Red Emperor Chinatown

131 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
$$$ Chinese

Reservations

Business Info

  • Address: 131 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
  • Cuisine: Chinese |
  • Cost: | Moderate
  • Category: Casual Dining
  • Star Rating:
  • Reservations: Recommended
  • Dress Code: Casual
  • Meals Served: Lunch | Dinner | Late |
  • Parking: Street | Private Lot |
  • Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Diners Club | JCB | Cash | Apple Pay | Google Pay | Debit |
  • Corkage Fee: N/A
  • Phone: (03) 9021-1099
  • Features: Full Bar, Sunday Brunch, Catering Services, Private Room, Takeout Available, Happy Hours, Healthy Options,
  • Occasion: Romantic Dining, Dining Alone, Business Dining, Meet for a Drink, Quiet Conversation, Special Occasion, Vegetarian, Quick Bite, Date Night,

Photos

Events & Special Hours

King’s birthday
June 8, 2026 Lunch 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Business Hours

Reservations Available
Monday
Lunch 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Dinner 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
Lunch 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Dinner 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
Lunch 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Dinner 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
Lunch 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Dinner 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday
Lunch 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Dinner 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
Lunch 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Dinner 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Sunday
Lunch 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Dinner 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
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Customer Reviews & Ratings

4.65 out of 5 stars based on 457 votes

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 25, 2026
Lynette K.
Great food. Great service. Great time.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 02, 2026
John S.
Amazing and awesome. Gluten free Yum Cha which you find nowhere in the world. Really great.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 16, 2026
Janine S.
My new favorite restaurant- the service and food was incredible. 10/10

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 03, 2026
Nicole D.
We went to Red emperor, Lirrle Bourke Street to celebrate my husbands birthday. The quality of the food is delicious, they have a huge wine list and the waiters are very friendly and attentive. Would thoroughly recommend

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 30, 2025
Philippa M.
Perfect yum cha experience. Great food and hospitality. Trolleys and white linen added to the ambience

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 28, 2025
Jenny V.
Lovely food and great customer service.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Dec 15, 2025
Cat G.
Best gluten free Asian food I’ve ever had. Fantastic service

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 26, 2025
Peter f.
We have dined there before and the service and food is excellent. Highly recommended especially when one needs to be comfortable and a low noise environment.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 19, 2025
Susan G.
A wonderful experience, delicious food that just kept coming.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Aug 06, 2025
Andrew B.
Perfect in every way but kinda pricey!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 01, 2025
Lorraine O.
Delicious authentic food.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 5/10
Apr 21, 2025
Yuko M.
I received a booking confirmation but they did not have my booking when I arrived. They dealt with it and got a table without delay which was good. Food and service were great but felt a little pricey.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 21, 2025
Phyllis C.
Food & service was very good

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 13, 2025
Chris C.
Great yum cha in a bright, modern space.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 01, 2025
Robert R.
We visited Red Emperor for a special birthday. The food was memorable and the service exceptional. A great experience

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 26, 2025
Cameron M.
Had the banquet for 2… very good

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 24, 2025
Cat P.
We had a fabulous time; great staff and efficient attentive service. The food was excellent! We will return. Thank you

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Nov 26, 2024
Mark E.
We were a large group including 3 babies and we were looked after incredibly well by all the staff. They were professional kind and attentive. They chose a table for us in the corner which was better for taking care of the children. The food was absolutely delicious and we enjoyed some dishes we’ve never seen before. The whole experience added up to a significant cost but it was a special occasion and we were delighted that the Red Emperor far exceeded our expectations.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 23, 2024
penny k.
Wonderful food

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 31, 2024
Caroline A.
The best place in Melbourne CBD to have yum cha in 2024.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 07, 2024
Tracy M.
Perfect lunch for my son’s 30th birthday. We will definitely be back soon

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Jun 11, 2024
Joy A.
We were celebrating our anniversary and chose this restaurant for yum chai. We have not had yum cha here before. The dumplings were exceptional and the extra dishes of calamari and broccoli were very well done. The trolley did not constantly come around and everything was hot, which is not always the case at some yum cha. The dessert selection was adequate but not overwhelming, with our favourite - custard tarts available. The wine list list was extensive and well chosen, With good wine available by the glass. We understood why this list has won many awards. We were not rushed either and easily finished in our allocated time . Great lunch.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 25, 2024
Shayne K.
We had a guest who is gluten free and has other dietary requirements. The staff were very attentive and ensured the food was safe for her to eat.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 08, 2024
Elaine B.
Delicious meal. Everything was perfect. Service was friendly and attentive. The gluten free options were extensive and staff catered for the coeliac in our group without any concerns.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 05, 2024
Lynn E.
Great yum cha lunch!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 30, 2024
Alan H.
Excellent food and service. Highly recommended!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 19, 2024
Michael G.
A lovely meal as always at Red Emperor. Keep it up!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Apr 05, 2024
Harry W.
Very happy with our meal at the Red Emperor. The service was efficient and friendly and the food was great.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Feb 15, 2024
Rangeeta K.
Loved the Lychee Cocktails and impeccable service. Kudos to the staff that day.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 06, 2024
Braden G.
The best tasting gluten free Chinese in Melbourne.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 23, 2023
Jason W.
Service is immaculate. I have been to many 5 star restaurants in my time and nothing beats the time, attention and detail we received during our time here. Thank you for such a great time!!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Dec 05, 2023
Greg S.
Nice atmosphere, friendly and warm staff, delicious food. Will be visiting again.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 04, 2023
Jon E.
Best yum cha I’ve eaten- awesome service and good.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 25, 2023
Amy M.
We love coming to Red Emperor. The food is amazing, the wine list is extensive and the staff are wonderful. Thanks!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 12, 2023
Peter B.
We had an awesome experience for my wife’s birthday. Best Yum Cha we’ve ever had. Our waiter Scott was fantastic. He was fun, entertaining & efficient. Highly recommended.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 13, 2023
Aileen W.
Service with passion.snd caring. It is a memorable experience having lunch in China Town.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Jul 26, 2023
Anna L.
We had an absolute blast at Red Emperor in Chinatown. We had a yum cha lunch booking for a table of 11 and we enjoyed a variety of different yum cha items. One additional positive is that Red Emperor cater for gluten free and coeliacs so enjoy your food when you dine there. You wont be disappointed.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 05, 2023
Hilary J.
Best yum cha in Melbourne!

