About Si Paradiso
Si Paradiso is a vibrant Italian-inspired bar & restaurant with an open-air club ambience, located at 446 Beaufort Street in Highgate (inner Perth). It opened in October 2018 on the site of the former Late Night Valentine, brought to life by the team behind popular spots like El Grotto (www.we-ate-it.com) (www.broadsheet.com.au). The venue combines a leafy outdoor courtyard, an indoor dining area and a subterranean “Underground” club lounge, blurring the lines between a trattoria, cocktail lounge and dance club (www.broadsheet.com.au) (www.si-paradiso.com). Its design features kitschy Mediterranean touches – think mosaic tiles, Roman busts and a lounging amphitheatre with a central fountain – creating a retro-fun “paradise” vibe. As one review notes, “the amphitheatre is the heart of the venue” with plants, parquet flooring and even a mirror ball adding a nostalgic, disco-era feel (www.we-ate-it.com). Widely praised as Perth’s first “nuovo Italo-Australian” all-day hangout, Si Paradiso is known for its all-generations crowd lounging with pizzas and spritz by day and dancing under the stars by night (www.broadsheet.com.au) (en.tripadvisor.com.hk).
Events and Programming
Si Paradiso hosts a mix of dining and entertainment every day Wed–Sun (closed Mon/Tue). By afternoon it’s an Italian-style café, and by evening it morphs into a party spot. A signature event is the weekly Paradiso Pizza Club (Wednesdays from 5pm) offering $15 wood-fired pizzas and drink specials (Negronis, Aperol spritzes, local beers and $8 wines) (www.broadsheet.com.au). Friday and Saturday nights feature DJs spinning disco, house and nu-disco both in the courtyard and in the underground room; local acts like WA legends Dr Packer and resident crews (e.g. Dancing in Space DJs) are regulars. For example, the venue’s New Year’s Eve party has featured Perth icon DJ Dr Packer playing soulful disco under the stars (www.si-paradiso.com). The underground club space – “Paradiso Underground” – has hosted international and local artists from DJ Seinfeld and Ross From Friends to Sedef Adasi and Chaos the DJ (www.si-paradiso.com). Special events include the club’s annual birthday marathon (e.g. a three-day “Paradiso Turns 6” party in Nov 2024 with basement, courtyard and dining-room takeovers) (www.si-paradiso.com), art and live-music nights, and winery tasting lunches. Many events are public walk-in parties (often free or ticketed), though big nights (NYE, birthdays) may use online ticketing. Patrons should watch Si Paradiso’s website or social media for weekly line-ups; recurring themes like “Stranger Than Paradise” nights set a Latin/Italo groove from sunset onward. In short, whether it’s Sunday afternoon jazz, midweek pizza night or late-night DJ set, Si Paradiso offers a lively schedule of food-and-music events year-round.
Tickets and Booking
For regular dining and drinks there’s no ticket – just reserve or walk in. Si Paradiso accepts table bookings (especially for weekends and groups) via its online reservation system or by phone, and also keeps tables for walk-ins. Special events (like big DJ nights or New Year’s Eve parties) sometimes have tickets sold ahead, often through the venue’s website or partner ticketing services. Ticket prices vary by event: casual nights (Pizza Club, Sunday sessions) may be free entry with a minimum spend, while major parties might charge a cover (often in the $20–$50 range). A full sit-down dinner (such as a set New Year’s Eve dinner) is usually a prix-fixe menu – for example, the NYE “Italo Dinner Party” offering seafood platters, pizzas and desserts with wine might run $80–$100+ per person. To secure a seat for dinner on a busy night or a large group, booking in advance (online or by phone) is recommended (especially for Friday/Saturday). For walk-up visits, it’s best to arrive early: the courtyard seats fill quickly at sunset, and wait times for tables can grow on busy nights. Many people avoid disappointments by joining the guest list or RSVP’ing when events are announced. (Note: there is no public box office; tickets are virtual or at the door, and the venue frequently promotes shows via its own channels.) Prices: as a guide, cocktails and mains are typical Perth-restaurant prices (e.g. $15–$25 for small plates/pizzas, $17–$25 for signature cocktails, $12–$18 for pizzas on deals (www.broadsheet.com.au)).
