Chinese Restaurant In Melbourne Balaclava

 
Chinese Restaurant Near Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix

Moonhouse is one of Melbourne's newest yum cha restaurants, offering a unique mix of Chinese cuisine with a nostalgic Australian twist. From the same group that brought you Hanoi Hannah and Tokyo Tina, Moonhouse stands out with its retro vibes and delicious menu, making it a top spot for anyone seeking a restaurant in Balaclava with a difference.

Ambience and Design

Located in a striking art deco building, the restaurant's stylish interior is a blend of raw, stripped-back walls and 1920s-inspired glass panels, with moon-shaped lights hanging from the ceiling. 

The design of the restaurant is unique and features curved metalwork that is a nod to classic Art Deco architecture, and the warm orange tone is custom-created and matched to other elements in the space, including velvet banquettes, vinyl, onyx, and powder coat trims. The restaurant has a total area of 365 m2 and is designed to reflect Commune Group's personality and aspirations as experimental restaurateurs. The restaurant's focus on creating a sensorial experience for diners is reflected in the design of the space, the menu, and the wine list. The restaurant's Cantonese-inspired dishes with a contemporary spin are sure to delight diners, and the all-Australian wine list is a great complement to the food.

The ox-blood marble bar and leather accents add a touch of luxury, making it the perfect place to meet friends for a fun night out and consider the best Yum Cha restaurant in Balaclava to be considered.

Food & Beverages

The drinks menu is Australian-focused and approachable, with plenty of cocktails like espresso martinis and daiquiris being enjoyed by customers.

As for the food, Moonhouse offers a mix of classic and modern dishes inspired by flavors from Taiwan, Hainan, Hong Kong, Canton, Sichuan, and more. You’ll find delicious yum cha items such as oysters served with ginger and soy, along with the traditional lap cheong for a tasty twist on Kilpatrick.

The starters are light and refreshing, like pickled cucumbers and black fungus. The Hainanese chicken club sandwich is a standout, featuring poached chicken, crispy skin, soy dressing, and cucumber, all served on a sandwich skewer. Another highlight is the prawn toast, perfectly crispy with a rich prawn bisque sauce for dipping.

Chicken and prawn wontons are served in a broth, although the amount of liquid might make it seem more like a dressing. The Murray cod in Shaoxing broth, served with garlic shoots, is a lovely dish that showcases one of Australia's most underrated fish.


attentive Service

While some guests have noted that tables can feel a bit cramped, the overall service at this Balaclava restaurant is praised for its promptness and warmth, creating a welcoming environment that complements the delicious yum cha and enhances the dining experience.

A Must-Try Experience

Every weekend at Moonhouse, guests can indulge in the Yum Cha experience. For $60 per person, diners can select eight dishes from a rotating menu that includes:

  • CHAR SIU PORK BUN

  • CRYSTAL PRAWN DUMPLING

  • CHICKEN & PRAWN WONTON

  • PORK & WOMBOK DUMPLING

  • SALT & PEPER CALAMARI

  • KALE FRIED RICE

  • SMASHED CUCUMBERS

  • MIXED VEGETABLE SPRING ROLLS

And they got vegan unlimited yumcha dishes for just $60 per person from a a rotating menu that includes:

  • SICHUAN PICKLED CUCUMBERS

  • RADISH CAKE

  • PAN FRIED MUSHROOM BING

  • SALT & PEPER TOFU

  • YU XIANG CRISPY EGGPLANT

  • KALE FRIED RICE


For those looking to enhance their experience, an unlimited alcohol option is available for $45 per person, featuring quality local wines and craft beers. This makes Moonhouse not just one of the best Yum Cha restaurants in Melbourne but also a perfect place for an indulgent weekend treat.


Book Your Table Today!

Ready to discover why Moonhouse is considered the best yum cha spot in Balaclava? Make your reservation at 282 Carlisle Street, Balaclava. Whether you're indulging in a weekend yum cha lunch or enjoying an evening meal featuring Cantonese yum cha delicacies like barbecue pork, Moonhouse promises an unforgettable culinary journey.

Don't miss out on one of the finest yum cha experiences in Melbourne—visit Moonhouse today for a taste of exceptional traditional yum cha with a modern twist!