Julie Restaurant

The food at Julie’s is exceptional, built on high-quality produce, much of it sourced from the restaurant’s own gardens or nearby growers. Each dish is thoughtfully composed, with restrained, well-balanced flavours that allow the natural character of the ingredients to shine, and presentation that is refined without being showy. Service is equally impressive: warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely attentive without ever being intrusive. The overall experience delivers all the hallmarks of fine dining, but without pretension or formality. Set within the beautiful surrounds of the Abbotsford Convent, Julie’s stands out as one of Melbourne’s true hidden gems—outstanding in every respect.

Julie Restaurant is an absolute gem tucked away in the Abbotsford Convent. Its setting exudes charm, with a cozy, boutique vibe that pairs beautifully with the historic atmosphere of the convent. The seats are incredibly comfortable, and the ambiance strikes the perfect balance between stylish and inviting—a wonderful spot for a relaxed meal. The service is casual and laid-back, so don’t expect fine dining-level attentiveness. While we did have to ask for a couple of things, it didn’t take away from the experience. The team is friendly, and the small size of the restaurant adds to its personal, boutique feel. The food was overall very good, with a few highlights and a couple of small misses. The seasonal chef’s menu was great, though we recommend adding extras to round out the meal. However, the chicken liver parfait left us wanting—it lacked a crunchy element or vessel to enjoy it properly. Without something like bread or crackers, eating it with just a fork felt incomplete. Another oddity was the $3 per person charge for adding two white anchovies to a dish. It felt unnecessary, especially at that price point—why not simply include them? While this was a minor frustration, it’s worth noting. That said, the dessert was an absolute standout—simply amazing. It truly ended the meal on a high note, leaving us with a sweet, lasting impression. Julie Restaurant is a lovely spot to visit if you’re looking for charming surroundings, good food, and a relaxed dining experience. Just a couple of tweaks to the menu and service, and it would be flawless.

had a great experience at julie. i visited for fathers day and did the set menu option. originally i was unsure if they could accommodate for vegans but i was pleasantly surprised by the alterations! the space itself is absolutely beautiful and the service was very attentive. the meals were delicious - everything was home grown and the flavours were beautiful. my favourite was the chocolate mousse with candied blood orange at the end. really grateful for a vegan dessert that isn't just fruit, and for a substantial meal overall. definitely will be returning!

hands down this is the best resturant experience ever. all the food was sensational - every course, even the bread stick! The service was impecciable - the staff very friendly and very attentive. the resurant vide and design really leant into it's surroundings, it's a very special experiene.

Such a beautiful restaurant! We loved it! Cool interior + patio if you want to sit out. Great range of cocktails & wines/beers that are tasty & local. Most of the produce is local / grown on the farm - can't get much better! Really cute spot for lunch with friends or a date :)

Had the most stunning time. Elevated but relaxed, food incredible, just perfect. The fact we couldn’t find the door added to the coolness! Thank you!

Went to Julie for lunch where the day’s menu featured cucumber gazpacho, octopus, farinata, capretto, risotto with a side of salad leaves & ricotta bomboloni for dessert. Also opted for the additional scallop/prawn raviolo to supplement the main course. All the dishes were packed with flavour. My favourite was the gazpacho, a seemingly simple cucumber soup with a hint of almond, but it was very elegant and refreshing. The giant single raviolo was generously filled & perfectly sauced. The capretto goat was incredibly tender, falling off the bone with ease. The only downside was a recurring acidic, lemony note across almost every dish. The octopus came with a lemony sauce, the farinata was served with a lemon wedge, the risotto was dressed with lemon sauce & the capretto included sour garden tomatoes, which added even more tang. It ended up making the overall flavour profile feel very repetitive. The ricotta bomboloni wasn’t particularly sweet either & it lacked filling, which made for a rather underwhelming dessert. Service was quick and friendly & the ambiance was cosy & charmingly rustic, in line with the Abbotsford Convent setting. However the furniture was just as ‘rustic’ - my table was wobbly & kept shifting, which was a bit distracting.

Outstanding venue, food was so fresh, seasonal and just plain good eating. I chose this place for the ethos of "eat local", and it really fit the bill. Came for the set menu and had the pairing - immaculate. Clearly well thought out, fit the food perfectly. Would strongly recommend for a nice meal out woth great drinks. End it with the Vesper. Its divine. Set menu + drinks for 2 people was below $400. Thats a pretty great price!