Seating and Layout
Si Paradiso is essentially all general-admission, with many movable tables. It has three distinct areas: the ground-floor dining room, the open-air courtyard “amphitheatre,” and a basement club. The indoor dining room (toward the front of the shop) offers bench seating and small tables under vintage tile floors and stained glass, with a DJ booth/mirror-ball for live music. The central courtyard is tiered like an amphitheatre – tables and sun umbrellas cascade down to a small stage area by a fountain (www.we-ate-it.com). There are high-top benches along the courtyard edges and low tables on a wooden deck in front of the stage. In summer months this courtyard is prime seating – it’s like an Italian piazza, so the best seats are often those closest to the little stage or front center where DJs/playlists spin. The basement (“Underground”) level is primarily a standing dancefloor with bar and booths around the edges. In all areas, seating is flexible (groups can often push tables together). There are no rigid “best” seats for views, but as a rule the higher tier in the courtyard gives a good perspective of the stage, while outdoor tables have the best fresh-air atmosphere. Notes: being a licensed club, you may need to be 18+ after 7pm (some nights are 18+ only), so minors and prams should plan dining earlier in the afternoon or on Sundays. The sound system is modern and loud in the courtyard, and lively bass in the basement (you can feel the grooves under that starry sky) – if you prefer quieter conversation, sit farther from the DJ booth or go earlier in the evening.
Getting There and Parking
Si Paradiso is on Beaufort Street at the corner of Bulwer St in Highgate (postcode 6003), about 2km northeast of Perth CBD. By car, parking is mostly street-based. There are timed bays along Beaufort Street itself (often 2-hour limits) and side streets nearby, plus paid parking buildings in the area. The closest paid options include grocer lots on Bulwer or Aberdeen; Warwick Street Carpark is a short walk away. On-street parking is free on Sunday and public holidays, but during weekday/daytime you’ll need coins or PayStay. Rideshare/taxis can easily drop off at the front door on Beaufort St. For public transit, several bus routes run right past or near the spot: Transperth buses 67, 68, 950 and 950X all serve Beaufort Street in Highgate (moovitapp.com). For example, the frequent 950 line (Elizabeth Quay to Morley) stops at Beaufort/Bulwer (literally outside Si Paradiso). The 67 and 68 also link Great Eastern Highway busport into Beaufort St. The Gull line #653 is another nearby. The nearest train service is the new Airport/Ellenbrook line: you can jump off at Airport Central station and then take a short bus north, or get off at Leederville/Perth Station and walk/catch a connecting bus. A bike rack is often available on Beaufort Street. In summary, it’s an inner-city location easily reachable by bus or car (with paid parking a short stroll away). Night owls can rely on late buses on popular routes or book an Uber – the front stone façade has a convenient rideshare pickup spot.
Inside the Venue
Expect a friendly but busy entry. On arrival, staff or a host may greet you and direct you inside; late-night events sometimes have a doorman checking ID (Perth bars require 18+ after dark). Bag searches are not typical unless it’s a high-profile event. The atmosphere is relaxed and decorative: colonnades, lots of greenery and ambient lighting give a courtyard garden feel, while indoors the lighting is dimmer with vintage lamps and a disco ball. The seating is casual – pack your group close on wooden benches or at the bar. The service staff are known for being friendly but the bar can get busy, so orders may take a few minutes on peak nights (many reviewers recommend ordering extras ahead to avoid queues). Food and drink ordering is usually at the table – menus are offered right away for food/drinks. You’ll find menus detailing share plates, pizzas and signature cocktails; for example, recent menus list appetizers like Furnace Bread (warm sourdough bread with cultured butter), Scallop Crudo, oysters or Charred Leek with palm hearts (www.si-paradiso.com). The drink list is extensive: craft beers on tap, Italian spritzes and Aperitifs (Negroni, Aperol Spritz etc) and a wine list featuring WA and Italian wines (www.broadsheet.com.au). Cocktail fans report “beautifully complex” concoctions with frequent nods to Campari or Vermouth. As you dine or wait, look out for the little flourishes: antique mirrors, vintage wine posters, and even a hidden “secret” entrance to the basement. Restrooms are on-site (there is at least one wheelchair-accessible unisex toilet in the main area), and large events often have portable loos in the courtyard. Customers usually order at the bar which runs well-stocked: local WA craft brews by the schooner, highballs, and a standout house Negroni. There is no formal coat check; coats and bags are usually left under your table or on seats. Wi-Fi may be available (many guests use mobile data), but don’t count on high-speed – the focus here is on socialising in person. Merch is minimal (the venue doesn’t have a branded store), but staff often wear cool retro tees. In short, inside you’ll find a warm, slightly loungey vibe by day that turns into a buzzing party-house feel by night, with music and lights matched to the mood.
Nearby Amenities
Beaufort Street is one of Perth’s dining and nightlife hubs. If you come early, there are excellent nearby restaurants for a pre-show meal or coffee. Within a few minutes’ walk you can find other popular spots like Matso’s (Thai/Peranakan), Nood Bar, or Small Print Bakery for wood-fired pizza. For late-night snacks post-show, there’s street food and kebabs further up Beaufort St, or simply order an extra pizza at Si Paradiso. Several cafes and delis (like Goosebrd) are on the strip for daytime coffee or brunch. If you’re staying overnight, the nearest hotels are in Northbridge/CBD – for example, the Rendezvous Hotel (5 minute drive west) or smaller boutique options on William Street. On Friday/Saturday nights ride-share apps (Uber/OLA) remain plentiful late, but if you leave very late the service may thin out towards midnight. The Beaufort Street precinct is walkable and safe after dark due to frequent pedestrian traffic, but if you need late wheels there are 24/7 taxi ranks on nearby Stirling and at Northbridge.
