A sensory journey through modern Middle Eastern cuisine, led by the ever-charismatic Shane Delia.

Maha: Melbourne’s Middle Eastern Masterpiece

Tucked beneath Bond Street in Melbourne’s CBD, Maha feels like a secret you’re meant to share. The descent into its low-lit dining room sets the tone — intimate, perfumed with spice, and humming with anticipation. What began as Shane Delia’s love letter to the flavours of his heritage has evolved into one of the city’s defining dining experiences. Maha balances grandeur and warmth like few can, wrapping bold food in an atmosphere that feels both indulgent and soulful.

It’s the kind of place where every detail — from the flicker of candles to the rhythm of the service — is tuned to elevate the moment without ever losing its humanity.

The Menu: Tradition Rewritten

Maha’s tasting menus are a study in contrast and cohesion. Pomegranate-glazed lamb shoulder, silky hummus crowned with spiced chickpeas, and slow-cooked duck basted in molasses all show reverence to the region’s roots while embracing modern technique. Dishes arrive in waves, each one building on the next — smoky, sweet, sharp, and rich in turn. There’s no hard boundary between fine dining and comfort here; it’s flavour-driven storytelling that pulls you deeper with each course.

Vegetarian and vegan options hold equal weight, proving that indulgence doesn’t need to be anchored in meat to be memorable.

The Experience: Elegant, Immersive, Enduring

Staff glide through the room with quiet confidence, serving dishes with context that never feels rehearsed. The drinks list is extensive, weaving Middle Eastern aromatics through cocktails and offering one of Melbourne’s most diverse wine programs. Every glass, every pour, complements the food’s sensual rhythm.

Maha isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a ritual. A blend of hospitality, artistry and emotion that captures the spirit of Melbourne dining at its most mature. One that lingers long after the final sip of arak and the soft echo of oud fade away.