South Terrace in Fremantle has been known as the Cappuccino Strip since the 1980s, when Italian-Australian café culture took hold here earlier than almost anywhere else in Australia. The outdoor tables and umbrellas along this block of South Terrace — facing the Fremantle Markets and the pedestrian traffic of the town centre — constitute one of the most genuinely pleasant al-fresco eating and drinking experiences in Western Australia. It is not the most sophisticated café scene in the country, but it has the good sense to be outside in excellent weather, which counts for a great deal.
The cafes range from straightforward Italian-influenced espresso bars to broader all-day dining spots serving breakfast through dinner. The standard is consistent rather than exceptional, with good coffee everywhere and food that suits the casual outdoor setting. Come here for a mid-morning coffee after Fremantle Markets, or for a late afternoon drink as the light softens and the Fremantle Doctor (the afternoon sea breeze) starts to cool things down. The strip gets busy on weekends; weekday mornings have the best atmosphere and the shortest queues. Most visitors end up here at some point, and it rarely disappoints as a setting even if the individual cafes are unremarkable.