Why Chinese restaurant food is worth so much more than ‘cheap and cheerful'
It's the most high-profile restaurant switch-up in recent memory, not to mention one of the quickest: Song Bird opened in August last year. With now-shuttered jazz bar Bobbie's downstairs, the multi-level Bay Street venue reportedly cost upwards of $13 million. Before the closure announcement, Song Bird had also expanded its menu to include more influence from across Asia than strictly China and Hong Kong.
So what happened? Is there just no market for Asian food in Double Bay? Sydneysiders regularly travel from all postcodes to eat at Perry's two-hatted Margaret on the opposite block. Why didn't Song Bird fly as high?
I don't have all the data for a detailed postmortem of the restaurant, but I do reject one of the reasons Perry provided. Key to the weak trading, he told Australian Financial Review Magazine editor Matt Drummond, was the reluctance of some diners to pay premium prices for Chinese food.
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Man of Many
11 hours ago
- Man of Many
11 Places Melbourne's Chefs & Hospo Crowd Eat After Clocking Off
We know Melbourne is packed with some of the coolest restaurants in the country, but what is it that makes a restaurant truly great? The chefs and the service team, of course. Who better to tell you where to grab a late-night bite than the people in the trenches every day, cooking up the city's best meals? We've gone straight to the source to uncover where Melbourne's hospitality crowd really eat after hours. We've spoken firsthand to chefs, servers, and hospo veterans, and also asked in local Melbourne hospo Facebook groups to bring you this list. We've also done in-depth research on each venue to bring you the most up-to-date information on menu items and opening hours. (You can read our review policy on how we maintain our independence in our editorial lists.) From boat noodles at Soi 38, to Gimlet's after-hours juicy cheeseburger, to malatang hotpot at David's Master Pot, this is what hospo veterans swear by to satisfy their hunger after a long shift. 11 Best Eats in Melbourne (According to Hospo Veterans) Soi 38 | Image: Soi 38 1. Soi 38 What to order: Tom zap Kra duk aon (spicy soup with slow-cooked pork soft ribs) Tom zap Kra duk aon (spicy soup with slow-cooked pork soft ribs) Address: 38 Royal Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000 38 Royal Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000 Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 11am – 3pm / 5pm – 10pm Soi 38 has been on the radar of most Melbourne foodies and hospo workers for a while now, and it still pulls a steady crowd thanks to its fast, flavour-packed Thai street food. Originally set up in a car park, it's now a CBD fixture that keeps things casual with shared tables, quick turnover, simple but friendly service. It's not fancy by any means, but that's part of the appeal. The food leans bold and spicy, and the menu has plenty of range if you're in the mood for something punchy. The Tom zap Kra duk aon (spicy pork rib soup) comes highly recommended – sour, hot, and full of depth. The papaya salads are popular (especially the one with salted egg), and the Ultimate Bowl is the go-to when you're starving and need something big and satisfying. Add some Larb Moo, grilled meats and deep-fried bites to round things out. It can get hectic at lunch, and service isn't always the smoothest when it's busy, but dinner is usually more consistent (although you'll probably still need to queue if you get there any time after 6.30pm). If you're after a quick, reliable feed in the city with proper Thai flavours, Soi 38 is worth a look, even if you have to wait for a seat. Ling Nan | Image: Instagram 2. Ling Nan What to order: XO pippies XO pippies Address: 207 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000 207 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Opening Hours: Sun-Mon 5pm-1.30am Ling Nan has long been a favourite for Melbourne's late-night crowd, especially hospo workers looking for a decent feed after a long shift. Tucked away on Lonsdale Street, it's one of the few places in the CBD serving up Cantonese classics until well after midnight. It's loud and busy, the service is fast (sometimes a bit sharp), and the focus is squarely on the food. There's a huge menu, but the dish everyone talks about is the XO pipis with Chinese doughnuts. Word on the street is it's salty, spicy, saucy, and perfect for sharing. If you're heading in hungry, order that first. Other favourites include the beef congee with fried dough sticks (comforting and light), salt and chilli pork ribs, and a lesser-known off-menu special – stuffed pig intestine with prawn mince – which people swear by. The tofu with salted fish is great with rice, and the stir-fried morning glory brings some heat if you're after veg. It gets busy most nights, especially late, but