The Best Day Trips For Friends In Hunter Valley

I recently revisited KARLA in Yagan Square`s Stories precinct, where I last dined two years ago. It`s the sister to Nokturnl Asian-fusion restaurants Lotus at the Beaufort (one of my favourites), Tonic & Ginger (Old Synagogue), and the excellent BANGLA (The Station).

As per the website: "KARLA draws inspiration from the Noongar word for ‘fire,’ creating a culinary haven where modern Asian cuisine cooked over flames and coals takes centre stage."

Like Lotus, the best-shared menu features a mix of small and large plates, with plenty of variety and moderate heat levels to keep most happy. Thankfully, there`s a sizeable drinks menu with excellent signature cocktails to solve any chilli-related issues 🥵

Much of the menu was similar to my last visit, with key changes in the main courses so I focused my choices there. My highlights this time were the curry puff, rice noodles and peanut satay sauce. I`d love some more heat from the chicken wings, but you can`t have everything!

If fire-cooked local ingredients with Asian flavours appeal, KARLA is hard to beat.

Dishes pictured here:
- Whipped sesame tofu, wild mushroom medley, cassava cracker
- Spiced vegetable curry puff, mango chutney
- Korean fried chicken wings, kimchi caramel, chilli, spring onion, sesame
- Charcoal roasted miso pumpkin, dal makhami, pepitas, sunflower, fried curry leaves
- Wok-tossed pad see ew rice noodles, topside beef, gai lan, soy caramel
- Seasonal Asian greens, mushroom xo, shaoxing wine, macadamia sambal
- Crispy Roti, peanut satay
- Peanut butter parfait, crushed cookie, miso caramel, chocolate ice cream

@karlarestaurantperth

#invited #perth #perthfood #pertheats #perthlife

CU29 is a new restaurant and bar in the heart of West Perth that opened quietly in June, and more recently announced its arrival via traditional and social media. I’m not one for launch parties, however I was happy to accept an invitation to dine for weeknight dinner.



Promising to ‘fuse global culinary influences with the very best of WA produce’, I`m pleased to say that CU29 delivered one of the best meals I`ve had in a long time. It`s a beautiful venue with a well-executed menu, attentive service and an overall experience that won`t break the bank. My food highlight? The lamb rump char siu.



Recommended for a special occasion, business lunch or even a simple weekday dinner for two.



Follow the link in my profile or head to morsels.com.au to read my full story.



@cu29wa



Dishes featured here:

- kangaroo tartare, hash brown, egg yolk cream, yuzu, wattleseed

- scallop crudo, mandarin vinegar, macadamia cream, karkalla, kaffir lime

- heirloom mushroom quiche, charred heirloom mushroom, mint, mushroom jus

- Wagyu lamb two ways - rump char siu, pulled lamb nest, kohlrabi soybean cream, cumin salt

- Antarctic toothfish, kombu, fish roe, zucchini, lemon myrtle, wild garlic flower

- Triple-cooked Kipfler, cheese foam, pickled shallot, capers

- Sandalwood nut tart, saffron poached pear, orange namelaka, chantilly, orange veil

- fig sorbet, white chocolate mousse, rhubarb compote, basil



#invited #perth #perthfood #pertheats #westernaustralia

I`ve recently been inspired to write again, so expect to see me doing more of the thing I enjoy most - telling the stories of the people and places that make Perth hospitality so special.



First up is one of Perth`s best cafes that somehow flies under the radar, and deserves more attention - Source Foods on Beaufort Street. Yes, the coffee, food and service are outstanding, but the story behind that begins with a core team unchanged for 12 years.



Follow the link in my profile or head to morsels.com.au to read the full story.



@sourcefoods



Have a story to tell? Get in touch.


#perth #perthfood #pertheats #perthlife #westernaustralia

Here are some photos from last night`s sold-out "Daph`s x Servo Sunday Roast" event, held as part of Leederville`s NOM NOM food, wine and music festival.



A collaboration between Daph’s Restaurant and Servo, this three-course meal saw a reimagining of the traditional Sunday roast with a festive nod to Christmas in July. Daph’s chef-owner Pepe Dart joined the Servo team to deliver a generous menu of fire-roasted and slow-cooked dishes.



