Eating Out: Ocean Spice Cafe, Cottesloe is a great alternative to busy Ocean Beach Hotel

It’s one of the most iconic spots in Perth, as the heaving crowd spilling out of the Ocean Beach Hotel on a weekday seem to agree.

Like a decent chunk of Perth it seems we had the same bright idea to head to the coast on a warm evening to snag a rickety table by the big open windows to enjoy a pub meal and bevvie with a side of gorgeous sunset.

The place was packed, each table filled with friends and cold drinks, with the outskirts of the room lined with poachers ready to pounce the moment a spot frees.

We left in defeat, only to stumble across Ocean Spice Cafe, a small Thai venue next door. Our stomachs were rumbling, it was a lovely night out and there was a delicious smell wafting from its small kitchen.

Seated at a makeshift but comfortable table outside, we were quick to realise we had the sunset views that we —and several developers over the decades — were bargaining for.

The menu has all of the classics, and pictures of them, with a selection of entrees, soups, curries, rice and noodles and dishes categorised by their protein and some chef recommendations. It’s BYO, with a bottleshop a 20-second walk away.

The dishes reflect the character of the space — unfussy, welcoming, and designed to please.

“Here you are darling” is how each dish is warmly delivered by the waitress. The first: san choy bow ($14.90) was perfect for the warm evening, with crisp lettuce cups cradling herb-infused chicken mince that burst with flavor.

The grilled fish ($30.90) was a standout, nicely cooked and complemented by a fragrant ginger sauce and a colourful forest of vegetables.

The cashew nut stir fry ($26.90) left me wondering why my mid-week stir fries don’t taste this good. The tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and roasted cashews were far superior to what comes out of our kitchen.

We rounded off the meal with the Thai beef salad ($26.90), a taste of summer with thinly sliced meat drenched in a tasty dressing of lemongrass, chilli and lime.

Despite coming for a spot at the OBH, after our delightful experience at Ocean Spice it might be our first choice next round.

Ocean Spice Cafe

1 Eric Street, Cottesloe

OPEN

Sun-Wed, 4.30-8pm, Thurs-Sat, 4.30-8.30pm

BOOKINGS

Yes

CONTACT

oceanspicecafe-cottesloe.com.au

THE VERDICT

A homely suburban spot dishing some of the best views and tastiest Thai in Perth 14/20