House Favourites: What We’re Eating, Drinking, Booking and Buying This May | WA Good Food Guide (2025)

Welcome back to House Favourites—a monthly series where the WAGFG team shares what we’re loving right now.

From standout snacks to new openings, upcoming getaways and the drinks we keep going back for, think of it as your go-to list for what’s worth eating, drinking, booking and buying right now.

Some are hot tips, others are long-time favourites, and all of them are worth your time.

Georgia Moore, Editor-in-Chief

The Vitello Tonnato at Gibney

Donnybrook veal, tuna and Olasagasti sauce, fried capers and pickled red onion. A dish that not only presents beautifully but expertly balances textures and flavours. Simple and beyond impressive.

Urban Forager Chicken Stock

This product is magic. I was making a pork and beef mince bolognaise the other night—super simple with finely grated carrot and Don Antonio Sugo. It tasted just ok… until I dolloped in two teaspoons of Urban Forager’s stock and witnessed a full saucy-CPR moment. Intense, flavour-packed and organic, made right here in Fremantle.

Bullara Station Stay

A nature-based campground with a surprise-and-delight food offering. Chef Toby Fisher has created an incredible culinary hub at the Woolshed, the heart of the camp—think sausage rolls with buttery flaky pastry, light, pillowy scones with jam and cream, Bullara steak pies, moist carrot cake and a nightly event called ‘The Table’ showcasing the station’s beef, local seafood, ethically farmed proteins and sensational produce drawn from the region.

Geraldton and The Abrolhos Islands

Geraldton has such a palatable sense of community and a complete no wanker vibe. Everyone bends over backwards to be friendly and there is a true village feel. The produce in the region is next level, there are some great places to eat—Salt Dish, the Vietnamese Bahn Mi Up and Arcade Kebab House for gozleme, doner and baklava.

Light Years Perth

I fell completely for the Studio Plenty designed interiors which are super playful with strong thematics. The soundtrack is epic too—we were due for a vibey new opening in Perth and Light Years delivered. Favourite dish? The miso caramel eggplant with tofu, snake beans, coriander and sesame.

The Good Grocer, East Fremantle

The design, the layout and the extraordinary range of West Australian artisan products from olive oils to chutneys, pastes, stock and everything in between is commendable. It’s a farmers market approach but open 24/7 and I am partial to an early morning shop when it’s super quiet and I can think through the meals for the week ahead while pushing a trolley.

Kommunity Brew Tropical Hops Kombucha

A 750ml bottle lasts about ten minutes in our house. It has just enough bite on the back of the throat and gives you a true sense of drinking wellness with a solid probiotic hit to the gut. The hops are Australian grown and are floral and fruity with stone fruit accents.

My Vitamix

I use my Vitamix at least three times a day–mainly for the best scrambled egg hack of all time: a tablespoon of soft butter with four eggs mixed on high for ten seconds, then poured into a moderately heated pan with Great Southern Groves Olive Oil. Have your silicon spatula on hand, as they’ll be ready in 12-15 seconds.

The Slow Road by Kirianna Poole

My Northern WA travels of late have me dreaming of hitting the road in a caravan so I am loving the The Slow Road by Kirianna Poole. Inspired by five years travelling with her family in a vintage Kombi, this cookbook is full of simple, hearty food that’s perfect for camping but easily translatable to simple cooking at home for the family. It’s motivation to keep things simple, wholesome and resourceful.

Bicton Central

Super-hot curries from Rym Tarng, a pop in to Fins Bicton to see the latest creation Seth James has dreamt up (scallop sausage anyone?) and grabbing a loaf of Hunter Bread while there.

Tessa Gallagher, Managing Director

Goods Bakery Eggplant Pie

This pie has no right being this good. Flaky, golden pastry wrapped around silky, smoky eggplant. A meat-free moment that hits all the right notes.

Quay Perth

Sometimes you just need a staycation in your own city. Quayis my pick for a Perth CBD getaway that won’t break the bank—killer views, cosy rooms and the perfect launch pad to indulge in all the city has to offer.

Cabin Fever Festival Program

This year’s line-up is *chef’s kiss. Think open-fire feasts, pyjama parties and cosy wine-fuelled adventures in the South West. Pack the knitwear.

Winter Wares Stoneware Mug

Locally designed ceramics that make everyday rituals feel extra, I am adding a couple of these to cart this winter.

Nicole Nelius Paintings

I am obsessed with Nicole’s bold, joy-filled canvases. If you’re in the market for something colourful, big, and beautiful—I can confirm, her art looks even better in person.

Le Bon Shoppe Boyfriend Socks

Best socks ever. Not too thick, not too thin, these are my winter go-tos.

Yiayia Truffle Olive Oil

The YiaYia truffle olive oil is almost too pretty to open, but do it anyway—the truffle hit is rich, earthy, and addictive. Looks good on your kitchen bench too.

