Seemor

Kiss & TellB+Worth Trying

Name: Kiss & Tell
Address: Level 1/37-41 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia, Melbourne VIC 3000
Rating: 4.6

Level 1/37-41 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia · Asian fusion restaurant, Bar · 4.6/5 Google (672 reviews)

Reservations

Stylish modern-Asian spot with standout small plates, strong cocktails, and lively service; mains can be inconsistent and pacing sometimes falters, but the tasting menu offers good variety for groups.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Kiss & Tell delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong food quality anchored by reliable small plates and cocktails, paired with exceptional stylish interior design that attracts date-night crowds. However, inconsistent execution on mains and variable service pacing during busy periods prevent grade A territory. The tasting menu format plays to kitchen strengths and offers good value, making it competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants.

Restaurant Summary

Up a CBD staircase, the room feels moody and stylish with a friendly buzz that suits pre-show plans and date nights. Service is often warm and attentive, with staff guiding the tasting picks and cocktails. A diner summed it up: "The room is chic, the drinks shine, and the small plates pop." The cooking leans modern-Asian with creative fusion: betel leaf bites, lobster sliders, panang duck, and crab fried rice. Small plates are the reliable thrill; mains can swing from excellent to average, so the tasting route plays to the kitchen’s strengths. Heat levels appear here and there, and cocktails are a highlight for those who like bold flavors. For families, there are options kids might actually eat—popcorn chicken, jasmine or coconut rice, dumplings, and sweet-sour chicken—though the vibe skews date night and portions are designed to share. No explicit kids menu was noted; picky eaters may prefer simpler picks from the smalls and sides.

At a Glance

Stylish, moody interior that suits dates and pre-theatre
Tasting menu offers strong value and variety
Cocktails and small plates consistently impress
Inconsistent execution on some mains (barramundi, pork belly)
Course pacing can bunch or lag during busy periods

What Sets It Apart

moody_laneway_setting
well-priced_tasting_menu
cocktail_program

What People Love

Moody, polished room that feels special
Betel leaf bites and lobster sliders that start strong
Cocktails crafted to guest preferences
Set menu that feels generous for the spend
Friendly servers who guide choices

Points of Concern

Mains can be uneven: fish occasionally bland or fishy, pork sometimes too fatty
Pacing issues reported: long gaps or all dishes landing at once
Service lapses for some groups (bill splitting, wine service, reminders about seating time)
Pricing is premium for the CBD; a la carte can add up quickly

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average CostA$55-80 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Lean into smalls plus one shared large and rice for balance
Choose Fried Barramundi over Steamed if you prefer crisp textures
Ask for spice guidance on duck curry and green curry

Perfect For

Pre-theatre dinner with cocktails
Date night with share plates
Out-of-towners exploring Melbourne’s laneways
Small group celebrations

Location Insights

Area: Central CBD laneway district with moody bars and destination dining; attracts pre-theatre crowds and weekend date nights.

Safety: Busy, well-lit nightlife corridor with steady foot traffic; standard CBD vigilance late evening.

Nearby: Near theatres along East End; close to Chinatown and office towers; easy tram access on nearby streets.

MelbourneMelbourne's CBD offers a diverse dining scene ranging from casual eateries to high-end restaurants, with a lively social atmosphere. The area is known for its multicultural food offerings and vibrant nightlife, making it a popular destination for after-work drinks and weekend dining.

ChinatownChinatown in Melbourne is a historic precinct famous for its concentration of Asian restaurants, markets, and cultural events. It is a bustling area with a lively street atmosphere, known for authentic and fusion Asian dining experiences.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday17:00–23:00 Tuesday17:00–23:00 Wednesday17:00–23:00 Thursday17:00–23:00 Friday17:00–00:00 Saturday12:00–15:30, 17:00–00:00 Sunday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00

Available: Reservations

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