A Herald and Perth Voice promotional feature If you’d like your restaurant featured, email matt.eeles@fremantleherald.com

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, there’s no better time to rediscover some of the area’s most beloved dining spots: Ruocco’s, The Coogee Boathouse Eats & Sips and Om Nom Nom Pizza.

Whether you’re after a lazy afternoon by the water, a family night out filled with laughter and pizza, or a lively dinner spot that oozes modern coastal charm, we’ve found three venues that tick all the boxes for summer dining: Ruocco’s Pizzeria E Ristorante, The Coogee Boathouse, and Om Nom Nom Pizza & Pasta Bar.

Each brings something unique to the table, from Ruocco’s long-standing Italian tradition to Coogee Boathouse’s laid-back seaside elegance and Om Nom Nom’s modern twist on the classics. Together, they capture everything we love about dining in WA: warmth, community, quality food and easy-going good times.

Ruocco’s Pizzeria E Ristorante: A Fremantle fav for over 45 years

There are few Fremantle institutions that have stood the test of time quite like Ruocco’s Pizzeria E Ristorante. For more than four decades, this South Terrace favourite has been dishing up classic Italian food that feels as comforting as a Sunday lunch with the family, with all the tradition, warmth, noise, and flavour to match. Ruocco’s is a venue that comes to life every night when it’s filled with joy and laughter, accompanied by unpretentious great and wholesome offerings with a price range that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Its honest and rustic food offerings carry recipes from generations which has been passed on over the years.

For many locals, Ruocco’s isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a family tradition. It’s where parents take their kids for birthday dinners, where old friends catch up over pizza and wine, and where visitors come to experience Fremantle’s heart and soul. It’s the kind of place that never goes out of style, and once you’ve been, you understand exactly why.

The atmosphere is everything you’d want from a bustling Italian eatery. Inside, the hum of conversation blends with the clinking of glasses and the smell of fresh dough rising in the woodfired oven. Outside, the alfresco area gives diners the perfect spot to watch Freo life roll by, whether it’s a warm Sunday afternoon or a balmy evening under the fairy lights.

The menu is a celebration of Italy’s most loved dishes, done with care and consistency. You’ll find all the classics here — from handmade pastas to crispy, woodfired Roman-style pizzas — and each dish has a sense of authenticity that only 45 years of experience can bring.

Start your meal with Calamari Fritto — tender salt and pepper calamari coated in panko crumbs and served with a house-made tartare that’s hard to resist. Or try the Mushroom Arancini, rich with arborio rice, field mushrooms, porcini, mozzarella and a perfect tomato sugo. It’s vegetarian comfort food at its best.

When it comes to pizza, Ruocco’s sets a high bar. The Ruocco’s Speciale is topped with pepperoni, bacon, ham, mushrooms and olives. The Siciliana Pizza is another crowd-pleaser that packs a punch with anchovies, kalamata olives, hot cacciatore sausage and chilli. It’s the perfect mix of salty, spicy and savoury. Every pizza is made with a thin, chewy base, blistered to perfection in the woodfired oven.

The service is as warm as the food, and even on a busy night, you’ll feel like part of the family. Whether you’re bringing the kids for a lively dinner or enjoying a romantic night out, Ruocco’s always delivers.

As one loyal diner put it, “Ruocco’s has been a family favourite of mine for years with the kids shouting with excitement every time the place is mentioned.” That pretty much says it all.

If you haven’t visited in a while, make this summer your excuse to go back, just don’t forget to book.

Ruocco’s Pizzeria E Ristorante
217 South Terrace, South Fremantle
ruoccos.com

The Coogee Boathouse Eats & Sips: Waterfront dining with style

Drive a little south of Fremantle and you’ll find one of Perth’s most beautiful dining destinations, The Coogee Boathouse Eats & Sips. Located right on the Port Coogee Marina, it’s the kind of place where time seems to slow down. The ocean breeze, the sound of clinking glasses, and the golden glow of sunset over the water all come together to create something special.

It’s not just the view that draws people in, though. The Coogee Boathouse Eats & Sips has quickly built a reputation for excellent food, welcoming service, and an atmosphere that’s both relaxed and refined. Whether you’re there for a long breakfast, an easy lunch, or a sunset dinner, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the coastal vibes.

Inside, the restaurant is bright and breezy, with a modern coastal feel with whitewashed timbers, blue tones and wide windows that open up to panoramic views of the marina. Outside, you’ll find plenty of spots to sit back with a drink and enjoy the spectacle of boats gliding in and out of the harbour.

The menu at The Coogee Boathouse Eats & Sips offers something for everyone. Think fresh WA seafood, pub classics done right, and creative seasonal dishes that celebrate local produce. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a casual plate of chips and a beer, or a full sit-down meal with wine and dessert, and both feel equally right.

One of the standout dishes is the Boathouse Salad: a colourful, vibrant plate loaded with leafy greens, beetroot tzatziki, mint, quinoa, raisins, walnuts, whipped feta, cherry tomatoes and sweet potato crisps. It’s as tasty as it is beautiful and proves that salads can absolutely be the hero of a meal.

