Crowne Plaza Perth
54 Terrace Road, East Perth
Ph: (08) 9270 4222
www.gustiperth.com.au
Relaxed dining with stunning views
It is a cool, clear sunny morning at Gusti Italian Restaurant in East Perth. The restaurant wraps around from the foyer of the Crowne Plaza Perth by IHG, to a charming alfresco deck with sweeping views across the grass to the Swan River. Serving customers over many years, Gusti offers stories, history, excellent service and Australian-Italian inspired cuisine. With generous inside seating, comfortable outdoor lounges and private rooms available for meetings, this is great option for a Friday after-work beverage, romantic dinner, mid-week business meeting, or venue hire.
We sat near the window for the sunlight and were tendered by Phil, who has cared for customers and clientele in this location for the past couple of decades. Phil offers warmth and an ease of character to the service that only comes from years’ experience and comfortability in place. Scott shared with me that the vision of Menu Magazine was born on the terrace outside, over many a beer, wine, and musing conversation; with the outlook from the deck providing the background to the half-in-jest idea that would come to be the magazine we know today.
We started the meal with the dish of the day Burrata, which was a creamy delicacy encircled by balsamic glaze and heritage tomato, pumpkin cubes, and basil infused. The balsamic added depth and balance, and while micro herbs and rocket created a garden on the plate, the flowers completed the picture. We tasted a glass of Marlborough Pikorua Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough NZ) which was light and tropical; the match providing herbal notes and acidity to balance the creaminess of the burrata.
Our next dish was a pasta Paccheri Marinara. Featuring house-made tender and firm paccheri, the marinara was full of generously sized prawns, fresh mussels and tender bites of squid, set in a tomato caper sauce offering sweetness, chilli and generous garlic. This dish was paired with a light-medium bodied Castelli Silver Series Pinot Noir (Great Southern WA), with cherry berry aromas and earthy notes that complimented the acidity of the tomato.
The following Lamb Shank was hearty and wholesome, tender and caramelised with savoury richness. The meat came away from the bone on a bed of creamy mash potato and there was a firm bite to the baby carrot and broccolini. This was served with the Bremerton Selkirk Shiraz (Langhorne Creek, SA), a full-bodied red wine celebrated with dark fruit flavours, signature peppery notes and velvety smooth finish.
We are then served the Cone Bay Barramundi on a potato cake, with tomato, zucchini and green beans. The fish was cooked very well, tender and melting in the mouth. Herbs, parsley and basil, added to the flavour experience. Paired with the Robert Oatley Signature Chardonnay (Margaret River, WA), the white wine highlights its citrus flavours and gentle oak, and cut through the buttery notes of the fish.
The Beef Short Rib dish that came next was nestled on a bed of purée pumpkin, dressed with crispy potato skins, and a smattering of herbs. The caramelised ribs with rich beef jus paired well with the full-bodied Gordon Ramsay Rosso Tuscany (Italy). It was a vibrant, full-bodied Italian red wine blend that balanced fruity and smooth, with the tannins cutting through the deeply savoury and marbled meat.
Our final dishes were generous in portion and more than enough to share between two. The Limoncello Cheesecake covered in lemon curd delivered a balance of lightness and richness. It had a creamy yet airy texture, contrasted by the citrus bitterness of the lemon and the buttery biscuit base underneath. The lemon curd added an extra layer of sharp sweetness, while the chocolate swirl, crunchy meringue and fresh strawberries softened the acidity and added visual contrast to the dish. The dessert felt refreshing while still indulgent.
The Tiramisu offered a very different flavour profile, bringing deep caramel undertones and strong coffee flavours to the forefront. Layers of fluffy cream and sweet light sponge biscuits created a soft texture throughout, while the coating of cacao added a bitterness that balanced the sweetness of the cream. The dessert was rich without becoming too heavy, and the coffee notes remained prominent from the first bite to the last. Our accompanying espresso martini had coffee punch, balanced sweetness and just enough kick for lunchtime on a Friday.
Chef Madhab, shared that he prides collaboration with local farmers and businesses, celebrating local produce through the menu, and creating dishes that reflect the flavours of Western Australia.
Gusti Italian Restaurant & Bar continues to offer good food, beautiful views, attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages patrons to gather, linger and share stories. With its long-standing presence in Perth’s dining scene, the restaurant reflects both genuine hospitality and an appreciation for local produce, people and experiences, and for us today as in years past, framed by the afternoon sun.
By Danica Scott
