A bold expression of modern Chinese dining that blends nostalgia, spice and precision.

Yan: The Soul of Chinatown, Reimagined

Yan captures everything people love about Chinese dining in Melbourne — the energy, the family-style sharing, the fragrance of chilli and soy — and refines it into something distinctly modern. Housed in a sleek CBD setting, it’s equal parts tradition and innovation, where lacquered duck meets crisp martinis, and comfort meets craft.

The fit-out balances drama and restraint: deep hues, soft light and bursts of brass. It’s designed for long dinners, loud laughter and that inevitable last round you didn’t plan on ordering.

The Menu: Fire and Finesse

Every dish tells a story. The menu moves between provinces and influences, offering elevated takes on classics without losing soul. Think wok-tossed pipis with XO and garlic, slow-roasted duck with a malt glaze, and hand-pulled noodles with just the right chew. The chilli oil is house-made, the dumplings are delicate, and the balance of salt, spice and umami hits like a perfectly timed chord.

There’s a confidence here — not fusion for trend’s sake, but a chef’s respect for heritage combined with the freedom to evolve it.

Drinks, Atmosphere and That Late-Night Pull

The cocktail list riffs on East Asian spirits and botanicals: yuzu spritzes, sesame-infused old fashioneds and a lychee martini worth returning for. The wine list favours aromatic whites and light reds that stand up beautifully to spice. Service is quick on its feet, informal yet intelligent, echoing the rhythm of the room itself.

Yan is a love letter to Chinese food in Melbourne — the kind of place where the night naturally stretches on, and the line between dinner and after-hours blurs in all the right ways.