomegranate, capsicum and walnuts.
If taking a road trip southward bound, this is a worthy detour for lunch or dinner!
NOTE: Market Eating House is open Wednesdays & Thursdays from 5.30pm, or from 12pm on Friday and Saturday. They also have a “FEED ME” set-priced menu created to curate a dining experience of their greatest hits (only available Friday & Saturday evening).
| Website: | marketeatinghouse.com.au |
Hadiqa – Drool Worth Mediterranean Dishes
A Middle Eastern inspired oasis nestled in Hibernian Place, Hadiqa (Arabic word for Garden) has a gorgeous aesthetic. Awash with greenery and colour it mirrors the same beauty as the origin of its cuisine. From the moment you arrive, you’ll find it’s all pretty jaw dropping.
Head Chef Jett Alexander drives the spice-infused menu of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Greek flavours. Share-friendly, sociable dining is the name of the game with dishes served in colourful crockery and bowls. And the Middle Eastern aesthetic extends to the drinks side of things too with cocktails decorated with rose petals and served in gold-rimmed Moroccan tea glasses.
NOTE: Make sure to check out the rooftop garden! Hadiqa also has an express Lunch Diffa (set-price menu) or for the Mother of All Feasts, try their Bijou Diffa (4 course) or Epic Diffa (6 course) menu intended for whole table sharing.
| Website: | Hadiqa |
Any Other Middle Eastern Eateries You’d Recommend?
So there you have our top 5. Lucky for us there are plenty of spots dishing out authentic Middle Eastern in Perth, and showcasing this vibrant cuisine.
Is there somewhere else you’d recommend we try? Send us a message so we can add it to our best Middle Eastern in Perth list.
