Red Emperor Southgate

3 Southgate Ave, Southbank VIC 3006
$$$ Chinese

Reservations

Business Info

  • Address: 3 Southgate Ave, Southbank VIC 3006
  • Cuisine: Asian | Chinese | Mongolian |
  • Cost: | Moderate
  • Category: Casual Dining
  • Star Rating:
  • Reservations: Recommended
  • Dress Code: Casual
  • Meals Served: Lunch | Dinner | Late |
  • Parking: Car Park | Underground Garage |
  • Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | JCB | Cash | Apple Pay | Google Pay | Debit |
  • Corkage Fee: N/A
  • Phone: (03) 9699 4170
  • Features: Full Bar, Late Dining, Private Room, Lounge / Bar, River View,
  • Occasion: Romantic Dining, Business Dining, Meet for a Drink, Special Occasion, Vegetarian, Date Night,

Photos

Business Hours

Reservations Available
Monday
Lunch 12:00 - 15:00
Dinner 18:00 - 22:00
Tuesday
Lunch 12:00 - 15:00
Dinner 18:00 - 22:00
Wednesday
Lunch 12:00 - 15:00
Dinner 18:00 - 22:00
Thursday
Lunch 12:00 - 15:00
Dinner 18:00 - 22:00
Friday
Lunch 12:00 - 15:00
Dinner 18:00 - 22:00
Saturday
Lunch 12:00 - 15:00
Dinner 17:45 - 22:00
Sunday
Lunch 11:00 - 15:30
Dinner 18:00 - 22:00
False

Customer Reviews & Ratings

4.66 out of 5 stars based on 1083 votes

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 05, 2026
Karen H.
Great food, great service

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 05, 2026
Henry w.
great food, service and ambience. What else could you want? Geat quality as always.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 01, 2026
Gail S.
We had a lovely lunch for my husband's birthday. The Staff were great and made sure it was special for him. Highly recommend this restaurant

Overall: 10/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Mar 08, 2026
Ken D.
Restaurant was excellent, as usual. Food is fabulous and service fast and efficient for a pre-theatre meal. But I seriously object to this survey being sent out with all ratings pre-filled as '10'. That is manipulative, and is not seeking honest and fair feedback. If it happens again, all ratings will be changed to '1', regardless of how good the restaurant and meal were.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 05, 2026
Steve F.
A long time favourite which never fails to disappoint. The service is fantastic as is the food. They also understand coeliac requirements and offer great gf options including duck pancakes and dim sums. Keep up the great work.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Feb 25, 2026
Chris E.
First rate yum cha.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 18, 2026
Ronnate A.
It was a lovely place. Busy but efficient and also one could linger if one wished

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 20, 2026
Peter G.
Great lunch!!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 04, 2026
Scott M.
Have dined at Southbank several times. Never left dissatisfied.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 17, 2025
Robert A.
All good - 10/10 on all criteria.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Dec 04, 2025
Chris G.
Overall I highly recommend Service was A1. Food was delicious.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 7/10
Oct 26, 2025
John C.
We keep coming back as it is convenient and quality very high. The prices have gone up, like everywhere else, and seem a little high, hence the 7 for value. Otherwise no complaints, rather compliments, to all concerned.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 20, 2025
Nicholas M.
Three decades of delicious Yum Cha and Chinese food in Southbank. Classic dishes, great set up, wonderful, friendly service. What's not to love about Red Emperor Southbank?

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 05, 2025
Sue J.
Great food and fantastic service. We love dining at Red Emperor because it’s such a wonderful experience every time.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 29, 2025
Jason C.
Everything was delicious and the service was excellent. Thank you for the well labelled menu for our dietary requirements. One thing was that when the dumplings were served we didn't know which was which until we ate one. One point off of ambience because it was drafty in the corner. Lighting was great. I will be glad to return.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 17, 2025
Kerryn O.
Absolutely amazing. Everything exceeded my expectations especially with one Celiac guest!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 11, 2025
Helen P.
Excellent and friendly service and yummy food. My husband is gluten intolerant and was really well catered for. We will be back!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 27, 2025
Sally B.
Amazing

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 21, 2025
Margaret C.
The location, with its view over the river to the city lights beyond, was wonderful. Ambience elegant and peaceful. Service was great, the prawn spring rolls to die for. The peking duck pancakes were high quality, with soft fresh pancake well-filled. Chicken with sesame nuts was great, and the fried rice had lots of colourful ingredients. Only issue was we ordered "large" fried rice, yet it only filled our four small bowls. Would return again for sure.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 25, 2025
Stan v.
Very friendly and informative staff

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 24, 2025
Bernadette S.
We were looked after very well.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 17, 2025
Adam S.
Absolutely fantastic

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 04, 2025
Mary-Beth H.
Always wonderful and the food is delicious. My go to Yumcha restaurant in Melbourne.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 16, 2025
Shelley M.
We have been here many times and have never been disappointed. We cannot fault the food nor the service. Would highly recommend

