Restaurant
Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar
23 Oliver Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Find Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar
23 Oliver Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar
Tucked down Oliver Lane behind red neon, Lucy Liu delivers energetic Melbourne laneway dining centered on punchy Asian share plates. The room hums with industrial-chic momentum and fast floor staff. Secure a stool at the kitchen counter—it turns dinner into live theater as chefs call tickets and fire woks right in front of you. Regulars hand over ordering decisions to the kitchen with the multi-course selection banquet, though the à la carte menu holds its own with crisp soft shell crab jianbing, kingfish sashimi, and barramundi and scampi wontons bathed in chilli and spring onion oil. Fried chicken ribs arrive coated in sour plum salt alongside kewpie mayo, while the bar turns out sharp cocktails and pours from a thoughtful wine list. Tightly spaced tables keep the volume high and the atmosphere running hot, winding down over warm pork hock pancakes.
- Kitchen Counter Seating: Perched along the open kitchen line, counter seats offer an interactive look at chefs calling tickets and firing dishes.
- Chef's Selection Banquets: Multi-course sharing menus let the kitchen pace out signature courses without the guesswork of ordering.
- Laneway Entrance: Located down Oliver Lane, marked by red neon lighting and a classic Melbourne alleyway entrance.
- Punchy Asian Share Plates: High-energy share plates including barramundi and scampi wontons, soft shell crab jianbing, and plum-salted fried chicken ribs.
What's On at Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar
Why diners choose Lucy Liu for vibrant Melbourne laneway dining and chef-curated Asian banquets
Atmospheric Laneway Entry
Oliver Lane's cobblestone passage and signature glowing red lighting create an atmospheric arrival that sets a dynamic Melbourne tone from the start.
The entrance through the laneway and the iconic red neon sign give it that very Melbourne feel right from the start.
Jaz Explores Chefs Counter Culinary Theater
Diners at the kitchen counter get front-row access to the culinary line, turning dinner into interactive live entertainment as chefs cook and call orders.
What a privilege to be seated at the bar in front of the kitchen! Such a cohesive team Lucy Lui has. From the front of house to the team in the kitchen, my husband and I have loved our superb dinner and show!
Rebecca Blair Chef-Curated Surprise Banquets
Multi-course curated sharing banquets take the guesswork out of dinner, pacing lighter bites into heartier signature dishes seamlessly.
We went for the $78 per person seven-plate chef’s selection and let the kitchen decide for us — no regrets at all. Every dish that came out was beautifully presented, creative, and packed with flavour.
Kia Yang Attentive, Stress-Free Dining Flow
Fixed sharing menus adapt attentively to dietary preferences and spice tolerance while ensuring balanced, perfectly proportioned courses for pairs and groups.
One of the ladies looking after us took the time to walk us through every dish, and when I mentioned I'm not great with spice, she actually listened. Little things like that make a difference.
serginmelbourne Energizing Electric Ambience
The combination of industrial-style interiors, glowing red accents, and electric room volume gives diners a quintessential sense of Melbourne nightlife energy.
This spot is all about bold flavors with an electric ambiance.
Sara Govero Effortless Anticipation and Delight
Entrusting the kitchen with fixed banquets like Let Lucy Choose generates anticipation and delight as unexpected dishes arrive.
Definitely recommend getting the fixed plate (Let Lucy Choose) meal, and prepare to be wowed! So much delicious food!
Kyle Rich
Most popular items
Signature Asian share plates celebrated by diners for vibrant flavors
Kingfish Sashimi
The Kingfish Sashimi was fresh and perfectly balanced
Nick Vass Barramundi and Scampi Wontons
some more barramundi and scampi wontons - the chilli and spring onion oil on them, amazing. So so so so good!
Georgia Fried Chicken Ribs
Fried Chicken Ribs with sour plum salt — and every single dish was packed with flavour and beautifully presented
Nick Vass Short Rib Rendang
Short Rib Rendang (so tender and so tasty)
Loz -
Beyond the menu
Distinct hospitality moments and atmosphere details that elevate dining at Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar
Live Kitchen Counter Performance
Diners seated along the kitchen counter enjoy an energetic culinary performance watching the kitchen team prepare dishes in real time while hearing the head chef call out service instructions.
Red-Lit Cobblestone Laneway Arrival
Entering via cobblestone Oliver Lane through an alleyway lit in signature red neon establishes a distinct, immersive Melbourne laneway atmosphere before stepping inside.
Tailored Surprise Banquet Guidance
Guests delegating dining decisions to the kitchen with multi-course surprise banquets receive personalized service walks through every dish, including attentive adjustments for spice preferences.
Dedicated Event and Milestone Hospitality
Dedicated event and group hospitality makes private milestones, such as first birthdays, completely seamless through personalized, attentive floor coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book a table in advance?
While walk-ins are occasionally seated at high tables or the bar, reservations are strongly recommended—often weeks in advance for weekend dinners—due to the dining room filling quickly.
How does the chef's selection menu work?
Yes. Guests can choose fixed-plate chef selection menus (such as 5-plate or 7-plate surprise tastings) where the kitchen curates a balanced sequence of dishes, catering also to dietary preferences and spice tolerances.
What is the kitchen counter seating experience like?
Counter seating directly faces the open kitchen, offering a lively view of the chefs preparing dishes and calling out orders throughout service.
How are the portions sized for sharing?
Portions are designed as share plates, with dishes arriving quickly for the table to split. Two to three plates typically satisfy two diners, while larger groups can order broadly across the menu.
Is parking available nearby?
Street parking in the immediate CBD laneways is difficult and impractical; visitors typically arrive by walking or public transport, though paid street parking and paid parking lots operate in the surrounding area.
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