Thirty years of Fraser’s Restaurant
If you’ve visited King’s Park, you’re probably familiar with Fraser’s Restaurant. Perched on Fraser Avenue, overlooking the Swan River and city skyline, it is one of Perth’s most iconic restaurants.
The restaurant recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and has much to show for its years of operation. Throughout its history, thousands of Western Australians have chosen the venue for their weddings, business functions and special occasions. Its stunning location and reputation have also made it a must-visit destination for local and international sports people, politicians, film stars, models, and media personalities.
Thirty years of dining experiences
Walk through the restaurant, and you’ll understand why Fraser’s has been able to hold its position as one of the best places to dine in the state. The restaurant is smart but welcoming, with wine-filled racks wrapping around the intimate indoor dining space. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the beautiful natural aspects of Kings Park and allow diners to look out at the magnificent view of the river and city skyline. Those who prefer the fresh air can choose to dine outdoors in the restaurant’s expansive alfresco area. Dine at the restaurant at night, and you’ll be able to experience how the restaurant’s rustic Australian feel emulates the experience of dining under the stars in Outback WA.
The restaurant was named after its location on Fraser Avenue, with the avenue itself taking its name from Sir Malcolm Fraser, who was the second Surveyor-General of Perth from 1872 to 1883. Fraser, who should not be confused with the former Prime Minister, played a substantial role in gazetting the land on which Kings Park now sits as public parkland.
Fraser’s Restaurant opened in November 1993 with 2,000 pre-bookings. The vision behind the restaurant was guided by Executive Chef Chris Taylor, who wanted to create a classic Western Australian restaurant that would showcase the best of the state’s food and wine produce.
Taylor is still one of the chefs today and has seen the Fraser’s building undergo many changes over the years. Fraser’s added a private dining room in 2000 and later worked with the State Government to add a State Reception Centre on its second floor. The Reception Centre was built over a 10-month period from inception to completion and was created to host the 22nd Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2011. The event was attended by 36 Heads of State, including Queen Elizabeth II. The Reception Centre can accommodate 700 people and has since played host to countless business functions, weddings, charity galas and more.
If that renovation was a challenge, it would be nothing like the one posed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which Taylor describes as the ‘most stressful event in our 30 years of operation’. With restaurants closed to in-person dining, Fraser’s had to adapt and find a way to continue to offer its menu through home-delivery services. It remains grateful that Western Australians supported the restaurant and helped it to survive through that time.
The Fraser’s Restaurant Group has won multiple awards over the years but says its best award is the continued success of its restaurants, functions, café and kiosk.
“We have always strived to provide high-quality and accessible food and dining experiences through our restaurant, the café, kiosk or attending an event catered by Fraser’s. We believe that we are ‘something to everyone,’ Taylor says.
Food from the best in the west
From day one, Fraser’s food philosophy has been shaped by Taylor, who has worked to build and maintain relationships with some of the best food and wine producers across WA. Today, it has a close partnership with Buy West, Eat Best and is proud to create and adapt menu items to what is seasonally available within WA. Taylor likes to let local flavours and produce shine and believes in creating ‘honest flavours and food that is simply yet deftly prepared and respectfully handled.” Fraser’s proudly participates in Buy West, Eat Best’s Plating Up WA initiative and this year hosted chefs from Singapore to show them how it curates dishes to make WA’s local produce shine.
Today, Fraser’s entrée items include freshly shucked oysters, heirloom beetroot and tuna tartare, while the mains menu features items ranging from Fremantle swordfish to lamb ragu tagliatelle and chargrilled beef fillets. Those opting for three courses can round out their meal with dessert favourites such as crème brûlée, chocolate mousse and cheesecake.
The restaurant has an extensive wine list and is somewhat unique in having a sommelier on hand to help diners choose the best Western Australian, Australian, or international wine to accompany their meals.
The Fraser’s Group also runs the Botanical Café that sits next door to Fraser’s in Kings Park and Bluewater Bistro, a restaurant that holds another of Perth’s most spectacular locations on Heathcote Reserve in Applecross. Its team of chefs work across all three venues. Fraser’s Events & Catering also allows people to experience the premium touch of Fraser’s food and service at any event across Perth.
Taylor is immensely proud of all those who have been part of the Frasers Restaurant Group’s history to date.
“We’ve been very fortunate to have had thousands of fantastic chefs, apprentices and kitchen staff, front-of-house and back-office team members who have all contributed to our success over the last 30 years,” he says.
Plan your visit.
For more information about the Fraser’s Restaurant Group head to the Fraser’s website.
Interested in trying Fraser’s for a dinner with friends or to celebrate a special occasion? You can make a booking by calling 9482 0100 or emailing reservations@frasersrestaurants.com.au.
Function enquiries can be made by calling 9482 0170 or emailing hello@frasersevents.com.au.