Trendy Chinese

Inspired by the cooking of China and with a cheeky Australian bent (a nation known for its thriving Asian food culture), Jeff Lam and Eddy Buckingham’s hip resto has been grabbing the headlines with its bold and fresh take on the trad Pan-Asian template, in a staggeringly shab-fab space.

Set in a former opera house in Downtown’s historic Doyers Street, this contempo-Sino affair dropkicks preconceptions of Chinese food as “cheap eats” into touch. Interiors conjure up faded glamour, with curvy dark leather booths, marble tables, sleek wood and industrial-chic lighting, backdropped by distressed paintwork, wall sculptures and plants. There’s a bar counter or balcony seating upstairs.

Chef Paul Donnelly hails from funky Sydney restaurant Ms.G’s, known for its adventurous, informal fusion plates and street-edgy decor. He brings the same attitude to Chinese Tux’s well-edited menu – divided into snacks, salads, small plates, seafood and meats, rice and noodles, and sides, with influences spanning China’s regions from Sichuan to Hainan.

Kick off with Spicy Smashed Cucumbers, Crispy Eggplant, Shiitake and Shepards Purse "Ravioli", or Grilled Calamari, Watercress and Speck. Then enjoy mains of Honey Glazed Char Siu or Sweet and Sour Pork. Irreverent titles, such as Strange Flavour Dressing, will appeal to a knowing younger crowd. 

Chinese Tuxedo / 5 Doyers St / Chinatown / +1 646 895 9301 / dinner Mon-Sat / chinesetuxedo.com