Whatley Crescent follows the railway line through the heart of Maylands, and over the years it has grown into one of Perth’s most rewarding neighbourhood eating strips. Independent cafés, a teahouse in a century-old building, a bake shop and a corner-store deli all sit within a short walk of each other — and of Maylands Station.
This guide walks the strip in street order, starting opposite the station and heading east. Every venue is independently run, and the details below come from the operators themselves. Hours and menus change, so check directly before a special trip.
Mrs S
178 Whatley Crescent. A family-run café that has become one of the strip’s anchors. Chef Aaron Ho looks after the savoury menu while his wife, pastry chef Thuong Do, keeps the cake cabinet stocked — at last count more than thirty cakes were prepared fresh each day. Menus arrive clipped into pre-loved picture books, and brunch runs well beyond the usual morning cut-off.
It suits a long breakfast, a coffee-and-cake stop, or anyone who judges a café by its cabinet. Read the Mrs S profile.
Smoults Larder
186 Whatley Crescent, directly opposite Maylands Station. Part café, part delicatessen, part pantry. Breakfast rolls out until midday every day, and the deli counter and shelves carry cheeses, smallgoods, sauces and locally made provisions worth taking home. The kitchen makes its food in-house, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options across the menu.
It suits commuters grabbing something on the way to the train, picnic planners — the gourmet hampers are made to order with 24 hours’ notice — and anyone catering a work lunch. Read the Smoults Larder profile · Website and menus
Chapels on Whatley
196 Whatley Crescent. A teahouse in a heritage building, pouring what it calls the largest tea selection in the neighbourhood — more than two hundred varieties. The kitchen is run by the family behind My Bayon, and the menu leans on Eurasian fusion with Cambodian roots drawn from their own family recipes. High teas, served on fine bone china, are the signature.
It suits a slower afternoon, a celebration, or anyone who takes tea seriously. Read the Chapels profile · Website and bookings
Steam Haus
202 Whatley Crescent. A café inside a converted old house, with a series of themed rooms rather than one open floor. There is a dedicated children’s room, a small bookstore to browse, and a covered rear verandah where dogs are welcome — a rare combination on the strip.
It suits families, dog owners and anyone who prefers a corner table to a communal bench. Mornings are the main event here. Read the Steam Haus profile.
Sherbet
206B Whatley Crescent. A bake shop first and foremost: cakes, cupcakes and slices made by hand on site in small batches, with celebration cakes made to order. The cabinet is the argument; the coffee is the excuse to stay.
It suits a sweet stop mid-walk, or picking up a cake on the way to someone else’s table. Open seven days. Read the Sherbet profile · Website
Worth the detour: Commune Wine Store
209 Railway Parade, on the other side of Maylands Station. Not on Whatley Crescent, but close enough to fold into the walk: a neighbourhood wine shop with a hand-picked range and free tastings every Friday afternoon. It is a bottle shop, not a bar — buy here, drink elsewhere.
Read the Commune profile · Website
Plan the walk
Start at Maylands Station and work east: Mrs S, Smoults Larder, Chapels on Whatley, Steam Haus and Sherbet sit in order along the same short stretch. The strip is flat and walkable, the train back to the city leaves from the same station, and the Eighth Avenue shops are a block away if you want to keep wandering.