| The Australian city of Perth is a fascinating mix of | | | | To see a master chef at work, go to Shige Sushi |
| creativity, money (thanks to the mining boom) | | | | Bar in South Perth. The décor is basic, if |
| and a determined independence that comes from | | | | authentic, but the food is sublime. Acclaimed |
| the fact that most of the nation's other major | | | | Sydney restaurateur Tetsuya Wakuda is |
| cities are a five-hour flight away. | | | | rumoured to rate it very highly and other sushi |
| Visitors to Perth are in for a treat, with every | | | | enthusiasts will happily concur. Chief Experience |
| kind of food and drink experience on offer, from | | | | Officer, Verity Byth's insider's tip, is "sit up at the |
| five-star restaurants to seductive wine bars and | | | | bar, offer Shige-san a glass of your wine, watch |
| cafés that make the most of the city's | | | | and learn. There's nowhere else like it." |
| alfresco climate. Here are some of the best in the | | | | For a great find even the locals don't know about |
| most interesting neighbourhoods: | | | | take your friends to Annalakshmi on the Swan at |
| For a bar you'll never want to leave, put Must | | | | the Barrack Street Jetty. Few restaurants run |
| Winebar, in the foodie area of Highgate, on your | | | | completely on love, but this one does. They |
| list. It doesn't put a foot wrong. There's quality | | | | supply fabulous home-style Indian vegetarian food, |
| wine, well executed tapas, a relaxed yet | | | | you "eat as you want, give as you feel", making a |
| cosmopolitan atmosphere and a very convivial | | | | voluntary donation for the meal. The prime river |
| crowd. What's not to love? | | | | views are a bonus. |
| If you're looking for a café where | | | | To see the future of Perth's café culture |
| sustainability matters, make a beeline for Source | | | | make the trip to Fremantle, where Tonic is a |
| Foods in evolving Northbridge. The clean, | | | | beacon of contemporary design and food, |
| contemporary lines of the décor are a | | | | providing all-day breakfasts and great fair-trade |
| perfect fit with the simple goodness on offer on | | | | coffee. The lovely hand-painted screens are by |
| the menu. | | | | the owner, Vicky. |