The Bistrot Cafe Freo

Out in the shade of the big plane trees, across from Esplanade Park, The Bistrot Cafe Freo is the sort of Fremantle spot people describe in almost European terms. It's a modern Australian and European gourmet cafe in the West End, and locals say sitting outside feels a bit like a little Parisian café, with music from around the world playing in the background.

Breakfast and brunch are the main event. Eggs Benedict, smashed avo with chorizo and the big Bistrot brekky are the dishes the cafe puts forward, and the French toast, poached eggs and crepes come up often when people talk about their visits. The acai bowl gets a mention too. There's lunch, dessert and a decent run of baked goods, with croissants and pain au chocolat that one visitor called the best they'd had in WA. They also bake sourdough bread, and offer catering as well as takeaway and dine-in.

Coffee is a big part of the draw, and we hear it's some of the better coffee in Freo. They roast their own beans, and they open early, which suits anyone starting work at dawn or after a first-morning-in-town coffee. Being early also helps, since it fills up fast at regular breakfast hours.

Staff are regularly described as friendly and polite, though prices are on the high side for some dishes. We've also heard service can slow down when it's busy, so give yourself some time on a weekend morning.

Practical details help here: there's outdoor and indoor seating, it's good for kids, and the entrance, seating, car park and toilet are all wheelchair-accessible. It's open daily from early morning through to early afternoon, but check the hours before heading in, especially on public holidays.

For a bakery in Fremantle that pairs a shady garden setting with a proper brunch menu, this one is a familiar name locally.