When it comes to successful restaurants and cafes, I have often wondered what the result of luck is and what well-deserved praise is.
There was a meme from the satirical geniuses at Betoeta Advocate over the weekend titled “Cafe with a perfect spot on the beach, not even trying to be good”, which, judging by the 47,000 likes, not to mention a comment “@ every beachside cafe in Perth”, many diners agreed.
There are unnamed places along the Perth coast that wouldn’t be in business if they had opened in the ‘burbs’ without their sweeping views and tight-knit community regulars.
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Even Australia’s ultimate beach perch, Bondi Icebergs Club, relies heavily on its famed background, as my $27 chicken parmigiana or overpriced drinks weren’t too memorable.
However, some are very good.
Sitting in a warm and cozy Island Market on the weekend, watching groms paddling in the surf while their parents watched in puffer jackets and beanies, I looked around the stylish dining room at the table of happy diners. I thought the Betoeta Advocate wasn’t always equal.
Camera Icon Island Market, Trigg. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper/The West Australian
Island Market is not resting on its laurels. It constantly changes or adapts its menu, employs amazing staff or enters into exciting partnerships to keep it fresh. Even the shirts the servers wore looked like something you’d get from a Northbridge boutique.
Despite a packed house, service on weekends was prompt and friendly, as was a much-needed coffee. The oat cappuccinos were as good as they come, the right temperature, and a good hit of local Five Senses coffee.
The breakfast menu is a mix of classic brunch dishes sprinkled with Middle Eastern flavors – dates with banana bread or honey labneh with granola – plus some more unique ones.
Batata harra – spiced potato and spinach omelet, goat feta, and pita bread ($22.50) – was a great and filling dish that I’ll be back to order again.
Camera IconBatata harra – Spiced Potato & Spinach Omelette, Goat Feta & Pita Bread ($22.50) Credit: Jade Jurewicz
I didn’t get much spice from the potatoes or omelet, but it was packed with feta and spinach, delicious when you put it in the pita bread with the dill and parsley.
Mostly, I live vicariously through people with a sweet tooth, including my colleague Kate Emery, a reviewer, because my sugar cravings pop up maybe twice a year.
Camera Icon Waffle and Fresh Raspberry, Currant and Rose Cottage Cheese, Pistachio and Ashta Cream ($21.50) Credit: Jade Jurewicz
After taking a bite, maybe four, of the wafer and fresh raspberry, currant, rose curds, pistachio, and ashta cream ($21.50), I understand why people start their day with a sugar high.
It was sweet, but not overly so, with the tartness of the raspberries and waffles complementing the sweetness of the other elements. My partner enjoyed it so much that he scraped every last bit of goodness off the plate.
Island Market
Address: 364 West Coast Drive, Trigg
The verdict: The beachfront restaurant is popular for a reason. Service is great, as is the thoughtful menu and flavorful dishes, and the view is a winner too.
Rating: 8/10
