There’s nothing more exciting than seeing a talented local with a long career in food & beverage open their dream venue. After spending a long afternoon indulging in the superb chef’s menu, we were not disappointed. Nor it would seem are other diners, as the restaurant is already busy day and night, with bookings filling fast. Such is the story of Justin Hughes and the opening of Oscar’s at Guildford Landing.
Nestled in the heart of Guildford and close to the beautiful Swan Valley, Oscar’s is in keeping with the heritage style of the area, one of just three towns settled in 1829, the same year in which Western Australia was settled. With a design based on a traditional English town, much of the original town plan, heritage buildings and pubs are still intact, complemented with antique shops and bookstores – it’s like stepping back to a much gentler and slower time.
Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant has a cosy and familiar setting that lends itself to a long and relaxing dining experience. Modelled with traditional sage green and dark wood tones, vintage chandeliers and an old-style fireplace are complemented with beautiful modern dining settings, marrying the old and new aspects of Guildford together, according to restaurant main-man Justin.
Oscar’s Modern Australian menu is one of those frustrating menus where everything looks so good - so we took the hard work out of deciding and ordered the chef’s menu, with eight dishes of the best of what’s on offer. The food reflects Justin and the team's passion for letting the finest local produce be the hero of the meal. Organic herbs and greens are grown on-site, bread is made in house - paired with fresh cheese and pickled vegetables to make the perfect opener to the meal. Meat and fish are sourced from local West-Australian establishments.
The lamb dishes are a reflection of Justin’s focus on serving the finest ingredients and sustainability. Different cuts are served as part of the same dish, with each cut cooked and prepared to perfection. In all cases, the whole lamb is used, a nod to sustainability.
Like most new restaurants, the wine list is shorter, but still showcases a range of WA-made wines. With the lamb, it’s hard to go past the Moss Wood Ribbon Merlot and with the fish wings, the John Kosovich Chardonnay (which comes from just across the road in the Swan Valley). They also have a selection of WA-made spirits and six beers on tap, more than catering for the intimate space.
Our picks of the day are definitely the Gwamby Grazing lamb, and the fish wings - standout dishes that combined high-class dining with all the love and care of home cooking. The dessert selection is the perfect ending to the meal - and the saffron lemon tart was definitely our favourite.
Check out the menu below, and book in for your next culinary adventure at Oscar's.
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