Melbourne’s vibrant dining scene has welcomed an extraordinary new addition with the opening of Shelly, a fully immersive fine dining experience tucked behind an unassuming entrance on Glen Huntly Road in Caulfield.
Sister restaurant to the wildly popular Shelanous in Port Melbourne—famous for its two-month waitlist and celebrity diners like Katy Perry—Shelly takes the concept of multi-sensory dining to dazzling new heights.
A Journey Through the Seasons
At Shelly, dinner is more than a meal—it’s a theatrical journey through the four seasons, blending exquisite cuisine with cutting-edge technology and immersive storytelling. Guests are treated to a 10-course degustation menu, each dish paired with a matching beverage, where every course tells a story and every moment is designed to captivate the senses.
Chef and co-owner Rony Parienty, the creative force behind Shelly, has meticulously crafted every element of the experience. From the food and drinks to the interior design, lighting, music, and even theatrical moments, Shelly is a reflection of his vision for a dining experience that is as joyful and playful as it is refined.
“The response to our Shelanous dining experience has been overwhelming,” says Rony. “We wanted to create something that builds on that magic but brings a whole new personality to the table. Shelly is bigger, brighter, and, if possible, even more high energy.”
A Feast for All Five Senses
The interior of Shelly is a visual masterpiece, with deep blues, forest greens, gold accents, and soft amber lighting creating a luxurious yet inviting atmosphere. Rich textures of natural wood, brushed metal, and soft fabrics add warmth and tactility, while the lighting evolves throughout the evening to mirror the rhythm of the menu and music.
From the moment guests arrive, the experience is designed to surprise and delight. The evening begins in the bar with a playful “popcorn moment,” setting the tone for a night that’s as fun as it is sophisticated. As guests move to the dining room’s convivial table, they are drawn into a world of high-energy, social, and multi-sensory dining.
“Unlike some immersive dining experiences that feel dark and moody, Shelly is vibrant, welcoming, and full of surprises,” Rony explains. “We want our guests to leave feeling they’ve had one of the best dinners ever, both in taste and experience.”
A Menu of Creativity and Finesse
Chef Rony’s 10-course menu is a showcase of creativity, featuring fish and dairy-based dishes that reflect Shelly’s lighter, livelier energy. While a few favourites from Shelanous make an appearance, the menu is largely brand new, designed to surprise and delight even the most seasoned foodies.
Every detail of the dining experience is choreographed to engage the senses, with music cues, subtle lighting shifts, and spontaneous moments of performance creating an atmosphere that’s part fine dining, part immersive theatre. Guests can expect laughter, connection, and even a few unexpected surprises along the way.
The Details
- Location: Shelly, 809 Glen Huntly Rd, Caulfield VIC 3162
- Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 7pm–10pm
- Price: $295 per guest until the end of 2025, increasing to $340 per guest from 1 January 2026
- Bookings and Info: www.shelanous.com.au/what-is-shelly
A New Era of Dining in Melbourne
Shelly is more than just a restaurant—it’s a celebration of food, art, and connection. With its bold vision, stunning design, and unforgettable dining experience, Shelly is set to become a must-visit destination for Melbourne food lovers and a shining star in the city’s culinary landscape. Whether you’re a fan of Shelanous or new to the concept of multi-sensory dining, Shelly promises an evening of joy, creativity, and unforgettable flavours.