The confluence of a mining boom and the liberalisation of licensing laws has sent energetic Perth restaurateurs and bar owners into overdrive, with small bars, restaurants and coffee shops opening with amazing regularity.

Locals are rethinking their breakfast, lunch and after-work habits – and the new enterprises are proving a boon to business travellers and holidaymakers. Nightlife, too, has upped the ante, with new bars such as Helvetica, Venn, LouVe, the Terrace Lounge, XO and – a little further afield – 399, Five Bar, Clarence’s and the Ellington Jazz Club. Two major projects on the Terrace – Print Hall and City Square – will see more than $10m invested in at least 16 new venues in the next year. 

Andaluz

Basement Level, 21 Howard Street, Perth.
+61 8 9481 0092.
The pick of the CBD’s small bars, with an impressive array of drinks, first-rate tapas and lively music. Marvellous small platters: jamón, fresh oysters shucked to order, and rich, creamy seasonal croquettes with a dipping sauce. Two mains are offered as daily specials. Open: lunch Mon-Fri, dinner Mon-Sat. Licensed. Lunch bookings. Tapas $6.50-$29.To drink Gin, vodka, rum, tequila, bourbon and whiskies; a seasonal cocktail list and a wine list with 30-plus by the glass. Unexpected choices are a 1990 white Rioja from Lopez de Heredia, a 2006 Dashe Zinfandel (California) and a 1990 Grange.

Source: Qantas The Australian Way June 2011