James St Bar + Kitchen
The Verdict
Tucked around the corner from William Street in Northbridge you'll find James St Bar + Kitchen. Offering everything from tapas and share plates to succulent grilled meats, the kitchen is headed up by Kevin Garcia who cut his teeth working at Crown Resorts in Melbourne and has recently completed a cheffing stint in the Northern Territory.
On the menu, you'll find lighter delights like tuna tataki with watermelon and vodka, kangaroo with kumara and dukkha, and pan tossed baby occy with lemon and garlic. From the bigger plates, the braised beef cheek with celeriac and blueberries is a must-try, as is the soy-brushed salmon with Asian slaw and a coriander lime dressing. And for vegos, the cauliflower freekeh with goats curd will completely satisfy.
While we've not yet made our way through the dessert menu, the coconut crémeux with lemongrass and pineapple and the Mississippi mud cake sound like winners.
As any good bar's should be, the drinks list is long and features local and international draught beers, spirits, cocktails, mocktails and wine from all over.
Image credit: Emma Bryant