Restaurant
Gong De Lin
3/264 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Find Gong De Lin
3/264 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Gong De Lin
Take the discreet lift up to Level 3 on Swanston Street—if you know, you know. Gong De Lin turns out an entirely vegan banquet of Shanghai-style comfort food high above the CBD rush. Plant-based diners and their meat-eating friends order across the sprawling menu without scrutinizing a single ingredient. Regulars steer tables toward the crisp sweet-and-sour pork and sizzling Szechwan beef, both nailed right down to the texture. The kitchen leans into allium-free recipes with genuine wok hei, turning out bubbling tofu and mushroom claypots alongside boiled dumplings stuffed with watercress. Slip in during quieter hours when the staff make the dining room feel like dinner at a friend’s family table.
- Allium-Free Homestyle Cooking: An extensive, allium-free menu featuring boiled watercress dumplings, bubbling claypots, and traditional Shanghai comfort food.
- Convincing Plant-Based Meats: Crisp sweet-and-sour pork and sizzling Szechwan beef that routinely win over dedicated omnivores.
- Level 3 Swanston St Sanctuary: Tucked away on Level 3 and accessed via a discreet lift, providing a calm haven above Swanston Street.
What's On at Gong De Lin
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Diners Choose Gong De Lin
Authentic banquet dining, comforting hospitality, and total plant-based peace of mind tucked above Swanston Street.
Carefree ordering across an entirely plant-based menu
Diners can order across an expansive traditional Chinese menu without worrying about hidden meat broths, animal fats, or ingredient cross-checks.
because everything is Vegan, I can eat everything
C Mac Uncanny textures in traditional mock meats
Dishes like Szechwan beef and sweet and sour pork capture the authentic chew, tenderness, and rich profile of traditional Chinese banquet fare.
the mock beef had texture similar to real beef and the taste was amazing.
Curious Bookworm Effortless group dining for mixed dietary crowds
Generous portions and familiar, flavorful profiles make it effortless to gather groups of mixed dietary preferences without compromising on satisfaction.
My group regularly eat meat, however, the vegetarian dishes were honestly delicious and portioned well for 6 people.
Andy Luu Flavors robust enough to satisfy non-vegan guests
Banquet-style classics and savory claypots deliver depth of flavor that wins over committed omnivores and plant-based diners alike.
Though I’m not a vegetarian/vegan, I thoroughly enjoyed the dishes here. They were really hearty and flavourful!
Mandie L. An upper-floor sanctuary away from the CBD rush
Located up on Level 3 and reached through an elevator off Swanston Street, the dining room offers natural light and a peaceful break above the bustling city.
Nestled a few levels above the busy street is a cozy haven.
Casey Diamond Comforting, homestyle hospitality
Homestyle care and attentive service create an intimate, grounded dining room where guests feel welcomed like family.
whenever I go at quieter times it feels like I’m going to my friend’s mums house for dinner.
Claire
Most popular items
Plant-based Chinese classics and standout mock meats favored by diners
Sweet and Sour Pork
The sweet and sour pork is the stand out. We went back a second time and had to reorder it.
Fiona Peking Duck
All of the food was delicious, especially the Peking duck!
Casey Diamond Lion's Head Meatballs
Highly recommend the lions head meatballs 狮子头, it tasted exactly like the real thing!
Shirley Wang Boiled Vegetable Dumplings
Amazing vegan restaurant with the best boiled vegetable dumplings ever!
T V
Other favorites
Traditional flowering teas, pots of hot tea, and plant-based desserts to round out the table.
Double Happiness Tea
We also enjoyed watching the flower unfold in our double happiness tea.
Casey Diamond Jasmine Tea
The jasmine tea was the perfect touch.
Jinal Mistry Vegan Deep Fried Ice-Cream
I also got the complimentary vegan deep fried Ice-cream, yum 😋
C Mac Red Bean Paste Pancake
Red bean paste pancake was crispy, mildly sweet with lots of red bean.
Jason
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you find the entrance?
Look for a discreet lift next to the bubble tea shop (Machi Machi) and take it up to Level 3. The restaurant entrance opens directly from the elevator.
Is the food completely vegan and vegetarian?
Yes, the entire menu is 100% vegan and vegetarian, featuring a wide range of mock meats—such as sweet and sour pork, beef, and lion's head meatballs—as well as tofu dishes, vegetable dumplings, and allium-free choices.
When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
The restaurant fills up quickly around peak dinner times (between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM) with limited space to wait. Arrive close to opening time, come during quieter afternoon hours, or book ahead since reservations are accepted.
How should you gauge portion sizes when ordering?
Dishes are hearty and generous. For two people, pairing one vegetable dish with one tofu or protein dish plus dumplings or snacks to share is plenty of food.
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