Subscribe
Your Ultimate Guide to Eating Through the Best Chinatown Restaurants in Melbourne
Discover Melbourne’s best Chinatown eats, from dumplings to Sichuan spice and late-night noodles.
Melbourne’s Chinatown is a mesmerising fusion of past and present — a neon-lit tapestry of flavours, stories, and culture woven through laneways and arcades. Established during the gold rush and evolving ever since, this precinct is the beating heart of Asian cuisine in the city, where dumpling houses sit beside sleek izakayas, smoky barbecue joints give way to dessert bars pouring bubble tea and shaved ice.
From cult favourites and late-night institutions to daring newcomers rewriting the rulebook, these are the must-try Chinatown restaurants making Melbourne’s dining scene shine.
Flower Drum
Flower Drum needs no introduction. It is Melbourne’s pinnacle of Cantonese elegance, a stalwart since 1975. Tucked just off Little Bourke Street, it offers timeless sophistication without pretence. Under Executive Chef Anthony Lui’s deft hand, the menu marries classic Cantonese flavours with fresh Australian ingredients, from immaculate Peking duck to aromatic baked crab. The service is a masterclass in grace and attentiveness, making every meal feel like a celebration. For those craving flawless fine dining, Flower Drum remains the gold standard.
17 Market Lane, Melbourne
Supper Inn
Supper Inn pulses with late-night Chinatown magic, quietly serving old-school Cantonese classics since 1977. Silky roast duck, sticky sweet and sour pork, and XO sauce seafood hit every note with unapologetic flavour. The neon-lit laneway buzzes outside, but inside, it’s all about hearty, honest food that wraps you in warmth after a long night. Melbourne’s gritty, soulful supper spot — consistently delivering, never overpromising.
Level 1/15 Celestial Avenue, Melbourne
Red Chilli House
Red Chilli House isn’t for the faint of palate — it’s for those who crave the kind of heat that makes your soul vibrate. Encased in a classic Chinatown terrace, it dials up the drama with every bite of its jiang hu-style dishes: spicy yabby noodles, mala tofu, chilli-crusted rabbit. When only numbing peppercorns will do, this is where we book a table.
119 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Loving Our Guide to the Best Chinatown Restaurants in Melbourne? You’re Guaranteed to Enjoy…
Melbourne’s Top Japanese Restaurants for a Flavoursome Feed
Fire Up the Grill, This is the Best Korean BBQ in Melbourne
Crab 89
Crab 89 is the new seafood spot we’re clawing to get into nightly. It delivers an unapologetically indulgent experience in the heart of Melbourne’s Chinatown, where towering platters of king crab, freshly shucked oysters, and luscious lobster beg to be devoured. The sleek, buzzing interior pairs perfectly with bold, bountiful flavours — made for shellfish devotees who like their dinners messy, memorable, and wildly satisfying.
Level 1/139 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Stop Whining Seafood Wine Bar
Stop Whining Seafood Wine Bar is the oyster lover’s playground (say less). With 16 varieties of shucked-to-perfection oysters, paired brilliantly with a zingy native citrus mignonette, it’s pure briny bliss. But the menu doesn’t stop there — buttery lobster rolls, silky sashimi, and even bold sea urchin ice cream keep the adventurous returning. Casual, fresh, and unapologetically delicious, Stop Whining needs to be your next go-to for seafood that speaks straight to the soul.
161 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
HuTong
At HuTong, the air is thick with the hum of eager chatter and the steam rising from perfectly pleated xiao long bao — each one a burst of porky, soulful broth that hits like a punch to the senses. The chilli oil wontons slap you awake with their vinegary snap, while the mapo tofu seduces with a slow, smoky burn that lingers just long enough to make you crave more.
14-16 Market Lane, Melbourne
China Red
China Red pulses with vibrant energy in the heart of Melbourne’s Chinatown. This sleek spot delivers handcrafted dumplings that dance between delicate tradition and bold modernity, from silky Xiao Long Bao to fiery, saucy wontons. The smart touch-screen ordering keeps the pace brisk, while the warm glow of red lanterns and dark wood invites you to linger. A fun Chinatown restaurant where authenticity meets innovation, perfect for both quick bites and relaxed dinners.
206 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Secret Kitchen
Secret Kitchen in Melbourne’s Chinatown is a masterclass in Cantonese precision. Since 2007, it has quietly redefined yum cha with a menu that balances tradition and innovation. The dim sum is meticulously crafted — har gow with translucent skins, char siu bao that are both pillowy and caramelised. Beyond the trolley service, the à la carte offerings shine: roast meats that glisten under the light, and seafood dishes that sing with freshness. In a city brimming with options, Secret Kitchen remains a steadfast favourite, offering an elegant and unpretentious dining experience.
222 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Shandong Mama
ShanDong Mama is Chinatown’s low-key champion of authentic northern Chinese flavours. In its no-frills MidCity Arcade spot, handmade mackerel dumplings steal the show, alongside fiery stir-fried chicken and tangy, sweet and sour pork. It’s a comforting, honest, unpretentious and unapologetically good meal that keeps locals returning for the genuine taste of home in Melbourne’s bustling heart.
Mid City Centre, 7/200 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Fishpot
Fishpot is Melbourne Chinatown’s late-night sanctuary for hotpot lovers craving something beyond the ordinary. Here, a delicate fish broth made from fresh grouper delivers a whisper of ocean sweetness — a welcome contrast to the usual fiery Sichuan fare. The sleek, modern setup even lets you lower and lift your hotpot basket with a button, nailing perfect cook times every time. Think premium Japanese A5 wagyu, fresh lobster, and a bounty of seafood, all served with effortless style and serious flavour.
