Flame-grilled Middle Eastern soul food with an edge.

Henrietta: Charcoal Chicken, Elevated

Henrietta isn’t your average chicken shop. Imported from Sydney’s dining scene and reimagined for Melbourne, it delivers the kind of Middle Eastern flavours that grab you by the senses. The smell of smoke hits first — garlic, sumac, and charcoal in the air — followed by the sight of glistening birds turning slowly over flame. The energy is fast, fun and unapologetically confident, much like the food itself.

It’s the sort of place that makes you crave everything at once — the dip, the bread, the meat, the crunch, the burn.

The Food: Street Classics, Refined

Charcoal chicken is the star, marinated in lemon, paprika and garlic, then cooked until the skin crackles and the meat falls apart. The hummus comes thick and creamy, topped with fried chickpeas and good olive oil. Shawarma-spiced lamb shoulder melts into buttery flatbread, and the za’atar fries are dangerously addictive. Everything feels familiar, yet the execution is precise, designed for sharing but impossible not to hoard.

The drinks list leans light and fresh — Lebanese arak, crisp whites, and punchy cocktails that complement the spice and smoke perfectly.

The Vibe: Heat and Heart

The fit-out is sleek but relaxed, blending polished concrete with warm wood and flickering firelight. It’s equal parts casual diner and date-night spot, always alive with chatter, clinking glasses and the hiss of the grill. Service moves fast but stays warm, keeping the vibe effortlessly hospitable — that signature Middle Eastern welcome.

Henrietta proves that charcoal chicken can be a cultural statement, not just a takeaway staple. It’s smoky, soulful and deeply satisfying — the kind of meal you think about long after you’ve left.