We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Ratings and reviews

RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Details

PRICE RANGE
€12 - €48
CUISINES
Chinese, Asian, Fusion
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
View all details
meals, features
Reviews (1,789)
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
Filter reviews
1,745 results
Traveller rating
1,107
419
134
51
34
Traveller type
Time of year
LanguageEnglish
More languages
Traveller rating
1,107
419
134
51
34
Show reviews that mention
All reviews pork belly tea smoked duck scallops dumplings chilli asian fusion our waiter banquet menu great wine list special occasion fabulous food wharf dishes woolloomooloo mains standout harbour
Sort and selected filters
Sort FilterEnglish
Updating list...
Reviewed 2 weeks ago

A magnificent early fall night in Sydney with the scent of the harbour enhancing the appetite. We hadn't been to China Doll since COVID, and were glad to see it was as good as ever. With a group of seven, rather than sort through the...menu we took the safe option and went banquet. Worked out well, possibly more food than we would have eaten if choosing individually, but what the hey, it was all good. The pork belly was excellent, barramundi likewise. I was a bit disappointed in the dessert, but by that stage it mattered little. Service was excellent, with waitstaff swarming, refilling glasses and clearing unobtrusively and constantly. Could not fault them.More

Date of visit: March 2024
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 4 weeks ago via mobile

We had a lovely evening on a well located table and the food was between very good to high quality, so it was only the fact that it was impossible to get any waiter’s attention when we needed it that made us less than content....There were just not enough staff working the floor of an extremely full restaurant. But to focus on the food: on the whole, excellent. Take note from the outset - the bbq pork and prawn fried rice is amazing and …… HUGE!! Do not think of it as just a side dish. Even the smaller size is large. The duck dumplings, bugmeat with XO sauce and prawn toast with Bloody Mary sauce all ‘shot the lights out’ - the prawn toast probably more so because it tends to be an Australian’s ‘favourite Chinese dish’ staple but it went above and beyond what you expect. It was also a generous portion!! The only dish that fell flat was a fish dish (think it was snapper) that was presented in a pool of celeriac - it just lacked the Asian feel and felt like it didn’t belong at China Doll. It was perfectly cooked fish but could sadly only be described as ‘bland’ as the accompaniments did nothing to lift it. We are a bit slow to the party as first timers. We know China Doll is long standing, and there’s good reason for that as the quality is high…..but pls put more waiters on!More

Date of visit: January 2024
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 11 February 2024 via mobile

We went to China Doll based on the reviews but were exceptionally disappointed with the quality of the food and service. The guy who showed us to our table must have been having a bad day and made it obvious. The waiter tried but was...obviously overwhelmed with the amount of tables he was servicing. The ceviche was drowned in sauce and the duck pancakes were inedible with overcooked and rubbery duck. Disappointing.More

Date of visit: January 2024
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 29 January 2024 via mobile

All I can say is simply the best at all areas of a great restaurant. Can’t pick a highlight all were great but pushed I’d say pork ribs starter. I will definitely go back no question

Date of visit: January 2024
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 27 January 2024

I have been coming to China Doll since it opened - mostly with friends in small or larger groups. Today, I came to dine solo. I have dined alone while travelling around the world and here in Australia. While I am very comfortable doing so,...sadly it is not an uncommon experience, perhaps because I am an older woman and visiting alone, that I feel the staff are awkward not quite knowing what to do with me, where to put me, whether it is 'appropriate' that I have another glass of wine, or that the meal is rushed, presumably to make way for 'higher value' customers. Today I was served by one of China Doll's waitstaff, Lada. By contrast, not only did she offer half serves on some dishes so I could sample across your delicious offerings as I would when with friends - almost unheard of - but she also asked me when I was ready for the main meal to come. At no point, did I feel 'on the clock'. This attitude should be a role model for young, or less experienced staff. It might not seem much, or that doing so is somehow difficult to provide, but this kind of attentiveness, thoughtfulness and lack of preconceptions for solo women diners is, in my experience, rare. So, thank you China Doll for another terrific dining experience in a long thread of these. Already one of my favourite Sydney restaurants, you have gone up yet another notch.More

Date of visit: January 2024
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 26 January 2024 via mobile

China Doll has been around now for 20 years give or take and they continue to show the others how it’s done. Chef/Owner Frank and his team have perfected their menu with a few twists and turns over the years but what they do well...and I mean very well, stays on the menu always. This time here, I wanted to move outside my comfort zone but still get into my favourites. We started with oysters which I must say had the best dressing ever on them with crunchy fried shallots (like wow). The sashimi was superb. The scallops and dressing was sublime. Hot and numbing chicken ribs were very tasty and did not knock your head off with spice nor did the chilli salt squid. Mains consisted of pork ribs in a tangy sweet sauce and the lobster noodles were yum. Dessert was soothing but very tasty. Overall an exceptional lunch.More

Date of visit: January 2024
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 17 January 2024 via mobile

This place came recommended to me so booked for three of us one evening and it did not disappoint. The food. here was excellent. I would particularly like to give a mention to the scallops entree. Which were perfection.. as someone that eats out a...lot and is disappointed more often than not. It's a nice to come to a place to see it all done right. Well done guysMore

