A fine dining restaurant from chef Scott Pickett, perched high in the Ritz-Carlton with sweeping city views.

Atria: Dining Above the Clouds

Set on the 80th floor of the Ritz-Carlton, Atria feels suspended between Melbourne’s skyline and the stars. It’s the kind of restaurant that makes an entrance without needing to say much, defined by its height, polish and the quiet precision that comes from Scott Pickett’s hand. The room glows softly against floor-to-ceiling windows, giving diners a panorama that stretches from Port Phillip Bay to the Dandenongs. It is fine dining with altitude, grounded by an unmistakably Australian sensibility.

The name nods to a constellation, and the experience follows suit, blending celestial calm with the steady rhythm of a kitchen that knows exactly what it’s doing. This is not showy luxury but considered elegance, where every course is a small story told with balance and restraint.

Seasonal Stories from the Land and Sea

Pickett’s menu is a celebration of locality. Expect seafood that tastes of the coast, game that carries the scent of the forest and vegetables treated with the respect usually reserved for protein. King George whiting arrives clean and delicate, paired with native herbs that lift its sweetness. Dry-aged duck might come lacquered and deep with flavour, while Wagyu, sourced from Victorian farms, melts with quiet indulgence. The tasting menus move with the seasons, reflecting what the kitchen believes is at its best right now.

Every plate is finely tuned, elegant yet expressive, with textures that shift between crisp and silken. The sommelier team builds pairings that amplify the natural tones of the food, leaning on Australian winemakers alongside Old World classics. Cocktails play with botanicals, balancing restraint and craft rather than leaning into gimmick.

A Room That Redefines Fine Dining

The space is dramatic but never cold. Timber, glass and brushed metal create a palette that feels both modern and timeless. Service moves with quiet choreography, present but never overbearing. The music, lighting and pace are all deliberate, designed to keep attention where it belongs — on the view, the food and the company.

In a city crowded with great restaurants, Atria manages to feel singular. It captures the thrill of occasion while staying true to the simplicity that defines Australian hospitality. For Melbourne, it is both a statement and a reminder of what fine dining looks like when it stops trying to impress and simply aims to move you.