Rice Queen

The verdict

Feel like being transported to the kitsch corners of Asia without even getting on a plane? Get on down to Fitzroy's Rice Queen for a night full of cherry blossoms, fusion food, cocktails and karaoke. Quirky design elements include deep blue and jade wallpaper, a massive tiled bar, mix and match chairs and colourful cushions, Chinese lanterns and fairy lights.

Enjoy sharing meals from an Oriental-inspired menu, with kooky spins like they D.I.Y. tacos of slow-roasted Korean-style pork served with steamed rice, kimchi, butter lettuce and homemade 'ssam' sauce. Bonus: most of the menu is coeliac friendly! Rice Queen have also recently introduced tasting boards available at lunchtime which includes samples of their most popular dishes, with both meat-based and vegetarian options available (includes a beer or house wine). On Sundays, $36 will buy you 20 pieces of Korean fried chicken plus a bucket of Superbock Minis – winner, winner, chicken dinner!

If you’re up for a night and singing and dancing, book the karaoke room out back for 4 to 16 friends and you can warble away while sharing a banquet (can you say #bestnightever?!).

Rice Queen also do the best espresso martini in Fitzroy. Yep, we said it!