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Restaurant

Chāar Long

18-22 Scobie St S, Avenel VIC 3664, Australia

Recommended by 77 people

Updated

Find Chāar Long

18-22 Scobie St S, Avenel VIC 3664, Australia

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HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: Closed Friday: 12:30 – 3:30 PM Saturday: 12:30 – 3:30 PM Sunday: 12:30 – 3:30 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Chāar Long

Escape regional city noise for an intimate weekend lunch overlooking Hughes Creek in Avenel. With room for roughly twelve diners, husband-and-wife duo John and Yao run the tiny dining room with unhurried warmth. Yao works in full view behind the open kitchen counter, dishing up a weekly changing five-course set menu. Expect balanced Thai home cooking—think fragrant duck red curry loaded with lychee and young coconut, crisp pork belly, and tender massaman lamb shank. Tables linger over regional wines poured from small nearby cellars while taking in views of the historic sandstone bridge.

  • Weekly Changing Set Menu: Friday through Sunday lunch features an unannounced five-course rotating menu shaped around regional produce.
  • Twelve-Seat Open Kitchen: Seating around a dozen guests inside, the space lets visitors watch chef Yao cook and plate every course.
  • Local Regional Cellars: A tight beverage selection spotlights bottles sourced exclusively from nearby district vineyards.
RestaurantThaiRestaurant

What's On at Chāar Long

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Chāar Long

Discover why guests travel to Avenel for an intimate, unhurried Thai dining experience.

  • Curated Weekly-Changing Set Menu

    Runs exclusively Friday through Sunday for lunch, presenting a multi-course set menu that rotates weekly with fresh seasonal Thai dishes.

    The set menu changes weekly.

    Phil Scott

  • Small Regional Winery Focus

    Pairs multi-course courses with an intentional beverage selection focused on boutique, regional Victorian winemakers.

    Drinks selections were all small local wineries which added to the experience.

    Phil Scott

  • Intimate Open Kitchen Hospitality

    Intimate indoor seating for around 12 guests lets visitors observe the husband-and-wife team cook and plate every course.

    it’s like you have been invited to a friend’s place for dinner with the open kitchen and seating inside for 12 guests

    michael cameron

  • Personalized Dish-by-Dish Service

    Dishes are served unhurriedly with attentive storytelling and care, creating a peaceful and restorative dining rhythm.

    wonderful service that was delivered with an explanation of each dish that was presented it made it all the more special

    Annabel Zeven

  • Tranquil Regional Day Trip Destination

    Nestled by Hughes Creek and scenic historic views in Avenel, offering a serene country day trip destination away from the city.

    We drove from Melbourne as 1-day roadtrip to experience nature in Avenel.

    JL Kin-kuma

  • Unhurried Pace in a Scenic Setting

    True to its name meaning slowing down, the sunlit venue fosters a relaxed tempo that encourages guests to linger.

    As suggested by the restaurant's name - Chaar Long (meaning slowing down in Thai), we did feel relaxation after our visit.

    Piyanont Boonklurb

Standout dishes savoured by guests during weekly rotating lunches

  • Duck Red curry

    I love the Duck Red curry & Kale with Crispy Pork.

    JL Kin-kuma

  • Kale with Crispy Pork

    I love the Duck Red curry & Kale with Crispy Pork.

    JL Kin-kuma

  • Massaman lamb shank

    Particularly, we really enjoyed the massaman lamb shank and crispy pork with sticky rice wrap.

    Piyanont Boonklurb

  • Crispy pork with sticky rice wrap

    Particularly, we really enjoyed the massaman lamb shank and crispy pork with sticky rice wrap.

    Piyanont Boonklurb

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful touches and intimate hospitality that elevate weekend dining in Avenel

  • Open Kitchen Observation

    Guests can watch chef Yao and host John prepare and plate each course in plain view within the intimate dining room.

  • Personalised Celebration Details

    Hosts accommodate advance birthday and celebration notes by arranging custom touches like floral garnishes and candles on dessert.

  • Course-by-Course Dish Explanations

    Each course is introduced and detailed at the table as it is presented throughout the multi-course lunch.

  • Locally Sourced Winery Pairings

    The beverage list is intentionally curated to feature selections sourced exclusively from local regional wineries.

Before you head over

Practical planning tips for your dining experience at Chāar Long

  • Allow Plenty of Time

    Allow roughly two hours to enjoy the multi-course meal, as courses are paced thoughtfully rather than rushed.

  • Expect a Surprise Set Menu

    The restaurant serves a surprise five-course set menu that rotates weekly without an à la carte ordering option.

  • Reserve Early for Limited Seating

    Indoor dining is limited to approximately 12 guests overlooking the open kitchen, making reservations vital.

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