Gordon St. Garage

Nic Trimboli has a hand in many thriving establishments (Bread In Common, The Alex Hotel, Hippocampus Distillery), but Gordon St. Garage is most similar to his previously owned and revered Little Creatures. Bringing an element of Freo to West Perth, this all-day eatery’s intimate vibe is well worth a taste.

East coast-based Foolscap Studio designed the industrial-meets-Italian fit out – a nod to the area’s history and Trimboli’s heritage. As the name suggests, it was an old car garage for decades. But before that, it was home to the Blue Seal chocolate factory.

The Blue Seal logo remains above the entry, as do remnants of the building’s mechanical past. The euro-inspired decor includes re-upholstered bus-seat booths and patterned tiles. Photographs around the restaurant are of Trimboli’s suppliers (such as Kakulas Bros and The Re Store) and are a testament to his long-standing relationships.

The extensive menu is designed to cater for every meal of that day, with a focus on sustainability. Elevated breakfast dishes and a bounty of pastries are paired with coffee by Mano a Mano – Gordon St.’s own specialty coffee brand (it’s roasted on premises).

For lunch and dinner, you might find share dishes such as three cheese corn croquettes with chilli and lime chutney; char-grilled octopus, pickled tomato, fennel and olive; plus plates of salumi or cheese. Larger items, such as the chicken schnitzel, char-grilled Black Angus t-bone, and the market fish of the day, are familiar but not without flair.

In addition to a restaurant, the garage features a dedicated wine nook that hones in on small-batch, minimal intervention wines sourced from all over the world – plus an “off-the-list” selection for more adventurous drinkers. And out the back, you’ll find a garden bar with a drinks list unique to the rest of the venue. Head here for tap takeovers, special events, or just a tipple beneath the stars.