Mistelle Bistro — Restaurant in Shenton Park

One of our party of 9 had booked this on the Set Menu basis. After checking out the menu on line before we arrived, myself and my husband decided to choose from the a-cart menu as he was looking forward to an entree of squid and a main course of beef, and I liked the entree of persimmon with ricotta, and gnocchi for the main. These were not included on the set menu. We don’t usually have a sweet after dinner so the 3 course set menu would have been wasted on us as this includes a sweet. When we were seated on arrival, the set menu was the only menu on our table, plus the drinks menu (which we all thought was VERY expensive). The waiter explained how the set menu worked: the entree is a variety of foods which is presented on a platter for the table to share. Another reason I personally would not choose this as there were only 2 entrees out of the 6 offered, which I liked. We then each were given a choice of 3 mains which did not include the gnocchi or beef. I then asked the waiter if he could bring the a-la-carte menu for myself and my husband to which he replied “No”. Just “No”. I explained that the 2 of us did not want anything off the set menu. He said that the set menu is for groups of 6 and over. I explained that only 2 of us would be choosing the a-la-carte, leaving 7 for the set menu and once again repeated that nothing on the set menu appealed to me. He asked what my choice of main would have been if the a-la-carte menu would have been available to us. I said the gnocchi, to which he said the gnocchi had been taken off the menu some time ago (it was on the website menu only 2 hours before, and still is today, 1 week later). When I asked if I am expected to pay for a meal that I really don’t like, he answered “that is the menu your group has chosen so that is what is available for you”. We were absolutely shocked at his attitude, with no attempt to please the paying customer. And so the set menu it was. In conclusion: the entree was very average but well presented, the duck was tasty, succulent but sparse on the vegetables (1 small potato and a spoonful on greens), the crème brûlée was tasty but very runny (not set). There was no choice of coffee - only plunger” coffee available and so most of the party passed on that. Value for money? Definitely not. This party of 9 will not...

We went for the Test Kitchen Tuesday whereby the Chef tests dishes on us. It cost $55 per head and 3 starters and mains are shared, desserts you get your own. One does not know what is gonna be served, its a surprise so not suited to all.

The night we were there, we have a cured kingfish which lacked citrus and was a bit thick in the slicing of it IMO. All starters were actually quite nice in flavours.

Mains were lambs cooked in 2 different ways. If you don't like lamb, you're basically F'd! 😅😂 the deep fried lamb was extrenely dry and there was't sufficient gravy. When I asked for gravy, it took some time for it to come. When it came, it came in a little white jug of what looks like nearly 2 tablespoons of gravy and we were told thats all we were allowed to have 🤬This had to be shared amongst 3 of us! 🥲 There was an aubergine puree at the bottom which IMO was used as a oil collector for the deep fried lamb. No other veggies were provided.

Desserts was an individual dish for each person, which was nice, bit small IMO and absolutely to die for.

Being a Test Kitchen Day, we expected the chef or staff to ask us for feedback but on no occasion did this occur. Disappointing on this part. One of us gave feedback re the lamb but wonder if the kitchen received it.

For French at $55 it was a hit or miss meal, a gamble. Not bad, not the best, I would try again to see what I get next time, its like going to the casino, test your luck. This is for Tuesday however other days I reckon would be...

Just moved to Perth, took myself out for dinner to celebrate! A table for one on a quiet Tuesday evening - I thought I’d pick a few tasters and have a glass or two of wine.

Marie was incredibly friendly and helpful, and immediately tempted me with her offer of the Tuesday special: a tasting of Chef’s test menu. Rotating every week, Chef trials new dishes and it was my pleasure to be the guinea pig. What a great idea??

Entrees were delicious, particularly the crispy pork belly and fragrant tabbouleh. The roast lamb was one of the best I’ve ever had - incredibly tender and rich in flavour. I also enjoyed the crème brûlée, although would have appreciated something like a fruit compôte to balance the thick sweet cream pudding. I let Marie chose 3 wines to pair with entree, main and dessert - and she knocked them all out of the park, delightedly telling me about them and the regions they were grown.

I’ll be back. Almost certainly on another Tuesday, and definitely with friends in tow! Instant favourite...