The Mantle

I felt a bit out of place, dining alone and not in my hipster finest, but there was a good atmosphere and good food. The pizzas around me looked great, and there were happy (hipster) smiles all ’round.

Stopped here for a coffee on a quiet and hot Saturday afternoon. For somewhere that is so cool, I was surprised at how empty it was. We had a coffee at Alter Ego and it was good. The service was friendly. At 3.30pm we could fit in a pram with no worries. There is ample seating. There are a few places to go to get drinks, coffee or pizza. It had a chilled vibe at that time of day (late afternoon and there was only a couple of small groups there). I hope this place fills up at night and during a Sunday sesh as it is really cool and I’m sure it would have a better atmosphere for those seeking a chilled out drink or two.

This place is so cool and another reason I’m fallen in LOVE with freo.
The mantle is like a massive warehouse where New York meets Perth.
Great food choices, service and music. This place is just oozing ‘cool’- we started with drinks at the bar followed by tapas at Don Tapas. The food was outstanding– an Asian twist in tapas. We even had alpaca! I would say if you haven’t been here, you’re missing out.

You need to eat here before you die.
Outstanding food.
Great atmosphere.
I will return.

Went to The Mantle last night to have dinner at Don Tapa. Loved the set up of the place, the atmosphere was buzzing!
Can’t wait to try all the eats at the other places!

I LOVE IT HERE!!!
Best pizza I have had in all my years of being in Perth. It’s fantastic for groups and there is entertainment to keep the kids busy. The service was spot on, everyone friendly and with smiles. Its BYO so we took some Champs, a few bottles of wine and some beers but I am sure I spied a bar on premises.
Totes going back again. SOON!

As per usual, the idea to go out for dinner seemed like a good one. The offer was innocent enough, no malice aforethought, but if she knew what was to transpire that evening, I’m almost sure she would have had herself committed.
The Mantle, situated in North Fremantle, seems cool enough, nifty sign and curious décor, with a few different venues located in the one place. But let me tell you, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link and l’ll give you the hot tip, the weak link in this chain couldn’t hold the most timid sex slave in a dominatrix’s «red room».
Reviewing the constituent parts of The Mantle is the easiest way to give everyone the credit they deserve. Don Tapa. The weak link in the chain. What a bunch of absolute galahs. We arrived a little earlier than the person who made the booking so tried to sit down, have a look at the menu and wag the chin. We had a bit of trouble finding the reservation, but rather than being a good sport, the rooster at the front had an attitude worse than an ornery alligator that lost his monthly gazelle feed. Not only that, he was not even remotely down for a bit of banter. When we couldn’t nail down the reservation he sent us down to the bar in a way that was reminiscent of an insolent child being sent to the naughty corner. Getting to the bar, I had a hankering for one drink and one drink only. A spider. But let me tell you, I went thirsty that night, very very thirsty. Like the fella at the front, the staff behind the bar were just not up for banter. For all you other restaurant owners out there, if you want a 5 star rating you had better be down for some good old banter. On top of the lack of banter, the handsome fella behind the bar was not up for my advances. After a short while we had the realisation that the rest of the party was over at Magna Pizza. This relief was akin to urinating after a long car ride and a couple of bottles of Mount Franklin. We sauntered over to Magna Pizza to begin enjoying our night.
I tell you what, one of the best decisions of my life was to choose not to order a pizza. Now while I can’t comment on the taste of the circular breaded feeds, the discussion around the table indicated that they were indeed an absolute ripsnorter. One quote I heard was that «it was one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had». What I can comment on is the time it took for these edible frisbees to arrive. I think I could have gotten a second bachelors degree in the time it took for these feeds to arrive, in fact I managed to order and receive 2 burgers in less time. The fella from Magna Pizza was also not down for banter, he basically came over and said «Who ordered this fucking pizza? Who the fuck ordered it huh?» but obviously in not as many words. It was at this moment I was thankful I happened to sit down at a nearby bar and see the menu for what would be an absolutely delicious feed.
«G’day mate, I’ll take the mushroom burger, some fries with mustard, and a cherry coke to top off that American burger joint experience.» What followed was quite a bit of banter and the payment of my feeds. Short Order Burgers was absolutely flat out but they got my burger and fries out to me in reasonable time. I opened the fries and mustard and got stuck in. These fries were potato gold. The addition of that mustard to those cubed delights was as good a combo as peanut butter and jelly, yin and yang, or cocaine and waffles. The emaciated patrons around me waiting for their pizza also had a crack, trying to ward off their impending death by hunger. I opened the box of my burger and lifted the masterpiece to my mouth and took a bite. I couldn’t believe what I was tasting. Every bite was better than the last. The mushroom, the beet relish, it all came together so beautifully. Before I knew it, I was washing down the last of my dinner with some Cherry Coke. Despite the deliciousness of my burger, I was not fulfilled. It did not take much twisting of the arm to leap out of my chair and into a brisk walk across to the Short Order counter, where I would order yet another piece of heaven. I sat back down and waited with baited breath for the arrival of my second mushroom burger. I received my second burger before my fellow diners had gotten their pizza. I consumed it with the same fervour and enthusiasm I did with my first burger. Eventually the rest of the table got their pizzas and the night evolved into some good old fashioned banter and laughs and before too long it was time to blaze a trail.
On my way out I noticed a charming rapscallion packing up his gelato cart. «That gelato free mate?» I inquired. «Yeah mate.» Excuse me? Surely you are pulling my leg, having a bit of a giggle. Excitedly I hurried over to inquire what flavour of gelato was on offer. Unfortunately it was watermelon and basil, Free is free and the banter was flowing. Gelato man managed to pull together another star for The Mantle before I left.
Gelato and burgers earning ³⁄₅
makesureyougetaburger/​10

