THE WA restaurants serving our favourite western rock lobster dishes have been revealed, with the narrowest of margins separating the venues we’re most cray-cray about.
The Cray Seafood & Grill Restaurant in Belmont took out top spot, securing 140 out of 970 votes by readers.
It pipped The Lobster Pier in the Perth CBD by just one vote.
In all, 110 eateries were nominated, highlighting the tasty crustacean’s popularity.
When it came to best-loved dishes, most punters wanted to sink their claws into the lobster mornay at The Cray, which owners Tejas and Mayur Patel opened in 2003.
Tejas said they entered the hospitality industry after coming across many exclusive seafood restaurants that only offered good produce or provided good customer service but were extremely expensive.
“Serving seafood is a delicate process that requires passion and skill,” he said.
“We wanted to take pride in serving the finest local seafood coupled with a memorable dining experience which provides value for money.
“The restaurant has been very popular since it opened and this is due to our staff and loyal customers who keep coming back from as far as Yanchep to Collie.”
Tejas attributed the lobster mornay’s popularity to a secret sauce made fresh in house each day.
North-siders will be happy to hear the Patels are launching a second restaurant, due to open in Innaloo at the end of July.
Community News’ ‘Make WA Day Cray Day’ competition winner is Michael Giles-Duffy, of Halls Head, who receives two tickets to the Abrolhos Long Table Lunch at the Shore Leave festival in Geraldton, including boat transfers and two nights’ accommodation, along with 10 live lobsters to feast on courtesy of the Western Rock Lobster Council.
The Cray Seafood & Grill Restaurant, Belmont
The Lobster Pier, Perth
Lobster Shack, Cervantes
Kailis Fishmarket Cafe, Leederville and Fremantle
Friends Restaurant, Perth
Nobu Perth, Burswood