Elske brings smørrebrød and Scandi plates to Freo

While we’re all about a decadent, greasy, hangover-busting breakfast… There’s something to be said for a restrained, refined plate – something you don’t have to feel even a shred of guilt for enjoying!

How about a flavourful slice of Danish rye bread, house-cured gravad lax, pickles, roasted beets and crème fraîche?

Or a walnut pesto-slathered slice of toast, topped with charred broccolini, mushrooms and an enticing blob of burrata?

You can get both at the Scandi-inspired Elske, open now in a historic building in Freo’s High Street Mall.

Danish for “with love” and located within the historic Manning Buildings, Elske is the brainchild of culinary duo Sean Marshall and Kristina Jensen – with Jensen’s Danish heritage influencing the cafés smørrebrød-loaded menu.

Meeting in the kitchen of Sydney fine diner Quay back in 2000, the couples’ star-studded resumes include Michelin-starred restaurants, five star hotels and acclaimed eateries across the globe.

Eventually the pair found their way to Perth, deciding to raise their family here and taking over Floreat’s Cambridge Corner Store in 2023.

“Offering menu items that draw from the flavours of Denmark and Northern Europe feels like home for me; it is a returning to the type of cuisine I grew up with,” explained Jensen.

“Elske is us in our happy place, cooking the dishes we love and sharing with the community. Our dishes are wholesome, fresh and satisfying – the perfect kind of food to fill up on for a day of exploring in Fremantle.”

“For us, Fremantle combines the very best parts of our favourite cities from around the world,” added Marshall.

“There is the sense of history, community, culture and of course a commitment to excellent dining and coffee. We are very excited to be bringing our passion for food to the area and look forward to introducing new flavours to the brunch set.”

Elske is now open, and is located at Shop 28, 135 High Street, Fremantle.