1980 Chinese Restaurant

Welcome to 1980 Chinese Restaurant, a premier dining destination located in the heart of Canberra at Shop 2/25 Childers St, ACT 2601. Formerly known as Spicy Ginger Café, the restaurant has undergone a complete transformation, emerging with a refined new name, a stylishly renovated interior, and an elevated menu that celebrates the finest traditions of Chinese cuisine with a modern edge. While the look and feel have evolved, the dedicated management and kitchen team remain the same, ensuring that the consistency and warmth regulars have come to expect continue to shine through. The restaurant invites you to discover a world of bold flavors, premium ingredients, and exceptional hospitality in a setting designed for comfort, celebration, and memorable meals.

Nestled close to the Australian National University, 1980 Chinese Restaurant has quickly established itself as a go-to venue for students, families, and professionals seeking authentic Chinese food with a particular focus on fresh seafood and sizzling signature plates. The lunch and dinner services are crafted to accommodate a range of occasions, from a quick workday bite to a relaxed evening feast. The team takes pride in sourcing top-quality ingredients, allowing the natural tastes and textures of each dish to shine. Whether you are gathering with friends, planning a special celebration, or simply craving the deep, complex flavors of Chinese cooking, the restaurant delivers an experience that is both satisfying and distinctly Canberra.

Services & Facilities

1980 Chinese Restaurant is built around the idea that a great meal becomes even better in the right environment. Every detail, from the kitchen’s preparation to the dining space’s design, is geared toward providing a complete and enjoyable experience.

• Dine-In Experience: Enjoy lunch and dinner in a comfortable, air-conditioned courtyard and a beautifully appointed indoor area. The courtyard, featuring six tables, comfortably seats up to 54 guests, offering an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.
• VIP Function Room: A luxurious, private space accommodating up to 18 people, perfect for birthdays, work gatherings, or intimate celebrations. It features an in-built smart TV and an automatic mah-jong table for entertainment.
• Takeaway & Contactless Delivery: For those who prefer to dine at home, the full menu is available for pickup, with contactless delivery options ensuring convenience and safety.
• Online Ordering & Reservations: Customers can easily order online through the website, streamlining the process for a seamless experience from selection to service.

Our Menu Highlights

The menu at 1980 Chinese Restaurant strikes a wonderful balance between beloved favorites and exciting new creations. Long-time patrons will be delighted to find classic dishes that put the restaurant on the map, while newcomers can explore a fresh selection of seafood and refined plates designed to please a wide range of palates.

• Cumin Lamb: A signature dish beloved for its fragrant, slightly spicy profile, prepared with tender lamb and a generous coating of aromatic cumin.
• Dry Chili Chicken: Another standout that showcases the Sichuan-inspired art of flash-frying with dried chilies, delivering a crunchy, fiery, and deeply savory bite.
• Fresh Seafood Selection: A highlight of the post-renovation menu, featuring dishes crafted from high-quality, fresh seafood, prepared with light sauces, ginger, scallions, and traditional techniques that let the natural sweetness of the ocean shine.
• Yum Cha & Dumplings: A crowd-pleasing selection of steamed and fried dumplings, offering a delicate and flavorful start to any meal.
• Vegetable & Tofu Plates: Including popular choices like Chilli Green Beans, mapo tofu, and eggplant hotpot, ensuring vegetarian guests have ample delicious options.

Why Diners Choose Us

In a city with a vibrant food scene, 1980 Chinese Restaurant sets itself apart through a combination of consistent quality, generous hospitality, and sharp attention to detail. The feedback from the community speaks to an experience that is both relaxed and exceptionally satisfying.

• Renowned for Seafood: Self-described as "Canberra's best Chinese seafood restaurant," the kitchen’s dedication to fresh, top-tier seafood is a major draw for local food lovers.
• Generous Portions & Reasonable Pricing: Patrons frequently comment on the value, noting that the serving sizes are hearty and the price point, listed around 20–40 AUD per person, feels fair for the quality provided.
• Rapid, Attentive Service: The team is noted for being quick and efficient, ensuring that meals arrive promptly without compromising on presentation or taste.
• Welcoming Renovated Space: The post-2021 upgrades, including a bright courtyard and a tech-equipped VIP room, create a versatile venue suitable for casual lunches and milestone parties alike.

Serving Canberra & Australian Capital Territory

Conveniently positioned on Childers Street in Canberra’s city center, the restaurant serves a diverse community that includes university students, public servants, tourists, and local families. The location, within easy reach of major landmarks and the ANU campus, makes 1980 Chinese Restaurant a natural meeting point for those exploring the capital’s cultural and educational hubs.

The restaurant’s commitment to catering "to the tastes of any customer, regardless of age or ethnicity" reflects Canberra’s multicultural fabric. The menu is thoughtfully designed to be universally appealing, avoiding extreme specialization in favor of a broad, flavor-packed selection that everyone can enjoy together. From pre-concert dinners to birthday lunches and casual team gatherings, the restaurant provides a reliable and charming backdrop for connection and celebration in the ACT.

Hours, Location & Directions

Planning your visit is straightforward, with clear hours and a central address. The restaurant opens for both lunch and dinner services six days a week, providing ample opportunity to experience the full menu.

Location: Shop 2/25 Childers St, Canberra ACT 2601. The restaurant is situated within the Australian National University precinct, making it easily walkable from the campus and city center.

Opening Hours: Lunch service runs from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, and dinner from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Contact & Reservations: For enquiries or to book a table, especially in the VIP function room, you can call the team directly at (02) 6162 1708.

Questions Visitors Ask

Do you take reservations for large groups?

Yes, the restaurant actively encourages reservations for its VIP function room, which can accommodate up to 18 people. It is a perfect space for meetings, celebrations, and private dining.

Are there vegetarian options on the menu?

Absolutely. The menu features numerous vegetable-forward dishes, including mapo tofu, eggplant hotpot, chilli green beans, and more. The team can also discuss customizing certain orders to suit dietary preferences.

Is the restaurant the same as the old Spicy Ginger Café?

1980 Chinese Restaurant is the new identity of Spicy Ginger Café following a 2021 renovation. While the name and interior have been refreshed, the management, kitchen team, and many classic menu favorites remain the same.

Can I order online for delivery?

Yes, the restaurant offers a convenient online ordering system for both pickup and contactless delivery, allowing you to enjoy your favorite dishes at home.