Hi

Will be in Melbourne in a couple of weeks for a reunion. I'm looking for a good Chinese restaurant in the CBD. Prefer BYO. I searched the net and found the China Red restaurant located in Bourke street. I like the Yum Cha options and the prices are in my range. Anyone eaten at this restaurant and what did you think.

Thanks for any help

Flower Drum

Agree - Flower Drum is the standout Chinese restaurant in Melbourne.

Lavandula

Thanks for the suggestion and comments. I had a look at the menu prices and they're a little above my price range - I'm a grimp!! Any other suggestions, preferably BYO. I know Melbourne has a Chinatown but I visited the one in Sydney and had a pretty ordinary meal so I'm a bit put off now by "theme" alleys.

The don't really advertise it, but it is possible to eat at the Flower Drum for $40 for two courses at lunchtime. It would be well worth the money.

Cheap and cheerful is Hutong Dumpling at 14-16 Market Lane, Melbourne but with great food. I can't recall which Chef it was but at the Melbourne Wine and Food festival last year, one of the world renowned Chefs they flew in from overseas to be a star attraction said he had eaten there 3 days out of 7. I keep meaning to go but have not got round to it myself.

The Shark Fin restaurant is always a good stand by if you like yum cha/dim sum.

Hu tong is a great place for dumplings. If you want yum cha/dimsum there are many places. Eg Dragon Boat in Lonsdale Street is all you can eat for yum cha/dimsum $17 approx per head only on week days. Have not heard of China Red. Could also look at Westlake, Dragon Boat all in Little Bourke street, Red Emperor at Southbank, Lucky Chan down next to casino-some of my favorites. Not sure about BYO as most people don't take/drink alcohol at yum cha/dimsum

Less pricey than Flowerdrum but still superb Chinese cuisine is The Teahouse in Cinatown. Lovely service and beautiful food.

Best yum cha - Shark Fin House (as opposed to Shark Fin Inn which is owned by the same people). We used to eat there a lot with my Chinese colleagues when our office was located nearby.

Great options. Thanks so much y'all