Perth Voice Interactive

“HOW very Northbridge,” I thought, the Perth nightlife area’s seedier reputation in mind when I discovered a cafe called Little Willy’s.

It turns out it’s got nothing to do with the little red sausages synonymous with kids’ parties that elicit a snigger, but is a literal description for a tiny cafe on William Street.

There’s something about Northbridge eateries that are nothing like their slick, sanitised counterparts in the CBD and this unpretentious cafe fits right in, with an arty/student ambience that failed to intimidate this pair of funky older ladies.

Sandwiched between a couple of retro clothing shops, and topped by an alternative art gallery/studio it’s a bit on the retro side itself, with a touch of urban hipster.

Burritos for breakfast (bacon and egg or mushroom and egg $15) were tempting for something different, but we stuck with tradition, my mate going for a “lego” brekkie, starting with scrambled eggs ($11.50) and building on it with sides of her choice.

Which in fact pretty much turned into the ubiquitous big breakfast, with bacon, mushroom, tomato and avocado ($4 each).

Having created exactly what she wanted I’m not sure what she expected but opined there were “no surprises” as she tucked into a plate groaning under its carbs: “[But] it’s very filling,” she said, wiping the last of the bacon juice up with her chunky toast.

My omelette ($15) did surprise, with the mushroom and cheddar filling, lifted by the addition of a delicious mix of fresh herbs and still crisp spring onion.

The huge morsel was perfectly cooked, a delicious golden brown on the outside and soft and moist inside.

I avoid baked beans, having been turned off by the ghastly canned version, but on impulse decided to try the house-made beans ($4.50), which were rich and tomatoey with none of the nasty, commercial saltiness I remember from childhood.

The service was cheery and excellent, and the coffees spot on, but the lack of eftpos was a downer: that’s taking retro too far.

On the upside, my friend wasn’t held as surety while we wandered to the bank after our meal: “We trust you,” the waiter said with a smile.

by JENNY D’ANGER

Little Willy’s
267 William Street, Northbridge
open 7 days 6am–4pm
9228 8240