Chinacy

Opened in Autumn 2018, Chinacy Restaurant & Bar strikes a balance between Chinese and Australian cultures and hospitality. The name 'Chinacy' is a portmanteau of the words 'Chinese' and 'harmony' and the restaurant lives up to this name perfectly.

The concept of harmony flows throughout the service, food and atmosphere. Head Chef Eugene Yap’s menu offers up vibrant, all-natural, produce-driven dishes. This is not your greasy Friday night take-out. The food is a rejuvenated take on the familiar as a result of the chef's refreshing approach to presentation and technique. 

The restaurant's fit-out is designed in harmony with the existing building and its location at the border of South Yarra and Prahran. The colour palette and Art Deco details of the design are directly derived from heritage, stained-glass windows at the restaurant's facade. Natural light from dual atrium windows is accented by the installation of bespoke lighting, a lush hanging garden and transparent wine cabinets in place of walls.

Beyond the entry point of gently flowing water (promoting good Feng Shui), you'll also find a striking Carrera marble bar; behind which Bar Manager Will Finch will sling tea-infused cocktails, interesting whiskies and baijiu to friends and family - both new and old - until late.

We loved tasting out way through the menu.

To start, the Raw Australian Hiramasa Kingfish was absolutely stunning. Exceedingly fresh slices of Kingfish were garnished with fragrant spring onions, tamari and daikon. It was a wonderfully flavoursome dish that allowed the natural sweetness of the fish to shine through.

For mains Chinacy’s take on the humble Hainanese chicken had us fighting for the last morsel. We loved the wonderfully succulent slices of chicken breast served with a fresh garnish and traditional soy and chilli accompaniments. Together with fluffy steamed rice, this was comfort food at its best. 

The menu also features delicious vegetarian options including the dish of wok fried drunken mushrooms featuring a delicious mix of shiitake, enoki and king brown mushrooms, fried in Shaoxing wine and garlic chives. 

Dessert time continues to excite at Chinacy. Think Dark Chocolate Delice served with Chocolate shards, puffed rice, peanut butter parfait and Coconut Panna Cotta served with Mango, coffee syrup and honeycomb.

ocation: 352 Chapel Street, South Yarra
Phone: 03 8658 3524
Link: https://chinacyrestaurant.com/