Emilia’s two-for-one food review right in the heart of Footscray!
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Littlefoot & Bar Thyme
Littlefoot – 223 Barkly Street, Footscray
Bar Thyme – 227 Barkly Street, Footscray
I’ve got a two-for-one review today of two eateries and bars situated a couple of doors apart on Barkly Street, Footscray: Littlefoot and Bar Thyme.
These establishments offer unique dining experiences catering to different types of Westies.
Littlefoot is a more inclusive and relaxed atmosphere, appealing to a diverse crowd. Choose between their high top bar chairs, couches, booths or cafe style chairs or even the beer garden.
Known for its friendly vibe, we sat behind a long table of locals playing dungeons and dragons, next to a booth with two old friends catching up and a woman sat having a solo dinner, truly catering to a bit of everyone.
The bar proudly states, “the only discrimination we practice is against a**hole behaviour”.
They just celebrated their 10 year anniversary on the strip as punctuated by their birthday special – pulled pork tacos on the menu.
The meal began with their secret recipe roasted meatballs served in a rich napoli sugo.
These meatballs were perfectly seasoned and tender, a comforting, home-cooked feel that paired beautifully with the sauce.
Next, I sampled the goat’s cheese and jalapeño croquettes. These were a standout dish, featuring a crispy exterior that gave way to a creamy and flavorful filling.
The subtle heat from the jalapeños complemented the richness of the goat’s cheese.
The crumbed cauliflower bites were another highlight. Served with aioli, these bites were crispy on the outside and tender inside, offering a delightful crunch that was hard to resist, the aioli added a creamy contrast.
Finally, I had the rigatoni Calabrese, which came with Italian pork sausage and a touch of chili in a rich sugo, topped with parmesan.
The pasta was cooked al dente, allowing it to soak up the rich flavors of the sauce while the sausage provided a savory depth that made this dish truly comforting.
Overall, my experience at Littlefoot was marked by well-executed dishes and a passion for community.
Afterwards, we walked the two doors down to try Bar Thyme, which opened in 2021, and quickly became a beloved spot in Footscray.
It’s frequented by locals and hospitality professionals who appreciate its focus on sustainability and seasonality.
The venue, brainchild of Howard Stamp (formerly head chef at Movida and part of the Lincoln Hotel team), offers a thoughtful blend of elevated food, natural wines, and sustainability-focused practices.
I was particularly impressed with Bar Thyme. Originally booked next door, we were enchanted by its warm and inviting atmosphere, complete with vintage touches and exposed beams.
Inside, the charm continued through the service and nostalgic ‘art’ on the walls – framed menus from London dating back to 1976.
We concluded our night at Bar Thyme with pork terrine and a nightcap from their list of house-made and classic cocktails.
Their special, the Black Dragon, featured whisky, oolong tea, soda, and charred lemon, which was delightful.
Between Littlefoot and Bar Thyme, there’s truly something for everyone in Footscray.
Bar Thyme excels in providing a sophisticated dining experience with high-quality food and attentive service, while Littlefoot offers a vibrant bar atmosphere fostering inclusivity and community engagement.
Each establishment uniquely contributes to Footscray’s culinary landscape, catering to different preferences among diners.