For Starters
We proudly acknowledge the Bunurong as the first people to love, live and dine on the lands on which Attica sits today.
We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Peoples were the first sovereign nations of Australia from time immemorial, and they never ceded this sovereignty.
For Starters
In any restaurant the guest journey begins long before arrival. The first interactive step is reservations, and behind the scenes we have a powerhouse, Shabana, our reservations manager.
Published 22.09.25
Shabana, our wonderful Reservations Manager
Shabana is the first point of contact when you reach out directly. When you receive a message about your booking, that isn’t AI, it’s really Shabana checking in to ensure your experience is the best it can be. We sit down with our reservations manager to ask her about the questions she most often faces.
How can I get a reservation?
There are many ways: through our website, the OpenTable app, or simply by calling. Many guests think reservations must be made months ahead or that it’s “impossible to get a table” – but that’s not true. Reservations open daily, up to 90 days in advance, yet often there’s flexibility for last-minute bookings. Dining midweek makes it easier to secure a table, and there is usually a little movement, which frees up spaces close to the date. Tuesday is my favourite. It’s our first night of the week, and guests often come for special occasions, which creates a warm and celebratory vibe in the room.
We welcome everyone from solo diners to large groups. If you can’t find what you’re looking for online, call or email us. We can sometimes adjust things or create a waitlist. Our priority is always to accommodate.
What can we expect in our dining experience?
An evening at Attica is immersive and it’s easy to lose track of time. We offer one multi-course tasting menu at $385 per person, which can last three hours or more. There’s no à la carte and no printed menu. Instead, the food focuses on native ingredients, honouring First Nations and Torres Strait Islander culture while using classic techniques.
There are no compulsory extras. Our beverage options meet a variety of tastes, moods and desires – everything from a full non-alcoholic match to half bottles, beers or cocktails. It all depends on the kind of night you want to have.
Staff briefing before each dinner sitting
Do you cater to dietary requests and am I being difficult by asking?
No problem at all! Our skilled kitchen team can adapt to individual dietary needs, so each guest enjoys a bespoke yet cohesive experience.
You’ll encounter flavours and produce you may not know, but they tell powerful cultural stories. We encourage guests to engage with the team – the more curiosity and engagement you show, the richer the experience becomes.
What’s the dress code?
Dress for the experience you want, and we’ll adapt. Whether you come casual or in celebration attire, it’s up to you. Sometimes guests expect a formal dining room and feel pressured to dress accordingly, but Attica is not about smoke and mirrors. It’s genuine, approachable and welcoming.
How do I get there? Is it far from the airport? Can I bring luggage?
Melbourne is a driving city, so an Uber is often the best option. Public transport is also reliable if you want to avoid traffic. We’re four stops from Flinders Street and a short 200-metre walk from Ripponlea Station.
If you’re coming straight from the airport, don’t worry – we can store your luggage safely.
What if I’m running late?
We don’t have phones ringing on the restaurant floor, so during service we will check in on you through the reservations system. We’ll message and call if needed. It’s always helpful if guests advise us in advance so we can adjust timings and ensure the full experience is preserved.
Your table at Attica is set
Should I let you know about celebrations?
Definitely. The more we know about your occasion and preferences, the better we can create authentic moments. We love surprising guests and tailoring the evening. I especially enjoy helping arrange proposals, then seeing couples return for anniversaries – building traditions over time.
We can’t accept outside food, but we love creating in-house surprises that align with the evening’s theme. For birthdays or anniversaries, we’ll prepare something special.
You can also pre-purchase drinks for arrival. It’s simple: we send a payment link, and the team handwrites a card for presentation. Small touches like this make celebrations memorable.
What happens if I cancel – will I lose my deposit?
We do require a non-refundable deposit, but we also recognise life is unpredictable. With more than 72 hours’ notice, we can reschedule for up to a year, or you can transfer the booking to a friend. Within 72 hours, you may still transfer to someone else and we’ll also reach out to waitlisted guests to try to help. If the table is rebooked, we’ll reschedule rather than keep the deposit.
We are an independently run family business and because our produce is fresh, cancellations without cover mean waste. Deposits ensure we can sustain quality while remaining fair.
What unusual requests have you had?
This is the most fun part. Guests sometimes leave quirky notes. Once a couple asked for a drawing of a dinosaur, so each member of the team drew one and drove to Officeworks to make a little book for them. Another time, it was a cat. Recently someone asked, “What would a fine dining pizza look like?” Our team love to get creative on how we can incorporate something interesting into the evening.
My favourite requests involve proposals. One guest hid a ring inside a Kinder Surprise, and our pastry chef presented it beautifully. When people involve us in their milestones, it makes the experience magical not just for them but for us too.
Roo Frites
