Third Wheel Highett

Overview

Located in Highett, southeast of Melbourne, Third Wheel must be doing something right. Only a few months after opening in June 2023, it had already won the prestigious Toby's Estate Local Legends award for Victoria, voted by members of the public. It's the brainchild of married chefs Jen Anstey and Mere Herewini and their friend Suzy Kyriakopoulos — the name Third Wheel is an in-joke about Suzy going into business with a couple. All three had over two decades of experience in the hospitality game before deciding to open their own space.

Unsurprisingly, having professional chefs behind the wheel means the menu is a cut above your standard cafe fare. There aren't many local spots offering aleppo pepper calamari or chilli eggs with prawn toast alongside your daily cappuccino. The culinary adventures don't stop there, though – there's a rotating cast of specials. Pork katsu ciabatta and confit duck with poached egg and potato rosti are just two of the recent highlights.

The trio has also branched out into pop-up dinners with snacks, share plates and main courses, meaning that, if you were so inclined, you could visit Third Wheel for your first, second and third meal of the day.