Good Luck Restaurant Lounge

Gastronomic fun palace.

November 11, 2024

1 / 9Energy levels are high at Good Luck Restaurant Lounge.Chad Konik.

2 / 9Milo layer cake with Milo ice-cream.Edwina Pickles

3 / 9Tuna crudo with watermelon.Edwina Pickles

4 / 9Smoked pork spring rolls.Edwina Pickles

5 / 9Fire-roasted fish collar with lemongrass and green chilli jam.Edwina Pickles

7 / 9Pipis in fragrant broth.Edwina Pickles

8 / 9Soy-poached chicken with shiso broth. Supplied

15.5/20

Modern Asian$$$

Disclaimer

There is an ongoing investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Good Food detailing allegations of sexual harassment, exploitation of female staff and drug use at Merivale venues. Merivale, the owner of this restaurant, has begun an internal investigation into the claims and says it is committed to “an inclusive, diverse and respectful workplace environment for our staff, as well as for our customers”. SafeWork NSW is also investigating the company.

This buzzy basement restaurant is a reminder of why restaurants came about in the first place – to bring people together to have a good time.

That might mean snacking on PPC (toasted peanuts, crunchy pickles, cucumber) under glittering Murano chandeliers next to a row of shellfish tanks and flaming grills. Or sipping sake with fire-roasted kingfish collar; having a beer at the bar with thick belt noodles and five-spiced beef shin; or busting out with lobster, crab and a bottle of Bolly. Whatever. Do your thing.

And Merivale will do its thing, packing booths, bars and banquet rooms with cheesy Asian-inspired art, a black-and-white telly and venetian blinds, and supercharging the menu with a kaleidoscope of contemporary Asian influences.

But the kitchen has serious heft, pairing super cool tuna crudo with watermelon, and sending out a creamy Milo cake that’s everyone’s idea of a good time. Epic, high energy and perpetually packed.