I’m giving it 3.5 but only because there is no view of the ocean (hard to resist when you schlepp all the way down to Freo) and because of the stupid licensing laws that actually divide the joint up.
I mean, the concept is terrific — a shared space with a couple of permanent and a couple of pop up venues, each of a different variety. And sure, the tapas we tried at Don Tapas was top notch (see the pic I posted). But so was the pizza from Magna. Ermagerd. So huge, so crispy a base, so delicious and such a decent price ($ 23 that two would struggle to finish).
How great would it be to be able to park and mosey on in, grab a glass from the bar and then have it with a pizza. But you can’t. Because the pizza section is unlicensed and the bar is licensed (well, derrr!) and never the twain shall meet.
Sure, you can go and get yourself a bottle, from the bottle-​o up the road. But you can’t go to the bar that’s already there and get a bottle and take it across the invisible line. So stupid.
But of course, this does not reflect on the businesses themselves, only the insane laws that they must abide by. I’m sure they are heartily sick of us customers moaning about it.
On a sunny arvo, there would be little better than munching on a pizza on the terrace and only needing to raise a little wave for the lovely staff to bring you a drink. Alas, that won’t be possible.
Just to clarify — you can order any alcohol you like with the Tapas, as that ‘side’ of the venue carries a licence. But the pizza, burgers and ice cream (the latter Thurs — Sunday only) no dice. Only BYO.
Food, Atmosphere, Service — much closer to 4.5 stars.

Everything I heard about The Mantle made it sound like such a fabulous place. Funky warehouse fit-​out, multiple venues under the one roof with space for pop-​ups to give establishing business a go. I was a fan of Don Tapa from it’s shipping container days, the addition of another bar, a pizza joint and a pop-​up burger place made it the venue of choice for a catch-​up on an uncertainly weathered day in Fremantle. When we got there, I have to say, I was a little disappointed. The sales pitch for The Mantle has a catch-​cry of Collaborative. They even have the «Collabor8» space for rent. But the reality is much less collaborative. In reality, you walk in to a sign that states «No burgers or ice cream to be eaten here». That sort of negativity front and centre made me a little sad. I figured the table of 10 people we required would be picking and choosing from the fabulous vendors, a concoction of pizza, some tacos and empanadas, a cheeky lunchtime cocktail maybe. Nope. The reality is, because of the way the restaurants are licenced, you have to choose what you want to eat, and sit in the designated area. It makes sense, with what (little) I know about the liquor licencing act, but it’s still disappointing. Especially as the separation seems to have instilled a competitive spirit, rather than a collaborative one.
We settled on pizza and ordered a pizza each from Magna Pizza. For lunch, this was a mistake — we only really needed one between two. Some sort of indication of size or a subtle hint that maybe we didn’t need to order that much would’ve been gladly accepted. Luckily, they did allow us takeaway boxes as my husband and I took a whole pizza home. The pizzas themselves were very good quality and very tasty. Their size made them good value for money on the gourmet pizza scale. The service was a little sporadic, with it taking around 60 minutes from the first pizza to the last one being brought to the table. They allowed us to split bill, which was quite welcome.
I will definitely be heading back to eat at the other vendors (and hit on a night that Stampede Gelato is open), but going forward I will be under no illusion that it’s anymore than a bunch of different restaurants that all happen to be (very) close to each other.

Great pizza, good that’s it’s byo, it would be great if you could mix up where you sit so friends could eat from the different places and still eat together.
We went on a Wednesday and the service at the pizza place was pretty slow took nearly 2 hours, we didn’t mind because we were having wine and a catch up, and it was yummy when it came, but if you were in a rush it wouldn’t be great.

