Classic Restaurants to Dine with Your Friends

by OpenTable Team

Updated August 07, 2023

Hungry for a dining experience that's tailor-made for you? We’ve got you covered. Here are our top restaurant picks for your next outing. Bon appétit!

Credit: Zushi

Mesa Verde

4.7

4.7 (380)

$41 to $100

Mexican

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

Finding harmony between authenticity and originality is something that first ignited the flame at Mesa Verde back in 2013 and continues to feed it today. While it’s fairly evident that an affinity for Mexican food and agave spirits is at the helm of what we do, our city’s rank on the culinary frontier has brought with it a particular nose for experimentation.

So, since we’re very literally in the heart of Melbourne up here on the sixth floor of Curtin House, high above the city’s jugular Swanston Street, we feel it’s our responsibility to highlight what Mexican dining (and drinking) looks like in the eyes of the modern Melburnian.

$10 Margaritas 4pm - 6pm daily.

Top review

sergio

Dined 3 days ago

Love it! Sat at raw bar with exellent service from our chef. They even made off menu cocktails for us. Gianni was very attentive as well. Highly recommend this place

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Father’s Office Downtown Flinders Lane

4.4

4.4 (131)

$40 and under

American

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

BAR | RESTAURANT | CLUB DOWNTOWN
Father’s Office Downtown is our 2nd location from our Father’s Office
concept. Our original location on Little Lonsdale St.

Father’s Office is based on prohibition Americana in the 1920’s,
when the consumption of alcohol was disallowed. Speakeasies became
the place to be and underground bootleg liquor (and the debauchery that
follows) thrived.

Expect a sprawling 350-person late night venue serving Father’s Office
all-Americana cuisine that has been loved by so many.

Head downstairs to party the night away where you can mingle late into
the night with a cocktail in hand. With a 7am Liquor License, you can
party your weekends away!

Top review

James

Dined 3 days ago

Express Lunch menus were great value. Staff were friendly and engaging.

Crossley St Cantina

4.6

4.6 (439)

$41 to $100

Spanish

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

Crossley St Cantina is a late night laneway tapas restaurant and cocktail bar located at the top end of town. Grab an intimate booth, dine at the low serving bar top or get secluded with a large group of friends in the private dining room and feast upon modern Spanish cuisine for lunch and dinner, all while sipping on great wines, cocktails, gins, and fortifieds.

Open for Dinner Tues-Sun from 5pm til late
Open for Lunch Fri - Sun 12pm - 5pm (including Bottomless Brunch)

Top review

Amanda

Dined on Dec 10, 2024

Every time we come here we have amazing food, attentive service, and relaxed ambience. It is my go to place for hosting out-of-towners and for a special night out. WE LOVE THIS PLACE!!

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Experience

'THE CLASSICS' Feed Me Menu

Experience

Late night booking

Experience

'THE CHEF'S BANQUET' Feed Me Menu

Hwaro Korean BBQ Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (418)

$41 to $100

Korean

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

Melbourne Hwaro Korean BBQ is a place where one can fully enjoy that authentic Korean taste. Located in the CBD the restaurant is always full, even on the weekdays, as the smell of the BBQ floats down from the terrance stopping people in their tracks.

Just like mother used to make
Taste is something Hwaro is particular about. Taste is what owner and chef Eunsook Kim is mostly concerned with. Her dignified and somber character, reminds many people of their own mothers.

Kim herself is essential to Hwaro. The preparations for all the meat and sauce available at Hwaro are handled by Kim alone. This includes supervision of the slicing of the Karubi (boneless short ribs), and preparation of the 23 different ingredients* needed for the hot pepper Sangyu Pusaru seasoning. Nearly all of the seasonings lined up on the tables are Kim's own creations.

Top review

Susan

Dined on Dec 10, 2024

Highly recommend this restaurant …5 stars. It was nice that the waiters helped with the cooking over the coals.

