The word “Shelly” means “Mine” in Hebrew, a fitting invitation to Melbourne’s Shelly Restaurant. From the moment you step inside, the goal is for you to feel a sense of ownership over the experience: the space, the food, and the carefully crafted journey of the evening as a whole. Every bite becomes a personal memory that’s part of a communal experience. Shelly is an immersive, 10-course dinner that’s part meal and part theater. You will leave feeling fully nourished in mind, body, and spirit. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of your visit to this truly one-of-a-kind restaurant.
What is Shelly Restaurant?
Shelly is a new restaurant that launched in November 2025. Its sister restaurant, Shelanous, predated it. Shelly is not your average dining experience. It’s a three-hour dinner and a show, and it’s incredibly interactive. All of the guests are seated at one long table, fostering a sense of connection and natural discussion. There’s a set menu paired with corresponding drinks. So you don’t have to decide a thing! Their team strives for a full sensory experience, crafting moments you can taste, see, hear, touch, and smell. And even better… It’s not pretentious! Playfulness and fun are at the core of what they do.
What Kind of Food Do They Serve at Shelly?
Shelly offers a blend of French and Israeli influences. It is fully kosher and halal-friendly. They can also accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free requirements. As we mentioned, drink pairings are included, and they do offer non-alcoholic pairings if those are preferred. As a sober girly, this element is huge for me! But what’s so special about Shelly is its 10-course menu. The menu changes seasonally, so each visit can feel like a brand new adventure. The official menu isn’t released online because the element of surprise is part of the experience. But you can expect unique flavor combinations, seafood-focused creations, and dairy-based dishes.
Dining Logistics
Hours
Dinner begins at 7 pm, except on Sundays when they begin seating people at 6:30 pm.
Cost
Shelly Restaurant Melbourne pricing begins at $295 per person. While steep, this is in line with many fine dining establishments. We’ve visited many interactive and immersive fine dining establishments, and this one is actually priced much lower! And the Shelly reviews are genuinely incredible. So many reviewers have commented on how FUN this dining experience is, and how distinct it feels from rigid and traditional fine dining.
Location
Shelly is located in Caulfield, Melbourne, Australia. Shelly has a Sense Bar and a 30-seat dining room. The ceiling looks like a starry night, which really helps to set the mood.
Age
This dining experience is recommended for people ages 13 and up. This is mainly due to the communal seating and wanting children to feel comfortable engaging with others at their table.
How to Book
Reservation slots are released 60 days in advance. And they fill up fast! You can actually set a reminder on Shelly’s website for when your booking slot becomes available. That way, you don’t miss out on this unique dining experience, especially if your time in Melbourne is limited. You can also host an event at Shelly, which we think would be such a hit for any birthday party or other celebration.
Shelly’s Sister Restaurant: Shelanous
While “Shelly” means “Mine,” “Shelanous” means “Ours.” We love that the branding remains the same. It’s a dining experience that is meant to be shared and enjoyed together, where you feel a part of something truly special. Shelanous is located in Port Melbourne and costs $295 per person, which is the same price as Shelly. Shelly was created in part to meet the demand they were receiving at Shelanous. Shelanous became so popular that people struggled to get in. It even became a celebrity hot spot, with people like Katy Perry visiting. Now with Shelly, they’re able to meet demand and create a whole new environment and experience for diners.
Shelly is so special because of the level of thought and care that goes into every dining experience. From the immaculate and extravagant table setting to the perfectly paired menu, a meal here will become the memory of a lifetime. Book your slot today.
If you love unique restaurants, check out our post on this underwater restaurant in Norway.
