China Bar Swanston

I have to say I really love this place. It’s a regular favourite and I usually go there alone and kind of late but I’ve always been offered a seat, been treated well, and had great food. The only time things didn’t work out as expected was actually when I brought my family in for lunch but that was post COVID when their order-eat-pay plan flipped to order-pay-eat, unexpectedly. In fact I still find that a little odd but considering the location, understandable. Not that the location itself is bad, quite the opposite I recommend lunch and early dinner there anytime; it’s just that the entire area tends to degrade in the early hours of the mornings with the usual bunch of wandering drunks; to which I sometimes might also (embarrassingly) be counted. Such is the reality of living in a metropolitan city I suppose.
Anyhow the food is absolutely amazing and the entire reason I go there - sometimes walking for miles to get there- the staff always friendly, polite and helpful and as for the atmosphere - that largely depends on the people eating there at the time but mostly good.
I simply love the duck and the lemon chicken and because I can never decide which I like best, I more often than not just get both. I used to grab a beer with my meal but they seem to have stopped that so I go a decent pot of tea instead.
Well worth checking out!

Second time trying it, food is great and so much flavours, no long wait for the food and not too expensive either. Definitely recommended 👌

Not sure why we decided it was a good idea to eat, but if you want food after a night out, China Bar dishes out quality Chinese food at a reasonable price all hours of the night. We had sweet and sour pork with fried rice, it was was tasty and hit the flavour profile you’d expect.

I had the sweet n sour pork $17.50
My friend had the beef brisket n fried rice $17.50

Service amazing friendly and happy n food is so juicy fresh n delicious lots of flavour

Must try: 1/2 Roasted duck and china bar fried rice (so much wok hei- uncle roger will be proud)

Service can be better. You just have to get used to Auntie’s grumpiness.

Such a wonderful place to have dinner. My partner and I really enjoyed the food as it was very tasty. The only thing we didn't understand is how to order the food and pay which was confusing.

Authentic chinese food at Melbourne. Generous portion and price wise is consider average. The roast pork and roast duck taste very good also. They have food ready for vegetarian also.

One of the best Duck rice and roasted pork in Melbourne, if u craving for it do visit this place, it’s expensive but delicious

China Bar fried rice is recommended.
The food portion is big. We ordered the small size and the quantity was still ok for us. The garlic & chili oil truly enhances the flavor and can go along with any food.

Food portion is ok for one person, good taste. Have long queue to wait around an hour.

At 2am it's 7/5
At 2pm it's 3/5

Averaged out it's 5/5

All jokes aside food comes out quick, and I think it tastes good and service has always been okay

Best duck in town! And fried rice had good wok hay!

My partner and I come here weekly. We love the food, especially the lemon chicken! Good price and great hours. It's our favorite casual dinner date spot.

A friend invited me here. I’ve had Hainanese chicken rice before but never the crispy one. It was very yum along with the lemon ice tea. Very busy and cramped inside. Service was efficient and prices seemed reasonable. Thanks!

The best restaurant.
I loved the food.
It's 24hrs..

When I saw that the rate is only 3.5, I wondered why the restaurant is full when I passed by. Walked in, ordered and wasn’t really expecting anything special. To be completely honest, it’s not bad at all. You don’t expect a 5 star service when you’re not paying premium dollars. I looked at the reviews of others and find it laughable that they expect so much from this joint. Value for money is really good. Servers are friendly even though you can see that they’re already tired and most importantly, food taste good. It’s not a Michelin star restaurant to expect so much. I love that they’re open late, the restaurant is clean and most of all the food is tasty.

After a tiring flight or just craving for a quick meal- this is a good spot to fill your tummy up especially if you’re into Chinese food.

I’m giving it 5 stars just because I’m a satisfied customer. Not being too critical as nowadays everyone acts as if they’re Gordon Ramsay when they’re just pretend-wannabes.

I love the roast duck with rice. Many assortmemt of chinese dishes to choose from. But be sure to come for the roast duck.

Bbq pork & crispy pork is great ! A portion is quite big, come in 2 not so hungry can just share 💕 9/10

Food was delicious! Drinks nice and cold, service was fast and pleasant.

Menu includes Dim Sum, Noodle Soup and Roast Meats. Service is fast and brisk, what the service lacks in warmth the food doubles down is quality. Small beer menu includes VB, Crown and Asahi.