Encore Restaurant

LOCATION
Just west of the city centre, minutes’ walk from the train station.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
We do love a good opening, especially when it is a “rags to riches” scenario like Perth’s Citigate Hotel. After a multi-million dollar refurbishment the venue has relaunched itself as a premium four-star hotel complete with a sexy new bar and restaurant. Known as Encore, the restaurant certainly lives up to its new name with many first time visitors coming back for more. Warm earthy tones and a relaxed atmosphere are a far cry from the previous interior and the new menu is just as impressive as the new contemporary surroundings.

Keeping things short and sweet seems to be the key to success at Encore with an uncomplicated menu offering fine modern Australian fare. Entrees include the likes of a divine cauliflower and gruyere souffle served with savoy cabbage, speck salad and a mustard dressing which complement the main attraction perfectly. The beef carpaccio with Wagyu beef tenderloin dressed with olive oil, truffles and fresh parmesan is also worth trying. Heading down the road of mains is as simple as can be with a handful of culinary delights to choose from, all of which carry my stamp of approval for taste and presentation. Although there are only five main dishes to choose from, don’t think for a second your decision will be made easy. All five dishes are equally mouth-watering and focus on fresh seasonal produce like the Mount Barker pork cutlet, served simply with lemon butter and baked sweet potato and the linguini with baby octopus, garlic and parmesan cheese. There’s also a fabulous 250-gram porterhouse steak served with garlic mash, sauteed Portobello mushrooms and a very addictive cab sav jus. If you’ve visited the Citigate previously and not been too impressed, I strongly urge you to give this place a second chance. You won’t be disappointed.

Karen Bilsby