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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.

Before you head over

Helpful advice on reservations, access, and portion sizes for your visit

  • Reserve for Weekend Dinners

    Saturday nights get busy and courses may take time between servings, so make a reservation ahead of time if you are dining with more than two guests.

  • Park at the Rear for Easier Access

    The restaurant is situated upstairs with front stairs, but you can park around the back to avoid navigating the front staircase.

  • Choose À La Carte for Smaller Appetites

    The multi-course banquets provide substantial portions that can easily overwhelm smaller appetites; opt for à la carte ordering if you prefer lighter portions.

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