Top Best Chinese Restaurants in Victoria

"Named after a traditional Chinese dance, Flower Drum was established by Gilbert Lau, who wanted to create a fine-dining experience where Australians could taste true Cantonese cuisine. Originally opened on Little Bourke Street in 1975, Flower Drum now sits on Market Lane and features a sprawling dining room as well as private rooms ideal for functions. The highly distinguished restaurant is now led by Executive Chef Anthony Lui, who skillfully executes the 13-page menu, ensuring that every guest leaves with their palate abuzz."

"The retro-glam decor recalls Flower Drum Restaurant’s pinnacle when expense-account lunches were OTT and posh restaurants were few in Melbourne. Yet this Cantonese restaurant is still among the city’s finest, scoring two hats in the 2020 Good Food Guide. From Peking duck to roast suckling pig, delicate flavours and seasonal produce combine to create a decadent menu that will not disappoint."

"With its perfectly unreconstructed décor and a cohort of staff as polished as the lustrous timber-work, the Drum could be mistaken for something frozen in time. But don’t be fooled. You can set your watch by the quality of its Cantonese classics – superb crisp-skinned chicken, Peking duck served with care and outstanding crab."

"The faithful travel from the edges of the empire to gather under this ambient sanctuary dedicated to the worship of flavour. From the mind of iconic restauranteur Neil Perry, Spice Temple draws culinary inspiration from the lesser known regional provinces of China and serves them to you one delicate morsel at a time. Proposing more distinguished take on the Yum Cha experience, you’ll find no trolleys here – dishes are ordered a la carte and service is world-class."

"Neil Perry’s dark and seductive den of Cantonese cooking still has plenty of fire in the belly, five years after it first opened. Spice is the M-O here, with chilli spiking seafood and meat in dishes from China’s many and varied regions. Fiery plates are helpfully marked on the menu in red, but there’s still much on offer for more temperate tastes."

"While neither of HuTong’s Melbourne locations are Yum Cha in the strict sense of the word, that concern will evaporate when a basket of Xiao-Long-Bao slides under your nose. No matter how you ingest these translucent parcels of heaven, keep in mind that these morsels (as well as other HuTong signatures; pan-fried pork dumplings, chilli wonton) deserve a sizeable chunk of credit for sparking Melbourne’s dumpling fever. Sure, many other joints dishing out Yum Cha in Melbourne do these dishes and do them well, but HuTong sure sets the bar high."

"These slippery bundles of pork swaddled in pale-yellow wrappers, made fiery with chilli oil, are entirely worth the collateral damage they can inflict on your shirtfront. HuTong’s work in this department knows few rivals in Melbourne. If you prefer things a little easier to convey from bowl to mouth, the northern-style spinach dumplings and the airy crystal dumplings packed with prawn meat are more than worthy."

"Pull on your loosest pair of pants and prepare yourself for a ridiculous amount of dumplings. Order up a round of soup dumplings, and if you still want more, follow them with some steamed, gelatinous pork belly."

"The Crown’s resident luxe Chinese restaurant Silks offers some of the best Yum Cha in Melbourne every lunchtime on weekdays. This isn’t your standard eat as much as you can handle feeding frenzy type affair, Silks offers a dignified take on the Yum Cha experience. $50 will get you a choice of three premium dishes – the delicate lobster, ginger & green onion dumpling is a crowd pleaser – plus noodles or congee and a drink."

"Experience the art of Chinese cuisine at renowned Melbourne restaurant Silks, as our expert chefs take you on a journey of discovery based on excellent food, impeccable service, and an elegant atmosphere."

"Every weekend some of the best Yum Cha in Melbourne flows under the paper lamps and whitewashed walls of David’s. You can forget the anxious wait for the starters to arrive – the baskets flow fresh from the kitchen to table as soon as your butt hits the stool. One of the rare all you can eat affairs, each dish is a tribute to generations of fresh, simple cuisine dreamt up in the riverside homes of rural Shanghai and presented to you, basket by steaming basket, until all you can muster is a smile and a feeble ‘please, no more’."