What a great hang out for this end of Freo.
The restaurant is split into two, Pizza one side and Tapas the other.
It’s a funky vibe with lots of recycled product. The space is well utilised and comforting to hang out and eat in.
Food is well priced and service was very fast and efficient. Staff are pleasant and professional.
They make a lot of their own product in house such as the pesto on our pizza, fab!!!
They even make their own Nutella, Devine!!!
What…a ping pong table up the back! surrounded by local art, all for sale.
Alfresco was popular the evening we went with bikes propped up against the walls.
We had a wood fire Pizza, the topping was so tasty with every bite, that home made pesto made it something special.
Desert was what we came to taste and it didn’t disappoint.
We will be back for sure!

Last Friday I went to Don tapas to celebrate a friend’s birthday. First of all, customer service was excellent, we had a table within an hour, which is pretty good taking into consideration we were 8 people looking for a table on Friday night.
As per suggested by the friendly wait person, we had pork belly, parkanha (beef), both are delicious. Have a go for the ceviche (raw fish) very tasteful.
What I really like about this place is the variety of flavours you can get from each plate, it’s like having a fiesta in your mouth.
The prices of the plates are reasonable for the size of each plate, around $ 25aud except for the capanha $ 35.
Simply fantastic!!!

The Mantle Fremantle is the latest new bar, pizza, tapas place to hang out. It’s a quiet reprieve away from the bustle of the main hub in Fremantle. Located on corner of James St and Beach Rd opposite the quay, Beautifully decorated warehouse style bar with a small tapas menu and pizza bar. There is an outdoor area protected from the traffic by wooden garden beds and seating. Upstairs above the bar is room for a big party of people.
Stopping only for a latte on my way through Fremantle, I have found my new place to come with friends. It’s not noisy with music at this time. The latte was a perfect combination of strength and heat. (I like mine hot) and at $ 3.50 the cheapest I have paid for a long time.
The cocktail list is different to anything I have seen before and very tempting.
I was lucky to be there When Urban winery wine tasting was available. A small winery from Margaret River producing only the four wines seen in the photo.. Spoilt for delicious flavours but a bit pricey at $ 77 and $ 67. I was glad of a pre dinner tasting.
Parking opposite next to the train line and quiet (north end of Fremantle) this is nicer than the Left Bank to catch up with friends.

Don Tapa @ The Mantle
The revelation that was, and hopefully will be in summer at its old haunt, Don Tapa, with its quirky location, effusive and friendly staff, was that it presented superb, genuine tapas and matching bevvies. There were a few downcast looks when we cycled past the revolting E-​Shed markets and saw the shipping container that was the root of this wonderful little eatery gone.
But all is forgiven. Under the fab ceiling of an old warehouse in Fremantle lies The Mantle — «an activity hub in the new East End of Fremantle; a place where people come together to eat, drink, work and play. Set inside a beautiful historic warehouse; transformed with the use of innovative structures, materials and art.»
And let me tell you activity is right.
On this Wednesday night the perfectly reborn Don Tapa was heaving.
And they have missed nothing in relocating, aside from sitting in the sun of course — sharp, knowledgeable and largely invisible staff, superb service and the food has gone up a notch.
Luckily the Über Blonde and I had arrived before the rush and before we had ordered the place was full. The new menu spoke of promise and we dived in starting off with the Ensalada de Quinoa ($ 15), Papas a La Hucaina ($ 16) and finished with the Pulled Pork Tortilla ($ 15). For the liquids the UB had her fave Rogers and I opted for the Red Entre Suelos Tempranillo.
We had a look around at the tenancies sharing the warehouse while we waited — the pizza place was empty and the AlterEgo bar that shares floor space with Don Tapa had a few cocktails going out but Don Tapa was winning the night.
And when the food and drinks arrived we knew (again) why. The Quinoa salad was a crunchy mélange of white grain, finely chopped sping onion and greens. The La Hucaina was a simple, and thankfully undressed, potato, cos leaves and egg salad. Yummy.
The pulled pork tortillas were 3 perfectly cooked and dressed heaps of pork dressed with red cabbage and sitting on a tangy apple slaw and soft tortilla. Brilliant!
All in all a faultless experience.
All credit to Nathan and crew for pulling this place back to the top of tapas restos in Freo.

New urban hangout in Freo.
This converted warehouse is home to three businesses being Alter Ego bar, Don Tapa (its moved here in case you were wondering where it went) and Magna Pizza. Dona Tapa don’t take bookings so its a first come first serve basis.
Open for business since yesterday this place is a cool mix of a casual setting with differing options for food and drinks. There is even a ping pong table if you look for it.
We decided to try out the Don Tapa dinner menu as we had only ever had lunch there when it was situated at the E shed markets. We chose several dishes but the standouts were the Coxinha de Palmito, white fish ceviche and the char-​grilled picanha.
Alter Ego bar can be accessed by walked through the entry to Don Tapa and going to the far end through the eating area. It is set up quite well allowing you to have a few drinks at the Alter Ego bar while you wait for a table at Don Tapa.
We didn’t try out Magna Pizza this time so I am not sure if they are licensed also or how good their pizzas are but I will be back in future to try them out also and maybe get in a game of table tennis!