QT Perth’s signature restaurant is a force to be reckoned with.
Even if it’s only been open since 2018, Santini Bar & Grill has a storied history. It’s cycled through a few executive chefs in its time, and now under Chef de Cuisine Jake Lynch and Nic Wood, it’s as good as it’s ever been. The tone has always been set to New York steakhouse, supported by one of Perth’s truly great dining rooms; a space that exudes energy.
Octopus from the Abrolhos Islands is tender yet has an essential lick of flame, leaving charry tentacles that could instigate a stand-off.
Despite its Big Apple affectations, the menu is undeniably West Australian. Octopus from the Abrolhos Islands is tender yet has an essential lick of flame, leaving charry tentacles that could instigate a stand-off. And there’s a ceviche to lift the spirits of anyone jaded by a dish ubiquitous on Perth menus: delicate and balanced, finely diced Kalbarri-caught snapper is elevated by a leche de tigre that draws on seasoned buttermilk, and seasonal ingredients like persimmon and kohlrabi.
The squid-ink risotto shines but the rustic campanelle with fall-apart Suffolk lamb shoulder ragù is equally a dish to return for. Striploin steak? Expertly cooked over charcoal. Characterful service with on-point wine recommendations underpin the Santini experience, and for those who are dolce-minded, a trio of Marsala pastry cannoli freshly piped with sweet ricotta, pistachio, espresso and chocolate are the perfect final note.
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