2 /5 Christopher Wu: Rubiras in Port Melbourne was a friend’s old man’s favourite, so we gave it a go since we enjoy seafood. In terms of the food, I found it a bit underwhelming. Some of the fried items, like the prawns, had a thick coating that masked the freshness and texture, creating more of a crispy coated prawn rather than highlighting the seafood itself.
The barramundi spring rolls were definitely a favourite among the entrees. They were unique, not fishy at all, and very fresh and tasty. The calamari was also solid, with a light, crispy batter that was not overdone and came with a nice seafood sauce. The salmon and snapper croquettes, however, were a bit too fishy for my taste. The salmon smell became more noticeable once cooked, but they were still alright. The Kilpatrick oysters were good, though the oysters themselves were small. The bacon and seasoning added nice flavor.
For the mains, most dishes were mediocre but did the job. The steak was cooked well, though the meat quality was lacking and a bit gristly. The John Dory was a large serving for $42, which was pleasing visually, but the texture was slightly mushy, making it hard to tell if it was fresh or frozen. The seafood linguine was average — not bad, but it did not have any standout flavors. Chips were like fish and chips store chips not in for me tbh but I guess it fit the vibe.
For me, what impressed most at Rubiras was the service. The staff were professional, attentive, and gave good recommendations. Overall, it was an Australian pub-style vibe focusing mainly on seafood. The food was a bit inconsistent, but the service made the experience worthwhile.
List 19 Budget-Friendly Restaurants Near You in Port Melbourne, VIC
