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The 16 Best Chinese Restaurants in Melbourne

Melbourne is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, and its Chinese community has had a significant influence on the city's culinary scene. From traditional dim sum to innovative fusion dishes, there are countless Chinese restaurants scattered throughout the city, each offering a unique dining experience.

Whether you're in the mood for comforting noodles, spicy Sichuan cuisine, or delicate seafood dishes, there is something for every palate in Melbourne's Chinese food scene. If you're looking for the best Chinese restaurants in the city, look no further. Below is a list of the top establishments to satisfy your cravings and give you a taste of authentic Chinese flavors.

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey through Melbourne's bustling Chinese food scene with the following list of the best restaurants in town.

How this guide is ordered

Our Melbourne editors chose these businesses from across the city and suburbs, looking for a reputation that has stood up over time, details we could confirm and genuinely good work in their field. Each list is reviewed through the year as places open, move and close.

Featured businesses may pay for a more visible position within the guide.

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#1
Flower Drum Restaurant Melbourne
4.51,213 reviews
#2
Shanghai Village
4.22,924 reviews
#3
New Shanghai Melbourne Central
4.6288 reviews

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Flower Drum Restaurant Melbourne#1
What stands out

  • Authentic and extensive menu

  • Impeccable service

  • Beautiful venue with delicious food

  • High-end traditional Cantonese dining experience

Flower Drum Restaurant Melbourne

4.51,213 reviews
17 Market Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Flower Drum Restaurant Melbourne is a renowned Chinese restaurant located in Melbourne, Australia. The restaurant offers a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and catering services. Customers can enjoy a range of delicious offerings such as seafood, vegetarian options, cocktails, and more.

The restaurant provides several service options including delivery, dine-in, and no-contact delivery for added convenience. Flower Drum maintains a high level of accessibility with wheelchair-accessible features. The atmosphere is described as romantic and upmarket, making it an ideal spot for special occasions.

Customer reviews rave about the authentic and tasty food served at Flower Drum. Some key points from the reviews include:

With a rating of 4.5 stars and over 1,200 reviews, Flower Drum Restaurant Melbourne continues to be a top choice for those looking for an exceptional Chinese dining experience in Melbourne.

Shanghai Village#2
What stands out

  • An absolute hidden gem in Melbourne’s China Town! The food, though not fancy, is stand out!

  • Worth trying. The food is very cheap, with big portions. The chilli oil is a must-try!

  • Great value food, including dumplings, BBQ pork buns, and more. Minimal fuss, satisfying experience.

  • Melbourne favourite with great food and quick service. Don't miss the pork dumplings with spicy chilli oil!

Shanghai Village

4.22,924 reviews
112 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Shanghai Village is a popular Chinese restaurant located in Melbourne, Australia. With a solid rating of 4.2 based on 2924 reviews, this place has become a go-to spot for both locals and tourists.

Customers have highlighted the delicious treats on the small menu, including the chicken and prawn steamed dumplings. The atmosphere may be casual, but the food speaks for itself. So next time you're in Melbourne, make sure to stop by Shanghai Village for an authentic Chinese culinary experience!

New Shanghai Melbourne Central#3
What stands out

  • Tasty Chinese food with not too oily pork ribs and flavorful noodles.

  • Authentic Shanghai vibes with must-try dishes like Peking stir-fry beef and salt & pepper squid.

  • Quick service, fresh and well-seasoned food, and ample seating space make for a great dining experience.

  • Impressive truffle menu with unique dim sums, truffle honey chicken, and flavorful truffle fried noodles.

New Shanghai Melbourne Central

4.6288 reviews
Cnr LaTrobe and, Melbourne Central, level 3 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

New Shanghai Melbourne Central Chinese restaurant offers a delightful experience with a range of service options including kerbside pickup, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. The venue is accessible with wheelchair-friendly amenities and a casual atmosphere that caters to families, groups, and the LGBTQ+ community. Customers praise the delicious and generously portioned food, along with the good vibes and nice interior. Here are some highlights from customer reviews:

Fortune Alley Swanston | 小巷#4
What stands out

  • Generous portions of food at a good price

  • Customizable bento boxes with a diverse selection of dishes

  • Fresh ingredients and high-quality food

Fortune Alley Swanston | 小巷

4.5468 reviews
319 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Fortune Alley Swanston | 小巷 is a Chinese takeaway restaurant located conveniently in Melbourne's CBD. They offer a wide range of services such as No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in. Customers can enjoy a casual dining atmosphere that is family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and transgender safe space.

