An ode to all things kitsch, Lucky Chans is found hidden behind a laundrette-style frontage, complete with working washing machines and retro lighting. Step inside and you’ll be immersed in a warm glow to the sound of hip hop music as welcoming staff sit you at plastic table. A semi-open kitchen cooks food that tastes as good as it smells. A go-to spot for a late bite and drink with friends, the very casual restaurant serves Chinese food with a fun twist; alcoholic boba and crispy pigs ears top the menu (trust us, they’re delicious). If you feel like continuing the night, Northbridge’s best bars and clubs are just a short stumble away.

If the Perth spirit was distilled into a single place, it would be Yelo. Perched right on Trigg beach, this wellness café dishes up all the good Australian stereotypes; healthy food, sporty clientele and friendly vibes. Yelo prides itself on serving the cleanest, freshest and most local produce and meats, offering wraps, granola and, of course, acai bowls. While the menu is switched up every so often, the one constant is Yelo’s incredible coffee courtesy of suspiciously good-looking baristas. If you find yourself in a line for a table, grab a coffee and muffin to go and hit the sandy shores for surfer-ogling and dog-spotting.

Perth is home to a huge East-Asian community which is probably a contributing factor to why its dim-sum scene is one of the country’s best. Named after Australia’s first Chinese settler John Pong Shying who arrived in 1818, Shy John’s serves classic Cantonese fare alongside more innovative modern dishes – all of which are equally mouthwatering. The two-storey restaurant can seat 500 people but, given the spot’s popularity, you may still find your name on a list – hold out for a table in the indoor-outdoor upstairs. Eat as many dumplings as possible – the truffle and scallop-filled is a highlight. Innovative techniques are found in dishes such as tea-smoked chicken and the ox tongue with truffle cream sauce. Beer and dim-sum is an unlikely but compatible combo and Shy John’s serves up craft brews that do its incredible food justice – our favourite is The Forbidden Potion.

There’s only one thing on the menu here, and that’s waffles so we aren’t complaining. Authentic Belgian liège take on a new life in an apple crumble concoction that will make you question eating anything but waffles ever again. If your sweet tooth is lacking, don’t worry; there are plenty of savoury treats that are equally decadent. Classic favourites including avo on toast are served up with a twist (hint: the twist is a cooked-to-perfection waffle instead of bread), while Pitcher and Iron’s take on fried chicken and waffles involves tangy salsa, grilled cheese and lots of bacon. If you’re heading there on the weekend, be prepared to wait but it’ll be well worth it.

Perth’s brunch scene rivals the biggest and brightest of cities (we’re looking at you Melbourne), and for that it can thank Mary Street Bakery. While this laid-back spot has got all the brunch hits like fried chicken with buttermilk pancakes or bacon-and-egg rolls, it’s the pastries you’ll remember long after you leave this city. Two words: tiramisu cruffin. A muffin/croissant match made in heaven, filled with custard, mascarpone, coffee and a dark choc crumb. While the bakery’s reputation has earned itself a waiting list on the weekends, it’s perfectly situated in the trendy suburb of Mount Lawley so grab a cruffin and coffee to go and gander around the nearby boutiques.

With dozens of bubble lights hanging from the ceiling, poster-clad walls and multi-coloured chairs, Greens & Co brings a touch of bright lights and buzz to Leederville. Another rare late-night gem in this sleepy city, Greens & Co satisfies all manner of cravings and its cheesecake is renowned. This local hangout is a perfect spot if you want to stay out late but would pass up vodka and techno in favour of a beer and board game, literally. The café boasts a selection of games so you can kick back and enjoy some wholesome fun and a slice of cake. Imagine your ideal Sunday night and chances are it’s at Greens & Co.

Priding itself on quality, Monsterella only uses San Marzano tomatoes to hand-make its pizzas which are naturally risen for 48 hours before being scorched to Italian perfection in a wood-fired oven. Owned by a husband and wife, this humble little pizzeria dishes up big flavour and good vibes every night of the week. Exposed brick, leather booths, wooden tables and hanging lights make up the fit out of this cosy BYO restaurant. All 17 pizzas on the menu are as divine, so you can’t go wrong, but its revolving seasonal specials are always a winner. We suggest you start the evening off with juicy Sicilian olives finish it with a serving of cannoli.

Marble countertops, bold blue walls and abstract neon art mean Chicho is not your usual ice-cream shop. Incredibly Instagrammable, this new-wave gelateria boasts daily churned gelato that caters to the most varied palates. Amazing flavour combinations include lavender and honeycomb, rose water stracciatella and malted-milk cornflake cookie. The more adventurous should opt for a scoop of avocado and candied bacon, cactus fruit sorbet or green tea toasted rice. If that’s not enough to get you salivating, Chicho also offers limited edition desserts baked in-store such as Smoked S’mores, Bigne con Gelato or Granita con Brioche. Also, did we mention there’s a free-flowing chocolate tap?

Bar, garden and kitchen sums The Standard up pretty nicely. With a rooftop overlooking Perth’s CBD, sharing cocktails and Asian-fusion food – think: hibiscus cured mackerel and soma noodles – The Standard ticks all our boxes. Head here for a mid-week drink to mingle with locals over speciality punches or try its legendary lazy sunday for the ultimate hangover feast – which may or may not include a hair of the dog as treatment.