Date of visit: January 2024
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 1 January 2024 via mobile

Terrible service and some terrible dishes but a few good ones too. Sent 2 dishes back yet we’re still charged for them. IST beer in the bottle as requested following 2 poured into a glass despite mentioning it on the second the third was poured...again. Wouldn’t recommend despite a few amazing dishes - overall experience poorMore

Date of visit: January 2024
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 23 December 2023

China Doll was pumping on the Saturday before Christmas Day but the wait staff made it seem like just another day. The prawn toast for entree was amazing as was the pork & peanut San Choy Bau. Mains of wok fried wagyu in black bean...and the pork ribs were really flavoursome. My only complaint was that on arrival on time for our 1430 booking we were advised that the kitchen closed at 1445 - luckily we had perused the menu online so knew what we were having but it would have been nice to enjoy our glass of Christmas bubbles without having to promptly order.More

Date of visit: December 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 27 November 2023 via mobile

My husband’s business had their work Christmas party here. The top banquet was booked quite some months ago. Upon arrival at restaurant we were informed price had increased. Would have been nice if the office had been advised prior to arrival. The little things! Service...was fairly good. Everyone was happy with the food, but one dish of the wagyu beef fillet stir fry was missing the wagyu beef. The dumplings were a highlight. This is a very busy restaurant booking’s recommended.More

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 2 November 2023 via mobile

So this is about the 50th time we’ve been here over the last nearly 20 years ! And we had to finally put pen to paper. This is the best place to eat in Sydney Probably the world ! Food is the best ! Vibe...is the best ! Service is the best ! Well done China DollMore

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 26 October 2023 via mobile

Excellent service and food at this lovely restaurant. We met up with family here on a wet and cold Monday night but enjoyed a warm welcome and delicious food. It was a bit empty by 9.30pm but it was a Monday.

Date of visit: October 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 11 October 2023

I'd never been to the beautifully-designed China Doll venue..indeed never even been ON Finger Wharf to dine..& in what a uniquely Sydney harbour setting is that, dining there ! But at the end of the day you cannot eat either the view..nor the decor...eh? It...was readily agreed by our party that seeing it was a birthday celebration writ large, we'd go for a banquet..& having read about celebrity Chef Shek's signature tea smoked Thirlmere Tea Smoked Duck with tamarind/plumb sauce-- I pushed for the more expensive $90 pp menu..the one that included his famous duck! Now before coming here I'd read reviews that reported the service was rushed > & now, I must agree. That the music is too loud--well I certainly can also agree about that! And sadly I also concur..but Id not expected to end up believing ...that at those price points, far better pan-Asian options for food & service exist elsewhere in Sydney. This reality of this harsh criticism by another reviewer first showed dramatically with the awful soggy version the old classic Chilli Salt Squid. That surprise was followed by the Duck & Watermelon Salad sent out by the kitchen >> with virtually all the duck gone missing! Woa! But by far the greatest disappointment of the night was the terribly strange texture of the famed tea smoked duck..the few bits of roast duck that had been forensically discovered earlier with the watermelon, were far superior. Now THAT is odd! How on earth This Doll continues to wear it's single Good Food Hat is beyond me. Not recommended. You can indeed do far better elsewhere.More

Date of visit: October 2023
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 6 October 2023

Packed reestaurant at lunchtime, glad we booked, Our multiple course meal was lacking in quantity and grossly overpriced,,,,,,,$120 one person.....be warned!

Date of visit: August 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 24 September 2023 via mobile

Loved our experience at China Doll, would highly recommend visiting this Harbourside restaurant. We had the $65 per head banquet and it was fantastic. Great selection and generous too. Very good table service and we loved having a patio heater next to us as the...night cooled down quickly. We’ll be back.More

Date of visit: September 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
View more reviews
Best nearby
Best nearby hotelsSee all
Ovolo Woolloomooloo
2,670 reviews
.05 km away
Nesuto Woolloomooloo Sydney Apartments
564 reviews
.24 km away
Hotel Challis
1,036 reviews
.45 km away
Spicers Potts Point
305 reviews
.45 km away
Best nearby restaurantsSee all
Manta Restaurant
697 reviews
.03 km away
Harry's Cafe de Wheels - Woolloomooloo
1,052 reviews
.13 km away
The Butler Potts Point
412 reviews
.41 km away
Best nearby attractionsSee all
Ngununggula
8 reviews
.24 km away
Art Gallery of New South Wales
3,161 reviews
.27 km away
Woolloomooloo Wharf
149 reviews
.08 km away
Captain Arthur Phillip R.N.
11 reviews
.29 km away
Questions & Answers
Ask a question
dr_funkzta
13 May 2022|
Answer
Response from WorldTravellerOz | Reviewed this property |
I think they would only allow service dogs as I haven't seen any other dogs there
0
Votes
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing

CHINA DOLL, Sydney - City East - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about China Doll

China Doll is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4.5
  • Service: 4.5
  • Value: 4
  • Atmosphere: 4.5