The restaurant's menu features delicious and flavorful dishes that have received positive feedback from customers. Here are some key points from customer reviews:

Customers have praised their experience at Fortune Alley, highlighting the affordable prices, convenient location, and the variety of offerings available. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a hearty breakfast, or a satisfying supper, this restaurant is sure to impress both in taste and value. Visit Fortune Alley Swanston | 小巷 for a delightful Chinese dining experience.

Lee Ho Fook#5
What stands out

  • The food is next level and very high class

  • The dishes are well-presented and bursting with flavor

  • The service is friendly, but could be improved with more knowledgeable staff

  • The restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience with top-notch ingredients

Lee Ho Fook

4.5466 reviews
11-15 Duckboard Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Lee Ho Fook is a renowned Chinese restaurant located in Melbourne, Australia. The restaurant offers a variety of dining options, including lunch and dinner services, as well as desserts for those with a sweet tooth. Customers can enjoy a range of small plates, beer, cocktails, and wine to complement their meals.

The atmosphere at Lee Ho Fook is described as cosy, romantic, and upmarket, making it an ideal spot for various occasions. The restaurant also offers bar services and toilets for convenience. Reservations are recommended, and the restaurant accepts both credit and debit cards for payment.

Customer reviews rave about the high-quality food and friendly staff at Lee Ho Fook. Some key points mentioned in the reviews include:

Bamboo House#6
What stands out

  • Authentic and good Chinese food

  • Above-average portion sizes

  • Excellent service and accommodating staff

  • Impressive wine list and menu selections

Bamboo House

4.5448 reviews
47 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Bamboo House is a renowned Chinese restaurant located in Melbourne, Australia. The restaurant offers a variety of services including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. It prides itself on providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a night out with friends or a family dinner.

Customers have praised Bamboo House for its authentic Chinese cuisine and generous portion sizes. Some key points from customer reviews include:

With a stellar rating of 4.5 stars based on 448 reviews, Bamboo House continues to impress patrons with its delicious dishes and exceptional service. Whether you're craving savory dumplings or flavorful Peking duck, Bamboo House is sure to delight your taste buds.

China Red#7
What stands out

  • Quick service and reasonably priced food

  • Delicious xiao long bao and fried rice

  • Comfortable dining experience with a unique ordering system via touch screens

  • Fresh and delicious food with prompt service

China Red

4.21,075 reviews
206 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

China Red is a popular Chinese restaurant located in Melbourne, Australia. They offer a variety of services and features to cater to their customers, including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. The restaurant also provides a no-contact delivery service for added convenience.

Customers have left rave reviews about their experiences at China Red. Some key points from the reviews are:

With a rating of 4.2 and over 1000 reviews, China Red is a must-visit for those craving authentic Chinese cuisine in Melbourne. Visit their website to explore their menu and plan your next visit!

Chine On Paramount Chinese Restaurant#8
What stands out

  • Customers mention the Lemon Chicken as a standout dish, flavorful and filling.

  • The Mapo tofu is highlighted as outstanding by one customer.

  • Food variety and amazing service leave a positive impression overall.

Chine On Paramount Chinese Restaurant

4.2197 reviews
101 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Chine On Paramount Chinese Restaurant is a popular spot for Chinese cuisine in Melbourne. They offer various services like delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Customers appreciate the late-night food offerings, small plates, and a range of spirits and wine selections. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere that appeals to groups of diners. Additionally, they accept reservations for those who prefer to plan ahead.

Supper Inn#9
What stands out

  • Came here March 2024 - one of the better/more authentic Chinese restaurants in the CBD.

  • Food was really good with an authentic vibe and good value for money.

  • A secret gem with great value for money, especially for congee and roast duck.

  • Efficient service, comforting atmosphere, and worth stopping by late at night.

Supper Inn

3.9933 reviews
Level 1/15 Celestial Ave, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Supper Inn is a renowned Chinese restaurant located in Melbourne. The establishment offers varied service options such as delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers can enjoy a mix of offerings including alcohol, beer, late-night food, small plates, spirits, and wine. The dining options range from lunch to dinner and dessert. The atmosphere is described as casual and attracts groups of people looking for a great dining experience.

Empress of China#10
What stands out

  • Best value for money with great food and efficient service.

  • Tasty dishes with generous portions at reasonable prices.

  • Some customers found the food to be of mediocre quality and had issues with certain dishes.

  • Iconic venue with outstanding food, albeit indifferent service due to busyness.

Empress of China

3.81,207 reviews
120 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Empress of China is a renowned Chinese restaurant located in Melbourne, Australia. This establishment offers a variety of services such as Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in, making it convenient for all types of customers. The amenities include clean Toilets for the comfort of guests.

Customers have left over 1207 reviews with an average rating of 3.8 stars. Here are some key points from recent reviews:

If you are looking for delicious Chinese cuisine in a casual atmosphere, Empress of China is definitely worth a visit.

