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Restaurant

Eastern Bell

399 Belmore Rd, Balwyn VIC 3103, Australia

Recommended by 46 people

Updated

Find Eastern Bell

399 Belmore Rd, Balwyn VIC 3103, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9857 4372
HoursMonday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 5:30 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Eastern Bell

Eastern Bell is an authentic 1980s retro Cantonese dining time capsule with white linen tablecloths, bow-tied waitstaff, and vintage hospitality. Regulars flock to this Balwyn retreat for unhurried banquets and comforting old-school Australian-Chinese standards. The kitchen sends out complementary prawn crackers before tables load up on crisp prawn toast, sizzling beef platters, and sweet and sour pork reminiscent of vintage Hong Kong kitchens. Floor staff dish food straight into bowls, top up Chinese tea, and wrap up each sitting with steaming hot towels.

  • Traditional Silver-Style Service: Bow-tied floor staff plate dishes tableside, refill tea pots, and finish meals with warm steamed towels.
  • Retro 1980s Atmosphere: Preserves authentic vintage Cantonese banquet decor with linen tablecloths and views toward the hills.
  • Classic Banquet Dining: Multi-course group feasts feature nostalgic classics like sweet and sour pork, prawn toast, and sizzling beef.
RestaurantChineseRestaurant

What's On at Eastern Bell

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Eastern Bell

Why diners choose Eastern Bell for retro hospitality, group celebrations, and traditional banquets

  • Preserved Retro Dining Atmosphere

    Eastern Bell preserves the nostalgic charm of classic Australian-Chinese dining rooms, featuring retro decor and white linen table settings that transport diners back in time.

    Eastern Bell isn’t so much a restaurant as it is a time machine with spring rolls.

    Shannon

  • Classic Table Service with Warm Towels

    Guests receive classic high-touch hospitality, including dishes plated directly to their tables and traditional warm towel service.

    Traditional service goodies which seemed to have disappeared from restaurants are alive and well at Eastern Bell

    Robert McNaught

  • Attentive Hosts for Group Gatherings

    The proprietor and service team offer personal, welcoming hospitality that quickly accommodates groups after a long day.

    The owner Nick was incredibly welcoming, what a great person to meet upon our arrival.

    Andrew Cain

  • Welcoming Family & Group Hospitality

    A reliable and warm neighbourhood destination where friends and families feel personally cared for across repeat visits.

    Nicholas and his staff are very attentive and never fail to make us feel welcome.

    Dawnlicity Charls

  • Structured Chinese Banquet Dinners

    Offers multi-course banquet menus providing a traditional structured meal with generous portions for shared dining.

    We ordered a banquet which was delicious

    Pauline Wetherall

  • BYO Convenience with Formal Table Presentation

    Features formal table appointments with crisp linens combined with the practical flexibility of bring-your-own wine service.

    High quality presentation with linen table cloths and skilful waiter service. BYO licence.

    Margaret McLAREN

Enduring Australian-Cantonese classics crafted with vintage care

  • Sweet and Sour Pork

    the sweet and sour pork was as authentic old school as you can get

    Matthew W

  • Honey Chicken

    The honey chicken is a favourite!

    Dawnlicity Charls

  • Special Fried Rice

    I enjoyed Special Fried Rice and the Sizzling Beef Platter.

    Margaret McLAREN

  • Cantonese Fillet Steak

    Cantonese fillet steak is exceptional!

    Peter Lamont

Other favorites

Retro appetizers and classic desserts to complement the banquet experience

  • Prawn Toast

    Come for the prawn toast

    Shannon

  • Spring Onion Pancake

    I also recommend the spring onion pancake entree.

    Dawnlicity Charls

  • Deep Fried Ice Cream

    Deep Fried Ice Cream

    Carol Wu

  • Banana Fritter

    The banana fritter at the end was standard; no complaints there.

    Andrew Goulding

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful, old-school hospitality rituals and attentive table care

  • Steamed Hot Towel Service

    Guests are presented with warm, steaming hot towels at both the beginning and conclusion of their banquet, a cherished classic hospitality touch.

  • Tableside Dish Service and Plating

    Waiters in bow ties serve and plate dishes individually into diners' bowls upon arrival at the table, maintaining traditional silver-style hospitality.

  • Complimentary Prawn Crackers

    Tables are greeted with complimentary baskets of fresh prawn crackers as a welcoming gesture to start the meal.

  • Custom Gluten-Free Adaptations

    The kitchen actively modifies several menu dishes on request to ensure safe and flavourful dining for guests with gluten intolerances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I make a reservation before visiting?

Eastern Bell accepts bookings, which are recommended especially for groups larger than two on busy weekend nights.

Can I bring my own wine (BYO)?

Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own wine, with the restaurant holding a BYO licence alongside its wine and beer offerings.

How can I avoid the front stairs if I have mobility needs?

Yes, the venue offers a step-free entrance around the back of the building, allowing guests with mobility needs or strollers to avoid the front stairs.

Are gluten-free dietary needs accommodated?

Yes, guests note that the kitchen accommodates gluten-free diners, with the chef able to adjust several dishes upon request.

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