TEN RECEIPTS LATER | What Melbourne Dining Taught Me

I’ve now documented ten restaurants for Juliet Ate Here. Ten places that, in one way or another, sit on the “must-go” list. When Sam and I looked back, we realised something curious: while each place felt different, they also all started to blur together.

The numbers: No set budget, but each dinner ended up around $200 for two, our unspoken entry fee. We always ordered what we wanted, no overthinking. One drink each, usually, since we’d often had a pre-dinner cheeky one elsewhere anyway. The similarities weren’t intentional, but they stacked up.

The experience: Each place was more than just good. We’d return to any in a heartbeat. Some were distinct (Etta for thoughtful food, Stefanino Panino e Vino for new energy), others comforting (Mario’s for easy rhythm), some for dates (Gerald’s Bar), others for groups or celebrations (Marmelo). Each delivered on its own terms.

And yet… when we asked ourselves, “Where do you actually want to go?” the answer was always the same favourites, the ones that feel like extension of our rhythm. The places you’ll visit on any occasion: breakfast with a notebook, a coffee catch-up, date night, or family dinner. Those spots stay at the top.

Then there’s Attica, in a category entirely its own. Incomparable. That dinner became our benchmark, not because others should measure up, but because if a place brushes up against that energy, it feels special. Etta did; so did Suze (not written about yet).

The lesson of ten receipts: Melbourne’s dining scene is strong. You’ll eat well almost anywhere. But the places that matter most aren’t just good, they fit you. They become part of your rhythm.

For the record, here are the ten so far:
Marmelo
Kirks Wine Bar
Manze
Le Splendide
Gerald’s Bar
Etta
Mario’s
Stefanino Panino e Vino
Bar Liberty
Cam’s Kiosk

Final Thought: Maybe the real lesson in these ten receipts is this: the restaurants that matter aren’t necessarily the loudest or most talked about. They’re the ones that resonate, the ones that feel like home in rhythm, tone, and intention.