Since it’s opening in 1998, Star
Anise has firmly established
itself as one of Perth’s favourite
fine dining experiences. Housed
in a character building, the
restaurant has received
acclaim from the media
bringing tourists and locals to
its doors repeatedly. Ambience
abounds with subtle lighting,
oriental artwork and lush
furnishings. Just moments from
the CBD and the upmarket
neighbouring Subiaco, Star
Anise is conveniently nestled
in the leafy suburb of
Shenton Park.
Chef and owner David Coomer
adopts a fresh approach with
the use of local ingredients
presented in innovative
combinations. His aromatic duck
with sweet and sour mandarin
sauce and the licorice ice-cream
are a constant. Pigeon, Waygu
beef, suckling pig, and marron
accompany the unexpected
and awaken the palette with
European and Asian influences.
The degustation menu includes
the option of matched wines, or
wine connoisseurs may prefer to
opt for the premium wine-list. The
wine-list includes a selection of
local and international labels to
complement the compact menu.
The longevity, by Perth standards,
and success of Star Anise is
attributed Coomer’s vision,
which includes hiring and
training professional kitchen
and floor staff. The slick service
is surprisingly unobtrusive
given the vibrancy of the bistro
particularly over weekends.
The degustation menu costs $110
per person or $165 with wine and
$195 with premium wine.
If Star Anise leaves you hankering
for more, check the website for
recipes of Coomer’s creations to
be served with a dash of panache
sure to impress your guests.
Star Anise is the winner of the
Judges Commendation Award
with the Restaurant and Caterers
Awards for Excellence 2009
and voted in the top ten of the
Australian Gourmet Traveller 2010
Restaurant Awards.
