Farrell's Cafe

Casual Dining For All

It's no surprise that Farrells in Victoria Park has won the Entertainment Book 2008 Gold Award for Best Café & Bistro in Perth. It was the middle of the week when we visited Farrells and it was humming with the sounds of friendly conversation, punctuated with the sounds of cutlery and the clink of glasses.

Farrell's owner, Natalie, has seen many changes over the past ten years since opening in Victoria Park and accredits the success of the business to the friendly family atmosphere and working together as a team.

You can walk into Farrells anytime for breakfast, lunch, dinner, a snack, coffee or a drink. It's the kind of a place where anyone is welcome at any time. Farrells is open all day, starting with breakfast at 7am until 11am and then casual dining from 11am until late, seven days a week.

We started with a melt in your mouth Tempura Squid - tender squid pieces lightly battered, served on a crispy Chinese coleslaw with wasabi aioli. A popular choice, this dish is one that can be eaten either as an entrée or a light meal.

Understandably, another one of the most popular dishes on the menu and one I would recommend is the Smoked Salmon Salad with avocado, roquette and mixed sprout salad, served with crispy pita with dill and caper cream cheese. Complementing this beautifully was the Grove Mill Sauvignon Blanc with an elegant blend of tropical fruits and a crisp clean finish.

Another popular choice on the menu is one of Farrell's Tasting Plates or the Turkish bread with dukkah and dips. These can be enjoyed either as an entrée or a delightful snack with a glass of cold white wine.

Another plus for Farrells is the use of local produce and the beef did not disappoint. We chose a delicious Beef Fillet Mignon wrapped in bacon, oven baked and served with cumin spiced sweet potato, buttered spinach and garlic field mushroom. Complementing this meal beautifully was the Paul Conti Cabernet Sauvignon, a full flavoured smooth West Australian red wine.

A popular cafe with quite an extensive menu, including kangaroo or crocodile for the more adventurous diners, Farrells caters for locals as well as tourists and travellers, including celebrities who can be spotted there from time to time.

Sunday breakfast is very popular and caters for all tastes - whether it's a fruit plate, Bircher muesli or a variety of full cooked breakfasts, it's all there.

The KIS principle (Keep it Simple) is a strategy of Farrells using fresh ingredients and providing a variety of meals and wines and good service. These are the things that Natalie, as the owner, concentrates on. "Whether it's a simple steak sandwich or burger, fillet mignon or fish of the day, quality and service is what it's about," Natalie said. The menu is reviewed every three to four months and subtle changes are made according to the seasons.

With seating for 160, Farrells can handle large groups as well as alfresco dining, seating 120 inside and 40 alfresco. Farrells caters for all ages and everyone is welcome. You will feel at home whether dressed formally or in casual attire.

By Ingrid Rickersey