The Little Bay (formally Bay 33) is a brand new café over looking the rocky cliffs and sandy beaches of Watermans Bay on West Coast Drive. The ocean-view spot is incredibly popular and has been an instant hit with the brunch crowd this summer! Owned by the peeps behind a favourite of ours, Little H, the bustling spot has hit the ground running and waiting for a table is not uncommon – but worth it.
We wait for a table to come free for about 15 minutes in the waiting area, decorated with a few chairs and indoor plants. The lush foliage is striking against the coastal white wash – Little Bay is really kicking goals when it comes to styling.
Our friendly waitress takes us to a table by the open window, which is soon closed, as the sea breeze is in. We’re given lunch menus, where there’s bruschetta, avo and hummus toast, burgers, salads, brisket sandwiches and pasta dishes on offer.
The Drinks
We’ve tried the coffee a few times now, from their handy take away window, on our coastal walk. Our first time, the coffee was so hot it burnt my mouth. We gave them another go, a few weeks later and luckily the temperature was much more sip-able!
When we dined in for lunch, I tried the berry and rosehip iced tea, a special of the day. The pretty drink was pretty good, but lacked intensity. I think it was either too watered down or the tea needed to steep for a lot longer.
The Food
Also from the daily specials, I picked a delicious Asian-style crispy pork belly salad. The pork was spot on and served with ribbons of carrot and cucumber, as well as cashew nuts. I would have loved more dressing, but I enjoyed it all the same.
My dad decided to tackle the karage burger ($23). Served with a big chink of Japanese inspired fried chicken, mizuna, lemon aioli and crispy fried lotus root on a tasty charcoal brioche bun. Edamame were on the side, to pop in your mouth – a nice change to chips! Dad loved this very different take on a burger.
My Mum picked an old favourite – fish and chips ($24). So often this can be a pretty basic dish, but she was delighted that a bit of thought has been put into this simple meal. The beer battered hoki was fresh, tasty and plentiful, served with hand cut chips, as well as pickled onions, a slice of bread (gotta love a chip butty!) and remoulade.
Kids have a choice of fish and chips or popcorn chicken and chips, both served with a side salad.
The Little Bay at Watermans Bay is a very welcome addition to the northern beaches. Here there’s great coffee, delicious food that’s both well cooked and well-priced, and a breezy, friendly vibe.
Find out more on the Little Bay Watermans Bay website.
Find more PERTHfect places to eat in Perth here.