It’s Big, It’s Loud, It’s Kosher & It’s Absolutely Bananas, Shelly Is A Feast For The Senses

From jaunts under the sea to sensory deprivation and Village People-themed discos, this concept-dinner-show-bar-chaos with a two-month waitlist is the most fun you’ll have at the table all year.

Shelly, the Kosher sister to Shelanous—Katy Perry’s (maybe) fave restaurant in Melbourne, where she booked out the whole place to celebrate—has opened on Glen Huntly Road, Caulfield.

Shelly is so choc-full of kitsch, wonder and fun, it’s hard to accurately describe what you’re in for—but what I can say is, it’s the precisely correct amount of nonsense. Any less and it would seem lazy, any more and it would seem forced.

Chef Rony Parienty has done something incredible in striking this balance, between Vivaldi-accompanied grand entrances and Nemo cosplays, to lighting the table on fire and eating directly from it, there’s never a dull moment. 

The dishes as well are just the right amount of pizazz. The menu at Shelly is, understanding dietary restraints, fish heavy and obscure; a kiwi sauce here, a pop of savoury and sweetness there, surprising the palate. Each course in both idea and taste leaves you wanting more, and when your plate is clean and clear you are actively wondering what’s next. 

The menu changes constantly, so it’s hard to give an indication upon which you might be supping, but constant (or thereabouts) is their fake oyster, some cleverly cut and seasoned sashimi designed to replicate the real thing for the Kosher crowd. Likewise, the wine is a series of clever blends from Israel and is more than palatable, much to the delight of diners. 

You will be interacting with your neighbour, forced to share various implements on the table that descends from the ceiling while exchanging “oohs” and “aahs”. If you’re in the mood to party there’s an intermission where you can disco, have a layback (that’s a shot of liquor straight from the bottle for the uninitiated) or anything else your heart desires. It's a party, and plan accordingly.

“The demand for Shelanous since opening has been overwhelming,” Parienty says, “We’re constantly booked out two months in advance, and we love seeing people enjoy the experience we deliver alongside the great food and drinks.

“But, with a waiting list this long, we knew it was time to open another location.” 

And at the heart of all it is some rich hospitality and care for patrons. I’m paraphrasing here, but as Parienty says, going out to dinner is supposed to make you happy. And I can safely say, a night at Shelly certainly made me happy. 

This is the *perfect* spot for celebrations and a bit of razzle dazzle, and if you have some Kosher mates, pop this one on your list. Shelly is now open at 809 Glen Huntly Road, Caulfield. Book well in advance, there are a couple of weeks at this new iteration, and at least two months at Shelanous in Port Melbourne. 

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