59 Canning Beach Road, Applecross
Ph: (08) 6166 9113
www.barole.com.au
Mediterranean Energy with a Spanish Soul
Side-by-side on the Applecross foreshore, Bar Olé and The Heart offer two distinct dining experiences from owners Ryan and Nikki Esqulant. While each venue offers its own personality and culinary direction, together they create a vibrant riverside precinct where guests can move seamlessly from relaxed European-inspired tapas and cocktails, to refined gastropub dining overlooking the Swan River. Both venues capture a contemporary Perth dining culture built around atmosphere, flavour and connection.
Bar Olé Applecross delivers a modern take on Spanish tapas; vibrant, social and designed for sharing.
Our first plate was Australian Albany oysters topped with sangria mignonette, shallots and green apple. Bright, refreshing and well-balanced, the dish paired effortlessly with the venue’s Signature Red Sangria which was fruity, lightly spiced and very easy to drink.
The Hiramasa Kingfish Ceviche continued the strong start to the meal. Lightly cured in citrus with burnt orange, fennel and black olive and a calamansi dressing, the dish combined freshness with a savoury balance. Paired with a 2024 Pazo das Bruxas Albariño, it was a natural and refined match.
Next came the Pan a la Parilla – a house-made flatbread with a charred crust and soft centre, enhanced by manchego butter and rosemary oil. It was simple in concept but beautifully prepared and it set the tone for the more substantial dishes to follow.
A standout was the Pincho de Solomillo de Wagyu which was tender, flavourful beef layered with ajo blanco, chilli and parsley that created a balanced combination of richness and freshness. Served alongside a 2017 Bodegas Valdemar Conde Valdemar Gran Reserva, Rioja, the pairing added depth without overpowering the dish.
The Empanadas de Cordero brought warmth and was the epitome of comfort food, filled with slow-cooked lamb and lifted by smoked yoghurt and guindillas, while the grilled lamb skewers with capsicum and mint salsa added a rustic, flame-cooked contrast.
To finish, the Tarta de Queso delivered exactly what a Basque cheesecake should; it was rich, creamy and slightly caramelised, with blueberry jam added for extra brightness.
Bar Olé captures the essence of Mediterranean dining. It is relaxed, generous and energetic, while still maintaining care and refinement throughout the experience. It is a venue built for long lunches, shared plates and evenings that naturally stretch a little longer than planned.
By Cam Allen
