The best food and dining experience we have had in many, many years! From phenomenal food, to the homely dining room, to the incredibly warm and friendly staff. This place deserves 20 stars.
My husband and I rarely enjoy a meal out these days. Food feels lifeless, tasteless and heavy. NOT AT OSCAR'S AT GUILDFORD LANDING! Every bite was pure mouthwatering comforting joy! I think at one point my husband nearly cried.
Let me talk you through the experience and you will quickly understand why this is now our new favourite restaurant and our future go to for date nights.
Upon arrival we were greeted at the door by a lovely lady, we later found out she was the chef's Mum. "Mum" made sure we had a booking and that we had a great parking spot out the front. We were then taken inside to a really lovely dining space that had the perfect balance of elegance and homeliness. Making it a treat for a special event or in our case date night whilst allowing you to be comfortable.
We were then introduced to the menu. Boy when I say they accommodate everyone...they accommodate EVERYONE! So if you have food allergies or intolerances THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU!
There were far too many amazing dishes to choose from so we decided to go with the 4 Course option. This is something they offer whether you are a party of 1 or a party of 10+ so don't feel you have to shy away from it just because there is only a few of you.
All the dishes are designed for sharing so you get a great tasting of many different options. And those tastings are VERY generous. The dishes arrived at our table, each beautifully crafted. The wait staff "Dad" and "Cousin" explained everything on each plate. You knew exactly what you were eating and how it was cooked and prepared. In some cases even where the produce was sourced from. I swear there was not a single thing we didn't absolutely LOVE. Every dish was special, full of flavour and character.
We ate everything from pickled vegetables with blue cheese sauce to Lamb cooked in 4 different ways. There were grains, vegetables, gnocchi, fish and meats all cooked and served with love, and to absolute perfection. We almost felt like we could taste the love and passion in each bite. Like this IS the chef's true calling in life. And the fact that most of the staff working there are the chefs family and childhood friends goes to show how much they love and support his passion for food too.
After our four courses and drinks, our tummies and our hearts were full. But I couldn't walk away without dessert! With mains as amazing as this, how could I pass up dessert! So we kindly asked "Mum" if it was at all possible to get dessert to take away. The answer was yes!!! Our food journey wasn't over yet! Hooray! So we ordered 2 desserts from the menu, they came boxed and beautifully presented ready for us to take home and enjoy later, on the couch, in our PJ's.
The whole way home we talked about what an incredible evening we had. We had almost a sense of nostalgia from a place we hadn't even been before! I still get giddy thinking about it and have all the warm fuzzy feels as I write this review. Oscar's on Guildford Landing really has something special, maybe even a little magical pumping...
Read moreWould give more stars if I could. In the interest of brevity I'll simply say anyone who appreciates good food needs to try this place.
Long version is, this place is amazing. The food seemingly obviously is delicious, one look at the menu got me excited to try some of the quality ingredients and I had high expectations. They were met and exceeded. I could spend all day describing the food in detail but I'd just be repeating myself a lot as everything was great. There was only one dish that I merely thought was ok, and it was a local grains dish that was never going to excite me personally anyway. Highlight was probably the shark bay bugs but really, it's hard to pick a favourite. Also I'm not typically a big fan of lamb but I might change my opinion after eating the lamb here.
I decided to try the bombak distillery pickle gin while I was there as it sounded interesting and piqued my curiosity. This gin took me on a journey, a very pleasant journey that the rest of my family then decided they all wanted to try as well. After finishing what was left of my glass I made sure to tell the rest of the table that everything else I had after that, did not taste nice and they wouldn't like it (spoiler: I lied).
Once we finally finished (almost finished) the mains, I proclaimed that I was so stuffed there was no way I was having dessert! ...then I saw my niece's mixed berry mess dessert and I had to order one for myself. As soon as I tasted it I instantly forgot about my bursting stomach and all I could think about was the next bite.
Service reflected the food, the people here are lovely, friendly and kind...I say kind because food of this quality is typically accompanied by an anti-kid attitude but they actually went out of their way to make some kid sized gnocchi dishes to keep the little ones happy. Please note however, we did call them in advance and warn them that the group would include children which no doubt gave them a chance to prepare for it. Be warned though, kids will turn their noses up at everything until the mains come out then suddenly decide they want half your steak so they're best left at home with some chicken nuggies anyway. Just tell them you're going out to do your tax return or something.
What more can I say, good food, good people, there's nothing better!
Thank you for one of the nicest meals I've had in a long time! You made my day...
Read moreFound in the unassuming and picturesque Swan Valley, Oscar's in the Valley invites diners on a culinary adventure that is as enchanting as it is mouthwateringly unforgettable. We chose the six-course shared dishes set menu, and each plate was a delightful revelation, reflecting the restaurant's dedication to local and sustainably sourced ingredients. The attentive service was a standout feature, with our knowledgeable servers enthusiastically guiding us through each dish, making us feel intimately connected to our culinary journey.
Under the deft hand of Chef Justin Hughes, a former maestro of Rockpool, the menu showcases a seasonal rotation of innovative creations. Each dish is a testament to his artistry, featuring house-pickled vegetables and expertly dry-aged beef or quality lamb, all kissed by the flames of a wood fire that imparts a tantalising smoky essence. The emphasis on high-quality seafood further elevated our dining experience to extraordinary heights.
Among our favorite dishes were: Giniversity Cured WA Market Fish WA Ceviche Gwamby Grazing Lamb Shark Bay Scallops with Brussels Sprouts Smoked White Fish Churchill Rd Raclette Lasagna Oscar's Eton Mess And the unforgettable Whiskey Mandarin and Walnut Pudding—simply wow!
The extensive local wine list is a treasure trove, offering a diverse selection that provided two bottles that beautifully complemented our dining experience. The airy dining room, enveloped by blooming fruit trees, vines, and olive trees, creates a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance that beckons you to linger and make room for the never-ending feast that is bestowed upon you, so know you have been warned: our meal was extensive, delicious, and filling.
For those yearning for an authentic taste of the region, the chef's tasting menu comes highly recommended, showcasing a generous array of culinary artistry. With attentive service and an unwavering commitment to quality, Oscar's in the Valley is an essential destination for any food lover exploring the heart of Swan Valley. Ensure you make a booking as we did witness multiple groups of disappointed diners being...
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