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Restaurant

Cape Arid Rooms

1 Cathedral Ave, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Recommended by 9 people

Updated

Find Cape Arid Rooms

1 Cathedral Ave, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 8 6168 7888
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Cape Arid Rooms

Set inside the historic State Buildings, Cape Arid Rooms pairs an unhurried afternoon tea with regional Western Australian terroir. Heritage salons adorned with botanical watercolours set a quiet scene for milestone catch-ups and birthdays. Instead of boilerplate finger sandwiches, the multi-course spread highlights local sourcing—think WA rock lobster on brioche, savoury cheese and chive scones, and strawberry gum mousse cake alongside loose-leaf pots from Teassential. Dedicated servers guide each course with dish origins and custom tea pairings, leaving you with little takeaway boxes for whatever treats remain.

  • Regional WA Produce: Multi-course menus spotlight regional ingredients like WA rock lobster on brioche and native strawberry gum alongside loose-leaf Teassential brews.
  • Storytelling Service: Staff walk guests through the narrative behind each dish, artist Philippa Nikulinsky's botanical watercolours, and tailored tea pairings.
  • Dietary Care: Gluten-free and dairy-free dietary adjustments receive dedicated, carefully matched savouries and sweets without feeling like an afterthought.
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What's On at Cape Arid Rooms

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Cape Arid Rooms

Discover why guests choose Cape Arid Rooms for milestone celebrations, intimate catch-ups, and distinctive regional high tea.

  • Regional WA Flavours & Native Botanicals

    Afternoon tea menus showcase locally sourced ingredients like WA rock lobster, native botanicals, and seasonal regional produce rather than traditional imported continental staples.

    Every item was beautifully presented and thoughtfully prepared, showcasing local WA ingredients and regional flavours.

    Erica

  • Guided Tableside Storytelling

    Servers narrate the culinary journey, guiding guests through each dish, tea profile, and the history behind the room's setting.

    Our server Vu’Ruska was exceptional, explaining in great detail the experience, from the significance of our seats, to how the menu was designed, to explaining each item when the food arrived

    D Hanlon

  • Thoughtful Milestone Celebrations

    Special celebrations are treated to personal touches like handwritten birthday wishes, candles, and takeaway sweet treats.

    was a belated birthday treat for my mother, and brought her a little extra treat at the end was lovely touch and much appreciated.

    Mermaid 100

  • Calm, Fireplace-Warmed Salon Ambience

    Fireplaces and heritage botanical artworks by Philippa Nikulinsky cultivate a calm, unhurried atmosphere away from city rush.

    The rooms were filled with the Nikulinsky's beautiful artwork, and the fireplaces added a cosy vibe to the luxurious surroundings.

    D Hanlon

  • Intimate, Semi-Private Parlour Seating

    Comfortable couches and generously spaced seating afford guests privacy that feels like their own secluded parlor for catching up.

    The space is very generous, making it perfect for groups, and it almost feels like having your own private room.

    Erica

  • Unhurried Social Gatherings

    Knowledgeable and attentive hosts guide conversations seamlessly, ensuring tables stay relaxed without feeling rushed.

    The service was warm and attentive, and it was the perfect place to spend quality time with friends.

    Sakura

Signature savoury bites, native botanical sweets, and house scones

  • Scones

    The scones were heavenly

    D Hanlon

  • Savoury cheese and chive scones

    We really recommend that you start selling your scones, they were absolutely outstanding, especially the savoury cheese and chive.

    Annette B

  • W.A rock lobster, apple, cucumber, toasted brioche

    W.A rock lobster, apple, cucumber, toasted brioche

    Love Thy Foodie xx

  • Bush tucker strawberry gum mousse cake

    The highlight for me was the bush tucker strawberry gum mousse cake, featuring a white chocolate shell with fresh strawberries and a delicate strawberry gum lace.

    Titian Ratu

Beyond the menu

Attentive hospitality gestures and bespoke details that elevate afternoon tea in the salon

  • Candlelit Birthday Sweets & Take-Home Gifts

    Guests celebrating birthdays receive thoughtful touches such as a birthday sweet or hazelnut chocolate truffles served with a candle, accompanied by a keepsake gift bag.

  • Guided Art and Ingredient Storytelling

    Waitstaff guide each table through the high tea journey, explaining the significance of seating, the origin of local ingredients, and the curated Nikulinsky botanical art on the walls.

  • Custom-Crafted Dietary Adaptations

    Dietary requests like gluten-free and dairy-free are accommodated with dedicated plated dishes—such as custom-crafted sweets and blood orange sorbet—rather than generic omissions.

  • Thoughtful Pastry Takeaway Packaging

    Guests are provided with takeaway boxes to pack up remaining handmade cakes, savoury bites, or scones they are unable to finish during their sitting.

Before you head over

Practical tips to get the most out of your high tea experience at Cape Arid Rooms

  • Pre-book dietary requirements in advance

    Notify staff of dietary requirements like gluten-free ahead of your booking so the kitchen can prepare tailored savoury dishes and desserts that match the standard tasting menu.

  • Pace your two-hour dining window

    Afternoon tea is served within a structured two-hour seating window, so plan your tea refills and dessert courses steadily to avoid a hurried final pot.

  • Mention celebrations early in your visit

    If celebrating a birthday or anniversary, mention it when booking or on arrival to receive thoughtful celebratory touches like a candle-topped sweet or take-home treat.

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