Starters:

- woodfired bread, zaatar

- mushroom pate, toasted macadamias, date molasses

- BBQ pork belly pops, pickled apple puree, fennel remoulade

- charred octopus, shakshuka sauce, green olives, preserved lemon



Mains:

- fire-roasted picanha (beef rump cap)

- Yorkshire pudding

- beef fat roast potatoes

- gratinated cheesy leeks

- pan-fried cabbage

- beef jus



Dessert

- apple and custard Davidson plum pie, double cream



@nomnomfestival @daphsrestaurant @servoleederville @mediacircuscreative



Running until Sunday August 9, there`s plenty of time to attend a NOM NOM 2026 event. The festival has once again brought together Leederville’s best venues, chefs, winemakers, entertainers and creatives for a program of long lunches, collaborative dinners, interactive workshops, boozy brunches, cocktail trails, nostalgic party nights and one-off culinary events. Follow the link in my profile for more information.



#invited #leederville #perth #perthfood #pertheats

We all know Perth loves a freebie, and the crowds showed up yesterday to see The Good Grocer team up with Testun and Threecoins & Sons at their 2nd Ave Mt Lawley store.



On offer was 300 free piadina – an Italian flatbread sandwich – using fresh tortillas made in-store, filled with local produce and artisan products.



Each piadina reflected the personality of the restaurant behind it. Frank Trequattrini, who you’ll usually find at Threecoins & Sons, served a light, fresh produce-led piadina whilst Chris Caravella brought Testun’s more boisterous, fun style to his.



Frank’s Piadina: El Arquero-pickled zucchini, La Delizia Lattacini stracciatella & pistachio pesto


Chris’ Piadina: Flame-grilled Barbaro mortadella, tomatillo, pineapple & gherkin salsa, chilli mayo, provolone & pickle chippies



@goodgrocerwa @threecoins.sons @testun.bar



As well as a fantastic sandwich, shoppers enjoyed live entertainment, face painting and samples from local businesses including:



El Arquero Tequila - @elarquerotequila

Rocking Rayu chilli oil - @rockingrayu

La Delizia Latticini - @la_delizia_latticini

Calda Calda pizza bases - @caldacalda_

Barbaro Smallgoods - @barbarosmallgoods

SIPPI Soda - @sippisodaco

Gesha Coffee Co - @geshacafefremantle



Sunday`s event was part of The Good Grocer’s "In Good Company" initiative, designed to connect customers with chefs, makers, producers and experts through local collaborations.



#perth #perthfood #pertheats #westernaustralia #collab

Mount Hawthorn café Earl`s recently celebrated its first birthday, an impressive milestone at a time where many venues come and go without making more than an influencer-lead splash.



Earl`s has earned itself a place in the top tier of Perth sandwich shops, with its use of premium ingredients, clever combinations and excellent coffee from Northbridge roaster Singular.



"It feels like it`s been three months and five years at the same time," said owner Will Parkes. "The biggest challenge has been grasping the kitchen side of things. I also went from just managing myself to managing a bunch of people as well."



I`m a frequent customer of Earl`s, and can rarely resist a special - the spiced chicken burger, cheesesteak and mortadella brekky roll stand out. The hot beef hoagie and roast lamb flat bread are my favourites from the regular menu. Focaccia is now made in-house.



Earl`s birthday week specials are a Chicken Tikka Masala Fold and Birthday Cake Iced Latte, jumping nicely on the dot-cake trend. Both are available until June 28.



@earls_mh @singularcoffeecompany

All pictures by Martin Eade.



#invited #perth #perthfood #pertheats #westernaustralia

BANGLA is now open in South Perth! Replacing Euro fine-diner Ludo in The Station dining precinct, BANGLA offers a modern Asian eating experience inspired by Thailand`s Bangla Road. Leading the restaurant are Head Chef, Thanapat ‘Teddy’ Rattichot and Nokturnl Executive Chef, Sundoo Kim (pic #9)



Last night I was treated to a preview of the menu, and was impressed with the food, drink and overall offering. My highlights were the flavour-packed Thai sausage, luxurious lobster taco, moist grilled chicken and satay sauce I could eat on a proverbial flip-flop. The setting is dark, red and busy, as you can no doubt see from the photos.