Father’s Office QV Little Lonsdale

4.1

4.1 (785)

$40 and under

American

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

If you’re looking for a place in the heart of the Melbourne CBD that promises atmosphere, exceptional value and one the best and liveliest bar restaurants, look no further than Father’s Office.Father's Office transports you to 1920's America during the prohibition era. The Speakeasy theme is featured throughout the entire venue with vintage pieces adorning the walls. The drinks list is focused on period items, including signature cocktails, a wide range of whisky and rum, as well as craft beers from local micro-brewers.

Join us for happy hour Tuesday - Sunday 4pm - 8pm.

Top review

Jill

Dined 4 days ago

The $25 Lunch deal is excellent value. The staff are courteous and helpful. Had a wonderful lunch..

The European

4.7

4.7 (1283)

$41 to $100

European

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, The European offers a welcoming ambience with warm, generous and knowledgeable hospitality - a beacon of Melbourne dining at its finest. Located on Spring Street near the Princess Theatre, we offer classic bistro fare with substance and character to perfectly complement our extensive collection of wines, old and new world, available to enjoy with your meal.

We also welcome you on a walk-in basis next door at The City Wine Shop any day of the week, where you may simply pop in for a seat at the bar or grab a spot outside overlooking Parliament House.

We take the best seasonal produce available, cooking simple, classic foods. Nose-to-tail offal dishes are centred within our menu, utilising every part of the animal products in our kitchen. Drawing on our own in-house butcher and farmhouse cheeses matured by our friends at Spring Street Cheese Cellar, there is always something new to try on the menu at The European and City Wine Shop.

Top review

ElizabethVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Have loved this place for years. Consistently excellent food and wine and exemplary service

Kokoroya Japanese Sushi Dining

4.8

4.8 (640)

$40 and under

Japanese

Maroubra

About the restaurant

Welcome to Kokoroya We serve a variety of authentic Japanese food made with fresh ingredients that everyone can love! Being fully licensed, we also offer a selection of Japanese beer, sake, wine and cocktails, as child-size soft drinks.

Top review

Mon

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

Fantastic experience, as usual. The food is always so incredibly fresh, flavoursome, and beautifully presented. Thank you Kokoroya for making our evening so delightful!

Bluestone American BBQ

4.8

4.8 (741)

$41 to $100

Barbecue

Coburg

About the restaurant

Bluestone American BBQ features a Latin American spin on authentic low and slow traditions from the US BBQ belt. Chef Alvaro Malel draws inspiration from his Uruguayan heritage, and his passion for cuisines from both American continents to reimagine smoked classics like Yearling Beef Short Rib with chimichurri, and Pit-Braised Pulled Lamb with salsa criolla and arepas.

His talent for bringing together the best of North and South American food traditions has been a drawcard for diners across Melbourne since the restaurant opened seven years ago. He credits the success of Bluestone to his Uruguayan culture and heritage, which is all about “food, family and fire…BBQ is a feature of all my best memories. There’s no better way to celebrate milestones, or to just kick back and have fun with the people you love. Bluestone has always been about creating that experience for other people.”

Top review

Domenic

Dined 7 days ago

First time visit and extremely satisfied with the food and service. We enjoyed the Feast 3 so we could try a bit of everything and it did not disappoint. As a carnivore myself, I struggled to get through all three platters that came out. Highly recommend for people who love their meat and BBQ's. Perfectly cooked, amazing flavouring and melt in your mouth tenderness. Will definitely be back!

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All You Can Eat Ribs, Fries & Sides

AURA Hobart

4.3

4.3 (63)

$41 to $100

Australian

Hobart City Center

About the restaurant

Welcome to AURA event space, a hidden gen tucked above with stunning skyline views that will elevate your events to new heights. Immerse yourself in the beauty that surrounds our space, promising to make your events unforgettable.

Join us every Saturday for a touch of elegance with our Sparkling High Tea in the Sky.

