IF Le Rebelle was a band it would sit somewhere between 90s French dream-pop duo Air and contemporary Aussie alt-rockers Gang of Youths.

Dishes like cured kingfi sh ($21), tiger prawn cocktail ($24), wagyu burger ($28) and stuff ed chicken wings with scallop and lobster caviar ($12 each) are approachable, familiar and comforting with a growling modern edge.

When Le Rebelle opened in 2019 it joined other Beaufort Street eateries like Cecchi’s and El Publico in dishing up high-quality food that boosted the strip’s reputation as a premier foodie destination.

When my wife Kylie and I visited Le Rebelle on Friday lunchtime, the interior’s rich earthy tones were bathed in sunlight streaming through the front windows, casting long, narrow shadows over split-level fi nishings.

It was a relaxing reprieve from the noisy and manic roadworks outside. 

After taking a moment to appreciate the restaurant’s decor, the next thing we noticed was the constant stream of hungry punters at the front door, looking for a table.

Going by its popularity, we knew Le Rebelle was the right place to satisfy our foodie cravings.

After a quick look at the menu, and some seriously prompt food service, the fi rst dish on our hitlist was crab toast ($6 each). 

Big chunks of perfectly cooked crab fl esh were coated in a creamy dressing laced with fresh mint and dill. The crab was piled high on light and buttery toasted brioche. 

Every mouthful was a delight and the whole thing was great value for $6.

Next up was escargot ($17). Kylie and I had never eaten escargot before, and unfortunately our introduction to edible snails was underwhelming. 

I’m a proud foodie and I’ll eat almost anything, but these weren’t for me. 

My palate didn’t agree with the gastropods’ rubbery texture, but the accompanying garlic butter and salsa verde were well-balanced.

Friends have told me they’ve enjoyed Le Rebelle’s snails, and they seemed popular with other diners on the day, so don’t let my opinion put you off. 

Making up for the snails was some of the fi nest duck I’ve ever eaten. 

The glazed Wagin duck breast ($39) was cooked to medium rare perfection. The seared skin was smoky and crispy, and the meat melted in the mouth leaving a subtle gamey aftertaste that was truly heavenly. 

The duck is served with a thick and tangy bearnaise sauce and a massive pile of crunchy frites.

I could eat this duck dish every day.  

If you’re planning to visit Le Rebelle soon, don’t look past the witlof salad ($16).

Fresh witlof (lettuce-like veggie) and thinly sliced zucchini is dotted with macadamia, adding crunch and texture.

The creamy green goddess dressing ads zing to the beautifully presented salad.

I never thought I’d rave on so much about a salad, but this is one of the best I’ve ever had. 

Le Rebelle rocks.

Le Rebelle
676 Beaufort St, Mt Lawley
Phone 6161 3100
lerebelle.com.au