The full menu offers a range of small and large plates, with two feed-me menus to make choosing easy. There`s a substantial drinks menu including a range of signature cocktails.



Dishes I`m keen to try on my inevitable return are the Sichuan beef fillet tartare, Roti red curry cheeseburger, Korean corn ribs and Chef`s Teddy`s porchetta. The roti basket with peanut satay sounds like a perfect snack for the car journey home 😋



BANGLA is open for dinner seven days and lunch Friday to Sunday. I expect it to be a popular addition to the Perth dining scene, and deservedly so.



@banglaperth @thestationsouthperth @nokturnlhospitality



Dishes pictured here:

- La Delizia burrata, chilli cashew sambal, Chinese donut

- Wagyu beef lollipops, house satay, chilli peanut

- WA rock lobster taco

- BANGLA Road spice bag - 7 spice chicken, rice cakes, katsu curry

- Crispy eggplant fingers, black vinegar, black bean, confit garlic puree

- Northern Thai sausage, pickled ginger, honey soy glaze

- Humpty Doo barramundi green curry, eggplant, baby corn

- Southern Thai grilled boneless chicken, garlic toum, nam jim

- Pickled cabbage noodle salad

- Dessert platter - candied banana split, mocha ice cream sandwich, yuzu Basque cheesecake, coconut panna cotta



#invited #perth #perthfood #pertheats

Cabin Fever is one of my favourite annual events, and the perfect reason to visit the South West in the winter. The festival is celebrating its tenth year in 2026, so I decided to dig through my archives for some forgotten memories. Yes, I`ve been to a lot of the cheese toastie battles (and will be back this year!)

Running from 17–26 July, this year`s festival features more than 40 events across the Margaret River region. There`s still time to buy tickets; visit @cabinfever_au or follow the link in my profile for more info.

Pictured here:
1. 2022 - Cheese Toastie Battle
2-3. 2025 -  A Night at the Museum, with George Cooper from Tiller Dining at Domaine Naturaliste
4-6. 2025 - Cheese Toastie Battle
7-9. 2025 - Fast Food Fancy with Normal Van and Brendan Pratt (scallop Scotch egg 😳)
10-12. 2025 - Cape to Plate at Busselton Pavilion with Robert Webster, Mal Chow and Brandan Pratt
13-14. 2022 - Cheese Toastie Battle
15. 2020 - Cheese Toastie Battle
16. 2019 - Cheese Toastie Battle
17 2018 - Dinner with George Cooper in a shed somewhere...
18 2018 - Cheese Toastie Battle
19 2017 - Dinner at Vasse Felix
20 2017 - Wine tasting at Cape Grace

@cabinfever_au @ahoy_mgmt

#cabinfever #margaretriver #perth #perthfood #westernaustralia

Lunch at Busselton Middle-Eastern restaurant Inara was one of my favourite meals of 2025, and one of the few permanently imprinted on my memory. When it was suggested I return to try their new Sunday brunch "when I was in the area", there was no hesitation. To the area I went…



Brunch at Inara can be either a set menu or a choice from the standard menu with a few dishes added (swipe to the end to see). My highlights? Unsurprisingly, the main reason I was so excited to go: the hard-to-fault shakshuka. The addictive, soft pide haloumi. And the crisp, moist and sweet Dutch baby. Every dish a delight in flavour, texture and balance.



It can be hard returning to somewhere that impressed you so much in case your memory is tarnished. But this was another outstanding experience, and a likely contender for my best meal of 2026. Although I will be back in July for their Cabin Fever lunch...



Worth the drive? Definitely.



@inara_busselton
@cabinfever_au


Dishes pictured here:

- Shakshuka - braised tomatoes and peppers, slow cooked eggs, feta, hawaij hot sauce

- Charred baby peppers, candied tomatoes, grapefruit ezme, tahini, pomegranate

- Charred champignons, burnt leeks, pistachio muhammara, leek oil

- Pide haloumi, keseri, mint, wild flower honey

- Chilled watermelon and pistachio halwa, crushed strawberry and lime syrup, feta

- Spiced lamb kofta, tahini-yogurt, pickled onions

- Dutch baby pancake, quince-limoncello syrup, saffron butter, roasted quince, pistachio



#invited #busselton #perth #perthfood #brunch

I`ve eaten at "Medi-Eastern fusion" restaurant Servo several times over the last five years with varying degrees of success. I recently returned for a weekday lunch, and am pleased to report it was my favourite meal there so far.