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 12, 2025
Ann L.
We loved EVERYTHING! Especially the food. We ordered gluten free and it was AMAZING! The service was excellent and we had a beautiful view over the Yarra. We will definitely be back. Thank you

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 11, 2025
Lynda L.
My family and our friends had a wonderful time. Thank you for your warm service and wide variety of yum cha dishes.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 29, 2025
Angela C.
Loved the amazing service and food. So delicious!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 23, 2025
Sarah H.
This was our first visit to Red Emperor and we were very impressed. The food was fantastic, the service was great, and it was great that they asked us right upfront if we had tickets to see any shows etc after dinner - I've had trouble before with slow service at other restaurants causing issues, so I appreciated that very much. Would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a great meal.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 01, 2025
Jacqui M.
Amazing yum cha as always. Have been going here for years and it never disappoints

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Dec 07, 2024
Vinod H.
very good service very good food my guests where delighted with the service and the food

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 11, 2024
Margot H.
Wonderful experience- service, food and ambience all excellent.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 09, 2024
Rebecca M.
A wonderful meal with excellent service. Loved the huge variety of gluten free options.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 05, 2024
grant s.
whole experience was flawless excellent service food was so nice ....

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 10, 2024
Jackie M.
Yum cha was amazing. Staff were very friendly and helpful.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 04, 2024
David K.
Great food and great service

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 03, 2024
Ashish B.
Highly Recommend. I hosted a delegation from overseas and they were blown away by the hospitality and quality of dishes.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 25, 2024
Lauren C.
We really enjoy the food at Red Emperor, especially the range of gluten free options. Every dish we have tried is delicious. The staff are very helpful and do the little things to make a great experience.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 20, 2024
Raymond L.
Great service always. Best Chinese Restaurant in town since 1992.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Sep 04, 2024
Selena W.
Excellent catering for someone with Coeliac disease

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Aug 07, 2024
Bob C.
probably one of the best Yum Cha lunches in Melbourne. Family party of 8 enjoyed the food trollies and quality of the food very friendly

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 06, 2024
susan s.
A beautiful meal with excellent faultless service.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Aug 01, 2024
john m.
Great food and helpful staff

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 08, 2024
Steve F.
A long time customer and I love this place and the staff are fantastic. They also do a great gluten free menu and also carry a gf beer too. The food is always top notch and the Peking duck rolls are terrific.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 05, 2024
DAVID H.
Red Emperor Southgate is as good as ever for Yum Cha. Staff and food are of a very high quality.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 27, 2024
Peter S.
Could not fault. It’s a great place and the food is fresh and delicious

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 24, 2024
Mark P.
Best Restaurant in the world

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 23, 2024
Dim K.
Food was absolutely amazing!! Good service and good value for money

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 09, 2024
Raphael D.
My wife and I always go to the Red Emperor when we go to Hamer Hall or the State Theatre. It is undoubtably one of the best Chinese restaurants in Victoria if not Australia

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 04, 2024
Susan D.
Great place with great food- Staff very helpful and attentive- Their Yum Cha is delicious

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 04, 2024
Robert W.
Fantastic restaurant

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 27, 2024
Diane B.
Our experience at Red Emperor was definitely a 10 out of 10. The staff were extremely attentive and helpful, and carried out their duties without interruptions. The food was well cooked and delicious. The venue was very clean and pleasing to the eye and I would definitely recommend this restaurant to others.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 17, 2024
Alicia C.
We enjoyed our dinner very much. We ordered the banquet for a group of 6 and the food was plentiful! The service was fantastic also!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 17, 2024
Henk v.
The food and service was great. However, they did not have our booking.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 16, 2024
John G.
The Red Emperor Southgate continues to be the best Chinese restaurant in Melbourne

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 11, 2024
Raymond L.
Excellent service. Best value for money Chinese (Cantonese) restaurant in town.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 10, 2024
Anna T.
My extended family have been dining at the Red Emperor for over 25 years. Our favorite restaurant in Melbourne. We always have a memorable experience with delicious dishes and attentive staff.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 6/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 04, 2024
Marcus M.
Forced to have more food than the we wanted

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Jan 29, 2024
Brad N.
The food and service is excellent. Nothing is problem and the waiting staff are there to serve you right throughout your experience. The food is outstanding and always hot and very well prepared.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 28, 2024
Diane E.
Delicious food. Attentive staff

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 22, 2024
Karren O.
Absolutely loved it I am gluten intolerant and I had the best tasting meal I will definitely be back the staff so friendly and welcoming

