“Chicken or fish?” Once upon a time, this was about as much choice as passengers got when it came to airline food. My, how the times have changed. Today, celebrity chefs, regional specialties and health-conscious options all play a part in shaping in-flight menus.
A similar wind of change has blown through the world’s airports, with the result being more choice and more deliciousness for flyers everywhere. Perth Airport is no exception. Whether you’re coming or going, looking for something healthy or keen to start your holiday and celebrations early – did somebody say pre-flight bubbles? – there will be something on the menu to suit. We hope you’ve packed an appetite: you’re going to need it.
Made in Western Australia
From craft beer and boutique wines to pristine local ingredients, Western Australia is blessed with food and drink riches. Perth Airport is proud to champion these homegrown success stories, starting with the Otherside Brew Lounge (T2 Domestic, after security). In less than a decade, Otherside has established itself as a WA brewing success story, thanks to its polished beers and commitment to live music. Its airport lounge captures the brand’s youthful energy, with guests able to enjoy Otherside’s core beers and experimental brews alongside live music, pizzas and other beer-friendly snacks.
Otherside Brew lounge, Terminal 2. Photo supplied.
Named for the Blackwood River, which runs through the South West tourist towns of Nannup, Augusta and Bridgetown, Blackwood Beer & Wine (T3 International, after security) is another advocate for eating and drinking local. West Australian wineries feature prominently, while Margaret River cheese and Tuscan meatballs made using local Harvey Beef make the most of Blackwood’s hometown advantage.
The global kitchen
Maybe you’re heading overseas and want to start your holiday eating sooner rather than later. Easily done. East x West (T1 International, after security) nails the Japanese izakaya impression thanks to the offer of spiced edamame, prawn tempura, fried chicken and Japanese beers aplenty, all served in a contemporary bar setting. (Fun fact: East x West claims to be the only venue in Australia to serve Sapporo Premium Black on tap.)
East x West, Terminal 1 International. Photo supplied.
For those about to embark on a Spanish getaway, a playful Iberian vibe underpins the menu at tapas bar Loco Poco (T1 International, after security). Bright splashes of colour electrify this buzzy space while the offer of chicken empanadas, albondigas and choripan (a chorizo hot dog) underpin the bar’s fun, free-spirited nature.
Raising the bar
A pre-flight drink is the time-honoured way to kick off any trip, and slip into holiday mode straight away, regardless of the time of day. Common Bar + Kitchen (T4 Domestic, after security) is the perfect spot for this: a modern pub serving all-day breakfast alongside judgement-free mimosas and bloody marys. It also does a solid line in pub classics, from expertly cooked steaks to fish and chips.
Whether you’re flying interstate or international, Long Neck Public House (T1 Domestic, after security; T1 International, before security) is also there to make your departure that little bit more enjoyable. An extensive breakfast menu is on hand for those taking advantage of Long Neck’s early opening hours (doors open at 4am), and the all-day menu includes halal dishes.
A wealth of casual dining options
If you’re the type of traveller who likes to prepare for a flight by eating something healthy and boarding the plane feeling light, Perth Airport has you covered. The all-day breakfast bar at Harvest Food Store (T1 International) does a fine line in smoothies, ancient grain salads and fresh sandwiches and baguettes. (The presence of pizzas and buffalo chicken wings on the menu, however, also makes Harvest suitable for those that are perhaps not as nutritionally minded.)
CJ’s Bagel Co, Terminal 4. Photo supplied.
Frequent travellers know the value of something delicious that can also be enjoyed one-handed. If you fit that description, consider CJ’s Bagel Co (T4, after security), where generously stuffed bagels and Mary Street Bakery doughnuts are on hand to settle frayed nerves. Bagel fillings include A Fishy Caper (salmon, red onion, capers and cream cheese) and Humpty Dumpty (smashed egg, mayo and seeded mustard), as well as dessert bagels filled with cinnamon-spiked apples and strawberries.
Arrive early and make a Perth Airport dining experience part of your travel plan.