The braised lamb shoulder toastie was substantial, and would be a good share between two with a serving of chips (although you might need extra shakshuka ketchup). The peri-peri chicken was moist, the sprouts crisp and the intriguing feta brulee creamy enough to demand repeated bread dunks. If you enjoy the current trend of whipped cottage cheese, this is a dish for you.



Servo and the Leederville Precinct play a big role in the upcoming NOM NOM food, wine and music festival. Follow the link in my profile for event and ticketing information.



@servoleederville @theleedervilleprecinct @nomnomfestival



Dishes pictured here:

- Wood fired bread, za`atar

- Fetta brulee, honey, grapes, mint

- Peri-peri chicken supreme, harissa labneh, fattoush salad

- Braised lamb shoulder cheese toastie, gruyere, jalapeno, zhoug, shakshuka ketchup

- Peri-peri chips, garlic mayo

- Fried Brussels sprouts, pickled shallots, mint, maple tahini

- Mandarin crush - Baillie Hill vodka, aperol, amaro, mandarin, lime, ginger



#invited #perth #perthfood #pertheats #perthlife

We all like a good sandwich, and as the options for high-quality and gourmet choices have increased, prices have crept well above the $20 mark in some cases. While this isn`t a problem in itself, lunch can now be a $30 experience.

One place for a decent sandwich is Deli QT in the foyer of the QT Hotel. It`s open to the public from 7am Monday to Friday, offering a range of breakfast and lunch options, as well as coffee and licensed drinks.

I have posted from here before (roast beef on pic 8), and returned to check out the new menu (swipe through to see). My first visit was to try the roast chicken & stuffing roll, which was easily big enough to share, and full of quality ingredients (not to mention gravy to dip). The price? Just $18.

I returned last week to try the meatball sub, and once again was impressed with a generous, tasty lunch at $19. The $1.50 pot of quality Calabrian chilli was a worthwhile extra for a flavour kick.

If you`re looking for lunch in the CBD, Deli QT is well worth checking out.

@qt_Perth

#perth #perthfood #pertheats #perthlife #westernaustralia

Last Sunday saw chef Glenn McCue of Jujube Dining serving a Taiwanese-influenced pop-up brunch at tiny Northbridge restaurant Ah Um.

I`ve known Glenn for some time, and his food never disappoints, so I didn`t hesitate to make a booking. He was joined in the kitchen and front-of-house by some familiar faces, and several great local producers were championed in the small menu (swipe through to see).

Drinks were available from nearby Giant Coffee, with cocktails from Ah Um for those wanting to start early (or keep going).

This kind of event is what pop-up dining is all about, and Perth desperately needs more of these. Who doesn`t want great food & coffee, friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere on a Sunday morning? Can`t wait for the next one 😉

@jujubedining @chefmccue @ah_um_restaurant @giantcoffee.au

Fans of Glenn`s food and Jujube can find him more regularly in the now-famous Doubleview Bowls Club kitchen.

Dishes pictured here:
- Pork & rice sausage (by @bigsausagesmallhands) with black garlic ketchup
- Braised beef shin, black pepper noodles, pickled cabbage
- Sesame & spring onion focaccia (by @strollios_lunch), whipped ricotta, persimmon, black sesame honey

#perth #perthfood #pertheats #perthlife #westernaustralia

After more than 15 years, this is my 5,000th Morsels Instagram post. And what better way to celebrate than with a restaurant that has become my local favourite - Double Rainbow in The Rechabite.

I love its innovation, quality and consistency. Head Chef Navarre never fails to deliver an outstanding "Korean-ish" feast featuring punchy flavours, great local produce and clever techniques that make even Brussels sprouts irresistible. And let`s not forget the inventive cocktails to match.

It`s a great venue if you have dietary requirements, with many dishes naturally vegan and gluten free.

