Mate's Table
Subscribe
Create
Share with the community

What would you like to make?

Add a recommendationShare a place worth gathering around.Create a guideBuild a useful list for your city.
For business

Restaurant

Nihao Kitchen

298-300 High St, Kew VIC 3101, Australia

Recommended by 69 people

Updated

Find Nihao Kitchen

298-300 High St, Kew VIC 3101, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9852 8333
HoursMonday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 8:30 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 8:30 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 8:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 8:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 8:30 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 8:30 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

Book Now

About Nihao Kitchen

Nihao Kitchen anchors Kew with classic Cantonese banquets, live seafood tanks, and theatrical front-of-house hospitality. Regulars gather around revolving lazy Susans for market-fresh live Murray cod, crisp pipa duck, and wok-seared beef with wasabi, while host Jan directs the dining room with comedic pacing and dry banter. Upstairs function spaces host multi-course milestones, complemented by pre-ordered showstoppers like whole winter melon soup and rich crab with pâté. Service keeps the teapots topped up and plates arriving fast, right through to the generous complimentary fruit platters at the end.

  • Live Seafood & Advance Pre-Orders: Live tanks supply whole Murray cod, lobster, and snow crab alongside pre-ordered specialties like pipa duck and stuffed winter melon.
  • Private Function Rooms: Upstairs private rooms cater to multi-course banquets and large family celebrations.
  • Vaudeville Hospitality: Hands-on floor management keeps banquets flowing with theatrical, comedic hosting and attentive tea service.
RestaurantChineseVegetarianRestaurant

What's On at Nihao Kitchen

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Nihao Kitchen

Why diners choose Nihao Kitchen for milestone Cantonese banquets and live seafood feasts

  • Live Seafood Prepared to Order

    Nihao Kitchen maintains live tanks to prepare fresh market catches like Murray cod, lobster, and crab to classic Hong Kong culinary standards.

    It's a Cantonese restaurant known for its live seafood.

    W W

  • Specialist Pre-Ordered Banquet Courses

    The kitchen accommodates custom gatherings with elaborate specialty courses requiring advance preparation, including clay pot dishes, winter melon, and pumpkin fried rice.

    a couple of outstanding pre-order only dishes too including a chicken clay pot, pumpkin fried rice and steamed winter melon.

    Tony T

  • Dedicated Upstairs Function Room Hosting

    Upstairs private rooms allow groups to host festive milestones and business lunches with direct menu coordination beforehand.

    We had a celebration lunch in a private function room upstairs and received amazing service and authentic Cantonese dishes

    Nancy L

  • Intimate Private Dining Room Celebrations

    Partitioned dining rooms provide quiet, self-contained banquet settings suitable for major holidays and family celebrations.

    A lovely Christmas dinner experience at Nihao Kitchen tonight, good quality fresh food, attentive service and beautiful private dining room.

    Mary L

  • Charismatic Owner-Led Front-of-House Energy

    Hospitality is anchored by hands-on, spirited floor hosting that makes group celebrations lively and memorable.

    Service from the owner was hilarious, he's such a character.

    Good Food Good Mood

  • Theatrical Lazy Susan Banquet Pacing

    Continuous banquet courses circulate seamlessly across lazy Susan tables, creating an abundant and engaging feast.

    Every time you think you’re finished, another masterpiece appears rotating toward you on the lazy Susan like a glorious legal summons.

    Baggage Claim Philosopher

Authentic Hong Kong banqueting staples and fresh live tank specialties

  • Deep-Fried Pork Intestine

    Deep-fried pork intestine AUD$38.80

    W W

  • Peking Duck

    The Peking Duck is a must try and absolutely delicious.

    Phil Tad

  • Pipa Duck

    Roasted Pipa Duck AUD$78

    W W

  • Live Murray Cod

    Live Murray Cod AUD$45 per kilo (x2 kilo fish)

    W W

Other favorites

Dim sum favorites, dumplings, and banquet side dishes to complement your meal

  • Fried Rice

    the most delicious fried rice

    Damian B (Fangbo)

  • Walnut Bun

    walnut buns

    Elaine Teo

  • Custard Bun

    Custard bun AUD$7.80

    W W

  • Steamed Pork Dumplings

    delicious sticky steamed pork dumplings

    Damian B (Fangbo)

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality and dining touches that elevate group banquets in Kew

  • Comedic Owner-Led Hosting

    The owner and maître d' delivers theatrical, comedic table-side banter, actively engaging dinner banquets with lively humor.

  • Complimentary Fruit Platters and Sweets

    Guests conclude banquets with generous complimentary fresh fruit platters and dessert touches provided at the end of the meal.

  • Proactive Table Tea Refills

    Floor staff maintain attentive table care throughout family gatherings, proactively replenishing hot tea without needing a reminder.

  • Off-Menu Recommendations and Advance Pre-Orders

    Kitchen and reservation staff arrange off-menu banquet specialties and advance pre-order dishes such as steamed winter melon and claypots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to book a table in advance?

Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for lunch, weekend dinners, and groups, as the dining room fills quickly. Dedicated private rooms are also available to book for gatherings and celebrations.

How do live seafood and pre-order dishes work?

Yes, Nihao Kitchen is well-known for its fresh live seafood—including live lobster, snow crab, and Murray cod—which is priced according to seasonal market rates. Certain specialty banquet courses like stuffed winter melon and pumpkin fried rice also require advance ordering.

What are the parking options?

There is a dedicated parking area with space for around eight vehicles at the side and rear of the building, alongside free street parking on neighbouring side streets. Parking can become challenging during peak dining times, so arriving early is recommended.

How large are the portion sizes?

Portions are notably generous and designed around Cantonese banquet-style dining, with dishes served hot for sharing across rotating lazy Susan tables.

Explore more places in Melbourne

Find familiar flavours, neighbourhood favourites and somewhere new in Melbourne.

Similar places

More places for the flavours and food you enjoy.

Browse all Melbourne venues