Lively Asian-fusion hotspot with bold flavors, strong cocktails, and a buzzing room; great tasting menus and veg options, but loud, pricey, and time-limited seatings can frustrate.
Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar ranks among Melbourne's finest dining destinations through exceptional food quality anchored by creative pan-Asian cooking and attentive, knowledgeable service. The dramatic laneway entrance and open-kitchen counter design create a warm, buzzing atmosphere that draws repeat visitors and special occasions. While seating comfort shows occasional limitations and peak-hour noise can be intense, the generous tasting menus, solid cocktail program, and consistent execution across multiple visits establish this as a destination-worthy establishment that delivers on its reputation.
Slip through the laneway door into a room that feels warm and buzzing. The open kitchen and counter seats give you a show, while the bar keeps the energy high. One diner raved, "We let the team pick seven plates and every course landed," though another noted the music can be pretty loud at peak. Cooking here leans modern and creatively pan-Asian: kingfish with nam jim, silky barramundi and scampi wontons, and a now-legendary turmeric cauliflower. Flavors run bold, sometimes too assertive for some, but the tasting menus are well-paced and generous, making it ideal for groups and curious eaters. Cocktail fans will enjoy a solid drinks list to match the spice and richness. Families do come, but options for younger diners skew limited. Reviews say staff can place condiments on the side and the fried chicken buns go down well, yet much of the menu is spice-forward. Expect to order thoughtfully for kids, and consider the vegan set for flexible veg choices.
Area vibe: Hidden laneway in Melbourne CBD; trendy, after-work and destination dining crowd.
Safety: Busy, well-lit CBD lanes with steady foot traffic; generally safe though nightlife bustle.
What's nearby: Near Flinders Lane dining strip, office towers, and boutique bars; close to transit.
Standouts include a turmeric cauliflower, kingfish sashimi and generous tasting menus that showcase the kitchen's pan-Asian creativity
No dress code but be prepared for loud music, time-limited peak sittings and a weekend surcharge
Expect a swanky, buzzy room with an open kitchen and a lively bar atmosphere that gets crowded