9/206 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Khao Soi
Khao Soi is Melbourne’s northern Thai love letter — a bowl of golden, spiced coconut curry broth that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia. This Chinatown gem serves up noodles with just the right bite, tender chicken, and a crispy shallot crown that sings with texture. It’s humble yet decadent, a quiet comfort amid city chaos. One slurp, and you’re hooked — this is soul food with a seductive edge.
107 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Seven Star Pocha
Seven Star Pocha lights up Melbourne’s Koreatown with a wild, unapologetic spirit and bold flavours that echo the city’s electric nights. Tucked away in Healeys Lane, this buzzing joint champions communal feasting — gooey cheese tteokbokki that pulls you in, crispy boneless fried chicken with the perfect crunch, and budaejjigae, a riotous army stew brimming with spam and sausage. It’s where mates gather loud and proud, sharing plates drenched in spice and stories. Raw, real, and utterly addictive, Seven Star Pocha is Chinatown Melbourne’s Korean heartbeat you can’t miss.
Shop H/535 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Muli Express
Muli Express is the sort of intimate oyster bar that feels like a secret handshake between Melbourne’s Chinatown and the coast. Run by the Tran family — seafood maestros with a serious pedigree — it’s all about six stellar oysters served with house-made sauces and fresh lemon. The vibe’s casual, almost cosy, but the flavours hit like a wave: clean, briny, unapologetically fresh. Whether you’re an oyster obsessive or a curious first-timer, this is your new go-to for shellfish salvation.
163 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Crystal Jade
Crystal Jade in Melbourne’s Chinatown is the kind of place that feels like a well-kept secret you’re happy to shout about. This stalwart dishes up dim sum with a quiet confidence — each dumpling a delicate, flavour-packed parcel that’s as comforting as it is precise. It’s a refuge from the city’s noise, where silk-smooth har gow and tender pork buns arrive like old friends, and the bustling, no-nonsense dining room hums with genuine appetite.
154 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Bamboo House
Bamboo House stands as a Melbourne Chinatown institution, commanding respect since 1984 with its masterful take on Northern Chinese and Cantonese cuisine. Revered for its impeccably roasted Peking duck and aromatic tea-smoked duck, this venerable eatery balances old-world technique with contemporary finesse. Each dish — from hand-crafted dumplings to richly layered mains — is a testament to authentic flavour and unwavering quality.
47 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Juicy Bao
Juicy Bao is a no-nonsense, flavour-packed heavyweight that’s become a staple in our regular rotation. Those xiao long bao? They’re little parcels of steamy, porky brilliance — delicate skins bursting with rich, savoury broth that demands your full attention. The pan-fried buns? Crispy, juicy, and downright addictive. A place where comfort meets craftsmanship, and every bite hits like a punch straight to the soul. Trust us — you’ll be back, again and again.
Shop 2/178-190 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Shanghai Street
If you want the real deal in Chinatown, Shanghai Street hits differently. Here, xiaolongbao explode with rich, steamy broth, and the pork belly practically melts off the bone — all served with that no-frills, straight-up flavour that keeps you coming back. Famous for addictive steamed dumplings and crispy, juicy pan-fried mini buns, their menu dazzles with Kung Pao chicken, cumin-spiced lamb ribs, and decadent fried seabass in sweet and sour sauce. Bold, authentic, and heart-packed, Shanghai Street is a lively, must-visit haven for true flavour lovers.
146/148 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Sichuan House
Hidden down Corrs Lane, Sichuan House is a blazing Chinatown legend that packs a punch with every fiery bite. This iconic hotspot serves up tongue-tingling, lip-smacking dishes like mapo tofu and kung pao chicken that dance with explosive spice and smoky depth. The vibe? Electric, buzzing with late-night energy and the chatter of devoted fans who know this is Melbourne’s ultimate spice sanctuary. If you crave bold heat and unstoppable flavour, Sichuan House is your next thrill.
22-26 Corrs Lane, Melbourne
Bornga
Step off Little Bourke Street and into the smoky, sizzling world of Bornga, where Korean BBQ is more than a meal. It’s a ritual. This stylish CBD haunt, an offshoot of the famed Seoul original, delivers luxe comfort with polished grills, impeccable service, and heady aromas of charred meats and umami-rich marinades. Come for the beef bulgogi, stay for the kimchi pancakes, and revel in the dance of fire, flavour, and finesse. Banchan flows freely, as it should.
Level 1/178 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Mr Ramen San
Hidden away in the Mid City arcade in Chinatown, Mr Ramen San is where true noodle devotion lives. With house-made noodles, a deeply flavoured Kyushu-style broth simmered for over 10 hours, and more than 30 ramen variations, it’s a place that speaks fluently in comfort. Favourites like the char-su pork and teriyaki ramen bring serious slurp satisfaction — plus, vegetarians get their own take too. Come hungry, stay longer, and don’t forget: extra noodles are on the house.
344 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Shark Fin Inn
A Chinatown institution since 1980, Shark Fin Inn is a must for classic Cantonese done right. This three-level restaurant is famed for its all-day yum cha—think plump har gow and crispy spring rolls served with theatre — and late-night banquets featuring live seafood from foyer tanks. Signature dishes like roast Peking duck and braised beef in black bean sauce keep locals returning. It’s a nostalgic, always-buzzing spot for family feasts, date nights or post-theatre indulgence.
50 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Whether you’re chasing the crunch of a perfect dumpling, craving bold regional flavours or discovering a new late-night go-to, Melbourne’s Chinatown always delivers. Come hungry, stay curious, and let your palate lead the way through this iconic culinary enclave. Looking for more culinary adventures? Dive into our guides to Melbourne’s most delicious French bistros and must-try Indian eateries, because one feast is never enough when the city tastes this good.
Subscribe
