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Inner North › Carlton › Rice Paper Scissors
Rice Paper ScissorsB+Worth Trying
307 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
· Southeast Asian restaurant, Asian restaurant, Bar
· 4.6/5 Google (2011 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Buzzing Fitzroy spot for creative Southeast Asian share plates with standout gluten-free handling; excellent service and cocktails, but portions and pricing draw complaints and a few serious hygiene/service outliers.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Rice Paper Scissors delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality and excellent service attentiveness that earn consistent repeat visits. However, inconsistent execution and isolated food safety concerns prevent a higher grade—diners should expect mostly excellent share plates and cocktails, but occasional off-nights. The lively Fitzroy location and friendly staff make it worth a visit for groups seeking creative Southeast Asian fare.
Restaurant Summary
On Brunswick Street, the room feels warm and bustling with share plates zipping from the open kitchen and cocktails clinking at the bar. Service gets repeated kudos for allergen savvy and kindness, with one diner saying, "they anticipated our needs and kept things effortless." Most visits hum along, though a few outliers reported hygiene or seating missteps. The cooking leans modern Southeast Asian with a creative fusion streak: tuna crudo with cashew cream, crispy barramundi with apple, pandan-forward desserts, and well-built cocktails. Flavors tend toward bold, sweet-sour-chili balances; when it hits, it sings, and when it misses, critics call it too sweet or inconsistent. Banquets suit groups, but pricing can feel premium for portions depending on the night. Families can do fine here thanks to familiar crowd-pleasers like fried chicken, bao, roti with satay, and rice, plus flexible pescatarian and gluten-free options. There is no kids menu mentioned, the vibe is lively, and share-plate rules for big groups may limit ordering freedom, so plan accordingly.
At a Glance
- Excellent gluten-free handling including separate fryer
- Lively atmosphere with friendly, knowledgeable staff
- Creative fusion dishes and cocktail program
- Pricing and portion size feel high to some diners
- Isolated reports of undercooked chicken and a hygiene sighting
What Sets It Apart
- separate_gluten_free_fryer
- creative_fusion_cocktails
- private_function_room
What People Love
- Feeling cared for by attentive staff
- Crisp, bright seafood starters
- Banquets that make ordering easy
- Playful, well-balanced cocktails
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive (many mains A$24-39) which may surprise casual diners
- Fixed banquet rules for larger groups; some report rigidity and upsell pressure
- Portion sizes vary; a minority left hungry
- Isolated safety issues (undercooked chicken; one pest sighting) contrasted with strong allergen protocols
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostA$60-80 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose a 5-plate banquet and add rice (A$4) to ensure fullness
- Seafood-led route: Tuna Crudo, Snapper Cracker, Barramundi, Ho Mok, Winter Pear Ceviche
Perfect For
- Group share-plate nights with cocktails
- Birthday or anniversary dinners
- Gluten-free diners seeking varied options
- Visitors exploring Fitzroy’s dining strip
Location Insights
Area: Creative, nightlife-heavy inner-north strip with bars, indie shops, and street art; attracts diners pre- and post-drinks.
Safety: Generally busy and safe with high foot traffic; late-night crowds typical of entertainment districts.
Nearby: On Brunswick Street near bars and boutiques; close to CBD by tram; popular weekend destination.
FitzroyFitzroy is Melbourne's premier bohemian neighborhood, celebrated for its street art, independent galleries, and diverse dining scene featuring innovative and casual eateries. The area has a lively, youthful atmosphere with a strong emphasis on alternative culture and social dining experiences.
Brunswick StreetBrunswick Street is the heart of Fitzroy's nightlife and dining, lined with an array of bars, cafes, and restaurants offering a mix of international cuisines and vibrant street culture. It is a popular destination for brunch, casual dining, and social gatherings.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–21:00
Tuesday17:00–21:00
Wednesday12:00–14:30, 17:00–21:00
Thursday12:00–14:30, 17:00–21:00
Friday12:00–21:30
Saturday12:00–21:30
Sunday12:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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