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 8/10
May 01, 2026
Julie G.
Fabulous food. the gluten free options are amazing. thank you

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Dec 27, 2025
Suling T.
Manager and waitstaff were very friendly and accommodating towards dietary needs, and especially nice to our children. Love that the menu is labeled for people with coeliac disease, and staff were able to advise which ones were suitable yum cha dishes. Ambience was calm and peaceful, even with a decent sized crowd.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 08, 2025
Mark M.
High quality Cantonese cuisine in comfortable surroundings. Very good wine list. Overall, value for money

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Jul 14, 2025
Sara C.
We had a wonderful family Yum Cha with a few items off the a la carte menu. The Peking Duck Pancakes were made and served at our table, and were delicious. Nothing too much trouble for the lovely staff. We also enjoyed a spacious table, with a "lazy susan". The table was situated in the corner, so not the normal "hustle, bustle of Yum Cha. Simply a relaxing and delightful lunch, can't wait to go back.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Dec 29, 2024
Debbie P.
One of the best restaurants in China Town.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Apr 27, 2024
Terrence O.
Great experience. Food amazing.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Apr 05, 2024
Mark W.
Amazing!

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Mar 30, 2024
Carole C.
We were in a hurry to get to a live show and asked if we could get served dinner quickly. They did and we even had time for dessert. Great food.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Dec 21, 2023
Peter L.
Excellent yum cha, service was attentive and the restaurant had a relaxing feel . Highly recommended

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 9/10
Dec 16, 2023
Steve C.
We had overall a nice dining experience We were on the top level It was a little warm in terms of temperature and the waitress spilled softdrink on me, which was an accident and i understand these things happen.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Sep 21, 2023
Carole H.
We had a booking which proved unnecessary because that information as ignored when we arrived. My husband's entree was not the one he ordered but similar so he didn't complain. All the waitpeople were very pleasant and friendly. The food was delicious and the timing of presentation of courses suited us well.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Jul 06, 2023
Adele T.
Good attention to GF and dietary. Thankyou

Overall: 8/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 07, 2026
Selma B.
We were sitting on the ground floor level. We felt that the food was being rushed. It was like we were gobbling the food.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 6/10
Feb 19, 2026
sam c.
great night out...

Overall: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Apr 02, 2025
Dario C.
great variety of dishes offered, excellent service and clean restaurant,

Overall: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Jan 15, 2025
Rick B.
Food was amazing

Overall: 8/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Sep 09, 2024
Brendan K.
Great staff. Attentive and helpful. Food was great as always

Overall: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Jan 25, 2024
SHERYL M.
ABSOLUTELY LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THE DINING EXPERIENCE. SERVICE WAS FANTASTIC. FOOD, WAS THE BEST BANQUET WE HAVE EVER HAD. SO YUMMY. ONE THING THAT LETS THE PREMISES DOWN IS THE TOILETS. HOWEVER, OVERALL WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND. THANKS FOR A LOVELY NIGHT

Overall: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: 6/10
Value: 7/10
Nov 08, 2023
Michael K.
Really good food & wine. Good service for our large table. Will definitely go again.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Oct 27, 2023
Edna F.
Service was excellent with friendly and helpful staff, the seafood dishes was perfectly cook ( 10 out of 10) specially the lobster with noddles was the best in town so far, I couldn't find any better than your one but the fried chicken was bit dry. the only complaint is access to the toilet. Would love to come back again either yum cha or dinner

Overall: 7/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 4/10
Dec 29, 2024
Trish H.
It would be good to have some vegetable options included. $70 a head was very expensive for a yum cha.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 6/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Jan 16, 2024
Mei D.
Yum Cha is ok , steam prawn rice noodle sauce not nice bit salty , steam veggies sauce not nice taste salty and chicken feet nice just a bit salty as well. Crispy Prawn bean curd too salty .