The Australian city of Perth is a fascinating mix of creativity, money (thanks to the mining boom) and a determined independence that comes from the fact that most of the nation's other major cities are a five-hour flight away.

Visitors to Perth are in for a treat, with every kind of food and drink experience on offer, from five-star restaurants to seductive wine bars and cafes that make the most of the city's alfresco climate. Here are some of the best in the most interesting neighbourhoods:

For a bar you'll never want to leave, put Must Winebar, in the foodie area of Highgate, on your list. It doesn't put a foot wrong. There's quality wine, well executed tapas, a relaxed yet cosmopolitan atmosphere and a very convivial crowd. What's not to love?

If you're looking for a cafe where sustainability matters, make a beeline for Source Foods in evolving Northbridge. The clean, contemporary lines of the decor are a perfect fit with the simple goodness on offer on the menu.

To see a master chef at work, go to Shige Sushi Bar in South Perth. The decor is basic, if authentic, but the food is sublime. Acclaimed Sydney restaurateur Tetsuya Wakuda is rumoured to rate it very highly and other sushi enthusiasts will happily concur. NeoNeighbourhood Co-founder, Verity Byth's insider's tip, is sit up at the bar, offer Shige-san a glass of your wine, watch and learn. There's nowhere else like it.�

For a great find even the locals don't know about take your friends to Annalakshmi on the Swan at the Barrack Street Jetty. Few restaurants run completely on love, but this one does. They supply fabulous home-style Indian vegetarian food, you eat as you want, give as you feel, making a voluntary donation for the meal. The prime river views are a bonus.

To see the future of Perth's cafe culture make the trip to Fremantle, where Tonic is a beacon of contemporary design and food, providing all-day breakfasts and great fair-trade coffee. The lovely hand-painted screens are by the owner, Vicky.

For more great experiences in Perth and other Australian and international cities, visit NeoNeighbourhood. There's food, shopping (fashion, home, pantry, books and music), hotels, galleries and concert venues and much more.