By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Step through the unassuming door on Glen Huntly Road in Caulfield and you might feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret world - this is no ordinary hidden gem. Shelly, the new sister of Melbourne’s buzzy Shelanous, has landed and it’s here to turn dining into a full-blown theatrical experience. Think fine dining, but with a wink, a nudge and a few surprises up its sleeve.
Shelly takes guests on a three-hour journey through the four seasons and it’s nothing like your usual tasting menu. Chef Rony Parienty has designed a 10-course degustation that’s equal parts European finesse and Israeli vibrancy, with each dish paired with matching drinks that elevate the story unfolding on your plate.
From the moment you arrive, the senses are engaged. There’s the playful crunch of popcorn at the bar, the scent of herbs and citrus in the air and soft amber lighting that beckons you to linger.
The dining room itself is a feast for the eyes. Deep blues, forest greens and gold accents create a luxurious yet inviting space. The textures of wood, brushed metal and soft fabrics make it tactile, almost like you can reach out and feel the season you’re tasting.
Music and lighting shift subtly throughout the night, echoing the rhythm of the menu and heightening the sense that every bite is part of a story. It’s high energy, open and social - a far cry from the dark and moody immersive dinners you may have encountered.
At the heart of the experience is the food and Shelly delivers. Rony’s 10-course menu is largely new, with a few nods to Shelanous favourites, but reimagined for a lighter, brighter energy. Fish and dairy-based dishes dominate, showcasing precision, creativity and a playful spirit.
Each course has its own personality, from delicate seafood bites to inventive dairy creations, designed to surprise and delight without ever feeling stuffy. Small, clever touches make the experience feel personal - a garnish that evokes a season, a flavour that sparks memory or curiosity, a dish that’s almost too beautiful to eat. Almost.
Drinks are equally considered. Each course has a pairing designed to complement and contrast, from nuanced wines to inventive non-alcoholic options that mirror the menu’s vibrancy. The focus is on enhancing the journey, not overpowering it. It’s fine dining with a sense of fun, where the joy of the experience is as important as the food itself.
Shelly is also about connection. The 30-seat communal table encourages conversation, laughter and shared discovery. Guests become part of the performance, immersed in a space that’s alive with music cues, spontaneous moments and a sense of theatre that never feels forced. By the end of the evening, it’s clear that this is more than dinner - it’s a fully choreographed sensory adventure.
At $295 per head until the end of 2025, rising to $340 from January, the experience is an investment in memory-making as much as indulgence. With Shelly fully kosher certified and halal friendly, it’s an inclusive celebration of culinary imagination. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, catching up with friends, or simply craving a dinner that doubles as a show, Shelly promises an evening that will linger in your mind long after the last course is cleared.
Step into Shelly and surrender to the spectacle. It’s a playful, indulgent and surprisingly intimate feast for all the senses - in Melbourne’s South East, that feels like a moment worth savouring.
