Published on Saturday, 5 June 2021 at 7:57:46 AM

The buzz around Leederville’s revitalised town centre is growing with news world renowned chef and restaurateur behind Bali hotspots Sarong and Mama San is moving to the neighbourhood.

Bali’s expatriate king of street food said Leederville was not only the right place for his yet-unnamed new 120-seat restaurant, it was also the right time.

“WA had been on my radar for about 3-4 years now, but I hadn’t thought about it seriously until Covid hit and pushed that forward,’’ he said.

“Leederville works as a location, it’s close to the City and there is so much happening at the moment, we are excited to be opening here.”

Will relocated to Perth last year with his wife and three children, initially consulting at Lontara, the in-house restaurant at Samphire Rottnest.

His latest venture in Leederville marks the second Australian restaurant for the Portugal born chef, after Jimmy Liks in Sydney.

Inspired by South East Asian flavours and native Australian ingredients, Will’s new menu will be a tight edit of small plates and shared dishes.

The restaurant’s sleek design is a nod to the Australian landscape with splashes of rusty orange and sandstone walls.

Modern banquettes, sprawling bar, fireplace and open kitchen complete the impressive dining space.

With travel off the cards for now, Will said he hoped to offer diners the experience of an Asian food safari without having to pack their bags.

Vincent Mayor Emma Cole welcomed Will to the Leederville community and said the timing of his announcement couldn’t be better.

“We welcome every new businesses to the area, and we are so excited that Will has chosen Leederville for his latest food venture,'' she said.

“I told Will he made the right call. There is so much happening in Leederville right now.

“We've got 750 staff from ABN moving in next month and we've got Electric Lane behind the Leederville Hotel being developed into a vibrant dining and entertaining hub and new businesses opening up on Oxford Street.”

With investment interest growing in Leederville the City of Vincent recently unveiled two new draft plans to help guide development and breathe new life into the town centre, while maintaining its unmistakable character and charm.

The community are invited to have their say on the Leederville Precinct Structure Plan (LPSP) and the Leederville Town Centre Place Plan (LTCPP) by visiting www.imagine.vincent.wa.gov.au.

Will’s new restaurant is expected to open in August this year.

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