Perth’s dumpling queen strikes again with NEW restaurant

Lucy Liu is fantastic at her craft, stylish and, more often than not, offers an unforgettable performance for those who experience her work.

Lucy Luu, the new restaurant in Mt Hawthorn named after Liu, shares similar characteristics to the actor.

As the newest addition to the popular Scarborough Beach Road restaurant strip, nestled next door to the wildly popular Spritz Spizzicheria and across the road from LupoLab and La Madonna Nera, it has some tough competition.

Owner Jacquie Chan is no stranger to the restaurant game, though, opening her first Miss Chow’s in 2015, with this spot her fifth venue.

The restaurant has a modern, moody and slightly lived-in feel, with pops of colour and South-East Asian inspired artwork and knick-knacks.

You’re immediately transported away from the busy strip, potentially slightly too dark if diners reading the menu with phone torches at the tables around us is anything to go by.

The menu, on the pricier side, is made up of small, large and desserts.

Meals can be ordered from a QR code or from the bar and come to the table as they’re ready.

With Chan often referred to as Perth’s dumpling queen, we naturally had to sample some.

The three plump morsels we tried, wagyu shanghai with gold moss and smothered in a house chilli oil ($21), didn’t disappoint, with each bite an absolute flavour explosion.

Tiger’s milk ceviche, kingfish, coconut vinegar and kaffir lime ($28) might now be my favourite ceviche dish in Perth. It was so fresh and zingy with a distinct taste of lime, with the cool fish and coconut complemented with the hit of fresh red chilli.

Speaking of chilli lovers, the kung pow brussel sprouts with dried chilli and sesame ($24) had the initial hit of spice as well as left a chilli tingle on your lips after too. The sprouts were nicely cooked, and the herb salad on top was delicious, smothered in a sweet and spicy sauce.

The red beef cheek curry, cauliflower with salted coconut cream ($36), was a rich and complex curry sauce with tender meat that melted in your mouth. It lent itself to steamed rice; however, there isn’t any offered on the menu, only two fried rice options.

Service was efficient and friendly, though if you’re taking the QR code method, interaction is limited.

Despite sitting amongst hot competition, Lucy Luu stands up to its popular neighbours with its flavour-packed meals, buzzy vibe and stylish interiors.

Lucy Luu

Address: 148 Scarborough Beach Road, Mt Hawthorn

Open: Wed-Fri, 12-10pm, Sat-Sun, 11am-10pm

Bookings: Yes

Contact: (08) 6255 6671

The verdict: Something different and fun for the busy restaurant strip with flavour-packed food, cool interiors and a fun cocktail menu.

17/20