Nonna’s Grocer Orange Candle

Looks like a market-fresh orange, smells like Sicilian summer. It’s giving kitsch, cool and a little bit of nonna nostalgia.

Juanita’s Chips

Juanita’s chips are an institution—and for good reason. Thick, salty, vinegary and always best paired with a glass of rosé while watching the world go by. My kind of snack.

Baina Towels

Luxurious, soft, and brings instant design flex to your bathroom. Highly recommend if you’re in the mood for a towel upgrade.

Max Brearley, Guide Editor

Everything is Indian by Justin Narayan

Since returning from a few months away I’m glued to this Indian inspired cookbook with a few casual detours. It’ll get a workout as the weather gets cooler.

Dahl Daddys

On a similar tip, we’re on the countdown to the closure (for now) of Dahl Daddys. There’s just a couple of weeks to get into this Margaret River favourite. I’ll be cycling through the likes of the fish paratha and the lahpet thoke.

Mushroom Garum from Noma Projects

As I get back into the swing of cooking at home, I’ll be leaning on some very special mushroom garum that I scored from the team at Noma Projects in Copenhagen. I’m glad to know that they do worldwide shipping on their growing range.

Qantas Direct Flights

Qantas direct flights cut both ways. It still feels a little magical that I can fly direct to London from Perth in around 17-hours, but also that I can do my bit for spruiking WA, telling anyone who will listen that you can fly direct from London, Paris and Rome to Perth – and that west is best.

Croc Toast at You Beauty

A riff on the ubiquitous prawn toast, I think about Matt Stone’s croc toast at least a couple of times a week. You’ll have to get yourself to You Beauty in Bangalow unless, perhaps, the WA born chef adds it to a menu when he next collabs in the west.

The Grand National Hotel by Saint Peter

I recently stayed at The Grand National Hotel by Saint Peter in Sydney. Josh and Julie Niland’s foray into the boutique hotel space has a secret weapon: a very special marron (WA of course) dish on the breakfast menu. Small pangs of pride for what could be Australia’s best hotel breakfast.

Fast Food Fancy at Cabin Fever

Like others in the team, I’m excited for the return of Cabin Fever and in particular the Fast Food Fancy event at Normal Van. I was there last year and I’m sure there’s new delights in store.

Chefs Table

I’ve missed the simple joy of rotting in the last few months. Series that will be seeing me through a quiet few weeks at home include MobLand, The Studio and the new drop of Chefs Table.

WAGFG Podcast—Paper, Scissors, Stock

Of course I can’t just rot on the couch, as I need to shift what I’m calling my “Euro weight” before we get back into review season. Long walks will be accompanied by catching up on our WAGFG podcast, Paper, Scissors, Stock.

Anna Franklyn, Managing Editor

The Scallops at Madalena’s

I don’t often meet a scallop I don’t like, but the one at Madalena’s is a cut above. Raw Abrolhos Island scallop, thinly sliced and served in its shell, with creamy almond koji and a dill dressing that has more flavour than you’d imagine possible. It’s a three-star WAGFG restaurant for a reason.

C’est la Baguette Baked Bread Candle

I may not be able to partake in my family’s Sunday morning ritual of warm baked bread from Wild Bakery, but this baguette scented candle from Gourmand Candle is 100% coeliac approved.

Handasydes Albany

The chocolate-coated freeze-dried strawberries at Handasydes in Albany are dangerously delicious. Then there’s the resident cow and donkey—Boris and Beanie—to keep the kids entertained, and when they get sick of the animals, there’s a playground so I can drink my coffee in peace.

The People’s Produce Curated Boxes

There’s not much I like less than going to the supermarket with two kids in tow, so I get mine delivered, but fruit and veg chosen by supermarket shoppers is not my jam. Enter The People’s Produce curated boxes. Mostly spray-free and super fresh, with nearly everything lasting a fortnight. Bonus: You can add pantry extras to your order, including those aforementioned Handasyde freeze-dried strawberries.

Spoonful of Goodness Red Cabbage Kraut

I’m weirdly obsessed with this kraut. Juniper, white pepper, and wakame give it a punchy, tangy kick—I’ve been eating it on eggs, toast, and straight from the jar.

Touchwood Mushrooms

I’m a sucker for a wellness trend, and I jumped on the medicinal mushroom train early. So imagine my delight when I stumbled across Denmark-based Touchwood Mushrooms at the Albany Farmers Markets last month. My top pick? The Lion’s Mane.

The Croissant Oversized Sweatshirt

Jumper weather has to arrive eventually, and when it does, I’ll be ready in this very cute, very comfy croissant sweatshirt.

