BYO stands for "Bring Your Own" and refers to restaurants that allow you to bring your own alcoholic beverages instead of purchasing from their drinks menu. This is a popular option in Perth and across Australia.
What is corkage?
Corkage is a fee that restaurants charge for opening and serving the alcohol you bring. It covers the cost of glassware, service, and cleaning. Corkage fees in Perth typically range from free to $15 per bottle, with most restaurants charging between $3-8 per bottle.
What types of BYO are there?
There are three main types of BYO policies:
Wine Only: You can only bring wine (the most common type)
Beer & Wine: You can bring both beer and wine
Full BYO: You can bring any alcoholic beverages including spirits
Do I need to call ahead before bringing alcohol?
Yes, we always recommend calling the restaurant before your visit to confirm their current BYO policy. Policies can change without notice, and some restaurants only offer BYO on certain nights or have bottle limits. A quick call ensures you won't be disappointed.
Costs & Savings
How many bottles can I bring?
This varies by restaurant. Some have no limit, while others restrict it to 1-2 bottles per person or per table. It's best to ask when you make your reservation. As a general rule, bringing excessive amounts of alcohol is considered poor etiquette.
Can I bring my own glasses?
No, restaurants will provide appropriate glassware for your beverages. This is part of the service included in the corkage fee. Using your own glasses would be unusual and is generally not allowed.
What if I don't finish my bottle?
In Western Australia, you can take unfinished wine home with you. The restaurant should re-cork or re-seal the bottle for you. This is a great benefit of BYO – no pressure to finish a bottle if you don't want to.
Is BYO cheaper than ordering from the wine list?
Almost always, yes! Restaurant wine markups are typically 200-300% above retail prices. Even with corkage, you'll usually save significantly:
Bottle shop wine: $20
Corkage fee: $5-10
Total: $25-30
Same wine at restaurant: $60-80
Savings: $30-55 per bottle!
Wine Tips
Should I tip more at BYO restaurants?
It's considerate to tip a bit more generously at BYO restaurants since you're saving money on drinks but the staff still provides full wine service. Adding some of your savings to the tip is a nice way to show appreciation.
Can I bring BYO to any restaurant?
No, only restaurants that specifically offer BYO allow you to bring your own alcohol. Bringing alcohol to a non-BYO restaurant is not permitted and could create legal issues for the establishment due to licensing laws.
Why do some restaurants offer BYO?
Restaurants offer BYO for several reasons: it attracts customers who want to save money, it's popular in Australia's dining culture, some restaurants don't have a liquor license (making BYO their only option), and it can reduce the complexity of managing a wine cellar.
What should I bring to pair with Asian food?
Asian cuisines pair well with various wines:
Thai/Vietnamese: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, or Pinot Grigio
Chinese: Pinot Noir, Rosé, or off-dry Riesling
Japanese: Sake, light Pinot Noir, or Champagne
Indian: Gewürztraminer, off-dry Riesling, or a fruity Shiraz
Malaysian: Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc
Check out our BYO Tips page for more pairing advice.
Etiquette & Practicalities
Are there BYO restaurants for special occasions?
Yes! Many upscale restaurants in Perth offer BYO, allowing you to bring a special bottle for celebrations without paying huge markups. Some fine dining establishments offer BYO on specific nights. Use our filters to find restaurants by price range.
Do I need to keep my receipt from the bottle shop?
It's not typically required, but some restaurants may ask to see proof of purchase, especially for high-end wines. Keeping your receipt is also useful if there's any issue with the wine (like it being corked).
Can I bring BYO for lunch?
Most restaurants that offer BYO do so for both lunch and dinner, but some may have different policies. It's worth checking when you book. Lunch BYO can be a great option for relaxed weekend dining.
How do I know if my wine is "corked"?
A corked wine has been contaminated by TCA (a chemical compound) and will smell musty, like wet cardboard or a damp basement. The wine will taste flat and lack fruit flavours. If you suspect your wine is corked, let the staff know – they can confirm and you may want to open your backup bottle.
How accurate is the information on BYO Perth?
We do our best to keep information current, but BYO policies can change without notice. We recommend: