Outstanding restaurant. That about sums it up. Before we arrived in Melbourne at the tail end of our Australian holiday, I spent some time searching for restaurants that would make for a memorable last meal. I came across glowing reviews of Burma Lane on a different website, and wrote down the name as one to consider once we were there. In a city so rich with restaurants, it can be difficult to choose. As fate would have it, we had booked a hotel at the Stamford Plaza Hotel, which is literally directly across the street from Burma Lane. How could we not go when the front door was closer to the reception desk than the hotel's own restaurant? We made a reservation and upon arrival we were seated in the upper mezzanine level, which gave us a nice view of the restaurant, the bird cages hanging from the high ceiling, and the mural on the opposite wall. We opted for one of their so-called "Feed Me" prix-fixe menus. Specifically, we chose the "Shut Up and Feed Me" dinner option, which was eight courses. I was tempted to go with the ten-course meal because there were a couple items on that which sounded interesting to me, but it just seemed like too much food. Our waitress inquired about any food allergies, and said that the meal could be modified if desired, but this wasn't necessary. We expressed some concern about the spiciness as some in my family don't prefer this. She did warn us that a couple of dishes would have some heat but it wouldn't be too bad. Over the next two leisurely hours we enjoyed a fantastic meal of innovative Asian fusion dishes: Shan tofu with tomato, peanut, and radish - lightly fried cuts of soft tofu in a mild sauce; very nice introduction to the meal. Beef brisket in betel leaf - this was prepared with XO sauce, which is mildly to moderately spicy. Eating the beef wrapped in the betel leaf (never had this before) helped cool it down a bit. Very tasty. Smoked chicken wings with sesame - this took us by surprise, because it turned out to be very spicy. The smoke flavor of the wings was delicate; just a hint of it came through the sweet and hot flavors from its preparation. At this point, we were concerned that we would be in for a hot meal that might not be very well received. In particular, the next dish on the menu loomed menancingly... Gochujang and honey roasted salmon tacos with a tomato, avocado, wombok (napa cabbage), and jalapeno relish. Gochujang usually screams 5-alarm fire to me. This came with home made mini hard shells, two per person. Amazingly, it wasn't really hot at all. This was absolutely delicious, and the different flavors worked together very well. Five spice pork belly with black pepper caramel, chili pepper, peanuts, and papaya - I had serious doubts about this dish, as I really don't like five spice powder or papaya. But it was another excellent dish, with an unexpected but interesting combination of tastes. At this juncture, we had only had the appetizers and entrees ("entree" in Australia is basically an appetizer as well, similar to the "primi" course in Italy) and we were already feeling pretty satisfied. The portions had been more generous than anticipated, and we were thankful that we hadn't ordered the larger meal. The mains had yet to come. Lamb shank with turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass served over a coconut mash (not pure coconut, but coconut-flavored mashed potatoes) and topped with think strips of fried sweet potato - this was in fact two large legs, tender and meaty. Again, the chefs at this restaurant came up with an excellent dish. Even though we were starting to drag at this point, we happily consumed it all. The inclusion of lamb in the meal was a nice tip of the hat to one of Australia's major agricultural products. Charred corn salad with peanut, sesame, cilantro, and shallots - this was basically the vegetable main to go with lamb, and it paired well though it wasn't a big hit with the table. But maybe it's because we were too stuffed by then. The last course was dessert, of course, and I'd have to say that they saved the best for last. On paper it sounded very odd: "Tea time chai pannacotta, China jasmine jelly, Earl Grey sorbet, milk gel, tea crumble". I don't know what I can say about this dessert, but it was incredibly good. We lingered the longest over this final course, enjoying every bite. Thus, our last dinner in Australia was truly memorable. What made this even better what the excellent service from the waitstaff, who always made sure our water glasses were full and providing us with clean plates in between courses whenever we requested them. At AUD72 per person, we felt that it was a very reasonably priced meal given the broad diversity of flavors and ingredients. Very highly recommended. read more

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Burma Lane is a swanky restaurant with gorgeous lighting in large birdcages, comfortable seating in dim lighting, friendly and quick service and lots and lots of seating (both downstairs and upstairs). As you walk in, your coat will be whisked away and hung (no need to go all the way to dinner by heston anymore) and you are offered sparkling or still water. You can choose to have the $69 banquet and get so much food as their "large" (mains) are quite sufficient, or share meals with your friends. The girlfriends and I got the lamb cakes, the barramundi and the beef cheek curry with eggplant. The lamb cakes are fritters (yellow covering - cornflour perhaps?) stuffed with omg melt-in-the-mouth tenderlicious slow cooked pulled lamb on a bed of raita (yoghurt chutney). It is delish and quite large. You get two in a serve but they will add another one if you so require. I thought it lacked a bit of salt and maybe a bit of oomph (i.e. I needed maybe a salsa chutney or a chilli sauce or some vinegar - but that's me). The barramundi fillet was quite small (half a fillet maybe) in a watery tomato gravy. It was quite mild flavoured but delicious. The beef cheeky curry with eggplant and the eggplant fritter was the winner ( hands down). Delicious pieces of tender beef with a sweet (maybe tamarind-tasting) eggplant fritter and some fried eggplant in a delicious thick gravy. Wish there was more gravy. Food isn't spicy but you can get chopped chilli on the side. :) Though steamed rice is not on the menu, you can get some on the side (not sure how much it costs but two serves of steamed rice is enough for three gals). I felt so content after. Definitely worth a visit. The best Asian fusion I've had by far in Melbourne - combination of Burmese, Thai, Indian and Malay cuisine! GET ON IT PEOPLE Mains are around $32 each Entrees (small) are around $16-$24. You also have a choice of interesting Asian-inspired salads. We didn't have room for dessert. :) Very attentive staff and will enquire at least a few time if everything is OK. #IHeartBurmaLane read more

Burma Lane - Lamb cakes Beef cheek curry with eggplant Barramundi - Restaurants Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Hello Burma! I've been here twice and enjoyed both times as the food and service are on par. Not to mention all the wonderful artwork that adorn the walls and hang from the ceiling! It's a classy place that I would definitely recommend to celebrate a special event. On my first visit, my mate and I opted for the banquet option. There are three price ranges and we went with the cheapest one, which had 7 courses. It was more than enough to satisfy us. Everything was delicious but I would recommend both of the lamb dishes. During the second time, I was in a larger group so we opted to share several dishes. Betel leaves with eggplant was good. Note it is served cold, which came as a surprise. I think they could serve the eggplant warm on the cool leaves, which would have given it a better contrast and flavour. The Rangoon Mohinga was the right blend of sauce and spice, complimenting the fish with a good selection of noodles and enough sauce to pour on rice. The duck curry also had a nice, milder flavour even though the colouring looked stronger. Pumpkin was a perfect addition to the curry. The Laphet Thoke salad was good but not great. It lacked flavour although won points for originality with its use of tea leaves. I would stick with the green papaya salad, always a winner. read more

Burma Lane - Tea leaf salad and chicken cardamom curry - Restaurants Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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Wow! Thank you Burma Lane. #burmalane Whoudda thunk that wagyu cheeseburger bacon dumplings were a thing?? And not only is it a thing, it is a beautiful thing!!! And ditto for duck, shiitake & water chestnut doughnuts with sour cherry jam!!!! Homer Simpson would be going AAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!! read more

Burma Lane - Amazing mural and projection on the walk here at Burma Lane - Restaurants Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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This is a great little spot if you're looking for something different... they offer a nice twist on Burmese food in a stylish environment. (However, the wooden chairs are pretty uncomfortable and could use an upgrade/cushions.) There were plenty of options for vegetarians, gluten-free, etc The staff were all super nice. It took a really long time between our starters and our mains, but the food was all delicious so it was worth waiting for. I am a reformed tea leaf salad junkie (I finally managed to kick my twice-a-week habit), and Burma Lane's version did not disappoint. Though it was a decently sized portion, we were basically fighting over it. The onion fritters were super-tasty with just the right amount of kick to them. The chargrilled beef was perfectly cooked and the accompanying sauce was a unique flavour (in a good way). The Burmese fried rice was also surprising in a way that I liked - lots of sesame flavors in there. Worth a visit for the tea leaf salad alone! read more

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Great little restaurant food delicious Manager very attentive Recommend the little banquet for a light meal Dessert delicious read more

Burma Lane - Restaurants Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Amazing food, the Pickled Tea salad (top left in pic) took me back home to the way my mother makes it a true Ratatouille moment. There was nothing that we ordered that didn't stimulate the sensors. You must try it at least once. Customer servers was amazing. See next week read more