weeknights or Sundays tend to be quieter if you want a bit more breathing room. Either way, if you're craving authentic and reasonably priced Cantonese, Ling Nan is the place to go. David's Master Pot | Image: David's Master Pot 3. David's Master Pot If you're in the mood for a spicy, build-your-own hot pot situation, David's Master Pot is a great choice, especially late at night. It's popular with hospo workers and students alike for a reason: it's filling, customisable, and hits the spot when you want something warm and full of flavour. You grab a tray, pick your ingredients from the fridge (there are heaps – veg, meat, tofu, noodles, seafood), then hand it over to be cooked in the broth you choose. The spicy mala is the crowd favourite, but there's a vegan one too, plus rotating specials like chicken and fish maw. If you're not in the mood for soup, there's also a dry stir-fry version. Chefs love it because it's quick, easy, and you can make it exactly how you like (it's hard to let go of control when you're a chef!) Add a side of crispy prawn spring rolls, and maybe finish with sticky rice cakes if you've got room. What to order: Signature malatang hot pot Signature malatang hot pot Address: 462 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 462 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs 11.30am-1am, Fri-Sat 11.30am-2am Gimlet | Image: Gilmet 4. Gimlet If you're out late in the city and feel like something a little fancier, there's no better place than Gimlet. It's in a beautiful old building on Russell Street and features low lighting, comfy booths, and great service. They run a supper menu on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm to 1am, so it's practically built for late-night cravings. The cheeseburger's the main event and what the chefs of Melbourne recommend – messy, melty, and only available after hours. There's also a bang-on strip steak, oysters with seaweed butter, fried olives stuffed with sobrassada, and a small pasta dish that does the job. You'll find a few sides, a rotating dessert or two, and a strong drinks list – classic cocktails, nice wines, and caviar if you're feeling a bit extra. It's not cheap ($28 for a burger), but it's perfect if you want to wind down somewhere quiet, with good food and no rush. What to order: The cheeseburger The cheeseburger Address: 33 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000 33 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs 12pm – 12am, Fri-Sat 12pm-1am Read more: The Best Burgers in Melbourne Locals Swear By Butcher's Diner | Image Instagram 5. Butcher's Diner If you've wrapped a late shift (or just found yourself hungry at midnight), Butcher's Diner is one of the few spots in Melbourne where you can still get really good bang for your buck. Sitting on Bourke Street near Spring, it's open until 1am most nights and has built a solid rep for being reliable, quick, and way better than your average late-night option. It's got a classic diner feel with neon lights, bar stools, and a buzzing open kitchen. The food leans comfort but with quality behind it. Meats are butchered and cured in-house, the produce is local, and the menu covers everything from burgers and chilli dogs to yakitori skewers and crispy tofu rolls. If you're still hungry, you can finish off your meal with a sticky date pudding or Spanish doughnuts, and a filter coffee for just $2.50! Unheard of these days. Service is fast, food is delicious – what else could you want late at night in Melbourne city? What to order: Steak sandwich Steak sandwich Address: 10 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 10 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 11.30am-1am Bodega Underground | Image: Instagram 6. Bodega Underground Bodega Underground is a place you stumble into late at night and end up staying way longer than planned. Hidden below street level on Little Bourke, this neon-lit basement bar is part mezcal haven (over 80 types if you're counting), part taqueria, and it's a favourite with hospo workers, late-night crews and anyone craving tacos after midnight. Tacos are the main event. There's everything from beef and pork to cauliflower, mushroom and jackfruit – all on gluten-free tortillas with house-made salsas. Chilaquiles are perfect if you're deep into the night and need something comforting. And if you're vegan, the menu has you covered. Drinks are fun, strong, and sometimes a little spicy. The Aloe Señorita and Peachy Paloma are house favourites, and there's always a Michelada or Paloma if you want something classic. They're open late most nights, so whether you're finishing work, still going from dinner, or just need one more taco before bed, Bodega always delivers. What to order: Elote (street corn) and beef rib with mole negra Elote (street corn) and beef rib with mole negra Address: 51 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 51 