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 10, 2024
Penny M.
Absolutely brilliant location for Coeliacs / gluten free requirements. Staff are well informed of gluten free needs and communicate cart options clearly. Felt very safe to eat there with this in mind, and can’t wait to go back!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 06, 2024
Margaret M.
My friend and I who live on opposite sides of the world meet at least once a year at the Red Emperor Southgate for lunch- we had another great experience. A perfect table on the terrace, great food and good service. The Peking duck was as delicious as always and the banana fritters topped it off- washed down with a very excellent Mornington Peninsula Pinot Gris.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 03, 2024
Connie M.
Excellent service and food

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 03, 2024
Andy P.
Good food, friendly staff, and nice view of the river

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Jan 02, 2024
Susan C.
Everything was lovely apart from us being given our bill and not asked if we wanted dessert, which we did. Delicious food and excellent service.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 22, 2023
Eileen M.
Great service from all the staff, who were most helpful at all times and very friendly. The food was excellent and the restaurant is classy.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 03, 2023
Beverley P.
Superb in every way.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 3/10
Ambience: 5/10
Value: 3/10
Nov 14, 2023
Milly C.
You have out priced yourselves- We atten yum cha regularly and this was by far the most expensive lunch we have ever had there - not planning to come back sadly as we have always thought it was good.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 7/10
Nov 02, 2023
Joanne W.
Food was delicious but the main meals were a little small for the price.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 30, 2023
Marie Chantal W.
The waiters were very attentive and the experience was memorable

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 30, 2023
Michelle W.
We love dining here, the service is top notch and the food is scrumptious. Boys love seeing the red emperor team

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Oct 12, 2023
Henk v.
Have lifted their game. Great food. Great service.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 13, 2023
June M.
Our visit to Red emperor was excellent. Our table was as reserved. Service levels were excellent and very friendly.Food was great - we had all you can eat Yum cha and the dishes did not disappoint. Those dishes ordered off the menu were provided very promptly. We had absolutely no complaints - it was top notch.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 06, 2023
Raymond L.
Good view, good food accompanied with excellent service. Thank you, Derek.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 22, 2023
Larysa H.
Excellent service, fabulous setting and great food at a reasonable cost One of my favourite restaurants

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 19, 2023
Kim B.
Excellent good and service

Overall: 10/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 17, 2023
King L.
Very friendly and attentive staff, good environment with good view of Yarra river

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 02, 2023
Mark S.
Always the best experience and food. Love it

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 19, 2023
Patsy C.
Fantastic Service and excellent food! Highly recommended, will definitely be back soon!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Jul 01, 2023
Marilyn P.
All good. Food was a little bit expensive

Overall: 10/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Jun 25, 2023
Bob C.
All was great

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 19, 2023
Stephanie B.
Really good food, attentive service, very good with gluten free dishes for me and my family

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Jun 14, 2023
Kim M.
Great food and service (Marshall). We have been coming for many years and will continue to come back

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Jan 31, 2025
Chris E.
An excellent dining experience. Warm, efficient service without being intrusive. Food quality was first rate.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 07, 2025
Rebecca D.
The food was incredible, service was fantastic and the ambience was perfect. The only issue that I had was that there was not an accessible toilet in the restaurant. I had to leave the restaurant and go use the public restrooms which was not at all convenient.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Nov 05, 2024
Duncan L.
Beautiful and friendly service for over 20 years ...

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Nov 04, 2024
dianne w.
all was great

Overall: 9/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Oct 07, 2024
Michael D.
we very much enjoyed our evening.....the flexibility and interaction with staff very much appreciated

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Sep 24, 2024
John C.
The timed lunch worked well. We were greeted with a room full of clean tablecloths, etc. The drinks service was a bit disorganized. We could see the drinks on the bar but no-one brought them for some time. Food was excellent, as usual. We shall be back again.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Mar 31, 2024
Kim L.
Delicious food with fantastic service

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Mar 01, 2024
Lauren S.
Great for pre-theatre dining

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Feb 24, 2024
David S.
Food excellent, service excellent, only problem was pushed us to balcony table in the heat when we booked inside.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Jan 24, 2024
Lorraine C.
Great birthday celebration. Staff were very helpful and patient serving our table of 11 in ages ranging from 14 to 87.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 04, 2024
Rene F.
Delices...

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 28, 2023
Maree K.
The Red Emperor is one of those places you go back to time and again, because the food is consistently good and the service excellent. It never disappoints.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Dec 06, 2023
Carole B.
We were a party of 6 adults 2 older children and 3 young children. The banquet was for 8 the younger children had their own entre but shared main courses. Main course plates not enough food to share amongst 11also 3 young children were not offered desert, a bowl of ice cream would have been nice. Food was excellent.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Nov 22, 2023
Ross G.
My guests from UK really enjoyed the venue and excellent food.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Sep 27, 2023
Mark H.
Exceptional service from Kevin

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Aug 14, 2023
Tim B.
Excellent food but could be considered expensive for what you get

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Mar 10, 2026
Jenny A.
Red Emperor certainly know how to do Yum Cha. Always Fabulous Food & Service. ❣️