An ever-developing area, Cockburn is home to plenty of new housing estates and infrastructure updates to accommodate its growth. However, when living in such suburbia, it can be difficult to discern where to head for a decadent lunch or dinner. You may feel like you need to venture out to find a good meal – but rather, it’s more of a matter of knowing where to look. Here are our top 5 recommendations for dining out in Cockburn:

DRAGON PALACE

Situated on the end of the Cockburn Gateway Shopping Centre dining precinct, Dragon Palace is known for (dare I say it) the best dim sum in Perth’s southern corridor. Picture dozens of staff wheeling around carts of freshly steamed dumplings, mouthwatering deep-fried dishes and baked desserts. In fact, if you’re a lover of deep-fried squid tentacles, their rendition is to die for. We recommend getting there as early as you can to secure a spot – and while the lines can be long, it’s utterly worth it.

Coco + Boho

For those who live near Spearwood, you’d be blessed with the charming corner side cafe known as Coco + Boho. Fitted with touches like macrame and coastal art prints, the setting serves as the perfect backdrop for a brunch catch-up with your best mate. We love their seven-spice Sri Lankan chai, potato rosti with a side of poached eggs and smoked salmon with and plentiful vegan options like the nourishing buddha bowl. Note: it’s pretty great for dogspotting too!

Cabin 401 Bar & Grill

What might surprise most is that one of Cockburn’s best pub and grills lies within an ice skating arena – Cockburn Ice Arena, to be exact. Boasting an extensive local craft beer list and elevated menu, this place will win you over with North American inspired fare like jerk chicken tacos and jarrah smoked beef brisket. Best of all, with views out to the rink, you can even watch an ice hockey game while you dine. If you’re feeling like making it a proper date, you can pop by next door for an ice skating session first to work up an appetite!

Io e Te Pizzeria e Ristorante

An authentic Italian restaurant is always a wonderful option for family dinners or date nights – and the kitchen at Io E Te Pizzeria E Ristorante is here to serve. Featuring a modern interior, this family owned and operated restaurant offers dishes like slow cooked chicken breast, vela cotoletta, Australian oysters and a whole array of pizzas and pasta. There’s homemade gnocchi, crayfish and crab linguini, pappadelle ragu, and so much more. Even better with it’s paired with a tall glass of wine or bubbly!

The Gate Bar and Bistro

Sometimes, some good old pub grub is the thing that does the trick. So while you might stray from the idea of heading to the local pub, hear me out! The Gate Bar and Bistro is always a lively spot where you can unwind with a few drinks as you and your crew watch the game – or enjoy their regular live music performances in the leafy beer garden. Plus, with great value-for-money food and drink specials throughout the week, what’s not to love?