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Opening Hours: Sun 1pm-12am, Mon-Wed 5pm-12am, Thurs 12pm-12am, Fri 12pm-1am, Sat 11am-1am Supper Inn | Image: Visit Melbourne 7. Supper Inn Supper Inn is probably one of the most recommended places by chefs and hospo workers. Tucked down Celestial Avenue in Chinatown, it's been dishing up Cantonese classics since the '70s and still packs out late into the night. It's so popular, it doesn't even need a website (plus no active social media either!) You've gotta admire the confidence in the offering. It's open every night until 2:30am, which makes it a go-to for chefs, bartenders, and anyone else needing a feed after hours. The menu is huge – over 200 dishes – so it helps to know what you're there for. The crispy roast pork comes highly recommended, as does the congee. The pipis in XO sauce are also a crowd favourite. The vibe is fast and busy, and while the staff keep things moving, some customers suggest the service can be a bit brisk. But do we really care if the food's as good as they say? It's not showy by any means, but if you want authentic Cantonese food late at night, this is where you go. What to order: Crispy roast pork Crispy roast pork Address: 1/15 Celestial Avenue, Melbourne VIC 3000 1/15 Celestial Avenue, Melbourne VIC 3000 Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 5:30 pm–2:30 am Chapellis | Image: Chapellis 8. Chapellis Chapellis is open 24/7. Yes, really. In a city where kitchens close early and late-night options are few and far between, Chapellis is a bit of a unicorn. Sitting right on the Chapel Street strip, this all-hours café has been a go-to for hospo workers, night owls, and early risers for years. Whether you're craving eggs at 1am, a pasta at sunrise, or just a place to sit with a coffee after a long shift, Chapellis is where you go. The menu's huge, with all-day brekkie, wood-fired pizzas, big bowls of pasta, burgers, salads, cakes – the lot. Recommending just a couple of things is hard – the menu is so diverse. However, the spaghetti bolognese is classic, the parma is huge, and the pizzas are a solid choice (as are the strawberry pancakes). And yes, they'll serve you any of that at three in the morning. It's bright, a bit retro, and you'll always find someone enjoying a meal in there, no matter the hour. If you haven't been yet, go. Even if just to say you had breakfast at midnight on Chapel Street. What to order: Impossible to say – too many options! Impossible to say – too many options! Address: 571 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141 571 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141 Opening Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week Magic Mountain Saloon | Image: Magic Mountain Saloon 9. Magic Mountain Saloon If you're after late-night Thai with a side of good tunes and better cocktails, Magic Mountain Saloon is the move. On Little Collins, just up from Parliament, this place is a bit of a go-to for after-work hangs and hospo knock-offs. Set across a few levels, it's all neon lights, exposed brick, and moody corners. There's a DJ upstairs on weekends, and the bar's always pumping. The chilli and lime popcorn chicken is the top rec – crispy, tangy, and made to go with a drink in hand. The lamb cigars are also a popular menu item, and you can't go wrong with the wok dishes and curries. Think spicy pork belly, green curry pots, and a snapper and prawn sour orange curry that goes hard. Most of it's built to share, and you won't struggle to find vego or gluten-free options either. They stay open late till 1am on weekends, so it's a reliable pick when everywhere else is packing up. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or settling in for the night, Magic Mountain's always got a good buzz and something tasty coming out of the kitchen. What to order: Lamb shank curry pot, lamb cigars Lamb shank curry pot, lamb cigars Address: 62 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 62 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Opening Hours: Mon-Wed 12pm-10.30pm, Thurs 12pm-11pm, Fri 12pm-1am, Sat 11.30am-1am Le Bon Ton | Image: Le Bon Ton 10. Le Bon Ton If you're hungry late and everything else is shut, Le Bon Ton is the place you want in your back pocket – especially on a Friday or Saturday night when it's open until 3am. The vibe is very pub-like (but we wouldn't call it a pub), with low lighting, exposed brick, a courtyard out the back, a pool table, and trivia on Tuesdays. It gets a mix of people – hospo people after work, locals, groups, solo diners, families – everyone's welcome. The menu is all Southern-style smokehouse stuff. Brisket that's been going all day, fried chicken that's crunchy and rich, loaded chilli cheese fries, ribs, sandwiches, and a bunch of veg options too. The smoked tofu and jalapeño cornbread are surprisingly yum if meat's not your thing. With a big menu, plenty of space to spread out and a kitchen that stays