Eating Out restaurant review: North Fremantle’s new bar Al Lupo is a venue I’m reluctant to recommend

This review will be one of the most difficult and frustrating to write.

Typically it’s a joy to be able to eat out and share the best, and worst, of the dining experience with others so they can add to their list of spots to try.

After heading to this bar though it nearly immediately became obvious that I didn’t want to review it.

Not because the beachside bar was terrible, but because it’s so good, having more people aware of it will mean it’s going to be difficult to get a table.

However, putting selfishness aside, add Al Lupo in North Fremantle to the top of your list.

The new venue has the enviable mix of delicious food, a fun and thoughtful drink list and stunning interiors. It would be at home in any neighbourhood, however being across from the picturesque Leighton Beach makes it all the more special.

We’re greeted with gusto by head bartender Lucky, who quickly gets to work creating a cocktail based on our request for something summery, then we take a prime spot outside to watch locals and their dogs stroll past to the beach, and tourists having a sticky beak at our food.

The menu is made up of small plates with plenty of seafood options as well as bites for every taste.

First up, the scallops ($22) are a feast for the eyes, nestled pretty in delicate shells, and taste as good as they look. The four plump and barely cooked morsels are drizzled in a light chilli butter and the perfect start to a seaside feast.

Burrata with burnt peaches ($23) is a match made in flavour heaven with the perfectly creamy cheese marrying with the sweetness of the slightly charred fruit beautifully. A vibrant parsley oil adds a savoury note and the recommendation to add focaccia to pile it onto was much appreciated.

According to my dining partner, my reaction to the crudo ($20) is the most exuberant I’ve given a dish yet. The thin slices of salmon swim in a shallow pool of mandarin sauce and crumbled nori is a unique combination that apparently had my eyes popping out of my head in glee.

In my top favourite dishes of all time in Perth will forever be Wines of While’s white beans (how they make these humble beans taste so good is genius), so spotting white beans on crostini ($14) had me excited.

My dining partner declared their version better than Wines, but for me they were very close, but not quite as moreish.

So now that we’ve reluctantly let you know about this wonderful new venue, the least you can do is add it to your list this year and enjoy its delicious offering.

Al Lupo

25 Leighton Beach Blvd, North Fremantle

OPEN

Sun-Thurs, 12-10pm, Fri-Sat, 12-11pm

BOOKINGS

No

THE VERDICT

Smooth and friendly service, extra delicious food and stunning interiors. Would be the perfect neighbour hangout for any suburb, but extra special across from the ocean.

18/20