Red Emperor (Chinatown) Chinese Restaurant#11
What stands out

  • One customer raved about the delicious steamed fish with ginger and spring onions, fresh seafood, and experienced chefs.

  • Another reviewer appreciated the service and exceptional food quality that created a memorable dining experience.

  • A solo diner on Christmas Day was impressed by the delicious yum cha and warm hospitality even for single diners.

  • A regular visitor commended the classy atmosphere, excellent food like sweet and sour pork, and efficient staff.

Red Emperor (Chinatown) Chinese Restaurant

4.0330 reviews
131 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Red Emperor (Chinatown) Chinese Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience in the heart of Melbourne. With a rating of 4.0, this Chinese restaurant has received 330 reviews from satisfied customers.

The restaurant offers various service options like takeaway and dine-in, along with amenities like wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating. Customers can enjoy alcoholic beverages, spirits, and cocktails along with a full dining experience from breakfast to dessert. Overall, Red Emperor promises a memorable culinary journey for all its patrons.

The Crane Restaurant#12
What stands out

  • Customers have praised the delicious and well-cooked dishes, with highlights including San Choi boa and beef with vegetables.

  • Some reviewers noted that the service was good, and the restaurant provides a chill and pleasant dining experience.

  • Although there were a few instances of slow service and minor issues with the food, overall, most customers enjoyed their meals and recommend visiting The Crane Restaurant.

The Crane Restaurant

3.9484 reviews
212 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

The Crane Restaurant is a renowned Chinese restaurant located in Melbourne. They offer a variety of services including Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in options. Customers can enjoy a relaxed and casual atmosphere perfect for groups. The restaurant is known for serving delicious and authentic Chinese cuisine, with offerings such as Peking duck pancakes, beef with vegetables, and more.

If you are in Melbourne and craving some flavorful Chinese food, head to The Crane Restaurant for a satisfying dining experience.

Nam Loong#13
What stands out

  • Satay Chicken, Pork & Century Egg Congee were flavorful and well-prepared.

  • The Chinese Broccoli and Combination Meat and Veg on Crispy Noodles offer great value and taste.

  • Regular customers love the classic and affordable dishes that bring a sense of nostalgia.

  • Affordable, tasty food with a simple setting and friendly service.

Nam Loong

3.9470 reviews
223 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Nam Loong is a renowned Chinese restaurant located in Melbourne, Australia. They offer a variety of services including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options for their customers to enjoy. The restaurant provides late-night food and delicious small plates that are sure to satisfy cravings at any time of the day.

Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

Ling Nan Chinese Restaurant#14
What stands out

  • Standard Chinese restaurant offering typical Cantonese menu

  • Quick service with good-tasting food

  • Traditional Chinese dishes at reasonable prices, although some dishes can be hit or miss

  • Delicious food with attentive and friendly staff, recommended dishes include crabmeat fried rice and garlic Chinese broccoli

Ling Nan Chinese Restaurant

3.8630 reviews
207 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Ling Nan Chinese Restaurant offers a wide range of services to cater to different customer preferences. From Kerbside pickup to No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in options, customers can choose how they want to enjoy their meal. The restaurant provides a casual atmosphere suitable for groups and is child-friendly, making it a versatile dining spot.

Customer reviews highlight various aspects of the restaurant:

With a rating of 3.8, Ling Nan Chinese Restaurant provides a satisfying dining experience for those looking for classic Chinese cuisine in the heart of Melbourne.

China Bar Swanston#15
What stands out

  • Food standards have decreased over the years, and the service is getting worse. Customers found the dishes to be average and lacking flavor.

  • Another patron shared their positive experience, praising the great food, friendly staff, and recommending the duck and lemon chicken.

  • A satisfied customer mentioned the delicious food, short waiting times, and reasonable prices.

  • On the other hand, a customer expressed disappointment with the poor quality of the food and the inconsistency in service.

China Bar Swanston

3.51,797 reviews
257-259 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

China Bar Swanston is a popular Chinese restaurant located in Melbourne. The restaurant offers a variety of services such as Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in options. Customers can enjoy a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating, making it convenient for everyone. The restaurant serves Alcohol, including beer, and offers late-night food options along with small plates. With a casual atmosphere, it is a great spot for groups and families with kids.

China Chilli Melbourne Chinatown#16
What stands out

  • The service is really good, perfect for busy students looking to grab a quick takeaway.

  • Signature dishes like the spicy and sour fish are highly recommended, perfect for family gatherings.

  • The ambiance is top-notch with fantastic food options such as lamb ribs and spicy fish fillets.