"You would never guess that this light-filled, blonde timber restaurant is 20 years young. Run by David Zhou, this Melbourne institution is famous for its rural Shanghainese cuisine, with many of the dishes passed down from his great grandmothers. Head in for fare you won’t find anywhere else, from softshell river prawns to Shanghai belt noodles slathered in black vinegar."

"Follow the red neon sign that shines like a beacon beckoning the hungry down this very Melbourne laneway landscape. The signature Xinjiang-style lamb shoulder is a feature dish for good reason – chilli-spiked fatty rich meat that’s eaten with sumac-spiced fried Ughgur bread is outrageously good. This is no cheap and cheerful canteen (especially once you factor in booze) but chef Victor Liong’s unapologetic cooking prods the boundaries of tradition for memorable Chinese food not as you know it."

"Head to the city where head chef Victor Liong is creating some truly modern cuisine that is sure to impress. Unbridled enthusiasm from the kitchen sees traditional dishes updated, like the Lee Ho Fook spring onion 'Chinizza': a fried pizza done shallot pancake-style, with buffalo mozzerella."

"A staple among restaurants dishing out the best Yum Cha in Melbourne, the Shark Fin Inn near the Parliament House has been serving Cantonese fare of the highest calibre since the 80’s. Its long-running position as neighbourhood favourite has held up against stiff competition over the years for a good reason; their tucker is top-notch. Hell, the deep red façade, octagonal windows and enthralling fluorescent sign over the front door should be indication enough that you’re in for the real deal."

"Oriental Teahouse takes the Yum Cha experience and boils it down, if you will, to its essence; small, delicious parcels of food paired with a pot of well-brewed Chinese tea. Since its inception in 1993, Oriental Teahouse has spread to two distinct locations each with a slightly different approach; yet both remain the quintessential destination for Yum Cha in Melbourne. You’ll find all the classic flavours you’ve come to love in the perfect dumpling – but these guys aren’t afraid to mix it up."

"Melbourne foodies head to David’s Hot Pot on La Trobe Street in the heart of the city for authentic Sichuan fare using traditional ingredients and premium Australian beef."

"Albert Park, a suburb located right in the south-central of Melbourne, is home to a lovely little beach featuring a sandy, narrow stretch of coastline with safe, sheltered waters that makes it a great choice of beach destination in Melbourne with kids, especially due to how easy it is to reach from most major accommodation spots in the city. Accessible via public transport within around 20 minutes from the Melbourne CBD and situated next to the tram terminal on Victoria Ave, Albert Park Beach eases gently into the shallow and calm waters of Port Phillip Bay, making for ideal swim conditions for kids. The beach is a popular location for all beach-going purposes; not only swimming but sunbathing, windsurfing, kite boarding and walks along the road pier are all viable options to pass the time on the beach, while there are also many walking and bicycle paths that are popular with those rollerblading or simply going for a stroll."

"ToorakThe gist: Imagine sexy French waiters in white waistcoats, that passionately open Chenin Blanc while rolling their eyes at you as if you ask for anything but medium-rare. Their wine list is a bound folder, and their menu is A3 and laminated, but underneath the novelty of it all is just good old-fashioned French comfort food, cooked to perfection with many dollops of butter. The food: French bistro comfort food.The cost: You can spend as little or as much as you’d like to at France-Soir."

"When it comes to searching for a juicy Melbourne steak, France Soir should be one of the first names that spring to mind. This South Yarra favourite is the burly elder statesman for Melbourne’s meat lovers – dependable, powerful, and truly a master of the game. There’s plenty to chew on at this eternally busy French institution, from the $22 snails served swimming in garlic butter, to the $26 calamari with chorizo and jalapenos."

"Ten ingredients, ten dishes, ten flavours…an ultimate gastronomic experience. Join us on Wednesday, July 14 for our 10 Taste menu for just $150 pp, wine match $99 pp; click on more info to see menu, c..."

"Middle South East brings the essence of depth, honesty and culture to the heart of South Yarra. There’s a sense of passion, tradition and energy captured in this space. Experience true hospitality through their Middle-Eastern inspired food and drink, and stay long enough to celebrate – because what is theirs is surely yours to enjoy."