An approachable and rustic-yet-refined French bistro.
The name of this Shenton Park staple translates to ‘country house’ which for some may conjure thoughts of the Gallic reverence for good produce and the bonhomie that surrounds it. Top-quality Western Australian ingredients enliven classic French dishes so authentic you can imagine yourself far, far away. Starters are generous and dishes change with the seasons. Portobello champignons tossed with Jerusalem artichokes alongside basil fricassee and brioche, say, or beef bourguignon, its braise benefiting richly from a decade-old French red (part-owner Rob Breden is a French wine importer). And there will always be duck. Not the crispy skin variety, rather pink Wagin fillets with green beans, pommes dauphinoise and a wonderfully robust madeira sauce. White tablecloths and crystal glassware provide touches of refinement to the rustic feel and there’s discipline to traditional dishes. Dessert errs to comfort and familiarity: soft chocolate fondant or a textbook ready-to-crack crème brulee. A few years in, La Bastide has found its consistent and confident groove.
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