  • Despite some mixed reviews, many customers have had excellent meals and commend the attentive staff and excellent service.

China Chilli Melbourne Chinatown

3.6323 reviews
206 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

China Chilli Melbourne Chinatown is a renowned Chinese restaurant situated in the heart of Melbourne. The establishment offers a variety of services including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Customers can enjoy a pleasant dining experience in a casual atmosphere that is family-friendly and LGBTQ+ friendly.

The restaurant prides itself on serving authentic Sichuan dishes that cater to both mild and numb-spicy preferences. Customers have left rave reviews, praising the attentive service and delicious food offerings. Some key points from customer reviews include:

With a solid rating of 3.6 and numerous positive reviews, China Chilli Melbourne Chinatown remains a popular choice for those seeking an authentic Chinese dining experience in Melbourne. Customers are drawn to the flavorful dishes, welcoming atmosphere, and top-notch service provided by the staff.

Summary

The comparison at a glance

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1Flower Drum Restaurant Melbourne 4.51,213
#2Shanghai Village 4.22,924
#3New Shanghai Melbourne Central 4.6288
#4Fortune Alley Swanston | 小巷 4.5468
#5Lee Ho Fook 4.5466
#6Bamboo House 4.5448
#7China Red 4.21,075
#8Chine On Paramount Chinese Restaurant 4.2197
#9Supper Inn 3.9933
#10Empress of China 3.81,207
#11Red Emperor (Chinatown) Chinese Restaurant 4.0330
#12The Crane Restaurant 3.9484
#13Nam Loong 3.9470
#14Ling Nan Chinese Restaurant 3.8630
#15China Bar Swanston 3.51,797
#16China Chilli Melbourne Chinatown 3.6323

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Map and areas

Map of Chinese Restaurants in Melbourne

Experience the vibrant and diverse Chinese community in Melbourne with our comprehensive map highlighting all the best restaurants, markets, temples, and cultural sites. From the bustling streets of Chinatown to hidden gems in the suburbs, this map will guide you through an unforgettable journey of authentic Chinese culture.

How to choose Chinese Restaurants in Melbourne

  1. Varied selection of traditional and modern Chinese dishes.
  2. Quality of ingredients and authenticity of flavors.
  3. Ambiance and décor of the restaurant.
  4. Price range and value for money.

Frequently asked questions

Best Chinese restaurants in Melbourne

Melbourne is home to a wide array of fantastic Chinese restaurants that cater to every taste and budget. Some of the top-rated options include Flower Drum, known for its exquisite Cantonese cuisine and elegant ambiance. Another fan favorite is David's Restaurant, which offers modern Shanghai-inspired dishes in a chic setting. For those craving Sichuan cuisine, Dainty Sichuan Noodle Express is a must-visit spot. For those in the mood for dumplings, HuTong Dumpling Bar is a popular choice, while ShanDong MaMa is known for its authentic Northern Chinese fare. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a fine dining experience, Melbourne has a Chinese restaurant to suit your needs.

Chinese cultural events in Melbourne

Melbourne's vibrant Chinese community regularly hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year that showcase the rich heritage of Chinese culture. From traditional dance performances to Chinese New Year celebrations, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of China. Keep an eye out for events like the Chinese Lantern Festival, which features stunning lantern displays and live entertainment. The annual Melbourne Dai Loong Dragon Parade is another highlight, where a massive dragon winds its way through the streets of the city. These events are not only a feast for the senses but also provide a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Chinese traditions and customs.

Shopping for Chinese goods in Melbourne

Whether you're in search of authentic Chinese ingredients for cooking or unique Chinese gifts and souvenirs, Melbourne has a range of shops and markets to cater to your needs. Visit Chinatown in the heart of the city for a wide selection of Asian groceries, teas, and spices. If you're looking for homeware and decor items with a Chinese flair, head to stores like Orientique or Chinatown Square. For one-of-a-kind traditional Chinese crafts and artwork, check out galleries like Gallery888 or the Chinese Museum Shop. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just looking for a special memento, Melbourne has something for every shopper interested in Chinese goods.

History of Chinese immigration in Melbourne

The history of Chinese immigration in Melbourne dates back to the mid-19th century when Chinese immigrants first arrived in search of gold during the Gold Rush era. Despite facing discrimination and challenges, Chinese immigrants played a significant role in shaping the city's culture and economy. Over the years, Melbourne's Chinese community has grown and thrived, contributing to the city's vibrant multicultural landscape. Today, Chinese Australians make up a significant portion of Melbourne's population, with a rich heritage that is celebrated through various cultural events, organizations, and businesses. The legacy of Chinese immigration continues to be an important part of Melbourne's history and identity.

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