Fodor's Expert Review The Essex

This 1886 cottage, unobtrusively situated on a quiet street away from the crowds, is one of the best places for upscale dining in Western Australia. Its elegant, candle-lighted dining room is decorated with thick carpets and antiques.The fresh local seafood is excellent. Head chef Noel Friend offers an extensive menu, including Essex fish and mussel chowder, blue manna crab cakes, and saffron king prawns. The fillet rossini wrapped in proscuitto, with a rich duck liver pate and a cabernet jus is something to look out for, while surf and turf with Harvey fillet and Pemberton Marron is definitely a keeper. Portions are generous and the extensive wine list includes some of Australia's best vintages.