Kappy’s Restaurant

As readers of our blog, Perth Café Culture will perhaps recall, Kappys is very close to our home in Guildford and we visit quite often — sometimes for a takeaway pizza but more likely to sit down in the restaurant for lunch or dinner — we have never been disappointed by the food, or the welcome from the family who run this great neighbourhood eating house.
In a renovated house in Swan Street it has a number of places to sit — from the enclosed patio at front, to the veranda and inside in what no doubt were once lounge rooms and bedrooms. On this very hot Guildford day the patio was deserted and all diners were inside in the air conditioned cool — as were we.
The wine list is small but the choices are fine and there are a few by the glass. We began with a glass each of prosecco — and moved on to a bottle of an old favourite, Château La Gordonne rosé, a crisp, dry and elegant style which we have always found a great accompaniment to food turned out by the Kappys kitchen.
The prosecco, an Italian from Veneto, Il Posto, had lilting aromas of citrus and stone fruit and a palate of crunchy green apple, lemon and nashi pear flavours — tightly acidic and bone dry it was an excellent palate freshener, light and refreshing.
The Italian influenced menu changes regularly, and there are always black boarded specials on display and as we enjoyed the sparkling, we decided on our choices.
For her meal, Lady FWO ordered salad of prawns, smoked salmon and squid. Salty, juicy slices of salmon, poached squid and prawns — the latter sweet, crunchy, the former tender — were set on top of cos, peppery rocket and tart radicchio with an oil and lemon dressing. The greens were fresh and crisp; the dish simplicity itself but put together from fresh quality ingredients, was a light, refreshing and simply oozed summery autumn flavours.
I went for one of the daily specials — swordfish with chilli squid; as is my wont I asked for extra zing, and the kitchen came to the party. The fish was tender and succulent, topped with zesty tomato based sauce, black olives scattered through adding a salty kick, while my expected chilli boost was spot on. The tender squid on top had just enough firmness to the bite to provide a textural contrast to the fish, while lightly grilled vegetables — carrot, potato, zucchini and eggplant — retained their freshness and crunch.
Forgoing dessert, we sat back, relaxed and finished the wine, before heading out for the short walk home. Kappys always pleases — the food is very well cooked, the choices good; the service is friendly and welcoming; we will keep coming back.

Love Kappy’s! This used to be my local and I now still travel 30minutes to come here for lunch or dinner. Staff are always friendly and prompt, food is always tasty and very generous servings. It isn’t the cheapest but I think you definitely get what you pay for.

Ahhh… Kappy’s, Kappy’s Kappy’s. I’ve noticed that you’ve recently upped your prices and downed your food standards. Did you think I wouldn’t know? That you could throw in this sneaky side step without one of your most loyal and committed customers knowing? Shame on you! Tsk, tsk.
Before I fall into the trap of becoming my overly dramatic alter ego let me explain there are still great things about this once favourite restaurant of mine. It’s located in beautiful Guildford and the restaurant itself oozes ambience. There is a gorgeous outdoor area — well heated and protected from the elements so it can be enjoyed in winter and summer months. A good measure of greenery and beautiful brick resides here. Inside, a cozy atmosphere has been created and interesting paintings and pictures will feed your eyes.
The staff are always friendly and quick footed and the food arrives in a reasonable time. However, during my last poignant visit I recounted the numerous times my family upped Kappy’s business and realized they did nothing to up our loyalty. Thousands of dollars spent, surely a free garlic bread would be a nice sweetener to the deal?
Many of the items that were more costly to prepare had suddenly vanished from the menu. They seem to have been replaced by a plethora of pizzas. Over-​priced pizzas. Not a crime against humanity but not a pleasant dining experience either.