What Makes This Venue Special
Si Paradiso stands out because it merges dining, drinking and dancing in a single space with Italian flair and irreverent fun. The clever interior design – part Roman trattoria, part ’70s disco – gives it memorable character. Details like terrazzo and teak furniture, Roman busts and a poolside-style amphitheatre are Instagrammable catnip. Its all-day party concept was unique when it opened: a co-owner said he wanted to bring the laid-back European “lunch-‘til-party” ethos home to Perth (www.broadsheet.com.au). The multi-zone layout (sunny courtyard, cozy dining room, hidden basement) lets crowds flow naturally. Si Paradiso also made an impact culturally: locals now cite it as THE place for Sunday afternoon beats and Tuesday night cocktails, changing the way Perth people socialise. Its events have earned a mini-cult following (i.e. “Paradiso Pizza Club” and annual birthday bashes), while the basement club has hosted global DJ names, giving Perth a taste of underground dance culture. The consistent praise from visitors – “we had a fantastic night…vibe was absolutely electric” (per one review) – speaks to its magnetic atmosphere. In short, both diners and DJs love Si Paradiso for its cheerful nostalgia, lush greenery, and the fun of feeling a little transported (some reviewers say it feels like a Bella Vista in the Hollywood Hills (www.we-ate-it.com)). It’s not just a bar or a pizza place; it’s a destination where strangers on benches become an impromptu dancefloor under string lights. That blend of “old world, party world” (as the venue tagline suggests) makes Si Paradiso a local icon in Highgate’s scene (en.tripadvisor.com.hk).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The main courtyard and dining areas are ground-level and wheelchair-accessible, with an accessible restroom onsite. The basement, however, is down a flight of stairs, so it may not be suitable for mobility aids or prams. If you need assistance, staff are usually happy to help find seating.
Arrival: Late afternoons and early evenings see shorter waits – arriving by 5–6pm on weekends means easy seating and quick service. For DJ nights, doors often open 9–10pm; arriving early lets you beat the queues at the bar. Celebratory events (DJ parties, NYE) can get very busy, so book ahead or aim for an early slot. On quiet weekday nights you can usually just drop in.
What to Bring: A valid ID if you’ll be there late (over-18 checks after dark) and your wallet (cards are accepted). Dress is smart-casual – no strict code but avoid flip-flops or sportswear if you’re aiming for those street-style photos. As the venue can get crowded, a small bag is fine – large backpacks may be asked to tuck away. Check the weather: the courtyard is open-air, so on rare cold or wet nights space is limited, and very hot days are best indoors.
Policies: It’s not BYO. Outside food/drink and professional cameras are not allowed. The venue is licensed, so legal drinking age rules apply (over 18 after 6pm typically). Smoking is only permitted in the courtyard. There’s no coat check; personal items are your own responsibility. Tipping isn’t expected (Australia has no tip culture) but credit card or Cash is fine. Networking or shooting videos without permission is discouraged (some events may film for promo).
Common Mistakes: Avoid assuming it’s just a pizza joint – there’s much more on the menu (seafood, salads, small plates). Likewise, don’t come expecting only dancing; it’s also a well-regarded restaurant. For a full experience, plan to eat at least some Italian share plates. Also, don’t leave too late – last orders for food are typically around 9–9:30pm, and the venue closes by midnight on weeknights (1am Fri/Sat).
Insider Tip: The weekday “Pizza Club” Wednesday is a hidden gem – great prices on food and drinks. On Sunday afternoons local DJs often spin chill sets in the courtyard, so that’s a perfect time for a relaxed visit with live music but without a big crowd. Follow Si Paradiso’s Instagram or subscribe to their newsletter to catch pop-up events (from wine dinners to guest chef nights).
Connectivity: The venue’s laid-back vibe means phone use is fine, but Wi-Fi is often spotty – best to rely on your mobile plan. (If you need internet, nearby cafes on Beaufort have free Wi-Fi.)
Local Customs: Kiwis and Aussies love chatting, and staff are friendly. Calling your friends “mates” or “darl” when ordering is common. If it’s busy, splitting bills may take extra time – you can pay one or multiple tabs at the bar. Most of all, come ready to relax and enjoy the slice of ‘paradise’ – whether that means a leisurely *arvo* spritz or dancing past midnight.