Top review

Maria

Dined on Nov 2, 2024

Fabulous food, spectacular views and wonderful service

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Experience

Sparkling High Tea in the Sky at AURA

Maccaroni Trattoria Italiana

4.4

4.4 (1084)

$40 and under

Italian

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

Maccaroni Trattoria Italiana in the Melbourne CBD is serving rustic and authentic Italian food like its meant to be – flavoursome, simple and made with a healthy dose of Italian passion. The chefs behind this Manchester Lane restaurant are dedicated to following traditional recipes (just like Nonna used), using their knowledge from homeland Italy and adding just a touch of gourmet modernity. Freshly made pasta is undoubtedly the star of the show at Maccaroni Trattoria Italiana, ranging from gnocchi and tagliatelle to fettuccine and pappardelle. Yet the menu also offers rustic pizzas, traditional mains and homemade desserts that will satisfy any guest – especially when enjoyed alongside the Italian and Australian wines available. Better yet, the service and atmosphere of Maccaroni is both genuine and inviting. Located in the Melbourne CBD, this restaurant is understandably popular and making an advance booking is highly recommended.

Top review

Deb

Dined 3 days ago

The staff made us feel very welcome despite the fact that we were late because of city traffic. They were aware that we were going to a show at 7pm so they gave us menus to look at while we were waiting for a table to be set up. We ordered when we sat down and our meals came out very quickly. The food was delicious…. the best risotto I have had in a long time! We left the restaurant 45minutes after we arrived and left in time to see beginning of the show! Thank you so much!

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4.5

4.5 (30)

$40 and under

Café

Miranda

About the restaurant

The Birdcage Restaurant and Bar drew inspiration from its leafy surroundings, in particular the beautiful Fig Tree that dominates the Kingsway Restaurant Precinct. This glorious tree plays host to many species of colourful birds and it is this vibrancy that embodies the soul of all we do and are at The Birdcage. Life is always improved with a little fun and flamboyance. So, with this in mind we want your time dining with us to be both enjoyable but more so, memorable. An experience that will have you returning time and time again.

Top review

Shaun

Dined 7 days ago

Had a wonderful meal for my mother's birthday. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their food and drink. Will be back to try the rest of the menu.

Straight Outta Saigon

4.6

4.6 (1096)

$40 and under

Vietnamese

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

Born out of the wok-tossed flames of Vietnam and introduced into the bustlin’ heart of urban Melbourne, Straight Outta Saigon's serving eastern flavours for it's CBD crew. Immerse yourself in 90s hip-hop mixtapes, swim in our offerings of tropical elixirs, and bask in the taste of street-side viet-fare without the frills!

Top review

Burt

Dined 4 days ago

The lunch special is a must and great food and value.

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4.8

4.8 (1149)

$41 to $100

Italian

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

One of Melbourne's most renowned Italian restaurants. Il Solito Posto is an institution. A real Melbourne Italian dining experience with a warm urban chic feel. Tantalise your taste buds with regional Italian dishes, prepared with the freshest seasonal produce and revel in the awarded wine list.

This is Il Solito Posto ..... The usual place..

Top review

Jennifer

Dined 3 days ago

We had a lovely night celebrating our daughter's graduation. Great service and food.

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3.9

3.9 (47)

$41 to $100

Latin American

Bondi Beach

About the restaurant

Welcome to Zama Bondi, a captivating culinary destination nestled in the vibrant heart of Bondi. Prepare to embark on a remarkable gastronomic journey that seamlessly fuses the rich flavors of Argentina and South America with a touch of contemporary innovation. Our passion for the renowned Asado style of cooking and the use of fresh, seasonal produce form the very essence of our menu, creating an extraordinary dining experience unlike any other.

Top review

Samantha

Dined on Nov 2, 2024

Delicious food and outstanding service - so attentive and friendly, and your water glass gets topped up so frequently!!!

Dom's Social Club

4.8

4.8 (209)

$40 and under

Continental

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

Doms is a no frills, 3 level pizza wonderland from the crew that bought you Peaches, Cheek, Dexter & Takeaway Pizza.

