Soda Cafe

LOCATION
Located in North Beach.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
West Coast Drive, along Perth’s northern beaches, is dotted with a handful of cafes and restaurants, but Soda Cafe in North Beach seems to offer something special. Perhaps it’s because Ben Andrijasevich (ex-head chef at Balthazar) is one of the owners, or maybe it’s due to the relaxed atmosphere and sensational ocean views. Whatever the reason, this place is packed with locals, cyclists and motorcycle groups by day before dimming the lights for romantics as the sun sets. In addition to a great breakfast and kids’ menu, the lunch and dinner menu is where things get interesting at Soda. Ben’s extensive experience as a chef becomes apparent with one look at the list. The hot smoked salmon, goat’s curd, red onion and caper crostini with honey-mustard dressing has to be one of my favourite entrees here, closely followed by the freshly shucked oysters with shallot and Cabernet vinegar or crispy fried with aioli. These oysters are so fresh it’s as if Ben has walked across the street to Mettams Pool and pried them from the rocks himself.

Although the menu features plenty of fresh seafood dishes, there’s also a smattering of tasty meat creations. Always on the lookout for a perfectly cooked pork belly dish, the char-sui pork belly, broccolini and lemon sauce with cashew nuts and sticky rice is certainly one to remember. If you prefer the simpler side of things I hear the beef fillet with crunchy green beans, kipfler potatoes and truffle-scented bearnaise sauce is a favourite with the local boys. I’m not sure if it’s the lapping waves across the street or the community feel of this place, but Soda Cafe always has a wonderful atmosphere that beckons your return. Experience it for yourself.

Karen Bilsby