Marmelo and Mr Mills Bring Iberian Flair to Melbourne
Melbourne’s Paris end of Russell Street has become home to two distinctive venues, Marmelo and Mr Mills, brought to life by Ross and Sunny Lusted. These ventures seamlessly blend the flavours of Portugal and Spain with Melbourne’s local produce, setting a new benchmark for innovative dining in the city.
Place mentioned
Marmelo
Marmelo features a 90-seat dining room that evokes the coastal charm of Iberia, alongside a private dining area for more intimate experiences. Below, Mr Mills offers a moody supper club atmosphere, where fine dining transitions effortlessly into sophisticated nightlife.
Culinary Influences and Innovation
Ross Lusted draws upon his South African heritage to craft a menu inspired by Portuguese traditions, enriched by the historic spice routes of Malacca and India. This global perspective is complemented by a commitment to Melbourne’s exceptional local ingredients, ensuring every dish feels both authentic and fresh.
Marmelo’s menu begins with small plates designed to showcase Iberian creativity. Silver-served anchovy fillets and inventive takes on pastel de nata—such as crab meat atop custard pastry or sheep’s cheese crisps with salted pork—set the stage for a memorable meal. The custom-built charcoal grill is central to the experience, delivering standout dishes like wood-grilled calamari with coriander seeds and goat’s milk butter, or clams bulhão pato paired with a glass of Vinho Verde.
Main courses include shareable options like suckling pig shoulder served with bitter leaves and oranges, whole John Dory paired with kale, and Carolino rice cooked to golden crispness in a wood oven. Desserts continue the Iberian homage with egg custards, crisp pastries, and quince infused with cinnamon, baked to perfection.
Mr Mills: A Nocturnal Destination
Mr Mills complements Marmelo with a distinct identity. This late-night venue presents an eclectic menu blending Iberian classics with local influences. Offerings range from padrón peppers and poached tuna petiscos to heartier fare such as quail escabeche, garlic prawns with burnt chilli, and baked cod with roasted onions and potatoes. The beverage program is equally thoughtful, highlighting Douro Valley reds, Vinho Verde, and inventive cocktails designed to pair perfectly with the menu.
Thoughtful Design
The aesthetic of Marmelo, designed by Mitchell & Eades, channels Lisbon’s warmth and character. Hand-painted tiles, earthy textures, and a striking central wine cellar create a vibrant yet refined atmosphere. In contrast, Mr Mills embraces a darker, more dramatic vibe with dim lighting, bold artwork, and a chartreuse staircase that commands attention.
Melbourne’s Paris end of Russell Street has become home to two distinctive venues, Marmelo and Mr Mills, brought to life by Ross and Sunny Lusted. These ventures seamlessly blend the flavours of Portugal and Spain with Melbourne’s local produce, setting a new benchmark for innovative dining in the city.
