Il Lido Italian Canteen

Il Lido Italian Canteen brings an Italian-inspired espresso bar and restaurant to 88 Marine Parade in Cottesloe, with the beach forming an important part of its identity. The venue occupies the former Lido Cabaret, a 1930s art-deco hall, and draws on that history while presenting itself as a modern take on the Italian canteen. Its name means “the beach” in Italian, which feels fitting for a place built around the food, drink and relaxed culture of Cottesloe Beach.

The offering centres on Italian staples and rituals: espresso for takeaway, pastries, pasta, wine, coffee and aperitivo. The website also provides sample breakfast and formaggi menus, suggesting the venue can suit an early start as well as a longer meal. For drinks, the wine list is a major focus. Il Lido has been recognised for its Italian wine selection, including a win for Australia’s Best Listing of Italian Wines, and the venue’s broader accolades include being named a finalist in Australia’s Wine List of the Year and receiving two stars from the WA Good Food Guide.

The setting shifts with the time of day. The WA Good Food Guide describes Il Lido as moving from a breakfast canteen for beachgoers to an osteria-style destination for long lunches and dimly lit dinners. Its account also highlights communal tables, outdoor dining and views towards Cottesloe Beach, with a convivial atmosphere that works for sharing aperitivo with friends or settling in for a more considered meal. The venue’s own description places equal emphasis on coffee, pastries and casual drop-ins, so it is not limited to formal dining.

For a more substantial visit, dishes mentioned on the site include risotto Milanese with charred tiger prawns, Shark Bay scallops in smoky butter, and fish served with leeks and kalamata-studded vellutata. The wine team is presented as approachable despite the list’s breadth, with staff happy to guide guests towards a suitable bottle. Bookings are encouraged, though walk-ins are also welcome, making Il Lido a practical choice for a planned Italian meal, a beachside drink, or a solo espresso and pastry in Cottesloe.