Overall:
There are very few French restaurants in Perth, but we are so lucky to have this gem of an establishment that has been a quiet secret for more than 3 decades.
I originally dined at this restaurant when I was a young man and enjoyed the late 70's European dining experience which was popular before the birth of inexpensive Asian cuisines.
To my memory, it was as charming then as it is now and the food is still exemplary.
The decor is simple, ambient and a little dated, with a staircase going nowhere but the ceiling. But that's the charm of this restaurant. I find contemporary or modern-styled restaurants suffer overpriced, ordinary food and poor service. This restaurant is far from being pretentious, it's just simply excellent!
I revisited La Cascade on 08FEB08 with a group of friends and was so impressed by the incredible gastronomic menu and wide selection of unusual selections as beef tongue, escargots, lamb brains and duck confit to name a few.
You cannot dine so sumptuously anywhere in Perth for a $49.00 across-the-board set menu and I am already planning my next visit soon to savour the other wonderful selections!
The bill, including garlic bread and Evian water worked out at $55.00 per person and we were so satiated that there was simply no room for coffee after the meal.
Every dish was more than generously proportioned, exquisitely garnished and served to perfection - there was nothing to complain about - at all! Even the desserts were delicious works of art!
The staff warn you when they take your orders that you will be waiting a while before the food arrives; but that it will be worth the wait for the food to be prepared without haste.
I chose the lamb brains as entrée, delicious and hearty, my duck confit main course was so satisfying, I wish I'd tried this simple salt-rubbed and baked dish years ago. Even the steaks were done to perfection ..... voila!
The staff, as with most French restaurants worldwide are formidable. These 3 service professionals take dining at their restaurant seriously and our very chic and no-nonsense owner/waitress let us know she meant business when taking our orders.
No silly jokes about the pronunciation of the menu items please; this French lady is very sophisticated and charming. I really admired her professionalism.
After the table was cleared, even though it was late, we were told not to rush and to stay until we felt comfortable enough to leave our table. That's hospitality for you.
This restaurant is great for small groups or intimate dining as the food and service is flawless, but please don't go unless you have an adventurous flair for food and know how to savour very good French cuisine. If you want quick service and simple fare, this is not for you and you will be disappointed.
This is dining for serious gourmands and do remember to dress up for the occasion - this is not a casual dining experience.
Vive Restaurant La Cascade!