Secret Kitchen CBD

From outside, the first thing you see is the large seafood tank. Secret Kitchen’s is one of the largest in Victoria, so naturally the restaurant has a strong focus on fresh fish and seafood.

A single whole abalone will set you back almost $150, and it costs over a grand for the lobster feast (which you have to order one day in advance), but there are also more budget-friendly options on the extensive menu.

The restaurant specialises in Cantonese cuisine – all of the classic dim sum dishes are represented here (if you're coming in for weekend yum cha, we strongly recommend booking). You’ll also find peking duck pancakes and seafood in XO sauce. Fried rice comes in an omelette pouch; tear it open to reveal school prawns sitting on top. For dessert there are steamed buns decorated like piglets and filled with sweet red bean paste.

The 200 seats are spread out across two floors, with a wall of blue and white Chinoiserie along the stairs. There are other design nods to Chinese culture – two wooden Buddha sculptures greet you upon entrance and red lanterns hang overhead. Cut-out wooden panelling breaks the large space into sections.

Secret Kitchen (which also has locations in Doncaster and Glen Waverley) is part of the China Bar Group, which operates China Bar, Wonton House, Ramen Bankara and Dessert Story.