Here’s another sign that the nightlife in Perth is maturing: a lively, sophisticated tapas bar in the CBD that serves great drinks until late and impressive food until at least 11pm weeknights and midnight Fridays and Saturdays.

It’s a sprawling subterranean bar with nooks and crannies and comfortable lounges. If food is secondary to drink, there’s still no compromise on quality, freshness, presentation or authenticity of the tapas dishes. Oysters are sparklingly freshly shucked; New Norcia bread accompanies the jamon and other meats; and salads are imaginative – bread salad, roasted peppers, capers and slow-roasted tomatoes. Standouts include the perfectly seared scallops on a disc of Berkshire pork cheek; crispy serrano ham and egg croquettes with lemon thyme aioli; spiced chickpea-battered prawns with avocado puree and yoghurt dressing. Small, neatly formed wine list. The atmosphere is wonderful. www.andaluzbar.com.au

Open: Mon-Thu until midnight, Fri-Sat until 1am. Licensed. Tapas $7-$17.

Source: Qantas The Australian Way October 2010