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Bar Olé Brings Spanish Dining to the Applecross Foreshore
Paella, picanha, churros and sangria jugs — this new spot is serving the good stuff.
The Applecross foreshore has a lot going for it: sprawling parkland, sweeping views of the Perth skyline and some of the city’s most beautiful homes. What it’s been missing, though, is a dining scene to match its curb appeal. Especially given the wave of high-density apartments that have risen in recent years.
Husband-and-wife restaurateurs Ryan and Nikki Esqulant (the same duo behind Hillary’s Beach Club) spotted the gap and set their sights on a new 800sqm hospitality precinct nestled at the base of the Riviere Apartments on Canning Bridge Road.
Bar Olé is the first to open — a 240-seat tapas bar overlooking the Swan River, bringing Spanish flavours, flame-grilled meats and flowing sangria to the foreshore. With its lush riverside outlook, it’s an easy pick for long lunches, golden hour drinks and nights that roll on a little longer than planned.
It’s also not the team’s first go. The Esqualants have already found success with Bar Olé in Iluka, and that same approach carries through here. Head Chef Mattia Gattini keeps things focused on produce-led, shareable dishes — from classic tapas and fresh seafood to flame-grilled skewers and more substantial plates.
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Start with local oysters dressed in sangria mignonette, traditional tortilla Española, and Bar Olé’s signature: focaccia topped with an El Capricho anchovy and a velvety manchego custard.
From there, move into heartier territory. Premium O’Connor Picanha and Ribeye steaks, Mt Barker Jerk Chicken with salsa barbacoa, and a traditional paella brimming with tiger prawns, squid, mussels and chorizo. Add a couple of sides — the potatas bravas and charred broccolini with ajo blanco and mint salsa have our vote — and you’ve got a table worth settling in for.
If you’ve saved room, desserts lean classic: vanilla Basque cheesecake, house-made flan and cinnamon-dusted churros.
The drinks list is approachable but considered, spanning Australian and European wines, easy-drinking beers and creative cocktails (like red and white sangria and a house clarified Bloody Mary). There’s even a tight edit of non-alcoholic options, ensuring everybody has something cold in hand.
Sister venue The Heart is still to come, set to bring a larger, 300 to 400-capacity space to the precinct with a mix of pub fare, as well as Italian and Japanese offerings. If the local turnout at Bar Olé is anything to go by, it’s set to be a major asset for the growing community once complete.
Love the sound of this new opening? Go ahead and tick off more of our favourite new bars and restaurants and catch up on more of Perth’s latest food news.