GOOD PIZZA, GOOD WINES, GOOD TIMES.

Level 1 - Pizzeria/Restaurant
Level 2 - Pool Room
Level 3 - Walk-in Outdoor Rooftop Bar

Food is available on all 3 levels 🍕

Dining at Doms - It's old school and inviting. A menu of slow fermented wood fired sourdough pizza, alongside tasty snacks and a very deep wine list. The perfect venue for that date, that birthday, that catch up. Social, familiar, honest and good. Hot tip: drink Lambrusco, eat the salami!

Please note unfortunately we do not have disabled access.

Top review

Matthew

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

Arranged a reunion with a group of good friends. Seamless booking experience, excellent service, and good food. I hope we didn’t laugh too loud because we had an absolute ball.

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Experience

Dom's Large Group Options

Zushi - Barangaroo

4.6

4.6 (1550)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Barangaroo

About the restaurant

At the edge of the CBD, in the spectacular 22-hectare waterfront precinct where an old container terminal once stood, discerning foodies can now find some of the city’s best sushi in Barangaroo. Established in 2016, the newest addition to the Zushi restaurant empire is in Sydney’s impressive new harbour foreshore playground. Zushi Barangaroo is both stylish and comfortable, capturing the relaxed style of a typical Japanese bar or izakaya designed by the renowned architect Koichi Takada. We offer premium service complimented with a wide selection of imported beers, Japanese inspired cocktails, and Japanese sake and whisky.
Zushi prides itself on using only carefully sourced local ingredients; the freshest vegetables and sustainable seafood where possible and most of the menu is gluten-free. We are open every day for lunch and dinner, serving delectable sushi, sashimi and share plates. And the glorious harbour views are pretty tasty too.

Top review

Gavan

Dined 3 days ago

Amazing food Great service Great atmosphere Highly recommend

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4.6

4.6 (564)

$41 to $100

Turkish

Barangaroo

About the restaurant

Modern Turkish restaurant and mezebar in Barangaroo, Sydney inspired by the seaside meyhanes of Istanbul.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Jun 16, 2024

A favourite each time I visit Sydney. Delicious food and friendly,attentive professional staff.

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Popular dish

Cauliflower

BORN by Tapavino - Barangaroo

4.5

4.5 (1320)

$40 and under

Spanish

Barangaroo

About the restaurant

BóRN is the 3rd venue in the Tapavino stable and takes its cue from the tapas bars & restaurants in & around El Born, Barcelona. Located on the waterfront in Barangaroo, We take inspiration from the Spanish classics but with a modern twist.

Top review

Rebecca

Dined on Dec 10, 2024

We had the set menu, lots of delicious food, great service, didn't have to wait long for food or drinks.

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Experience

Bottomless Brunch $99

Tapavino - Circular Quay

4.6

4.6 (269)

$41 to $100

Spanish

Circular Quay

About the restaurant

A celebration of Sherry, Wine, Tapas, & Friends. Influenced by the culture of sip-a-little-bit-of-this-and-eat-a-little-bit-of-that, Tapavino began in August 2012 as Australia’s first Sherry Bar in Sydney, in a little lane-way not unlike something you would find in the cobblestoned alleyways of Spain. Helped by the beautiful warm vibe that greets you as you step inside and take a seat among floor-to-ceiling wine bottles, Tapavino was named runner-up in Sydney Morning Herald's 'Best New Bar' Awards within 4-months of opening. 12-months later we were named 'Best Bar with Food'.

Top review

James

Dined 1 day ago

The honey cheese and caprese salad were delicious!

Kokumai - Barangaroo

4.2

4.2 (10)

$41 to $100

Sushi

Barangaroo

About the restaurant

Kokumai means “black rice” in Japanese and is a premium sushi bar operated as a new concept of Japanese restaurant operated with an omakase function.

Seating appx. 60 people and serving up premium roll, nigiri, and sashimi with a great selection of wine, sake, and beer.

