190 The Esplanade, Scarborough
www.littlewave.au
Little Wave, Big Heart: A Mediterranean Oasis in Scarborough
In the hustle and bustle of the Scarborough strip, Little Wave offers an intimate pocket of authentic charm. Inspired by the small bars and eateries of France and Italy, owners Ali and Federico have poured their heart and soul into creating a place where locals and visitors alike can pause at any time of day to enjoy good food, cosy ambience, and a thoughtful wine list.
The all-day menu, with Sunrise and Sunset variations, is Mediterranean-inspired, celebrating simplicity and vibrant flavour combinations. With views across the sparkling Indian Ocean and sunshine seeping through the windows, I can easily imagine perching here with my laptop over an espresso or bunkering down on a stormy day in good company with a punchy glass of red.
We begin with the Spaghettini with crab, dressed in chilli oil, roasted cherry tomatoes and basil. The crab is delicate and sweet, the dish carrying warmth and bite with a citrus zing from the lemon. This pairs beautifully with a 2022 Raja Vermentino, an easy-drinking Italian white wine with dry citrus acidity and mineral undertones.
Alongside the pasta, we enjoy a Caprese Salad. Tomato rounds and buffalo mozzarella are plated like a wreath and drizzled with olive oil pesto. The mozzarella is creamy, generous and imported directly from Italy, just like the Limoncello behind the bar, a suggested finisher to every meal.
Next, we share the Octopus Skewers, featuring locally sourced Fremantle octopus, sous-vide for tenderness and then chargrilled. Served with fresh crusty sourdough, a charred lime and a refreshing harissa sauce with a good chilli bite, the skewers are a standout. Our wine match is a French Vin de Provence Rosé, dry and smooth, with citrus notes that pair effortlessly with the octopus.
To finish, we savour the Lamb Pappardelle, a dish made for a cold winter’s night and romantic company. Al dente ribbons of pasta meet melt-in-the-mouth 12-hour slow-cooked lamb in a lightly creamy sauce, teasing warmth and earthiness from the herb-laced sauce with hints of chilli. Comforting, nourishing and elegant, this is a dish to linger over. We pair this with a delightful celebration of local wine, the 2016 Mandoon Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, a velvety red with delicate undertones of berries and plum, a light oak finish, and a robust presence that complements the richness of the pasta perfectly.
When I ask Ali to share what he hopes customers experiences will be, he reminisces about missing home; the connection to place and belonging that food and wine can offer, and a feeling he now shares with every guest.
In a sprawl of similar menus and wine lists, Little Wave offers something intentional and soulful. The name is both a nod to the Indian Ocean on the doorstep and an invitation to come say ‘hello’.
So next time you are down Scarborough way, pop in. Stay a little while, or a little longer and enjoy the food, the wine, the view, the warmth and the company.
By Danica Scott
