The Shorehouse — Restaurant in Swanbourne

Firstly, for the record I never usually write reviews. I work in hospitality and know what is expected and how it works. I understand the kitchen and the service, I know the mistakes, and the wins. It is important to share the details of experience. Today lacked so much of what I believed The Shorehouse offered…

My family and I really thought coming to The Shorehouse for Mother’s Day would be up there with the best for a coastal lunch that’s not too swanky, beachside and great food..boy were we wrong!!!

The meal at $120 was more than disappointing. I am happy to pay for good food, I am not happy to pay for food that tastes like a canteen feed at best!

Firstly, my son ordered the buttermilk chicken served with shoestring fries. This meal was worse that taking him through McDonald’s! We sent the chicken back as it was dried out and completely rubbered string!! Dried and leather skin throughout each piece! I understand that some children want simple but this was an absolute disgrace of food, no sauce for dry chicken or chips and a side slab of butter lettuce with two sliced up small cherry tomatoes with no dressing or olive oil. We sent this meal back as it was absolutely inedible! Worse yet was when they came with a new plate the buttermilk chicken was almost black.. If ten was black then we were an 8!! Even after the waitress agreed and apologized about the burnt second round of chicken, “ is that good enough, oh okay., here you are, okay I’m Sorry yeah okay sorry.” Obviously this was still not done to a good enough standard, and I believe this is why they tried offering us two of the kids ice cream desserts, but no thank you.. sugar is not what we need to make up for this already unhealthy meal choice. No grilled options for kids just deep fried food and chips or a gnocchi pasta dish. (Which could be a nice choice, it’s just that my son doesn’t eat gnocchi). Unbelievable really. This was the best you could do?? I don’t believe that for one moment. Do better.

Following this was the entree courses for my husband and I. The entrees were tasteless and bland and we hardly ate through them. Picked at best. Even when adding salt for some flavor we still could hardly eat anything! I’m sure our server could attest as she cleared almost full plates of uneaten food. Not once did anyone ask us how our food was.. And yet, here we were at The Shorehouse. Truly, gobsmacked if I must say..

My husband and I ordered the beef short rib. Best of all the dishes served to us, but absolutely tasteless!! I honestly can tell you that we are still shocked by how poor flavourless and uninspiring the food was. We took half of each of our mains home to give to our teenage son who is happy with just having any extra food to eat whenever there are leftovers,.. he is growing, but will see if he even eats this. It just feels so disappointing!

Deserts on a plate.. no comment. I’m Sorry to say this but we would have had a better selection from the grocery store.

Our dining experience today was upsetting to say the least for my Mother’s Day out. At $120 a person plus the price of a set menu kids meal… An absolute waste of money and our time coming to The Shorehouse. We used to love it here but this was not the food or dining experience we expected.. It really was just so...

Having heard so much about The Shorehouse, I thought it would be a great place to take our cousin who was visiting from Singapore.

Walking in, it was so clean and vibrant, overlooking the beautiful beach. We were welcomed warmly and the hostess was so kind and sweet with my children. Some of our party was already seated so we were shown to a lovely booth with a great view. When booking, I had asked for a nice table and it was definitely delivered. The hostess was a bit worried about our comfort and offered a bigger table with more space but we were perfectly fine being cosy together in the booth. The hostess immediately brought us a darling wooden high chair. With straps. High chair straps are so appreciated for my restless little, thank you!

Our cousin had unfortunately had a big lunch so we decided to share two entrees with our main meals. We decided on the scallops and croquettes. Both were delicious. For our mains I had the exmouth prawns, my husband and cousin had the crab linguine and my BIL had the lamb as well as an order of fries to share.

BIL got to the lamb before I could take a photo but he enjoyed it very much. I got to try the linguine and it was very nice. My dish was the best of the lot, the emulsion was an explosion of intense prawn flavour and the prawns were so large and delicious. I wish that they had an option of rice with the sides because it would have been perfect to go with it.

My littlest one devoured her share of linguine and her big sister had crumbed whiting and chips from the kids menu as well as a choccy milkshake. I love that there was a range of options that were not stock standard chips and nuggets, fish and chips etc. You can tell that they were made in house and not phoning it in by buying frozen kids options.

Our waitress Abby was so attentive throughout the night. I was so excited when she told me I could have a spicy margarita that was not on the drinks menu. It was actually one of the best I have ever had. I would return for just that cocktail alone to be honest.

When we were finishing up, Abby asked us how the meal went. I gave minor feedback and was not at all expecting her to comeback and take off some items from the bill. Quite honestly, I enjoyed the whole meal so very much and was really impressed and did not need that at all. It just goes to show that the Shorehouse truly cares about making sure that your dining experience is incredible from start to finish.

I think that my family and I will return over and over with the beautiful service, quality of food and gorgeous views. If I weren't already married, I would want to have my wedding here. Highly recommend a visit to the Shorehouse, a new favourite and in my...

The Shorehouse: A Seaside Haven

Nestled along the picturesque Cottesloe coastline, The Shorehouse offers a mesmerizing experience with its serene ambience and breathtaking sunset vistas. Upon arrival, the panoramic views immediately captivate, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

The restaurant's ambiance is nothing short of spectacular. The elegant decor, infused with a coastal charm, seamlessly blends modern sophistication with a relaxed beachside vibe. The soft hues of the interior create a soothing atmosphere, enhancing the overall dining pleasure.

Service at The Shorehouse deserves accolades. The staff's attentiveness and warmth elevate the dining experience, ensuring each guest feels welcomed and cared for. Their knowledge and eagerness to assist in navigating the menu or suggesting pairings contribute significantly to the overall positive impression.

While the culinary offerings are commendable, providing a diverse array of tantalizing dishes, the absence of reasonably priced finger food options slightly detracted from the experience. A broader selection of affordable bites to complement the breathtaking views and casual ambiance would certainly enhance the overall dining affair.

Moreover, the beverage selection, though impressive, could benefit from improved stock management. Regrettably, during my visit, the unavailability of Glenfiddich 12, a staple in Australian single malts, was disappointing. A more meticulous approach to maintaining a consistent inventory would undoubtedly elevate the dining experience for whiskey enthusiasts.

On a personal note, the addition of an outdoor shisha bar would be a splendid enhancement. The serene setting of The Shorehouse, complemented by the calming aroma and social allure of a shisha experience, would undoubtedly attract a broader spectrum of patrons seeking a unique and relaxing evening by the sea.

Despite these areas for potential improvement, the quality of the food remains commendable. The dishes, while limited in finger food options, boast exquisite flavors and meticulous presentation. From seafood delights to delectable desserts, each dish exudes a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients and culinary finesse.

In summary, The Shorehouse stands as a beacon of tranquility and culinary delight. Its idyllic location, coupled with impeccable service and delightful cuisine, forms the foundation for an unforgettable dining experience. With minor adjustments to the menu and beverage inventory management, alongside the introduction of an outdoor shisha bar, The Shorehouse has the potential to elevate its status as a go-to destination for both locals and visitors seeking a serene coastal...