A Movement to Uplift the Human Spirit
Located minutes from the Sydney CBD, Red Lantern has the romance of Indochine charm – sophisticated, elegant and beautiful. Set within a designer space reminiscent of French Colonial Vietnam and the vibrant streets of South East Asia, Red Lantern creates an unforgettable dining experience.
Founded by celebrity chef Luke Nguyen, his sister Pauline Nguyen, and chef Mark Jensen, Red Lantern is praised by the Sydney Morning Herald as “one of Australia’s most influential Vietnamese restaurants” and called by Gourmet Traveller “one of the best-known modern Vietnamese restaurants in the world.” A movement to uplift the human spirit through the alchemy of flavour, hospitality and heart – not defined by traditional rules.
🏆 World’s Most Awarded
2025 Good Food Guide Critics’ Pick, 2024 Best Vietnamese Restaurant (National), 2024 Best Asian Restaurant (Sydney), 2023 Best Asian Restaurant (National)
👨🍳 Celebrity Chef Founded
The stomping ground of TV Chef Luke Nguyen, offering upmarket Vietnamese fare that plays with the form and flavour of traditional street food.
🍸 Red Lily Bar
Behind the restaurant, Red Lily Bar serves Vietnamese beer and Asian-inspired cocktails in a moody crimson glow perfect for after-work drinks.
🎭 Designer Space
Lush foliage, signature red lanterns creating moody ambiance, and decor that evokes the tropical, worn-in glamour of Vietnam’s cities.
Red Lantern’s Legendary Dishes
“The food was fabulous. The waiter served the courses at a nice pace. The decor and style of this place felt special. I can’t say enough nice things.” – TripAdvisor Review
🦑 Famous Chilli Salted Squid
Our signature dish! Soft, juicy flesh dancing with fiery lemon & pepper sauce – lives up to the hype every time
🐟 Pan Fried Barramundi
A staple for over 10 years! Crispy-skinned dream bathed in lemongrass-scented coconut sauce with sawtooth coriander
🥞 Monday Bánh Xèo
Available only Monday nights! Crispy turmeric crêpes filled with pork belly, tiger prawns & fresh herbs
🦐 Skull Island King Prawns
Succulent prawns elevated by rich sambal butter sauce – a masterclass in Vietnamese-fusion
With a focus on shared dishes, an evening at Red Lantern is an experience best enjoyed with friends and family. Feed Me Banquets available from 6pm ($78pp minimum 2 people) – let us serve up a curated selection of street food, entrées, and mouth-watering mains!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Red Lantern special?
Red Lantern is the world’s most awarded Vietnamese restaurant, recognized with 2025 Good Food Guide Critics’ Pick, 2024 Best Vietnamese Restaurant (National), and multiple Best Asian Restaurant awards. Founded by celebrity chef Luke Nguyen with sister Pauline and chef Mark Jensen, it’s praised as “one of Australia’s most influential Vietnamese restaurants” by Sydney Morning Herald and “one of the best-known modern Vietnamese restaurants in the world” by Gourmet Traveller. Set in a designer space reminiscent of French Colonial Vietnam, Red Lantern offers a movement to uplift the human spirit through flavour, hospitality and heart – sophisticated, elegant, and beautiful.
What are your signature dishes?
Must-try dishes include our Famous Chilli Salted Squid (our most iconic dish with lemon & pepper sauce), Pan Fried Barramundi (on menu for 10+ years with lemongrass coconut sauce), Monday Night Bánh Xèo (crispy turmeric crêpes with pork belly & tiger prawns), Skull Island King Prawns with sambal butter, Wok-Tossed Angus Beef with “wok hei” smoke, Seared Sesame-Crusted Tuna, Soft Shell Crab with Green Papaya Salad, Turmeric & Corn Cakes with Tiger Prawn, and our legendary Feed Me Banquet ($78pp) featuring a curated selection of street food, entrées, and mains!
Do you have a bar?
Yes! Behind the restaurant is Red Lily Bar, serving Vietnamese beer and Asian-inspired cocktails. The bar features signature red lanterns creating a moody crimson glow and lush foliage, perfect for after-work drinks. We have renewed focus on becoming an inviting mix of delicious street food, cocktails and music!
Can I book for private dining or events?
Absolutely! Red Lantern has a Private Dining Room perfect for special occasions, corporate events, birthdays, and intimate gatherings. Our designer space creates the perfect atmosphere for memorable celebrations. Contact us at [email protected] or call (02) 9698 4355 to discuss your private dining needs!
What’s the Feed Me Banquet?
Our Feed Me Banquet ($78 per person, minimum 2 people) is available from 6pm and features a curated selection of delicious street food snacks, entrées, and mouth-watering mains. Let our chefs serve up the best of Red Lantern – it’s the perfect way to experience the full range of our award-winning Vietnamese cuisine with friends and family!
Do you offer delivery and takeaway?
Yes! Red Lantern offers both takeaway and delivery services through DoorDash. You can order Vietnamese Baguettes (Roasted Pork Belly, Five Spice Chicken, Lemongrass Chilli Tofu), Spring Rolls, Master Stock Chicken with Red Rice, Wok Tossed Lemongrass Beef with Red Rice, and more for delivery or pickup!
Do you have vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes! We have several vegan and vegetarian options including our Fried Tofu & Vegetable Salad, Vietnamese Baguette with Lemongrass Chilli Tofu, Rice Noodles with Wood Ear Mushroom (V optional), Crisp Spring Onion & Tomato Fritters, and a vibrant turmeric curry bursting with flavours that’s perfect for everyone. Many dishes can be modified – just let our staff know your dietary needs!
What’s special about Monday nights?
Monday nights feature our exclusive Bánh Xèo – crispy turmeric-infused crêpes filled with pork belly, tiger prawns, and fresh herbs. The name translates to “sizzling cake” in Vietnamese due to the sizzling sound the batter makes when it hits the hot skillet. To eat, rip a piece, place it on fresh lettuce, top with aromatic herbs and wrap it up like a taco. This special dish is only available on Mondays and cannot be missed!
What’s the atmosphere like?
Red Lantern evokes the tropical, worn-in glamour of Vietnam’s cities with lush foliage bursting from pots throughout the dining room, signature red lanterns creating a moody crimson glow, and designer space reminiscent of French Colonial Vietnam. The atmosphere is sophisticated, elegant, and beautiful – perfect for romantic dinners, celebrations, or experiencing the buzzing energy of Southeast Asian street dining. With a focus on shared dishes, it’s best enjoyed with friends and family!
Who is Luke Nguyen?
Luke Nguyen is a Vietnamese-Australian celebrity chef and TV personality, co-founder of Red Lantern with his sister Pauline Nguyen and chef Mark Jensen. Luke opened Red Lantern’s first iteration on Crown Street in 2002 after leaving his parents’ restaurant in Cabramatta. Red Lantern is his stomping ground, where he offers upmarket Vietnamese fare that plays with traditional street food forms and flavours. The restaurant has become one of the world’s most awarded Vietnamese restaurants under his culinary vision.
