Third Chapter

Originally from Perth, Third Chapter owner Kevin Cortesao met his wife, Georgina, in Eltham. He’s felt strongly connected to the local community ever since, which is why he chose it for his third cafe.

Third Chapter’s extensive menu is designed for crowd pleasing, serving familiar dishes with a contemporary edge. It’s sectioned into chapters. For the “prologue”, there’s an all-day breakfast with standards such as buttermilk pancakes, coconut chia pudding and a salmon stack.

Entrees and sharing plates for the “first chapter” include saganaki and taramasalata alongside chicken wings. Burgers round out the “second chapter”, and a solid parmy and pastas for the third. Dessert closes the metaphorical book with creme caramel and chocolate fondant.

Cortesao’s large family originates from a little island in Portugual called Madeira. The Espetada dish on the menu is a family favourite for casual gatherings of up to a hundred: Black Angus rump, chargrilled on a skewer with rock salt, bay leaves and garlic, and served with polenta and salad.

A streetside window offers take-away meals and drinks, including Five Senses coffee, iced teas, smoothies, and a house-made cherry and lavender lemonade.

Inside, the fit-out is spacious and earthy, seating 200 in solid timber furniture, while hanging plant baskets complement the surrounding natural environment. There’s a variety of small and large tables with lounge seating ideal for a slow afternoon of cheese and wine.