PERTH | Casa is the new all day European inspired cafe/bar in Mount Hawthorn, from the team behind Si Paradiso. I popped in recently with my family to check it out.
I first tried chef and co-owner Paul Bentley’s food at Si Paradiso last Feburary, and was super impressed. At Casa, Paul has created a menu that has echoes of Si Paradiso with more of an Italian flair. Produce and technique driven dishes that follow the seasons.
It’s all in fitting with the restaurant’s concept, a casual, welcoming, local’s spot that straddles and blurs the line between cafe and bar. I visited for dinner, but you can pop in during the morning for a coffee or pasty, or lunch for a focaccia and drink.
You can’t go wrong with any ting on the menu, but there are two dishes in particular that you have to order. The first is one that’s been on the menu since day one and has become a bit of a cult favourite. It’s an octopus al pastor toast Pineapple salsa and lado. It draws on Paul’s time spent working in, and owning, restaurants in Mexico, and is brilliant. A wonderful blend of textures with each bite, with sweet, salty, fatty, and sour elements.
My other must order is the squid ink chittara with uni butter, egg yolk, and bottarga. A fresh, creamy, indulgent, delight that tastes of the ocean in the best possible way.
For drinks, wines are the big focus. All wines are organically and biodynamically farmed wines. There’s a generous selection of drops available by the glass, and four large wine fridges on display with bottles for you to enjoy in, or take away. The cocktails and beers on the menu are top notch too.
When I lived in Perth, Mount Hawthorn was always one of those areas that had so much potential. With places like Casa, and others that have opened in recent years, it’s well on it’s way to fulfilling that potential. A great addition to the neighbourhood.
Casa
399 Oxford Street
Mount Hawthorn
Western Australia 6016
Australia
Telephone: n/a
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Tue – Sat: 4:00pm to 11:00pm