Il Lido Italian Canteen

Chef and I popped down to Cottesloe recently to check out Sculptures by the Sea event. After going over a few dining options, we settled on a visit to Il Lido for brunch. It’s just a stone’s throw from Cottesloe Beach. In fact, it’s just over the road, hiding behind the iconic Indiana Tea House. Though it was busy, we only had to wait a minute before being seated in the light and vibrant canteen, at one of the four long communal tables.

I love casual brunch-y restaurants. Gordon St Garage (in West Perth) is a similar type of place, with a cool vibe and good food. It also just happens to be Il Lido’s sister restaurant. We ordered a couple of coffees and perused the breakfast menu. I thought it was a fairly varied menu, but we did notice that there wasn’t much meat. Out of 12 dishes, only 3 had meat on them. However, saying that, you can add a side of bacon to any dish for $6.

I had the Zucchini Fritter ($16) with an organic egg. The fluffy fritter was topped with half an avocado and wilted spinach. It was very tasty and garnished with snow pea tendrils and also crispy quinoa; which when drizzled with evoo, shone like little jewels. I broke open the egg gently with a knife for the “money shot”. A runny yolk is one of life’s little pleasures! This was a great brunch dish.

Chef had the Lido Brekkie ($25). This dish has bacon, Italian sausage, home-made baked beans, mushrooms, bread and butter. It also came with “eggs how you like”. Chef chose sunny side up (which he had to explain to the waitress).“oh FRIED” she exclaimed. Well, yes, but noooo! Sunny side up is fried, but not flipped. Luckily she must have passed on the message, as chef’s eggs came out perfectly cooked. He really enjoyed his brekkie and would gladly eat it again.

Whether you’re dining there for brekkie, lunch or dinner Il Lido is a great all-rounder. I’ve heard from many people that their house made pasta is outstanding. We found the prices pretty reasonable and the service efficient. Expect Il Lido to be a little noisy. We didn’t mind that though – it’s all part of the communal atmosphere at the lively coastal canteen.