Farra review: Greek restaurant at Hyde Perth offers a stylish space to linger a little longer

When I travel, the hotel restaurant is usually the last place you’ll find me.

I mean, there’s a whole city out there — streets to wander, and hidden gems to visit. . . only to discover that every other tourist saw the exact same spot on TikTok. Yet lines and getting lost is all part of the fun. Why stay confined when you can get your step count up and explore?

But Farra, tucked inside the newly opened Hyde Perth, is an exception, as we discovered during a recent stay.

It’s the kind of restaurant that presents a reason in itself to stay there, which is not discounting the cosy rooms and tight service — they, too, were excellent (robes being the one notable absence).

There is a sense of zen that washes over us as we enter the restaurant. Quiet music floats, the staff flow in nature-toned uniforms, and the interiors are a wash of calm curves and soft colours.

We’re guided to a table by the window, front-row seats to the massive storm that never quite arrives.

So instead we turn our attention to the menu and food — not difficult, as we didn’t have a bad dish.

For me, the tomato kefedes ($20, a vegetarian take on traditional Greek meatballs) were the highlight. I immediately considered ordering another plate, as the tasty morsels served with a smoked yogurt were so moreish.

My partner waxed lyrical about the Cape Grim sirloin ($65), perfectly medium-rare with a crust topped with a herby mint and basil verde and a dollop of smoked eggplant.

Between dishes, waitstaff with velvety accents attentively check on our table, revealing the next dish is their favourite.

They have great taste — the chargrilled octopus ($26) is one of the best we’ve had — plump tentacles, tender on the inside and nicely charred on the outside, balanced with thin slices of orange.

A heirloom tomato salad ($20) similarly hits the spot, creamy stracciatella and finely diced green olive added a hit of salt that tomatoes love.

Typically we’re contenders for fastest diners — eat, pay and dash — but at Farra we don’t. Which all serves as a reminder that sometimes during a stay you can find a place to linger right under your nose.

The verdict: 18/20

A calm and cool hotel restaurant well worth your time.

Farra

Hyde Perth, 37 Pier Street Perth

Open Tues-Fri, 5-9pm, Fri-Sat, 12-2.30pm, 5-9pm

Bookings Yes

Contact farraperth.com