Mietta's Review
A large open corner shop with fold back doors that is painted a light green and packed with white tables and Thonet chairs. The service from the staff in their long white aprons is cafe but pleasant if harassed. There is a great buzz - staff running, diners greeting each other - a good time seems to be had by all. Food is mostly 'Italian', entrees $16, mains $24.
Other Published Opinions
West Australian Good Food Guide 2012 Score: 14/20 "ANY MORNING of the week Vans is 'yummy mummy' ground zero - sipping skinny lattes in their 'Skins' and gym shoes"
The West Australian Good Food Guide 2011 Score: 14.5/20 "Is there a location that has gone through so many morphs? Originally set up as the Famous Van's deli/milk bar it has now happily settled into this local cafe/bistro"
The Sunday Times} Maria Noakes, 27-11-2009 Score: Value 3.5/5, Food 4/5, Ambience 4/5, Service 4/5 "Van's is something of an institution. The cafe has been around for as long as I can remember and it always seems to bustle with activity and excitement. When I moved to Perth at Age of seven my mum would take me there ... these days Van's offers more than just sweets and sandwiches. The breakfast, lunch and dinner menus have something for everyone and includes information about health-conscious options and gluten-free meals."
Gourmet Traveller 2009 Australian Restaurant Guide "You can practically hear the sound of well-to-do hearts a-fluttering as Cottesboe locals descend on one of their best-kept secrets. They're not the only ones who've warmed to the relaxed bistro feel of Vans - the place is generally full"
Gourmet Traveller 2008 Australian Restaurant Guide "Although the service is efficient and friendly, it's the quality of the cooking that makes the greatest impression when you visit this popular neighbourhood bistro"
Paul Eats Perth 06 "'An amazing place for breakfast, very modern and stylish, yet casual. I love it!' -a voter"
Gourmet Traveller 2007 Australian Restaurant Guide "It's not easy to serve good food and excellent coffee from dawn till late seven days a week, but Vans does it. Extended windows and French doors open up to the street in clement weather and keep the interior light and cosy when they're closed. This, plus smartly casual furniture, jarrah floors and a bright fit-out (with a hat peg for the coffee supplier), gives Vans the appearance of a better-than-average cafe, which is exactly what it is."
West Australian Dining out, Daile Pepper 23-11-06 score 16/20 "Napoleon Street in Cottesloe has a fun sort of vibe. The area is a bit trendy, in a laid-back, locals-loving-it kind of way ... Napoleon Street's hot spot has to be Van's. Known around town for its casual vibe, fresh produce, great coffee and good food, Van's is constantly busy. Obviously, a great sign."
Gourmet Traveller 2005 Australian Restaurant Guide "This buzzy neighbourhood bistro is a consistent winner, serving simple, produce-driven, allday fare. Chef/co-owner Kevin McCabe is an experienced chef but lets Leigh Nash do much of the cooking and no-one's complaining."
Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide Australia 2004, Good vegetarian options,'a laid-back sort of place that survives on repeat dining by happy locals...the menu changes fortnightly...really good...an imaginatively sourced, if conise wine list'