Perth’s Best Bars 2023 | 3 Favourites In Fremantle

20 February 2023

Some of Perth’s best bars are in Fremantle – it’s official! Republic of Fremantle has been named Perth’s best bar, plus Freo is home to more top bars in Perth.

The West Australian Good Food Guide (WAGFG) recognised 3 Fremantle bars among its top 15 for 2023, including Republic of Fremantle – Freo’s internationally recognised distillery. Visit Fremantle and make yourself at home at these award-winning Freo favourites or find your way around more of Fremantle’s small bars.

#1 REPUBLIC OF FREMANTLE

colourful cocktails at Republic of Fremantle's Cocktail School (Perth's best bar)

[Craft your own at Republic of Fremantle's cocktail school]

Bar of the Year, Republic of Fremantle, is a distillery and tasting room in Fremantle’s historic West End. It’s one of few distilleries in the world to craft spirits from scratch using innovative grape to glass distilling methods.

“Balancing tradition with innovation and whimsy, this small-batch distillery has made a big impression on WA’s bar culture in its short lifespan.” 2023 WAGFG

Praised for its in-house distilled vodka and gin and forward-thinking cocktails, Republic’s drinks list is perfectly complemented by chef Emily Jones’ eclectic small plates, which are designed using fresh, local produce.

Lovers of gin can sample a range made with different botanicals and flavours – or join the hands-on Gin School and distil your own. The distillery also offers guided tours, where you can learn about the history and techniques of distilling, and see the stills up close.

You'll find a range of expertly crafted spirits, including gin, whiskey, and rum, made using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients.

a couple chat easily to one another with glasses of red wine under lush greenery at Strange Company (Perth's best bars)

#4 STRANGE COMPANY

Strange Company has been credited for hitting a lot of bull’s eyes: on-trend beers and wines, elevated cocktails, and charcuterie, cheese and inventive share plates. We can’t disagree.

“A Freo flag-bearer for just about everything that makes a good small bar a great one.” 2023 WAGFG

This popular small bar, which was once a surfboard factory, is a long-time local favourite for a reason. If you love fine wine, cocktails and tapas style eats, you’ll feel right at home as you step into the inviting indoor/outdoor space of this inner-city oasis.

Perch at the bar or pull up a chair in the sun filled courtyard. For chilled Sunday afternoons, grab a table and the drink of your choice, order the chef’s selection for two and indulge in live jazz as you exude laid back Freo sophistication.

Bartender of the Year, Elise Godwin mixing cocktails at Wild in the Street (Perth's Best Bars)

#7 WILD IN THE STREET

This hidden gem in Fremantle’s West End is worth seeking out. Wild in the Street serves up a delicious menu of cocktails and tasty bites, with laid-back charm and relaxed vibes.

“Inspired cocktails and small plates licked by open flames deliver an irresistible one-two punch at this bohemian South Freo newcomer.” 2023 WAGFG

From classic gin and tonics to innovative seasonal specials, the drinks here are top-notch, and Elise Godwin (Bartender of the Year) is a true master of her craft. Her cocktails are renowned for their creativity and flavour.

So settle in amongst the colourful mismatched furniture and quirky artwork, ask Elise for her twist on a Paloma (the spiced tomato shrub takes three days to make) and discover what sets Wild in the Street apart.