Eat & Review: The Shorehouse

The Shorehouse
Casual Beachside Dining
278 Marine Parade, Swanbourne
(08) 9286 4050

Though it is early days, we are excited about The Shorehouse that has opened in Swanbourne. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming. Although some patrons were dressed up for dinner, there were also tshirts and shorts in evidence. (Word to the wise, the pale wooden planking floor has gaps that might catch a fine heeled stiletto!) The new multi million dollar fit out has not changed the bare bones of the old restaurant (The Naked Fig) but has added copper edged tables in leather booths, rustic wooden furniture and potted palms for a warm feel.

We were greeted promptly and efficiently and the staff were all friendly, engaging and more importantly, knowledgable! At the moment, there is a small but interesting menu, changing quarterly with more specials to be added once the head chef Oliver Gould sources more local providers.

We started with a glass of champagne and a pint of ale. The beverage list had a good selection of interesting cocktails, including Bloody Marys (on a heat scale of mild to certain death), gin and tonics (served Spanish style in balloon glasses) and a small but interesting selection of wines by the glass.

To eat, we began with the homemade bread & whipped butter and the mixed crudo plate; a raw but “cured” selection of snapper, swordfish and tuna. I thought the tuna was the standout with yoghurt, basil and a scattering of bottarga crumbs. My husband loved the snapper with chilli oil and lemon.

To follow I chose the lamb. It was excellent; juicy and pink in the middle with a salty charred crust. The bagna cauda was a salty, savoury contrast to the sweet grapes & bitterness of the radicchio, the flavours very complimentary.

My husband chose the scotch fillet. Although the waitress warned us that the josper oven (a charcoal grill and oven combined) might give a variable result due to the door being opened and closed throughout cooking, the steak was the perfect medium rare that was ordered. It was served with a small amount of rich bone marrow, a chargrilled wedge of baby cos and was delicious. We ordered sides of duck fat roast potatoes & rocket salad but the servings were large and probably more suited to sharing with a table of 4. The salad also suffered from being over salted, otherwise would have been a refreshing accompaniment.

On to dessert (purely for the sake of research…), I chose the raspberry parfait & goats milk cheesecake. It was served in a goblet and was fantastic, not too sweet but with a real flavour of chamomile and fresh raspberries, again the balance of ingredients perfectly complimentary.

I’m looking forward to returning to try breakfast on the beautiful deck once the breakfast menu is up and running in a few weeks, and also to sample more of the dinner menu too!

In all, The Shorehouse looks to be a very exciting addition to the Perth dining scene. And hopefully, will be a real showcase not only of our beautiful local produce, but also our beautiful beaches!