Vin Populi — Restaurant in Fremantle

During my recent visit to Vin Populi in Fremantle, I was absolutely delighted by the exceptional experience this outstanding restaurant has to offer. From the moment I walked in, the high-quality service of the staff was apparent. Everyone was incredibly attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring that every aspect of my dining experience was catered to seamlessly.

The ambiance at Vin Populi is inviting and sophisticated, making it a perfect spot for both intimate dinners and casual gatherings. The attention to detail in the décor was evident, and it set the stage for what was to come.

Now, let’s talk about the food – it was nothing short of brilliant. Each dish was meticulously prepared and beautifully presented. The flavors were well-balanced, showcasing a perfect harmony of fresh ingredients and culinary expertise. From appetizers to desserts, every bite was a testament to the chef’s dedication and passion for creating exquisite meals.

Two standout dishes that deserve special mention are the Melanzane alla Parmigiana and the Rigatoni Amatriciana.

The Melanzane alla Parmigiana was a revelation. The eggplant was perfectly cooked, with a tender texture that still held its form, layered with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese that was both gooey and crisp in all the right places. Each mouthful was a delightful blend of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors, making it an absolute must-try.

The Rigatoni Amatriciana was equally impressive. The pasta was cooked to perfection, the rigatoni holding a delightful al dente texture. The sauce was a rich, flavorful concoction of tomatoes, guanciale, and pecorino cheese, creating a savory and slightly spicy dish that was utterly satisfying. The seasoning was spot on, and the guanciale added a wonderful depth of flavor that elevated the dish to new heights.

The signature dishes at Vin Populi are truly a highlight. Whether it's the succulent lamb, perfectly seared scallops, or the indulgent handmade pasta, each dish is a masterpiece that leaves a lasting impression. The wine list, too, is well-curated, offering a fantastic selection that complements the menu superbly.

In conclusion, Vin Populi is a gem in Fremantle with its high-quality service and brilliant food. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in a top-notch dining experience. Be sure to try the Melanzane alla Parmigiana and the Rigatoni Amatriciana – you won’t be...

Disappointing Birthday Lunch at Vin Populi. Back in 21 Jan, we had reserved a birthday celebration dinner for 23 March, clearly stating it was for a birthday and requesting seating in Matt's section for his renowned high-quality service. However, upon arrival, we found that Matt was now working only in the bar next door. We were then led to a very small round table near the entrance, which was inadequate for our party of four.

After requesting a larger, square table in the back dining area, we were informed that we could only stay for an hour. Disappointed with this arrangement, we moved to the larger square table but after 50 mins we opted to move to the bar area next door where Matt was serving.

Unfortunately, the clam pasta which my kid and I ordered was gritty with sand and poorly washed, making it difficult to eat and swallow. Btw we didn't mistake the sand with the Pan Grattata, which was editable...obviously.

Despite booking two months in advance and being labeled as VIPs by Matt to the team, we were let down by the lack of customer service, especially considering our previous positive experiences at VP. While Matt's exceptional service was a highlight, the overall experience fell short of our expectations.

Is a two-month advance booking not sufficient to ensure top-notch service and appreciation for returning customers? Being rushed through a birthday meal as if at a fast-food restaurant was disappointing. We hope for improvement in the future and will reflect our experience. Vin Populist was our no.1 Go-To restaurant because of its atmosphere and food + Matt's service but now we are not so sure. If it wasn't for Matt we probably wouldn't return again.

It's even more frustrating that I reached out to the restaurant directly to express my dissatisfaction, only to receive a generic AI-generated response. The email was poorly written and unprofessional, with excessive spacing between paragraphs hence it was very obviously it was written with an AI tool. In terms of hospitality service, it's disheartening to think that customers might have to lower their expectations in Perth. Aren't these just basic standards of customer service, or am I expecting too much?

Vin Populi, I hope you and the team can do...

I went to Vin Populi for lunch on a Sunday. We ordered the bocconcini, broccolini and two pastas to share - the linguini with vongole and squid ink linguini. I found the menu system strange and annoying as we had to ask the waiter for clarification on what was in each dish as there are no descriptions on the chalk board, only very vague titles. The prices for the antipasto cold meats are ridiculous, $16 for probably 5 slices of prosciutto that we saw the table next to us order. The vegetables on the antipasto menu were also very small portions. The bocconcini was delicious, nicely dressed with olive oil, however, the fresh basil on top had clearly been enjoyed by a caterpillar before us, having two large, brown holes taken out of one of the leaves. The attention to detail is really lacking which is disappointing considering the price. The vongole pasta was incredibly dry and had very little flavour. When we lifted portions from the plate to transfer to our own, there was no residue of beautiful Italian olive oil, garlic, chilli, nothing! We ended up using the dressing that was on the bocconcini and scraped every last drop on the pasta to give it some flavour. The pangratatto on top would have lent itself to how dry the pasta was. The squid ink pasta was nicer but nothing to rave about. We asked for extra chilli oil to dress both pastas which improved them a bit. Portions were relatively small for the $30+ price and both pastas were a little too undercooked, even for Italians. The cocktail we had, the Alpine Spritz, had an incredibly impractical garnish which is a pet peeve of mine. It was not very enjoyable for my taste personally. I would’ve preferred a glass of wine except the prices for those were extreme averaging maybe $17 a glass. The service by the gentleman in our section was lovely and he was very knowledgeable, except not by the girl at the til who rudely handed me the bill. I was very disappointed having heard good things, but I will not be returning or...