Pimlott & Strand is a newish delicatessen & cafe along North Perth’s growing cafe strip. It’s a wee little spot – clean white walls with a splash of sunshine, a long communal table in the middle of the cafe splattered with fresh flowers and lemon salt & pepper shakers (with several more tables outside), and shelf after shelf of tempting produce that will make any foodie weak in the knees.
When we visited on a warm Friday morning, the cafe had a good amount of customers without being too busy. However, I can foresee its size and layout making dining inside a little awkward – you have to maneuver around the big table to get a good look at the products, and if a big group comes in, you might end up elbow to elbow with them, which isn’t the best if you’re looking to have a private conversation.
I had their Crostino (toast with some sautéed spinach & mushrooms with shaved pecorino – $12.50), while L had their Breakfast Insalata (baked bread with grilled pancetta, poached egg & rocket – $16.50). Both dishes were well made (although I ended up having to ask for extra olive oil to finish the bread), but a little on the safe side, and to be honest, both dishes were nearly indistinguishable from each other.
Unfortunately, the rest of their breakfast menu had similar run-of-the-mill offerings – e.g. smoked salmon bagels, potato cake with capers and salmon, savoury croissants, etc… While I cannot fault them for much (both food & coffee were well-presented and made with skill), I do hope that they introduce more imaginative offerings to their hot-food menu, especially with competition like Sayers Sister a short drive away.
Pimlott & Strand is a good place to drop by for a quick bite and a stock-up on hard-to-find artisan produce if you’re around the area, but it’s not a big stand-out in my book in terms of the food on offer. A slight shame at that too, because it’s so cheerful and charming that I still have my fingers crossed for their success.
Food – 6/10, Service/Ambience – 7/10
Shop 21/391 Fitzgerald St
North Perth
08 9328 5002
Open for breakfast & lunch 7 days a week