*Omakase: Authentic Japanese omakase menu is implemented. Menus made with fresh seasonal ingredients are prepared by the head chef in Kokumai.
**Premium sushi bar: We are operating as a premium sushi bar by using seasonal and superior ingredients.

Top review

Ruby

Dined on Feb 24, 2024

The food was fantastic, everything we order was really delicious. It is on the expensive side but it’s really good quality stuff so it’s worth it

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Experience

Lunch Deal

Experience

Sushi & Sashimi Course

Experience

Kokumai Course

Kokumai

4.0

4 (4)

$41 to $100

Sushi

Circular Quay

About the restaurant

Top review

JonB

Dined on Jul 10, 2023

The superb seafood banquet was expertly prepared in front of us, each dish explained and the service was extremely cordial and attentive

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Experience

Winter special set (Limited Menu!)

Experience

Table Omakase

China Diner - Tramsheds

4.4

4.4 (286)

$40 and under

Chinese

Forest Lodge

About the restaurant

China Diner represents a contemporary approach to Asian Dining, in a stylish venue inspired by 1930's Shanghai. China Diner specialises in dumplings, vegan, seafood & meat dishes, that pair perfectly with an extensive wine, sake & cocktail list.

China Diner Tramsheds offers both an expansive dining room and al fresco terrace with a gorgeous grassy outlook.

Top review

Ally

Dined 6 days ago

Lovely food and venue! We went on a Sunday afternoon and was relatively quiet which was surprising ! Great menu

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Experience

$49 Plant Based Banquet Menu

4.2

4.2 (542)

$40 and under

Chinese

Bondi Beach

About the restaurant

Top review

Robert

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

Great food, Great location, excellent service....couldn't hear Xmas carols from park because of hotel fire alarm. Oh well.

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Experience

Roll on Bottomless Brunch

Verona Fresh Italian

4.7

4.7 (660)

$40 and under

Italian

Birtinya

About the restaurant

Traditional Napoli Style Pizzas from Allessandro Pintus, Italian & Australian Wines, Artesian Cocktails, an Extensive Gin & Tonic Menu with a focus on Australian Distilleries, House-made Pastas by Group Head Chef Daniel White & Kai Coffee with an experience second to none!

***Please Note***
For same day online dinner bookings the cut off time is 5pm.
To book after this time please call the venue on (07) 5227 8518 and our team can assist you.

Top review

Helen

Dined 2 days ago

We absolutely love Verona ! Our meal tonight was wonderful, great menu options, delicious food, we sent our compliments to the chef for the sand crab pasta. Another great night at Verona with delicious food. The experienced staff were great! We’ve enjoyed Verona many times and will be back again (probably next week) because the food is so good. Thank you!

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Popular dish

Gnocchi Al Funghi

Popular dish

Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

Experience

Daily Lunch Special

Coffee Cat on Kings Beach

4.6

4.6 (553)

$40 and under

Café

Caloundra

About the restaurant

A Beachside Cafe open 7 days a week from 5:30am and open for dinner and specials Thursday - Sunday nights With our popular cocktail Menu, craft beer with Live Music Friday, Saturday & Sunday we are your local overlooking the popular cove of Kings Beach.

There is no road between you and the waves, so you can feel the sand under your feet and the fresh ocean breeze all while sitting underneath the beautiful pandanus trees.

Coffee Cat is available for bookings, meetings, special occasions and events
Check out our website for a full list of monthly events like our Weekly Trivia Nights!!

Top review

Gayle

Dined 2 days ago

Fabulous night. Thank you to all the great staff. Fantastic outlook.

El Capitano Pizzeria & Bar

4.5

4.5 (1132)

$40 and under

Pizzeria

Noosaville / Noosa Heads

About the restaurant

"Old world pizza for new world sailors." Organic sourdough pizza, topped with the best local ingredients around. Natural & organic wines, bubbles, cocktails & craft beers. Bar open till late.

Top review

Mel

Dined today

Great place for the family to have a lovely dinner.

