If you’re looking for a home away from home to experience fabulous service, incredible food with a relaxed ambience, then look no further than Habitue located in North Fremantle.
A converted house, Habitue is secret sanctuary where looks can be deceiving. With an unimposing exterior, beyond the doors you discover a cosy, inviting space, which encourages you to stay and linger. With a live band busting out soulful tunes on a Friday and Saturday evening, there really is no place you’d rather be.
Several rooms allow for an intimate dining experience with views of the band or larger groups can be seated towards the back of the restaurant.
The bar takes pride of place as being fully licensed, Habitue offers a European influenced wine list and a comprehensive range of spirits and cocktails.
My husband and I enjoyed the ideal aperitif prior to our meal, a Negroni ($16), which has been described as the perfect balance of bitterness, sweetness and citrus flavours.
Service at Habitue is slick! Our charismatic waiter, Nev, was exceptional and truly made my husband and my evening special. He was friendly and attentive and when we left our meal choices in his capable hands, Nev delivered the goods.
First up we were presented with the capsicum and walnut dip with flat bread ($12). There was a generous serve of bread, which was pleasing as too often I find you have an ample amount of dip and not a lot to eat it with. The bread was warm and fluffy and the dip was a smooth, mild paste. This went incredibly well with the crunchy, toasted walnuts, which added a delicious nuttiness combined with the balsamic vinegar that had been drizzled over the top.
The chargrilled octopus with hummus and sumac ($18) was also served as an entrée. It was perfectly cooked, large meaty tentacles, seared and crisped to perfection on the outside so that it had a smoky aroma with a lovely fleshy tender inside. The olives added a gorgeous burst of saltiness.
If you’re anything like me, brussel sprouts are a vegetable to be avoided. Nev however insisted that Habitue brussel sprouts were unlike any other and he was right! The brussel sprouts with spec, pearl barley and sherry vinegarette ($18) were out of this world. Without a hint of bitterness, the sprouts were caramelised and roasted with savoury bacon mixed throughout. With a dash of tangy, balsamic vinegar, these sprouts were a number one pick for my husband and I.
The cauliflower mac and cheese truffle bake ($18) was smooth and creamy with a golden crusty topping. With a generous shaving of truffle, it was the perfect accompaniment with the main dishes and ideal comfort food for the wintery weather we’ve been experiencing. The truffle added an earthiness that was just delectable.
Charcoal chicken – du puy lentils with grand jus ($29) was outstanding - moist and tender meat with a golden, crispy salty skin. The union of salad and grapes was perfect and the pop of grape added surprise sweetness.
Mouth watering scotch fillet café de Paris butter ($34) was just as you would imagine - succulent and perfectly cooked. The butter added significant amount of flavour to the dish due to the considerable amount of herbs in it.
In addition to all of this food, we downed a glass of Elderton – Cabernet Sauvignon ($13) from the Barossa Valley. It was full bodied and rich in flavour and went down very smoothly indeed.
Finishing off our meal, my husband and I shared the Strawberry and Pink Lady Sorbet ($9). It was the ideal palate cleanser, simple and refreshing.
The mains and sides at Habitue are designed to be shared so the portions are an ample size and priced accordingly. We had more than enough food to eat and were delighted when we were told staff could pack up the remainder to enjoy at home the following day.
I highly recommend you visit Habitue to experience all it has to offer. It’s the perfect venue for a special occasion or an intimate dinner for two where food, service and atmosphere are all a ten out of ten.
1 Harvest Road
North Fremantle 6159
Opening hours:
Tuesday – Thursday 5pm – 10pm
Friday & Saturday 12pm – 10pm
Check out more Perth restaurant reviews on foodie cravings
Disclaimer: foodie cravings was invited as a guest of Habitue, see disclosure policy for further details.
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