Chin Chin
6.7Friend Score / 10#18 of 20 Restaurants in Melbourne
Known forkingfish sashimipad see ewson in law eggsmassaman curry
Melbourne's loudest restaurant success story — a big, neon-lit Flinders Lane room doing punchy Thai-ish sharing plates since 2011, open 11am to 11pm daily. A friend says: the food (kingfish sashimi, pad see ew) still delivers, but it's a hyped, high-decibel scene and prime-time waits can hit an hour-plus since walk-ins rule. Go off-peak.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 11:00–23:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Flinders Street Station, 3-minute walk; free Tram Zone trams on Swanston and Flinders Streets |
| Time needed | 1.5-2 hours (plus possible queue at peak) |
| Best time to go | Late lunch or 5pm sharp for dinner; Friday/Saturday 7pm means a long wait |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
6.7/10- Value7.0
- iconic7.0
- Freshness9.1
- Crowd level3.5
- Authenticity7.0
- Accessibility9.5
Frequently asked questions
- Can I book a table at Chin Chin?
- Mostly no — it's famously walk-in driven, with bookings generally limited to larger groups. For a table of two to four, you queue. That's been the deal since 2011 and it hasn't blinked.
- How much does dinner at Chin Chin cost?
- Budget roughly $70-100 a head with a couple of drinks, sharing several plates. The 'Feed Me' set menu is an easy way to cap the spend and let the kitchen drive. Note there's a 10% surcharge on Sundays.
- What is GoGo Bar at Chin Chin?
- The basement bar underneath — cocktails, DJs, and the same kitchen's snacks. It doubles as the waiting room when the restaurant queue is long, which honestly makes the wait pretty painless.
- Is Chin Chin still worth it in 2026?
- If you've never been and you like a big buzzy room, yes — it earned its fame. If you're chasing Melbourne's current cutting edge, locals would point you elsewhere; Chin Chin is now a beloved classic rather than the hot new thing.
- Is Chin Chin actually Thai food?
- It's Southeast Asian-inspired rather than strictly traditional — big Thai flavours tuned for an Australian palate, with plenty of liberties. Purists quibble; most people just enjoy it for what it is.
- Is Chin Chin good for kids or a quiet dinner?
- It's very loud — music up, room packed, hard surfaces everywhere. Fine for energetic family lunches, wrong for a quiet conversation or a romantic dinner. Pick Tipo 00 or Flower Drum for those.
- How long is the wait at Chin Chin?
- Friday or Saturday at 7pm can be an hour or more; they'll take your number and you can drink at GoGo Bar downstairs while you wait. At 5pm or for a late lunch you'll often walk straight in.
- What should I order at Chin Chin?
- The kingfish sashimi with lime and coconut is the enduring signature, plus the barramundi red curry and pad see ew. Plates are for sharing — order a few, then add as you go rather than over-committing upfront.
Nearby in Ask Melbourne
- Lucy Liu Kitchen and BarRestaurant0.04 km · 1 min walk
- PastusoRestaurant0.09 km · 1 min walk
- Eau de VieBar0.14 km · 2 min walk
- NGV Australia (Ian Potter Centre)Museum0.16 km · 2 min walk
- NOMAD MelbourneRestaurant0.16 km · 2 min walk
Where to stay near Chin Chin
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