Eagle eyes will spot a jar of DR chilli oil; I was privileged to get the first one! Keep an eye on their socials for more info on retail products, coming soon...

@doublerainboweatinghouse @therechabitehall

Dishes features here from the new menu:
- Fried tteokbokki, dirty salt
- BBQ Shark Bay scallop, miso butter, burnt scallop verde
- Margaret River Wagyu yukhoe tartare, fried savoury doughnut, pecorino
- Potato hashbrown, miso glazed Shimeji, crispy nori
- Crispy Brussels sprouts, miso cauliflower cream, gochijang sauce
- Garlic gochijang char sui glazed pork collar, king oyster mushroom, white kimchi *
- Apple kimchi salad, mixed leaf, palm sugar dressing, pecan crumble
- Yuzu semifreddo, almond biscuit

* without a doubt, the tenderest piece of pork I`ve eaten.

Thanks to everyone for your support! Here`s to the next 5,000 posts, if I live that long 😬🎉

#Invited #perth #perthfood #pertheats perthlife

One of my favourite jobs is shooting for Fat Boyz, and this week I photographed their new Bicton brunch menu - now available seven days from 7am!

Here`s a selection of my favourite shots, featuring some great dishes from the well-priced menu. My personal favourites were the well-balanced Huevos rancheros ($16) and generous stack of Pancakes (just $19).

It`s always great to see a Perth breakfast menu that steps beyond the usual, and there are plenty of options here - including for the kids. Even better, only one item is above $20. Definitely one for the to-do list 😊

@fatboyzbicton

Dishes pictured here:
- Bacon & egg burrito - bacon, 2 fried eggs, tots, cheese, plum BBQ sauce, aioli
- Huevos rancheros - 2 tortillas, 2 fried eggs, beans, pico de gallo, avocado ranch, hot honey, jalapenos
- Pancakes (3!) - berry compote, whipped maple butter, honey drizzle
- Bacon & egg cheeseburger - smashed patty, cheese, bacon, egg, mustard, burger sauce, tots
- Avo smash - grilled haloumi, 2 fried eggs, green onion, English muffin, hot honey, fresh chilli
- Smoked salmon bagel - lemon & dill cream cheese
- Granola Bowl - honey-roasted granola, seasonal fruit, berry compote, Greek yoghurt, toasted coconut
- Ham & cheese jaffle - ham, Swiss cheese, tomato chutney

#perth #perthfood #pertheats #perthlife #westernaustralia

SOUQ is a modern Levantine restaurant in Leederville that took the place of Will Meyrick`s Southeast Asian restaurant, Will St. Featuring many of the same kitchen team, the new restaurant showcases Middle Eastern cuisine with a contemporary twist. It has retained the elegant décor and feeling that makes it an ideal spot for both food and drinks.

We dined last Sunday for lunch, and started with a platter of dips, falafel and flatbread - an essential beginning to any middle Eastern meal. Everything was well cooked and spiced, with the lamb arayes being a crisp savoury start that wasn`t too heavy. The surprising highlight of our meal was, however, the sticky date pudding. Make sure you save room for this, it`s one of the best in town. You can share one, if you have to 😋

SOUQ is open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday. Dietaries are well catered for, with many vegetarian & vegan options, and specific menus for nut, dairy, gluten, seafood and shellfish-free requirements.

@souqperth

Dishes we tried were:

- SOUQ platter - hummus, baba ghanoush, toum, muhammara, falafels, flatbread
- Lamb arayes – grilled flatbread stuffed with spiced minced lamb, tahini yogurt, pickled chilli
- Beef tartare, green chilli, basil, parsley, smoked yogurt, crispy flatbread
- Beef kofta, pomegranate, sumac, dried mint
- Grilled half chicken, garlic yogurt marinade, toum
- Fattoush – cucumber, tomato, radish, baby cos, parsley, mint, crispy flat bread, pomegranate and sumac dressing
- Baked sweet potato, goats cheese , pickled onions, pomegranate and mint
- Grilled baby carrots, garlic, parsley, parmesan, zaatar mayonnaise
- Sticky date pudding, salted caramel ice cream, Afghanistan-style nougat coated almonds
- Semolina custard in katafi pastry, pistachio ice cream, rose

Drinks:
- Red Sands - Reposado Tequila, ginger, yuzu, fresh lime, crispy chilli salt
- SOUQ Lemonade - lemon, mint, soda, orange blossom

#invited #perth #perthfood #pertheats #leederville

Longview in Cottesloe is a sophisticated coastal diner, offering a seasonal menu that fuses local produce with contemporary flavours and techniques. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the view is hard to beat - especially at sunset.

