Cantonese restaurants

Dragon Temple

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

25 Somers Parade, Altona VIC 3018, Australia $20–40
4.3
217 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Altona, Dragon Temple stands as a cherished destination for lovers of authentic Cantonese and broader Asian cuisine. With a history spanning nearly half a century, this family-run restaurant has become a true local institution, revered for its consistent quality and warm, welcoming atmosphere that invites both casual weekday lunches and memorable evening dinners.

Dragon Temple’s menu is a delightful showcase of Cantonese classics and Szechwan favorites, each dish crafted with careful attention and bold flavors. Start your experience with one of their soul-warming soups like the fragrant Crabmeat Sweetcorn or the richly savory Chinese Broth & Shredded Duck Soup, each spoonful delivering comfort and layered complexity. The Hot and Sour Soup, with its subtle heat, is perfect for spice enthusiasts craving a little kick.

The food here comes alive with the melding of textures and tastes — from the perfectly crisp yet tender dim sims to the tangy and succulent Lemon Chicken that lingers on the palate. Michael Lillywhite, a loyal patron of over 30 years, raves about the “unparalleled constancy” of these iconic dishes, and it’s easy to see why Dragon Temple commands such loyalty.

For those who appreciate a diverse range of flavors, standout menu items like the Mongolian Lamb, Pipis with Black Bean Sauce, and Crispy Pork Belly transport diners directly to the heart of Hong Kong’s culinary scene. The fresh, vibrant ingredients meld effortlessly, creating meals that are both comforting and exciting. The family Satay and Sweet & Sour sauces are excellent companions, adding additional layers of flavor that elevate each dish.

The dining environment reflects the restaurant’s family values — friendly, attentive service is a hallmark here, with knowledgeable staff eager to guide you through the menu’s many delectable options. Customers consistently praise the welcoming atmosphere and expert recommendations, making every visit feel like a special occasion. As Joan Burt shared, the service and advice are “second to none,” ensuring you feel well cared for from arrival to the last bite.

Whether you prefer to dine in or enjoy the convenience of meal delivery and takeout, Dragon Temple caters to every need without compromising on quality. The comprehensive drink selection, from crisp San Pellegrino mineral water to classic soft drinks, rounds out the experience perfectly.

In summary, Dragon Temple is far more than a restaurant; it’s a culinary treasure for Altona, blending generations of expertise with authentic Cantonese and Asian flavors that inspire both nostalgia and discovery. It's an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking genuine, flavorful dishes served with heartfelt hospitality in a relaxed seaside suburb setting. Just remember to book ahead, especially on weekends, to secure your spot at this beloved dining gem.

03 Notes from regulars

217 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.3
Based on 217 verified notes
5 161
4 30
3 8
2 7
1 23
All Dim Sims Free Prawn Crackers Chicken Satay Homemade Dim Sims Sizzling Hot Plate Mixed Garlic Vegetables Wok Hei Family Run Restaurant Lemon Chicken Take Away
Joan Burt (JoKnee).
2 month ago
Great little restaurant!!! The food is consistently good & varied with interesting options on the specials board plus Cantonese & Szechwan favourites. The Dragon Temple is a long established family restaurant, possibly close to 50 years (or more) over 2 generations. Service and dining advice are second to none. Ideal for a weekday lunch or evening meal. Weekends are busy so book ahead as the restaurant is mid size. Parking available. A gem in a local street shopping strip. Highly recommend
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Maggie Tamarua.
3 month ago
I’ve been visiting Dragon Temple regularly, and I can confidently say that it’s one of my favorite dining spots! The food is absolutely amazing and the price point is just right, making it a great value for the quality you receive. What really stands out to me is the exceptional customer service. The restaurant is run by a wonderful family that genuinely cares about their customers, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s clear that they take pride in their work and strive to provide the best experience possible for their guests. Highly recommend!
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Michael Lillywhite.
3 month ago
The best dim sims, lemon chicken going around. And the San Choy Bow is absolutely mouth watering. I’ve been coming here for 30+ years and the constancy is unparalleled!
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Plumb Medic.
4 month ago
The best thing about this place is that it’s a hidden gem, the menu is large but every dish is unique and incredibly delicious. I have dined in a many times with friends and family & enjoyed the experience every time. Many waiters & service is excellent. The spicy quail & Chinese mushroom soup is a must for entree’s, but I do recommend trying all of the wonderful selections at this restaurant. Highly, highly recommended!!
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Far & Lewis Lee.
4 month ago
Worth the trip! Had an amazing meal with our family. It's super close to the beach which was nice too. Had the Mongolian lamb, Pipis with black bean sauce, Crispy Pork belly, Sweet & sour fish, fish with soy and ginger, Prawn and asparagus, with steamed white rice. This Hong Kong cuisine was amazing and authentic :) Food was so good we had takeaway dimmies, siew mai and fried rice with Chinese sausage.
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Abigail Keo.
5 month ago
Beautiful decor inside, authentic and delicious food. Service was impressive, relaxed and friendly. 30 years of history in this place. Loved every minute of our experience at this restaurant!! Highly recommend the fried rice, pork belly and lemon chicken!!
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Andrea Barrett.
5 month ago
Delicious food, amazing service. Simon always remembers my order every time. Ingredrients are always fresh which we love
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Huy Ngo.
6 month ago
The service & quality of food at the Dragon Temple is always of the highest standard, Simon & his team always go above & beyond, we had dinner again last night there & could not have had a better dining experience. If you haven't been here, do yourself a favour & go to see Simon, Kim & Billy for the best Cantonese Chinese food & family friendly service in the western suburbs. Highly recommend.
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday (today) Closed
Finding the door

25 Somers Parade, Altona VIC 3018, Australia

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • No-contact delivery
  • Delivery
  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Popular for
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Coffee
  • Hard liquor
  • Healthy options
  • Late-night food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine
Dining options
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
Amenities
  • Restroom
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Cozy
Crowd
  • Groups
Planning
  • Reservations required
  • Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Good for kids
Parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Parking
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