For many years The Loose Box
has been the French jewel of
Perth, and even though there
are several recent contenders
for best restaurant status,
the Loose Box’s popularity
hasn’t diminished.
Inside the wooden cottage lies a
casual elegance spread between
each of the dining rooms, which
are cosy on a wintry day and
airy on a warm summer’s night.
Located approximately 45 minutes
from the CBD and nestled in the
Perth hills, the restaurant offers
charming cottages to rest the
heads of the indulgent. Owner
and chef Alain Fabregues, trained
under notable French masters
and has been working his magic
longer than the average local has
lived in Perth.
The menu is truly a French affair
as diners leave themselves in
Fabregues capable hands with
his degustation menu. Fresh
produce is guaranteed as diners,
overlooking the grounds, will
often observe the kitchen staff
pottering out into the garden
collecting fruit, vegetables
From June to September,
Fabregues embraces the truffle
season with truffle feasts
bordering on the indecent, and
bookings well in advance are
essential. A vegetarian menu
is also available and dietary
requirements are accommodated.
The wine list includes many local
favourites, with options at the
lower end of the market and some
offerings by the glass, however
the unique French wines and
Penfold Granges will tempt the
wine connoisseur. There is a wide
choice of beers and cocktails to
supplement the wine choices.
Despite the graceful surrounds,
the seamless service retains a
sense of unpretentious charm not
found in many restaurants of this
calibre. Since the dish choices
have been taken care of with a
degustation menu, the wait-staff
deliver a personalised service in
keeping with its rural location and
country hospitality.
The eight course degustation
menu costs $150 per person
without wine. Cottage rooms
start at $350 per couple and
there are packages available.
