The CBD’s uber-cool Lucy Liu covers all the bases for an Asian feast. Executive chef Zac Cribbes serves silky duck wontons, meltingly tender slow-roasted lamb shoulder with Indian green chilli dahl and an irresistibly buttery, flaky roti – and finishes with a ginger-spiked French creme brulee. All of Lucy’s food is flavour-packed, like the deceivingly spicy Thai phat kaphrao kai of stir-fried minced chicken jumbled with garlic and hot chilli. It packs serious heat, naturally leading you to a quenching cocktail such as the Floating Market with its crisp apple bite.

Spice-friendly wines and beers put out the fire, and there are plenty of options – creative mocktails, kombucha and tea – for non-drinkers. Indecisive diners can try two great-value set menus or let well-versed staff guide you through what’s good. 

Lucy Liu exudes cool vibes from its cobblestone path entry through the red-neon lit hallway and into the buzzy dining room. A great all-rounder that’s always pumpingly busy.  

Must Eat Dish: Slow-roasted lamb shoulder