La Capannina review: Scarborough eatery’s ocean views, Med-style menu and family-friendly vibe a winter win

It’s always tricky finding somewhere to dine with kids. Once you’ve exhausted all the pub-with-playground venues in Perth, options can seem limited. I’ve been on the hunt for an eating destination with a little more variety on the menu but still considered family-friendly. The type of place I’m not going to cop a stern side-eye from someone enjoying a ludicrously-priced rib eye, should our spirited cherubs break free of their manacles. Milling around Scarborough on a rainy Thursday evening, waiting for 5pm to tick over for our early booking with two kids in tow, the atmosphere was dreary at best. Expectations were not high. But within a matter of minutes, as doors opened and we slid into a delightfully comfy booth, candles were lit, music played and a gas fire roared to life. The miserable weather felt worlds away as the ocean thrashed and swirled beyond the panoramic views of the beach. With drinks soon in hands, among the stylish coastal interiors we were comfy and carefree. La Capannina, a beachside restaurant in Scarborough next to the outdoor pool, has in short: great food and a great view. The Mediterranean-inspired menu and drinks offering can be adapted to suit your company. Pizza and pasta for a family dinner, cocktails and share plates for a group or well executed mains and dessert for a date night. Somehow this well-oiled machine seemed to cater for a range of clientele. Light and tasty vegetarian arancini arrived (pumpkin with homemade chipotle, dusted with parmigiano, $15) alongside juices for the kids and a glass each of Italian vermentino, ($13) and a local chardonnay from Sittella Winery, $12, for us, from the excellent wine list. Signature cocktails have been designed from the scratch and the dedicated Fizzy Spritz menu is a nice addition, no doubt best enjoyed alfresco on the stunning outdoor deck. The kids were impressed (as was I) by the delightfully soft dough and crisp crust of the wood-fired Hawaiian pizzas from the well-priced kids’ menu. Equally happy with our choice from the pizza bianca, or white pizza, menu, the La Capannina, $31, featured succulent marinated Exmouth prawns, zucchini cream, fior di latte, cherry tomatoes and chilli oil. The slow-cooked ossobuco ragu gnocchi, $38, with red wine jus, rosemary lemon gremolata, pecorino romano had good texture alongside the tender ossobuco. The eight-hour slow-cooked beef cheeks, $39, were rich and intense, paired nicely with butter-roasted leek, portobello mushrooms and red wine jus, sitting atop a sweet and spicy roasted butternut, maple syrup and cayenne puree which elevated the flavour profile. Scoops of blood orange sorbet were the perfect end to the meal — refreshingly light and sweet. Service was warm and attentive. With delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere and some trusty parenting tools (threats and bribes), we had an enjoyable family dinner — no playground needed. Verdict: 17/20 A stylish, coastal eatery with delicious food alongside stunning ocean views. Upmarket but not too fancy you can’t take the kids. Excellent drinks list and warm vibes. La Capannina L 1/171 The Esplanade, Scarborough Open Monday-Wednesday, 5-8pm; Thursday, 12-2.15pm, 5-8pm; Friday, 12-2.15pm, 5-8.30pm; Saturday, 11am-3pm, 5-8.30pm; Sunday, 11am-3pm, 5-8.30pm Contact 0455865586, lacapanninaperth.com.au Bookings Yes