The Rusty Fig, Perth CBD

For decades, Friends restaurant in East Perth was synonymous with Perth’s fine dining scene. Run by Perth hospo legends, Clyde and Lesley Bevan, Friends moved from its long-standing home at the Hyatt Centre. Last year, they sold their new St Georges Terrace restaurant to their head chef Graham Jessop, who has now renamed the Cloisters spot, The Rusty Fig.

Named for its towering Port Jackson Fig, Perth locals may be familiar the venue’s predecessors, Friends Restaurant, the Butchers Arms and Chophouse. Tucked back from St George’s terrace, and behind large wooden doors, the Rusty Fig offers an escape from the busy CBD bustle. Rusty Fig offers dining in a beautifully curated restaurant. Their dishes are a mix of modern-Australian flavours, with European influences. There are many spaces at Rusty Fig, from sitting alfresco under the giant fig tree, to a plush upstairs dining area and private dining room.

From juicy Shark Bay scallops to tender Manjimup Wagyu truffle steak, the menu caters for many tastes.

Here’s a few things that we tried…

Chicken Liver Parfait ($28) with pickled fig jam, fig jelly, and toasted brioche was a hit.

Delicious Shark Bay Scallops ($43) with butternut pumpkin, macerated sultanas, and a red onion compote.

Beef with fondant potato, red wine and shallot jus.

Dark Chocolate Bar ($20) with chocolate sponge, mandarin jelly, and yoghurt jelly. Coconut Pannacotta ($20) with coconut cream, ginger, raspberries, and a fruit tuile. Nice, but very overpowered with a coconut flavour.

This new space could be a good spot for a working lunch for city workers. On the lunchtime that I visited, service was slow, but friendly. The food was good, but could be elevated more with warmed plates, quicker service a more balanced flavour to some dishes, like the coconut dessert.

Find Rusty Fig at 200 St Georges Terrace, Perth

Discover more restaurants in Perth here.

*Amanda dined as a guest of Rusty Fig. All opinions and photos are her own *

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About Amanda Carlin

Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, through "Simply PERTHfect", Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA. She enjoys brunching, lunching or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her parents in tow, Amanda always has plenty of senior-friendly eating options to recommend. Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.

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