Jishan Garden: Sichuan Flavours in a Grand Melbourne Mansion

Hidden in plain sight on St Kilda Road, Jishan Garden is where old-world elegance meets the bold, vibrant flavours of Sichuan cuisine. Set inside a restored 19th-century mansion, this fine dining restaurant and afternoon tea destination brings a taste of southwestern China to Melbourne—complete with ornate interiors, palatial parlours, and a lush garden setting.

At the heart of Jishan Garden is the Chef’s Banquet, a 13-course showcase of Sichuan’s distinctive flavours, crafted with Australia’s finest produce, including the daily catch from local waters. Expect dishes that balance heat, spice, and umami in ways that linger long after the last bite. If you decide to go a la carte, the portions are generous and the standouts include century egg with silken tofu, toothfish with yuzu soy sauce, crispy chicken ribs, and the deeply indulgent Sichuan bone marrow. A vegan banquet is also available, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Beyond the food, Jishan Garden offers a carefully curated tea selection, served in exquisite ceramics that enhance the ritual of drinking tea. Whether you’re winding down after a banquet or indulging in an elegant afternoon tea, the experience is as much about the presentation as it is about the flavour.

Modern Chinese Restaurant & Event Space

Jishan Garden is the vision of Vinica Zhang, a former luxury car dealer turned restaurateur with a deep passion for the interplay between Chinese and Australian cuisine. Together with Chef Sean Deng, who has cooked in Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Japan, she has created a menu that pays homage to tradition while embracing modern techniques.

Dine in Estella House, an intimate and ornately decorated dining room, or soak up the atmosphere in the Willow Tree Garden, a space that shifts with the seasons. Jishan Garden also doubles as a striking event space, hosting weddings and celebrations for up to 150 guests.

This is not just a restaurant—it’s a love letter to Sichuan’s culinary heritage, set against the grandeur of one of Melbourne’s last remaining historic mansions.