Peko Peko Sushi

I was heartbroken when Peko Peko Attadale closed, but now I can waltz into my local Good Grocer and grab my go-to: teriyaki salmon with turmeric rice. A good—yet dangerous—addition to the neighbourhood.

The Green Pantry Denmark

There’s a cafe, there’s Bred Co bread, there’s homewares, cookbooks, bulk foods, skincare and all sorts of lotions and potions. Much to my partner’s dismay, I could spend hours in this tiny little health haven in Denmark.

Ode to Sirens

As a Freo local, it’s embarrassing to admit I only made it to Ode to Sirens for the first time last month—but better late than never. The vibe is moody yet buzzing, the drinks list is solid, and I’m absolutely itching to go back for the food.

Abbie Kinsella, Content and Partnerships Executive

Cape Farm Shop Flavoured Olive Oil Range

Flavoured olive oils take up more space in my pantry than I’m willing to admit, and the range from South West family-run Cape Farm Shop ranks among my favourites. Their lemon and garlic oils are staples I keep coming back to— the perfect finishing oils that work together for pastas and salads. Made using the agrumato method, where local produce is cold-pressed with the olives rather than added as an essence, these oils are the real deal.

Malaysian Curry Laksa from Yip

You’ll know you’re in the right spot when you see owner Eirch Wong bouncing on a bamboo pole, kneading fresh noodle dough the traditional way. While you can build your own bowl, the team at Yip make it easy with their Malaysian Curry Laksa—a bowl of chewy, slurpy noodles swimming with prawns in a creamy, coconut-rich laksa broth that packs a punch.

Ferguson Valley

Ferguson Valley is a region often overlooked—but it shouldn’t be. While rolling green hills make for serene drives, the wine scene is one to discover. Take your time hopping between cellar doors like Talisman Wines, Rascal Corner, and Willow Bridge or settle in at Green Door for tastings and nibbles on their verandah that overlooks the vines. If you’re up for a long, leisurely lunch, Hackersly and St Aidens are perfect spots—and in summer, St Aidens even hosts an outdoor cinema on their estate. And don’t skip Gnomesville—you just have to do it at least once.

Morning Bun from Teeter Bakery

Teeter’s morning bun is my pick for the best in Perth. Crisp, golden layers of perfectly laminated croissant dough, which is rolled with freshly ground cardamom butter, then tossed in cardamom sugar once baked. When the morning sun’s out, there’s nothing better than grabbing a crate outside this tiny East Perth corner bakery and settling in with a coffee and bun.

Potato & Rosemary Pizza at Delisio

I first came across Delisio when they were tucked away in the corner of the old Enex-100 food court. Thankfully, you can still find them on Rokeby Road. There’s a long cabinet filled with Roman-style pizza slabs at the back of the store, and the standout is the potato and rosemary—thinly sliced potato, rosemary, and a hit of sea salt on a light, crisp base.

Wine Club at Lawson Flats

Once a month, Lawson Flats throws a Wine Club night with a new theme—sometimes it’s all about a winemaker, other times it’s varietal-focused like their upcoming Chardonnay party. Hosted by Director of Beverages and WAGFG Wine Awards Judge Emma Farrelly—who effortlessly ditches the usual wine snobbery—it’s a fun night for anyone curious about wine (even if your wine knowledge isn’t sommelier-level).

Pino Beef Empanada from Pino’s Empanadas

Pino’s brings something new—and something deliciously different—to Perth’s bakery scene with their South American-style empanadas. First-timers must try the signature Pino Beef—braised and stuffed with caramelised onion, olives, and boiled egg. Not too big, not too small—perfect for a snack, or double up to work through the range.

Hand-Cut Truffle Carbonara at Monsterella

This has to be one of Perth’s most iconic pasta dishes. Wide sheets of handmade pasta are tossed in a velvety carbonara sauce of egg and pecorino, with crispy guanciale and a (rule-breaking but excellent) drizzle of truffle oil. Hands off—this one is not for sharing.

Everything Seasoning from Bagel O

This unassuming little jar on the Bagel O counter is pure gold. Their Everything Seasoning does exactly what it promises—elevates anything and everything. A blend of garlic, onion, sesame, poppy seeds and salt, it adds a salty, crunchy lift to avo toast, eggs, roast veg or meats— basically whatever needs that little something extra. Consider yourself warned: it’s addictive. Grab a jar next time you’re in for a bagel (try the Bronsalini).

Dinner at Capri

There’s something special about stepping into Capri —it feels like walking into Nonna’s for Sunday dinner. Where else can you order a crispy veal cotoletta or saltimbocca and add a side of lasagne or bolognese? A bowl of soul-warming minestrone with bread arrives on the house, tiramisu comes in a teacup with a scoop of ice cream, and corkage is just $2 if you’ve brought a bottle to share. Once you go, you’ll understand why their doors have been open for 70 years.

Find more house favourites here.