For something heartier, the Fried Chicken with fermented chilli, honey butter, sesame, soy, pickled cucumber and spring onions is a knockout — crispy, juicy and packed with flavour. The Mini Lobster Roll is pure indulgence: cold diced WA crayfish mixed with garlic and parmesan béchamel, apple-fennel slaw, and baby gem lettuce in a soft roll. It’s the kind of dish you’ll still be thinking about the next day.

Of course, there are also pub staples like the Smash Burger: double beef, double cheese, bacon jam, chipotle mayo, and all the trimmings on a fluffy potato bun. And the classic Chicken Parmigiana, complete with sugo di pomodoro, gratinated mozzarella, salad and chips.

The bar is equally impressive, offering a range of local beers, WA wines, and a creative cocktail list designed for sunset sipping. A crisp IPA or a glass of chilled rosé feels right at home here.

Families will love The Coogee Boathouse Eats & Sips for its easy-going vibe and thoughtful touches like highchairs, a kids’ menu, and plenty of space to move around. As one diner put it, “I can see my family visiting regularly throughout summer, feeling the cool ocean breeze while sipping on a crisp IPA.”

That’s the magic of The Coogee Boathouse Eats & Sips. Whether you’re dressed up for date night, celebrating a birthday, or just popping in for a drink after the beach, it always feels effortless.

The Coogee Boathouse Eats & Sips
Shop 3 & 4, 72 Pantheon Avenue, North Coogee
coogeeboathouse.com

Om Nom Nom Pizza & Pasta Bar: Fun, fresh and a little rebellious

If Ruocco’s is the wise Italian elder and The Coogee Boathouse is the laid-back coastal cousin, Om Nom Nom Pizza & Pasta Bar is the cool, cheeky younger sibling who’s all about breaking the rules.

Described as the “rebellious lovechild of old-school Italian soul and modern Aussie coastal vibes,” Om Nom Nom brings a fresh, youthful energy to the local dining scene. It’s Italian at heart: think pizza, pasta, and bread made with love — but it’s not afraid to experiment, bend the rules and create something totally unique.

From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere hits you. The place hums with energy — open kitchen, upbeat music, clinking glasses, and the aroma of dough, garlic and cheese filling the air. It’s lively, fun and unapologetically bold.

The menu is playful and packed with personality. Sure, you’ll find the Italian staples, but each dish has a twist that makes it memorable.

Start with the House-made Breadsticks served with nduja butter, EVOO and balsamic vinegar. They’re soft, warm and addictive, and as one fan put it, “hands down some of the best bread I’ve ever eaten.”

The Crumbed Calamari is another must-try paired with guindilla peppers, fried saltbush, lemon myrtle and black garlic aioli. The result? Super tender calamari with a crunchy coating and just the right amount of zing.

Pasta lovers are spoiled for choice, but it’s hard to go past the Lamb Ragu Pappardelle. The lamb is slow-cooked to perfection, rich and tender, folded through ribbons of pasta with pecorino and parsley. It’s a comforting, generous dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.

For pizza fans, Om Nom Nom takes the traditional base and flips it on its head. The Cheese Burger Pizza — loaded with beef mince, pickles, white onion, smoked cheddar, chipotle burger sauce and burger cheese — is pure fun, and an instant hit with kids. The Pesto Chicken Pizza is a lighter option, topped with grilled chicken, sundried tomatoes, olives, balsamic, pecorino and mozzarella on a pesto base.

Every dish feels like a little adventure, familiar, yet surprising. And that’s exactly what makes Om Nom Nom so exciting. It’s a place that welcomes everyone like couples on date night, families out for a fun evening, or groups of mates sharing a few slices and laughs.

It’s also proof that good food doesn’t have to be serious. Om Nom Nom’s playful spirit, coastal setting and top-notch food make it one of the must-visit venues of the season.

Om Nom Nom Pizza & Pasta Bar
Shop 7, 72 Pantheon Avenue, North Coogee
omnomnompizza.com.au

Three venues, endless memories

Between Ruocco’s, The Coogee Boathouse and Om Nom Nom Pizza, there’s a dining experience to match every mood this summer.

If you’re craving tradition and warmth, Ruocco’s delivers the true taste of Italy in the heart of Fremantle. It’s a place where every pizza tells a story and every night feels like a celebration.

If you’re chasing sea views, great seafood and the relaxed luxury of marina-side dining, The Coogee Boathouse is your perfect coastal escape.

And if you’re in the mood for something fresh, lively and a little bit daring, Om Nom Nom Pizza & Pasta Bar offers a dining experience packed with creativity and fun.

What ties all three venues together is their sense of welcome. They’re places where couples can enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sunset, where families can share pizza and pasta without worrying about white tablecloths, and where friends can gather to celebrate the good things in life.

They each capture that special WA mix of sophistication and ease: high-quality food in settings that are vibrant, comfortable and completely unpretentious.

So as the warmer months roll in and the evenings stretch longer, why not make your way through all three? Grab a table, share a meal, and make this summer one to remember.

Because whether it’s a seafood feast by the marina, a classic pizza in Fremantle, or a cheeky burger-inspired slice by the beach — these are the kind of places that remind us what good dining is all about: family, friends, and food made with love.

A Herald and Perth Voice promotional feature If you’d like your restaurant featured, email matt.eeles@fremantleherald.com