Marmelo at Melbourne Place slated to open November 14

There’s a lot more to Portuguese food than flame grilled chicken, but chef Ross Lusted couldn’t help himself and has created a special dish “for the Nando’s lovers” at his new city restaurant.

Sydney restaurant pros Ross and Sunny Lusted have worked out what Melburnians want in a restaurant.

“All Sydney restaurants are on the water, but Melbourne is a city of laneways... flanked by markets and beautiful suburbs with equally exciting food scenes,” chef Ross Lusted said.
“Plus people are happy to dine our later here, whereas in Sydney they dine early and are done with it,” Sunny added.

“This city has its own unique rhythm and pattern.”

The hospitality powerhouse couple has run restaurants and hotels for many years.

They’ve travelled the globe, lived in Croatia and visited the markets of Montenegro to gather fresh produce for their weekly shop.

Opening a Melbourne restaurant has always been high-up on the wish list, and on November 14, they’ll launch Marmelo and Mr Mills at the new Melbourne Place hotel on Russell St.

The cuisine is inspired by Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, or as Ross describes: “the drive to Barcelona, via the Algarve, into Lisbon”.

Ross is the mastermind behind the menu, with head chef Tom Johnson (Vue de monde, Meat Maiden) executing the kitchen play.

Cooking over flame and charcoal will be Marmelo’s game, with a focus on top-tier Aussie produce — Robbins Island wagyu, Port Lincoln seafood, Long Paddock Cheese — and one luxe imported ingredient.

“Australians love caviar, but after my last trip to Europe, the anchovy is so much more of a hero,” Ross said.

“We have found a company in Basque Country that’ll make anchovies in (clarified) butter, not oil. That’ll be a unique experience.”

And while he was reluctant to lean into the stereotype, Ross will use Aurum Poultry cockerel for a unique take Portuguese style chicken.

“When people think Portuguese, they think Nando’s, but there’s a bit more to it than that,” he said.

“To keep the Nando’s people happy, we will do a grilled cockerel over flame.”

Marmelo, Bar Marmelo (a 20-seater bar inside the restaurant) and basement bar Mr Mills all open on November 14. Reservations now open. marmelorestaurant.com.au