Third Wave Cafe

Third Wave Café serves as a timely reminder not to judge a book (or indeed a restaurant) by its cover.  When I heard that Third Wave Café was THE place for ribs, I was a little taken aback by the name which sounded more appropriate for a cheap touristy café serving up stale sandwiches.  With its maroon walls, sprawling chairs and dirty table tops, this impression unfortunately was not altered when I walked through the Port Melbourne venue's doors.

But when I tasted the food, oh the food, it was everything that was promised and more! The pork ribs ($29) were absolutely incredible - sticky, juicy, mouth-watering ribs which were covered in a finger lickin'  BBQ sauce.  Whilst the serving size below looks small, it is deceptively filling - none of us were able to finish our plates. $29 also includes a side of your choice so we decided to share the coleslaw and the spicy chicken wings.  Yes, I did just admit to ordering double meat, but we were so glad that we did as the wings were just bursting with flavour and impeccably cooked.

Whilst we were all full as a boot, we couldn't go past the pecan pie with vanilla ice-cream and coffee cream ($13).  Tasting as good as it looks, it had the most perfect ball of ice-cream on the top which I had ever seen.

Third Wave Café's menu also showcases Russian fare, offering the likes of Cabbage Rolls, Pelemeni and Blintzes.  Whilst I can't see how anything could taste as good as their sticky pork ribs, I would definitely be willing to give some of there Russian cuisine a try.

Venue: 3.5/5
Service: 3.5/5
Food: 4.5/5
Total: 10.5/15
Verdict: Love - get around to trying it soon.