2 weeks ago
13
For decades, Charcoal Grill on the Hill has drawn Melbourne diners to its leafy Kew location with its old-school charm and perfectly charred cuts of meat.
But behind the enduring success of the iconic restaurant lies another growing fascination among Melbourne's social set: the glamorous life of the steakhouse's owner, Linda Caminiti.
The well-heeled restaurateur has become one of the city's most intriguing social figures thanks to her lavish lifestyle, glamorous circle and mysterious private life.
Her family-run restaurant has been serving locals since 1988 and is widely regarded as a Melbourne institution, famed for its premium steaks cooked over the venue's proprietary broiler.
But while the restaurant built the family's reputation, Linda's increasingly high-profile social life has elevated her into a different stratosphere altogether.
Her Instagram reads like a luxury travel diary crossed with a society pages scrapbook, documenting endless lunches, Champagne-fuelled dinners and couture fashion moments across Melbourne and Sydney's most exclusive venues.
Steakhouse heiress Linda Caminiti (pictured), who owns Kew institution Charcoal Grill on the Hill, has long fascinated Melbourne's high society with her glamorous, jet-set lifestyle
Despite regularly sharing glimpses of her lavish life, Linda has managed to keep a major detail almost entirely under wraps: the identity of the father of her two daughters (both pictured)
From waterfront lunches at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar to glamorous evenings at Bennelong Restaurant, Linda appears equally at home among Sydney's eastern suburbs elite as she does in Melbourne's old-money circles.
She is also a regular at city hotspots including Maison Bâtard and Grill Americano, where she is often seen draped in designer labels while sipping vintage Champagne alongside her well-connected friends.
Among her high-profile pals is couturier Con Iliopoulos, the designer behind luxury fashion label Con Ilio, whose creations have become popular among society ladies and glamorous event regulars.
She is also close with Sesil Arzadian, the Creative Director of ANTON Jewellery, and prominent Melbourne philanthropist Helen Mantzis, who is well known within charity and society circles.
Despite regularly sharing glimpses of her lavish life online, Linda has managed to keep one major detail almost entirely under wraps: the identity of the father of her two glamorous daughters.
The women, both in their early 20s, frequently feature on her social media and appear to have inherited their mother's taste for designer fashion and fine dining.
Yet there is no public husband, no visible long-term partner and little explanation as to how the family amassed such extraordinary wealth beyond the success of the beloved steakhouse.
'She's managed to maintain this aura of mystery in a time where everybody overshares,' one well-connected source tells us.
There is no public husband, no visible long-term partner and little explanation as to how the family amassed such extraordinary wealth beyond the success of the beloved steakhouse
Among her high-profile pals is Melbourne couturier Con Iliopoulos, the designer behind luxury label Con Ilio, whose creations have become popular among society ladies
Those who have followed Linda for years say her glamorous image is a recent evolution
Linda is pictured in 2020 with her family at Charcoal Grill on the Hill
'That's what keeps people talking - people are fascinated.'
Meanwhile, those who have followed Linda for years say her glamorous image is a relatively recent evolution.
Older photos shared online show the restaurateur with a far more understated look, favouring conservative styling and largely staying out of the spotlight.
In recent years, however, she appears to have undergone a striking reinvention - embracing a far glossier image complete with figure-hugging designer gowns, pouty lips and plunging necklines.
'She's become much more confident and visibly glamorous over the past few years,' another source tells us.
'She clearly enjoys being photographed now.'
English (US) ·