Rick Shores

4.8

4.8 (4697)

$101 and over

Contemporary Asian

Burleigh Heads

About the restaurant

Pan-Asian flavours in one of the Gold Coast's most iconic locations. Focusing on fresh locally sourced produce with intention to share.

By Head Chef James Brady

Top review

Brad

Dined on Nov 22, 2024

Great food, great service and perfect position. Our favourite restaurant on the coast

Hotel Collingwood

4.4

4.4 (215)

$41 to $100

Modern Australian

Collingwood

About the restaurant

A local hub for the Collingwood community, with mid-week meal specials on everyone’s favourite pub classics, HD screens throughout the venue screening sport live and loud and interactive community events such as trivia night.

Top review

Jessica

Dined today

Really nice experience. Lovely food and cocktails and great service. We went to Collingwood Town Hall after for a show. We will definitely be back again! Thanks!

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Experience

Trivia Night

Goldy's! Tavern

4.7

4.7 (166)

$40 and under

Gastro Pub

Collingwood

About the restaurant

”There’s something magical about Goldy’s! Maybe it’s how the sun streaks through the front windows and bathes the pool table in light that makes the silver balls sparkle, or maybe how if you look closely at your beer you realise the bubbles are dancing in pairs to the surface, or it could simply be how everyone’s favourite song seems to be playing when they walk in. You can’t quite place where the magic comes from, but if you sit at the orange bar long enough and listen to the laughter and stories being shared around, you realise, with the right type of eyes, that the magic comes from the shared love of everyone within. This is a pub where your new best friend sits waiting, this is the pub where long lasting friendships are forged. This is Goldy’s!, and it’s magical.”

Matthew O’Brien, local legend

Top review

Bernard

Dined on Nov 17, 2024

Great atmosphere and a good quality amount of food.

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Experience

Goldy's Monday Trivia!

Experience

Steak Night

Experience

Goldy's Gnocchi Gnite

The Milbri

4.6

4.6 (441)

$40 and under

South American

Rosebud

About the restaurant

Established in 2014 The Milbri brings ‘Hawker’ style S.E. Asian, Mexican & Latin American food to Rosebud. Offering modern Melbourne brunch dishes from 9am matched with award winning local coffee till 3pm. The Milbri turns into an atmospheric dining & bar venue going late into the evening with a menu that showcases ingredients not only sourced locally but internationally. We look forward to welcoming you.

Top review

Adele

Dined on Nov 11, 2024

Such a lovely night! The owner was super knowledgeable and made perfect recommendations. I will definitely be back for the short rib and the mulled wine!!!

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Experience

Bottomless Taco & Cocktail Fiesta 3

Experience

Bottomless Taco & Cocktail Fiesta Summer

Experience

NYE À la cart menu & 1.5 Hours Bottomless Drinks

Kinhboy

4.8

4.8 (146)

$41 to $100

Vietnamese

Barangaroo

About the restaurant

Vietnamese with attitude. Authentic flavours with locally sourced ingredients. Great Cocktails, Asian Beers & and extensive Wine List.

Top review

JayY

Dined on Jul 25, 2024

This is the 2nd time we have had the Feed Me menu for $69 per person which has an abundance of mouthwatering deliciousness on every single plate . Definitely does not disappoint. Such great value for money. Unfortunately due to rent increase, we were told that they were closing down and Saturday is the last day. So sad. So get there asap!!

China Diner - Double Bay

4.2

4.2 (253)

$40 and under

Chinese

Double Bay

About the restaurant

China Diner represents a contemporary approach to Asian Dining, in a stylish venue inspired by 1930's Shanghai. China Diner specialises in dumplings, vegan, seafood & meat dishes, that pair perfectly with an extensive wine, sake & cocktail list.

Nestled between The Sheaf & Bake Bar Double Bay with outside seating & cosy booths.

Top review

Dani

Dined on Feb 21, 2024

Food was great. Wait staff were attentive. We sat outside and it was lovely in the evening.

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