Burma Lane - Restaurants Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Went here for dinner last night after it being recommended to me. A very modern interior with amazing artwork throughout the restaurant. We were then greeting and seated and looked through the wine and food menu. Both looking good! It was pretty pricey but the quality of food was delicious. I have never had Burmese cuisine before but was willing to give it a go. I had a delicious pineapple and mint mocktail to start off with. For main, we shared the Duck curry and Chicken, Cardamon and pumpkin curry with a side of Burmese fried rice. It was a great nice out and would definitely recommend and return! read more

Burma Lane - The Pineapple & Mint Mocktail Mojito - Restaurants Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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Soooo goood! Really great service and deliciously fresh food - to start we had the duck, shitake & water chestnut doughnut (wow!) cumin lamb potato cakes and the Wagyu cheeseburger bacon dumplings (must try!). Mains were five-spice pork belly (best I've EVER had) and the lamb shoulder (also really good). We had to try the dessert, even though we were stuffed at this point - so tried the gooey dark chocolate cake with hint of chilli and passionfruit icecream which was surprisingly light! They also have a cocktail and mocktail specially for Breast Cancer month (October) which they'll donate the profits too. I'll definitely be back here! read more

Burma Lane - Restaurants Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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Located in the old Mahjong building the Bruma Lane team has done a bit of a re-model. It is fairly swish versus what I suspect you actually get in Burma however this should appeal to the city crowd in the buildings nearby (like me!). The food is what I came for though and it really hit the mark. I'm not sure that I have tried Burmese food before but I was very happy with the $35 lunch set (minimum of two people) and went with the lamb (disintegrated at a touch), pork belly (sweet, crispy, suckling goodness), potato cakes (also crispy tastiness) and the fish cakes. I'll be back to this place to try out other menu items and hope that it is a success! read more

Excellent and very satisfying food. We had the Wagyu cheeseburger dumplings to start and we shared the following: lamb shoulders with steamed buns and beef brisket. On a service level, also excellent and friendly service. We didn't have booking when we came in hoping for a table and the maitre d found a way to seat us! read more

Absolutely delicious! Wonderful flavours beautifully put together It's certainly a place to go to treat yourself as is a little pricy but great place for a date- get a few dishes and share Yum read more

Burma Lane situated at Little Collins St and shares the same owners as Red Spice Road and Meat, Fish & Wine. Burma Lane just like it's name focus on traditional and modern Burmese flavours with South Eastern influence. it's something different and offering unique flavour read more

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Fantastic food, atmosphere and service. Booked on a whim not quite knowing what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. The staff were friendly and personable without crossing that line of over familiarity. The food was varied and delicious, portion sizes just right and the drinks menu unique. Would return in a heartbeat read more

This was a phenomenal experience with a very adventurous menu. Absolutely fantastic food. The service was outstanding and the servers were very knowledgeable on the food. I would highly recommended this restaurant. read more

Great array of dishes. And all their limited vegetarian options are fantastic, especially the tea leaf salad. I don't know if this is Burmese cuisine (I'm ignorant of the ins and outs of that cuisine) but even if it isn't, it doesn't matter. read more

I know that the Burmese food you find out of Myanmar isn't the same, but I wish I could find what I did in San Francisco. The tea leaf salad here wasn't really what I was after, but it was still fresh and tasty. I shared some duck curry with my friend too, and that was just the right amount of flavour. read more

For a public holiday evening and without a reservation I am so happy Burma Lane were able to accommodate my husband and I for dinner. The food is sensational and if you're looking for a good selection of vegetarian dishes there is plenty on the menu. We ordered the samosas, pickled tea leaf salad, scallops and the paratha. All were divine. The tea leaf salad was a stand out dish for me and would highly recommend trying it. The service was terrific. The decor is lovely and stylish. The ambience is classy and spacious with good acoustics (very important). The restaurant is on the pricy side but I am more than happy to pay for good food and service. I will definitely be back and would recommend a meal here. read more

For a contemporary burmese food, this is a good place. The fried rice could use a bit of salt and maybe a few dashes of lemon grass to add the traditional flavour more, it was rather bland. The curry was also a big deviation from burmese flavour and bordered on contemporary mix of indian and Australian. The ambience was good, but for a Australian contemporary mix of burmese they are good not good enough to be Burmese traditional. read more

Great, fresh food. Large venue and takes bookings. Staff could have been more attentive and were in a huge hurry to get us off our table as soon as we finished. Food is good enough to forgive this! read more