If there’s one thing that celebrated chef Will Meyrick loves more than food, it’s the continent of Asia. Though he has Scottish and Portuguese parents, Will Meyrick was really “born” in Asia. Indonesia to be specific.
In fact, all of his culinary creativity stems from this continent of contrasts. And it is this contrast that inspires such fabulous gastronomical experiences to anyone who visits his restaurant – Will St.
A victory for Perth
When news spread that a new restaurant was starting up on the La Vida Urbana site in Leederville, no one thought much of it at first. Leederville has been a cosmopolitan, bustling hub in Perth for years and there was always bound to be another eatery coming along sometime. But when it was announced that the new 120-seater bar-cum-restaurant was the brainchild of none other than Balinese legendary chef Will Meyrick, the party hit the roof.
Will St is a chic, contemporary Balinese restaurant that serves up not just delicious Indonesian cuisine, but it has a superbly curated Asian menu that you won’t forget in a hurry. With its diverse and exotic cuisine, Will St has made Perth the centre of culinary delights in Australia.
From the spiciest to the sweetest
Will St possibly epitomises Asia better than most restaurants in town – and that’s not something we’re saying lightly. Will Meyrick has lived in Asia for over 20 years, during which time, he has visited hundreds of by-lanes and food stalls across the continent, in search of authentic Asian tastes.
That’s exactly what you get from the menu at Will St in Leederville, Perth too. The food, Meyrick said in an interview, seeks to combine superior quality Australian produce with indigenous Asian herbs and spices, to create delectable dishes that are both local and global in their scope. From smoky tandoori lamb rump boti to sweet Indonesian ronde, you’ll find a variety of dishes to tickle your tastebuds on the Will St menu.
One of the things that makes Will St so unique, is that Meyrick himself has travelled the Spice Route from Asia to Africa. This rich heritage – with its complex palate – is palpable in every bite of the dishes he serves up at Will St. Yet, the earthy Australian-ness of the meals is also retained. Every meal at Will St feels like home, while also opening up the world on the plate.
Speciality bar to put you in the mood
Apart from food, Will St also has an exciting bar menu. Yes, the tried-and-tested, conventional cocktails, beers and wines are available. But, Meyrick has also created his own signature-style rice lager and gin, in partnership with the Fremantle brewery and Running With Thieves distillery.
Mimicking Australia’s wildness and Asia’s passion
Walk into Will St and the first thing you notice is how Australian it is. The bush and dessert are represented beautiful in its smooth, sandstone interiors, with its rustic tones. The flooring is of Blackbutt timber, which matches the walls in its muted minimalism. What draws the eyes is the porcelain-tiled bar, that is rich with flecks of rust. It captures perfectly the sophisticated dance in which the Aussie-Asian menu is caught in, in the kitchen.
The restaurant itself is cavernous, with a separate waiting lounge, with a fireplace to boot. Wildflowers decorate the interiors, creating an illusion of the guest having left the city and heading into a wild and foreign land.
The ambience at Will St is certainly very calming. The bar-cum-restaurant supports both table book-ins and walk-ins. Come sit by the fireplace and sip at your cocktail or maybe head to the bar and join a sizzling conversation. Or maybe book a table and experience the rich Aussie-Asian flavours whipped up by the creative chefs. You’ll love every second you’re here.
