Winter is . . . you know, the Game of Thrones line.
As the wild weather arrives, so does an appetite for experiences that warm our bodies and stomachs.
Summer salads and flocking to the sunniest beer garden are distant memories because now is the time to snuggle up somewhere warm to enjoy something wholesome and hearty.
Here are some of Perth’s coziest meals to indulge in this winter.
1. Vindaloo lamb shank, Brown Street Grill
Camera IconVindaloo lamb shank, Brown Street Grill. Credit: Jackson Flindell/The West Australian
If the venue’s name didn’t give it away, looking at this mouth-watering lamb shank with charred naan will reveal this kitchen is cooking with fire.
Head chef Stuart Laws has created a simple but delicious menu that lets the ingredients do the talking, and this vindaloo lamb shank with jeweled rice, garlic naan, and pickled shallots is saying winter is warmer to us.
2. Brodetto di pesce, Pappagallo
Camera IconBrodetto di Pesce, Pappagallo. Credit: Supplied
This Leederville trattoria presents diners with the ultimate winter gift — a seafood stew from the owner’s hometown of Vasto in Italy.
Peel back the woodfired bread covering the brodetto di pesce to be rewarded with a warm and fragrant mix of fish, prawns, mussels, clams, baby squid, red peppers, and garlic in light cherry tomato sauce. The wrapping can soak up all the delicious sauces – Bellissimo.
3. Shared lamb shoulder, Strange Company
Promising to fall from the bone and melt in your mouth like butter, this hearty sumac and fennel whole lamb shoulder with spiced yogurt will surely warm your bones, even on the coldest day.
Chef Christophe Mannon-Bakaj says the dish is designed to sit in the middle of the table and be shared with friends over wine.
4. Sunday roast, Young George
For over seven years, the chefs at this East Fremantle institution have been serving a Sunday roast after it’s been cooked low and slow overnight.
While plenty of other woodfired dishes are sure to turn up the heat on the menu, it is hard to go past the wood-roasted pork, pumpkin, baked polenta, and pickled cabbage to wind down the weekend with.
5. Shared lasagne, Il Lido
Another exclusive Sunday-only treat, and perfect for your next date night, is this traditional lasagne for two.
Charred and cheesy in all the right places, Il Lido’s recipe includes fresh ground beef, provolone, and parmesan. Add to your diary now.
6. Sticky date pudding, The Shorehouse
Camera IconSticky date pudding, The Shorehouse. Credit: Supplied
If reading the name of this dessert has your mouth watering, you’re not the only one. This moist pudding with sticky sauce is the dreamiest winter sweet if made right.
This beachside beauty’s kitchen serves its rendition with classic toffee sauce, not-so-traditional sage ice cream, and hazelnuts.
7. Cobb loaf, The Guildford Hotel
Camera IconCobb loaf, The Guildford Hotel. Credit: Supplied
Nothing says winter food coma like cheese or carbs, and this dish combines them.
The Guildford Hotel’s oozy cobb loaf is overflowing with truffle cheese filling and dukkah crumb, all inside crusty bread served with grissini sticks.
8. Bread and butter pudding, Bread in Common
When producing this delicious bread, it makes sense to incorporate it into as many dishes as possible.
The Fremantle favorite’s take on the classic English dessert has its namesake in the pudding and in the burnt toast ice cream.
9. Red dragon, Ramen Ichiraku
Not only will a bowl of this warm your insides, and you’ll likely have to peel off a layer and grab a tissue for your running nose.
Perfect for chili lovers, it includes half a soft-boiled egg, wood ear fungus, spring onions, nori, and a broth that goes from level one to level five, the latter fittingly dubbed “Dragon Slayers”.
10. Shakshuka, Boucla
Whether spiced porridge topped with a poached pear or a savory option with gooey egg and bread, warm winter brunch options hit all the right notes.
The shakshuka from this Mediterranean-inspired cafe is served with spiced tomatoes, capsicum, baked eggs, labneh, and Turkish bread and is suwill you full all morning. However, if you have any left, try one of their delicious cakes.
Fire it up
Stay warm by the fire at these cozy venues
The Cabin
This intimate cabin-style wine bar will have you feeling like you’re nestled next to the fireplace in Aspen rather than in the heart of Mount Hawthorn.
Island Market
An ideal perch from which to watch the winter storms roll in over the ocean is by the fireplace at this beachside restaurant.
The Royal
Mulled wine, cozy couches, and a fireplace – need we say more? If that isn’t enough to get you out of your dressing gown, perhaps their new addition of rotating pies — from chicken and leek to beef bourguignon — on a Friday will.
Habitue
For the ultimate winter experience, come down on a Saturday night and enjoy the live jazz and roaring fire.
Rose and Crown
For a mini winter escape, grab a coffee and head to Guildford to enjoy a meal by the fire at one of WA’s oldest pubs.