open late, Le Bon Ton is a good one to have up your sleeve if you ever find yourself looking for a late-night spot in Collingwood. What to order: Southern fried chicken, burnt ends Southern fried chicken, burnt ends Address: 51 Gipps St, Collingwood, VIC 3066 51 Gipps St, Collingwood, VIC 3066 Opening Hours: Wed-Thurs 11.30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11.30am-3am, Sun 11.30am-10pm, Tues 4-10pm Pizza Pizza Pizza | Image: Pizza Pizza Pizza 11. Pizza Pizza Pizza Who doesn't crave pizza after a long day of work? And Pizza Pizza Pizza is the place you go when it's late and you just need a big, New York-style slice. The menu isn't huge, but the quality and taste is always there. It's got your classics like pepperoni and margherita, with some additional stands like triple cheese, mushroom with truffle oil, or cauliflower with pesto. You can grab a single slice or a massive 18-inch pizza to share. They've also got rotating specials if you're after something different. It's open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, which makes it perfect for a post-drink feed or after a late shift. And if you know, you know – there's a hidden bar out the back too. What to order: Triple cheese pizza Triple cheese pizza Address: 16 Meyers Place, Melbourne VIC 3000 16 Meyers Place, Melbourne VIC 3000 Opening Hours: Tues – Wed 5pm-11pm, Thurs 5pm-12am, Fri-Sat 5pm – 1am Read more: The Best Pizza Spots in Melbourne Note: Restaurant menus are always changing, and these recommended menu items are available as of July 2025. Check the menu online or call the restaurant before going to avoid being disappointed/hangry! FAQs
The Advertiser
12 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Katy Perry, Justin Trudeau 'interested in each other'
Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau "have a lot in common". The 40-year-old pop star and the former Canadian prime minister have recently been spending time together in Montreal, and an insider now says there is "an attraction" between the duo. "They are interested in each other, but it will take a while to see where this goes," the source told People. "She is travelling around the world, and he is figuring out his life now that he is no longer prime minister of Canada, but there is an attraction. They have a lot in common." Perry - who recently split from actor Orlando Bloom - and Trudeau share a love of music. "Music is one of many things they can share. Both are idealists and still live in a world where they think they can make improvements, although it has gotten more difficult," the insider said. Perry confirmed the end of her engagement to Bloom in July, while Trudeau split from his wife Sophie Gregoire in 2023. "Their own personal responsibilities could make this relationship move slower than it would, but there are ways to see the other and still fulfill their parenting responsibilities," the source said.. "For one thing, they each have an ex. So, duties are split in half. And long-distance relationships, while still hard, are possible for these two." Perry and Bloom previously announced they intended to "focus on co-parenting" their four-year-old daughter Daisy following their break-up. "Their shared priority is - and always will be - raising their daughter with love, stability, and mutual respect," a statement said. Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau "have a lot in common". The 40-year-old pop star and the former Canadian prime minister have recently been spending time together in Montreal, and an insider now says there is "an attraction" between the duo. "They are interested in each other, but it will take a while to see where this goes," the source told People. "She is travelling around the world, and he is figuring out his life now that he is no longer prime minister of Canada, but there is an attraction. They have a lot in common." Perry - who recently split from actor Orlando Bloom - and Trudeau share a love of music. "Music is one of many things they can share. Both are idealists and still live in a world where they think they can make improvements, although it has gotten more difficult," the insider said. Perry confirmed the end of her engagement to Bloom in July, while Trudeau split from his wife Sophie Gregoire in 2023. "Their own personal responsibilities could make this relationship move slower than it would, but there are ways to see the other and still fulfill their parenting responsibilities," the source said.. "For one thing, they each have an ex. So, duties are split in half. And long-distance relationships, while still hard, are possible for these two." Perry and Bloom previously announced they intended to "focus on co-parenting" their four-year-old daughter Daisy following their break-up. "Their shared priority is - and always will be - raising their daughter with love, stability, and mutual respect," a statement said. Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau "have a lot in common". The 40-year-old pop star and the former Canadian prime minister have recently been spending time together in Montreal, and an insider now says there is "an attraction" between the duo. "They are interested in each other, but it will take a while to see where this goes," the source told People. "She is travelling around the world, and he is figuring out his life now that he is no longer prime minister of Canada, but there is an attraction. They have a lot in common." Perry - who recently split from actor Orlando Bloom - and Trudeau share a love of music. "Music is one of many things they can share. Both are idealists and still live in a world where they think they can make improvements, although it has gotten more difficult," the insider said. Perry confirmed the end of her engagement to Bloom in July, while Trudeau split from his wife Sophie Gregoire in 2023. "Their own personal responsibilities could make this relationship move slower than it would, but there are ways to see the other and still fulfill their parenting responsibilities," the source said.. "For one thing, they each have an ex. So, duties are split in half. And long-distance relationships, while still hard, are possible for these two." Perry and Bloom previously announced they intended to "focus on co-parenting" their four-year-old daughter Daisy following their break-up. "Their shared priority is - and always will be - raising their daughter with love, stability, and mutual respect," a statement said. Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau "have a lot in common". The 40-year-old pop star and the former Canadian prime minister have recently been spending time together in Montreal, and an insider now says there is "an attraction" between the duo. "They are interested in each other, but it will take a while to see where this goes," the source told People. "She is travelling around the world, and he is figuring out his life now that he is no longer prime minister of Canada, but there is an attraction. They have a lot in common." Perry - who recently split from actor Orlando Bloom - and Trudeau share a love of music. "Music is one of many things they can share. Both are idealists and still live in a world where they think they can make improvements, although it has gotten more difficult," the insider said. Perry confirmed the end of her engagement to Bloom in July, while Trudeau split from his wife Sophie Gregoire in 2023. "Their own personal responsibilities could make this relationship move slower than it would, but there are ways to see the other and still fulfill their parenting responsibilities," the source said.. "For one thing, they each have an ex. So, duties are split in half. And long-distance relationships, while still hard, are possible for these two." Perry and Bloom previously announced they intended to "focus on co-parenting" their four-year-old daughter Daisy following their break-up. "Their shared priority is - and always will be - raising their daughter with love, stability, and mutual respect," a statement said.
7NEWS
15 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Shark attack: Pregnant TV host and wife of former NBA star Danilo Gallinari bitten by shark in Puerto Rico
A pregnant television presenter has revealed the horror moment when she was attacked by a shark close to shore at a resort in Puerto Rico. Eleonora Boi, shared a photo of herself in a hospital bed on Instagram, describing the experience as the 'worst day of my life.' 'I never thought I could get attacked by a shark and I was near the shore and on a super crowded beach,' she wrote in the caption of the photo according to a translation. She explained that she had to have surgery for the injury she sustained on her leg. 'I was rushed to the rescue and the surgery to fix my poor bruised leg went well,' she said. Boi is the wife of former NBA star Danilo Gallinari, and expressed her gratitude for his support during the incident. 'I thank my husband . . . he gave me all his love and courage,' she added. 'Now I just have to recover from the great scare and try to forgive the great friend who betrayed me. Shark will be hearing from my legals soon.' Local police confirmed that a woman suffered an open wound to her thigh at Carolina Resort, Puerto Rican newspaper El Nuevo Dia reported. 'Based on the photographs provided to us, we believe the characteristics of the bite could be consistent with those of a shark, but to validate this, a series of analyses would be necessary,' Nilda Jiménez said. Boi and Gallinari, who are both from Italy originally, married in July 2022 and share two children. Boi is a sports journalist and presenter and is pregnant with their third child. Danilo Gallinari is an accomplished Italian basketball forward who began his professional career in Italy before being selected 6th overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks.
