Julie

THE VERDICT

Julie is the latest addition to the historic Abbotsford Convent, from the crew behind the beloved Cam’s Kiosk. If you’ve been craving an elevated dinner party vibe, Julie has you sorted, with a menu that's all about fresh ingredients, set in the gorgeous Convent surroundings right by the Birrarung (aka the Yarra River). 

 

Julie has even got its own dedicated veggie patch right there at the Convent, staying true to the area’s history of self-sufficiency, and aligning with the restaurant’s ethos of seasonality. 

 

Touting itself as Cam’s Kiosk's stylish big sister, Julie’s is laid back, comforting, with an absolute air of unpretentiousness. The menu is ever-changing, based on the availability of their local produce, as well as whatever the chefs feel like cooking up that week in particular. 

 

The menu offerings range from herb-crusted flounder with roasted chilli butte, to grilled ox heart with borlotti beans and salsa verde, as well as octopus ragu, roasted free-range chicken, and seasonal vegetables with a mustard vinaigrette. 

 

Their wine list is just as seasonal as the food menu, with everything from local Aussie producers to international pickings. Their attitude toward wine is pretty simple - make it accessible to everyone, from those with a deep appreciation for it to a more casual drinker. 

 

Julie’s head chef is Julieanne Blum, who has been working as the head chef at Cam’s Kiosk for the past six years. The front-of-house will be led by Anna Clifford, also of Cam’s Kiosk, bolstering the female-led team behind the venue. 

 

Alongside the owner of Cam’s, Cam Miller, the team has forged Julie into a little haven of comfort. The place itself is very nonchalant, the lack of gaudy decor making it all the more cosy, like a restaurant you’d expect to find in regional Italy. Light timber, pale yellow tiles, and speckled orange floors all tie together for a calm, easy atmosphere. 

Image credit: supplied

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