I dined at Longview last week for dinner, sampling a range of sharing and larger dishes from across the menu. The food is reasonably priced, and Longview is a relaxed but elegant spot for drinks and a snack, or a main meal at any time of day. Swipe to the end to see the details of our meal.
 
Longview is open seven days for breakfast, lunch, dinner and high tea.

@longview_cottesloe

Dishes pictured here:
- House-baked focaccia, confit garlic miso butter
- Beetroot hummus, focaccia crisp
- Lobster brioche, salmon roe, yuzu aioli
- Scallop crudo
- Sweet corn croquette
- Crispy squid, madras spices, citrus aioli
- Grilled lamb skewers, cumin roasted pepper sauce
- Grilled Exmouth prawns, XO butter, chorizo
- Roasted beef cheek, celeriac puree, portobello mushroom
- Roasted cauliflower steak, butter bean puree, hazelnut vinaigrette
- Coconut crème caramel
- Orange bread & butter pudding, butterscotch

#invited #perth #perthfood #pertheats #perthlife

East Perth Southern-Italian restaurant Maruzzella recently opened its second outlet in Scarborough. Last week I was invited to join a friend at the new venue and sample some dishes over lunch.

Refreshingly, the food at Maruzzella doesn`t pretend to be anything it`s not. Those looking for something dainty and / or modern should maybe look elsewhere. But if you enjoy no-nonsense Neapolitan-style pizza and generous bowls of rich, meaty pasta in a punchy tomato sauce then look no further 🍝 Oh, and there`s a very good tiramisu to finish.

Dishes we tried:
- Friarielli pizza: mozzarella, Italian sausage, friarielli (broccoli rabe), chilli flakes
- Nonna`s meatballs, Napoletana sauce, melted fontina cheese, toasted bread
- Trio of bruschetta: tomato & basil, stracciatella cheese, capsicum & onion peperonata
- Cannelloni, beef cheek, ricotta, spinach, bechamel, Napoletana sauce, parmesan
- Rocket and pear salad, shaved parmesan, walnuts, balsamic glaze
- Tiramisu

Maruzzella is "old school" in the best possible way. No complaints from me, except for needing a nap afterwards 😴😉

@maruzzella_restaurant

Maruzzella offers a range of traditional entrees, pizzas, pastas, main courses and desserts with a drinks menu to match. The Scarborough restaurant is open for dinner seven days and lunch Thursday to Sunday.

#perth #perthfood #pertheats #perthlife #invited

I recently attended a media dinner celebrating the tenth anniversary of Saroor, a South Freo Indian street food & tapas restaurant. While the lighting was tough, hopefully these pictures do justice to a very enjoyable meal of delicately spiced, balanced and well-cooked dishes.



Swipe to the end to see our menu for the evening; Saroor`s full menu features contemporary takes on dishes from across India. Our meal was excellent, making highlights hard to pick, but if pressed I`d choose the unique deconstructed samosa, marinated lamb chops, goat curry and tadka daal. Oh, and possibly the best naan I`ve had.



The visual highlight was unquestionably Saroor`s signature "igloo" dessert, comprising an ice igloo filled with a trio of ice creams. With only ten available each night, this is the perfect end to a birthday or special occasion dinner.



Dishes pictured here:

- Gol gappe shots

- Samosa chaat

- Masala crusted prawns

- Marinated lamb chops

- Goat curry

- Young coconut prawns

- Chatpate baingan (eggplant)

- Tadka daal

- Igloo kulfi ice cream (mango, coconut & pistachio)



Saroor is open for dinner seven days, and lunch on Sundays. Recommended 🤩



@saroor_southfremantle



#invited #perth #fremantle #perthfood