Highly regarded Cantonese restaurant China Sea, known for consistent quality seafood and an unexpected link to a famous Australian meme, operates from its elegant Park Road premises in Milton.
Culinary Reputation
Under the guidance of respected restaurateur Stanley Cheung, China Sea specialises in fine Cantonese cuisine. Sources describe the food as consistently excellent, with seafood being central.
Diners praise dishes like whole steamed fish with ginger and shallots, lobster noodles, salt and pepper calamari, fresh chili mud crab, and large steamed NZ oysters. The restaurant prides itself on freshness, with dishes arriving steaming hot, perfectly presented, and tasting as if sourced directly from the ocean that morning.
Beyond seafood, other dishes receive high marks in customer reviews. Peking duck, often served two ways, is noted as a standout, alongside crispy skin roast pork, described as consistently excellent.
Honey chicken with thin, crunchy batter, deep-fried squid, sweet and sour pork, and Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) are also popular choices mentioned in reviews. Even desserts, like panna cotta, have been called perfect by diners. While widely considered authentic Cantonese, some feedback suggests the flavours might be slightly adapted for Australian tastes. Preparation takes place in an open kitchen staffed by qualified chefs.
Location and Atmosphere
China Sea is situated on the ground floor of the Cosmo Hotel and Apartments building at 60 Park Road, Milton, offering diners beautiful river views. This location is conveniently only a short drive from the Brisbane CBD and the Queensland Transit Centre. The restaurant’s interior provides an old-school but elegant setting, featuring carpeted dining areas, lazy Susan tables, and padded booths, making it feel suitable for special occasions. Outdoor seating is also available.
Despite the elegant feel, the dependable quality makes it a favourite for regular visits. Reports mention seamless service, with the owner often present, overseeing the dining room to ensure everything runs smoothly. The venue also caters to functions and parties for groups ranging from 20 to 50 people.
A Noteworthy History
Before establishing the restaurant in Milton, Stanley Cheung ran a successful eatery in Brisbane’s Chinatown (Fortitude Valley) for approximately 25 years. The restaurant relocated to the elite Park Road dining precinct, bringing its established reputation along.
The original Chinatown location gained unexpected notoriety in 1991 following the dramatic arrest of Jack Karlson while he was dining there. His bewildered protests during the arrest, including phrases like “What is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?” and “This is democracy manifest!”, were captured on camera and have since become iconic Australian memes. The restaurant reportedly acknowledges this quirky part of its past life in Chinatown.
Published Date 21-April-2025
