The Royal, East Perth

Every now and then you want a dinner spot that feels like a treat, without needing to dress up like you’re heading to a wedding. The Royal in East Perth, not to be confused with The Royal in the heart of the city, hits that sweet spot. It’s a classic pub-style venue that feels a bit special, especially if you’re seated with a water view of Claisebrook Cove. Opened in 2003, I remember many a lovely dinner and lunch there over the years. Thinking about it, I hadn’t been there in over a decade! We dropped by for a spur of the moment dinner, not knowing what to expect and we were pleasantly surprised.

Once you’re seated, menu in hand (or on your phone, via a QR code), let your shoulders drop and order a drink. On the menu you’ll find grazing plates, pastas, steaks and more. Mr H enjoyed the Buttermilk fried chicken burger (though he did note it was a touch dry) with Swiss cheese, chipotle mayo, slaw, and a side of chips.

Some say you don’t win friends with salad, but I was feeling like a healthier choice and the chicken summer bowl was honestly really delicious and interesting. I rarely sat that about salad!
Teriyaki chicken (I had the sauce on the side), with fresh lettuce, avocado, grilled corn rib, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, cream cheese, crunchy and very tasty cassava crackers (a great component I’ve never seen on a salad), lemon dressing, pepita & sunflower seeds. I’d absolutely have that again.

We opted to sit outside, but the indoor dining room is lovely and has a few cosy booths too.

If you have grandkids in tow, their kids’ menu is pretty standard (fish, nuggest etc), but good quality.

The Royal is ideal for catching up with friends or taking visiting family somewhere dependable and picture-perfect. It’s also a great option if you’re heading into the city for a show, or Optus Stadium for an event, or fancy a change of scenery from your usual local. Parking is fairly easy with street parking and a couple of Wilson car parks nearby. Access to Claisebrook Cove is via steps.