Catalano's — Restaurant in Western Australia

Update since new ownership: Oysters [7/10] - as entree were nice. Not shucked to order though still fresh, generous with the lemon and vinegar and came out with our drinks.

Pasta [8/10] - well cooked, seasoned and balanced flavours

Chilli mussels - [6/10] - the chilli mussels were flavourful and it was a generous portion (though priced accordingly). The two slices of bread on the side were dry. Likely sliced well before being served. It wasn't a crusty / rustic chewy bread but more sandwich-style loaf that had a more cake-like crumb. If serving this bread perhaps toasting / serving as garlic bread could be better to overcome the dryness.

Service [5/10] - This a bit slow and could be a bit more attentive to what's on the customer's tables. Drinks were empty when mains came and we weren't asked if we wanted another. Staff disappeared before we could ask. After about 5m we flagged a wait staff down, though he was underage and sought someone to come back to take our orders. We waited a little while longer and he came back and again tried flag another staff down. We place an order for drinks but then the wait staff came back saying the wine we ordered wasn't in stock so we ordered an alternate. Waited another 5-10 minutes and ended up going to cancel the order as we had finished our mains by this time.

Before new ownership service was above and beyond. Perhaps it's just teething for the new owners.

Previous review (2022) below:

Awesome service. I'm recovering from an operation and ordered a coffee and gelato from Deliveroo because I can't get out. It's a hot day and a fair trek but wow! The mocha I ordered is perfect! Hot coffee, and the gelato is so refreshing. It was packaged well and I'm surprised at the care they went to. Thanks so much guys, you made my day.

Update: ordered a pizza delivered last night and it was the best pizza I've had in Vic Park in 5 years. Crispy base and generous toppings. Coming...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Delicious Italian Escape in Vic Park

I had a serious hankering for Italian food and found Catalano’s Café through a quick Google search. What a gem! Open early for lunch on a Tuesday—already a win. From the moment we stepped in, the service was warm, friendly, and interactive. The staff were not only attentive but gave great advice on portion sizes, ensuring we didn’t over-order (which was tempting given the enticing menu!).

🧑‍🍳 Service

Superb. Welcoming from the start, the crew checked in just the right amount—present but not intrusive. Their recommendations were spot on, especially about the filling garlic bread. A team that really cares about the guest experience.

🌿 Ambience

The setting is casual, easy, and relaxing, perfect for a slow meal with friends or family. The décor—with Italian wall art, gondola scenes, and rustic tones—makes you feel like you’ve been transported straight to a trattoria in Venice. There’s a calm vibe that encourages conversation and indulgence.

🍝 Menu

Generous in choice, the menu hits all the right Italian notes. The garlic bread was crispy, buttery, and deliciously herbed—a crowd-pleaser to start with. Our pasta dishes (penne arrabbiata, gnocchi with beef ragu, marinara linguine) were each scrumptious, well-seasoned, and generously topped with cheese and fresh herbs. You could taste the care in every bite.

We couldn’t leave without trying desserts—the orange almond cake was moist and zesty, and the rhubarb pie with vanilla ice cream was pure comfort. I only wish I had room for the banana split!

Catalano’s is a place where you can linger and enjoy a good meal in good company. Whether you’re after a solo lunch escape or gathering with loved ones, this café delivers flavour, friendliness, and a laid-back Italian charm.

📍A fantastic find in Vic Park.

🍝 Will definitely return for more of that tantalising pasta and, next time, definitely making room...

Unfortunately we arrived at this restaurant at precisely 7:00 pm on Saturday to find that although the lady found our reservation in the book, no table had been reserved for us. She looked around and pointed us to a vacant table for two. She then asked if we would like water. We replied yes and sat and waited for ten minutes. After that time I caught her attention as she was passing and reminded her she was supposed to be bringing us water. I also asked for two wine glasses. No apology was offered for her forgetting. She duly arrived with the water and wine glasses then disappeared before we could tell her we were ready to order. At this time we were a little nonplussed at the lack of attention from this waiter. However, we continued to wait and sip our water, all the while trying to attract her attention again. I am sorry to say that after twenty minutes of feeling very neglected we picked up our wine and left. We went a few doors down to Brando’s where we were found a table immediately, placed our order within minutes and received our meals within ten minutes. I realise that this restaurant was busy but I chose it after receiving an email from Rewarding Reviews stating that it was considered one of the best Italian Restaurants in the metropolitan area. We were so looking forward to enjoying a meal there. Instead we were left feeling very disappointed and neglected. I can only hope this was a one off incidence however, we go out for dinner so rarely and look forward to the occasion so much that I doubt we will risk being disappointed again and instead will choose a restaurant we can be sure will deliver on it’s promises. I can only hope this information is used to improve the service this...