Henrietta Arrives in Melbourne: The Middle Eastern Eatery You’ve Been Waiting For

We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of Henrietta, our iconic Middle Eastern eatery, in Melbourne on July 7th. Located on the vibrant Chapel Street, this 80-seater restaurant marks a major milestone for us as ESCA Group’s first interstate venue. Henrietta Melbourne is ready to captivate food lovers with a fiery, yet refined twist on the Middle Eastern cuisine we’ve become known for.

Just like in Sydney, Henrietta Melbourne will feature our signature grain-fed charcoal chicken, crispy falafel, and aromatic garlic toum. But we’ve added a twist to cater to Melbourne’s sophisticated dining scene. The new menu pushes the boundaries with unique dishes like kingfish with baharat and rhubarb, Barramundi fillet with saffron marqa and caviar, and a spiced cauliflower dish that’s sure to become a crowd favourite.

“We knew the next step for ESCA was to expand to Melbourne and become part of their vibrant dining scene. It only made sense for Henrietta to be the first venue to do so,” says Ibrahim Moubadder, our Co-founder. “This new Henrietta leans more into the refined palates of Melbourne’s food scene, elevating what we’ve created in Sydney.”

Our drinks menu is just as carefully curated as the food. We’ve selected a refined selection of wines from Australia, the Middle East, and the Levantine coastline to complement the bold flavours of our dishes. The signature cocktail is a tribute to Arak, the Middle East’s flagship aniseed brandy, spritzed with Four Pillars Gin, cucumber, allspice, and pear—a refreshing, perfectly balanced blend.

The restaurant’s design, led by renowned Melbourne architects Russel and George, is a beautiful reflection of the cultural richness of Lebanese tradition. With deep blue hues and golden orange tones, the interior creates a warm, welcoming environment, drawing inspiration from both ancient and modern motifs. It’s the perfect complement to the bold flavours of Henrietta’s dishes.

Executive Chef Ollie Hughes explains, “Using charcoal and fire as a core component of every dish creates an explosion of flavours that can’t be replicated. From cauliflower to octopus to hummus, that smokey flavour makes it so memorable. It’s Middle Eastern done differently.”

Henrietta Melbourne isn’t just a new restaurant; it’s a fresh way to experience Middle Eastern cuisine with a contemporary Australian touch. We open our doors on July 7th, and we can’t wait for you to join us. Be sure to secure your spot (or simply walk in) for an unforgettable dining experience. For bookings and more information, visit www.henriettachicken.com (http://www.henriettachicken.com/)