Rockpool, Crown Perth

Lunching with a friend at Rockpool in the Crown complex was a definite treat. Neil Perry’s iconic restaurant, for the most part, lives up to its hype.

Beautifully designed to be a lively, casual space, the large dining area has comfortable chairs and enough space on its tables to easily accommodate plates, glasses, side dishes etc. The large kitchen is open and diners can watch the multiple chefs hard at work. There is also a bar area.

I chose a 350g Cape Grim steak but not just any old steak – this rib-eye on the bone had been grass-fed, aged for 36 months and hung for 49 days – almost a bargain at $65!

My friend asked about gluten-free items and was given another menu that contained many choices for her. She opted for the Squid Ink risotto with bacon, chilli and coriander. This small portion was $32 and quite huge although there is a larger portion available for $48. A salty dish but very good.

We also went for two side dishes – Red cabbage, pear and kohlrabi coleslaw with merlot vinegar ($12) and baby Baldivis Kipfler potatoes sautéed in wagyu fat with rosemary and garlic ($12). Both were delicious and enough for two.

My steak was thinner than I had expected but expertly cooked to medium-rare. Seasoning was on point and it was full of flavour. I was glad that we opted for side dishes as my steak looked quite lonely on the plate with only a lemon wedge for company.

Service was very good, as one would expect from a high-end restaurant. Servers brought water, drinks, bread and butter and food in a timely manner. Only as we were getting our tea and coffee did it fall down. I ordered my usual fare – English Breakfast tea with skimmed milk and hot water on the side. I was brought a see-through teapot filled with tea leaves and a see-through pot of hot water (which the server poured over the tea leaves). There was no extra water, the skimmed milk was hot not cold and the tea was herbal not English breakfast. Definitely minus points to the young man who had been so good throughout the meal.

Rockpool is great for a special occasion but expensive for everyday. Currently the restaurant is offering an Ultimate lunch for $55, which includes the choice of one entrée and one main and a glass of wine that is good value.

Plenty of free open-air parking is available at Crown. Undercover parking at the multi-level area will cost Seniors $10 and ACROD holders $8. Valet parking is an outrageously expensive $75 for casual guests.

Address: Crown, Great Eastern Highway, Burswood

Phone: 1800 556 688

Reservations: Yes

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 12 noon – 3pm, 6 – 11pm

Saturday 4-11pm, Sunday 12 noon – 3pm, 6-10pm

Gluten-free options: Yes

Entertainment Book: No

Website: http://www.rockpoolbarandgrill.com.au/perth/home/

About the Author
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About Hazel Broomhead

My name is Hazel and I am a Perth senior!

Originally from Edinburgh in Scotland, my husband and I moved to New Zealand with our children in 1974. As my husband is in the oil business, we moved to several other countries including the Sultanate of Oman, the Netherlands, Singapore, the Philippines, the USA, Russia and Kazakhstan during the next 36 years before retiring to Perth.

We have six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who live in different parts of the globe – New Zealand, Scotland and Colombia - which makes a great excuse for us to travel and visit.

My career background is in radio and print journalism in Scotland and New Zealand as well as public relations in various other countries.

We love to eat out, walk, travel and enjoy the wonderful lifestyle here in Western Australia.