Get Your Italian Fix by heading to these Top Perth Wine Bars & Eateries
Writer Grace Flynn
As an Australian, I was quite surprised to learn that the unofficial dinner time in Italy sits somewhere between 8pm and 9pm. This was especially puzzling to me considering the rather unfortunate scoff-a-sandwich-at-your-desk lunchtime ritual so many of us Aussies partake in. How can Italian’s stave off hunger until close to what may or may not be my unofficial bedtime? The answer would be aperitivo.
Along with honouring lunch or ‘pranzo’ as the main meal of the day, one of the key ingredients to the Italian eating schedule is aperitivo. Derived from the Latin verb ‘aperire’, meaning to open, the ritual of a pre-dinner drink and snack is about opening one’s appetite up before dinner while enjoying the company of friends and family. Although it’s not an everyday event, aperitivo is always an option in Italy, taking place at around 7pm or 8pm and typically involving a bitter alcoholic beverage, like the popular negroni or americano, alongside olives, cheeses, meats and bread.
Of course, the best way to learn anything is by doing. So, if you’re looking for the best joints in Perth to dabble in the age-old practice of the Italian aperitivo, we’ve got you covered.
La Sosta
Fremantle’s La Sosta has long been a favourite spot for Italian cuisine, boasting fresh homemade pasta dishes, authentic antipasti and an extensive wine list. Meaning ‘stopover’, La Sosta is certainly a top place to stop by for an afterwork drink and nibble, Italian-style. Staying for a full meal is also a good idea. Since opening in 2012, the family-owned restaurant has expanded over two levels and features an Insta-worthy alfresco dining area overlooking the city streets.
Source La Sosta Facebook
Mummucc’
Offering delectable Italian fare, an exceptional wine list and the best martini Tania has ever had (which is no small feat!), Mummucc’ is easily one of the best spots to aperitivo in Perth. Opened by Tania’s good friend Tania Nicolo alongside her partner Ryan Bookless, the elegant wine bar is situated just a stroll away from the couples’ popular pizzeria, Monsterella. Oh, and in case you didn’t know, Mummucc’ (pronounced ‘ma-mooch’) is Abruzzese dialect for ‘dearest mother.’
Source Mummucc’ Instagram
StreetFood dal Porco
This Beaufort Street beauty is being hailed as one of Perth’s most authentic Italian trattorias. If you’re looking to indulge in some proper Italian charcoal barbequed meats like ‘Bistecca alla Fiorentina’ , arrosticini, and mouthwatering crostini alongside your favourite birra or vino (StreetFood is BYO only), look no further
Source Streetfood Dal Porco Facebook
La Madonna Nera
Led by Fiona Di Lanzo, La Madonna Nera is a cosy Italian wine bar situated on Scarborough Beach Road in Mount Hawthorn. Showcasing native Italian varieties as well as Australian drops, La Madonna Nera’s wine list is sure to impress, along with its contemporary Italian menu.
Testun
Brought to Mount Lawley by the owners of well-known Italian trattoria Threecoins, neo-Italian osteria Testun is sure to surprise with its inventive menu and bold interiors. Located on Beaufort Street, the wine bar offers classic aperitivi like limoncello spritz, vermouth and olio martini, making it a great spot for Italophiles to enjoy a Friday bevvy.
Source Testun Facebook