Inside Suzie Q - a hot new restaurant in Melbourne

A glimpse at Melbourne’s hottest table right now

At the helm of iconic Mamas Dining Group (Hochi Mama CBD, Hochi Mama Richmond, Kiss & Tell, Straight Outta Saigon), owner Thai Ho continues to expand his hospitality group with two hot newcomers in the Melbourne restaurant scene – Windsor Wine Room and the latest addition to the family, the eagerly awaited Suzie Q in Prahran.

Opened in early June, Windsor Wine Room forged a new direction for the group, known for their sleek South-East Asian hubs loved by locals, with this time a moody and refined restaurant with European-infused small plates and a curated selection of wine labels. Mamas Dining Group is continuing their trajectory in the precinct with their largest venue yet, Suzie Q, opened in July 18th.

Thai Ho’s vision for Suzie Q revives the legend of his aunt’s underground Chinese restaurant – a hidden gem of Downtown San Francisco in the 80’s. Now, decades later, Mamas Dining Group is infusing Chapel Street with the nostalgic charm of her classic Chinese cuisine, transporting diners back to an era of culinary magic and retro oriental charm.

We want to provide a fun and exciting experience for guests, a good amount of food, and great value every time.
Thai Ho, owner of Mamas Dining Group

The Food

Suzie Q is about showcasing Chinese cuisine in all its glory “we’re bringing people’s favourite nostalgic Chinese dishes back to life with a modern spin, and a touch of rebellion”, Ho says. Head chef Michael Stolley has created a menu of classic Cantonese cuisine with a contemporary twist.

Must-tries from the menu include a signature bun with candied pork, chilli relish and red coral lettuce; Mrs Q’s duck, cooked in a 13-spice master stock; and Suzie’s special fried rice, available as a vegan option with artichoke. Following suit from their other venues, Suzie Q offers incredible value for diners, with the Mamas signature ‘Feed Me Now’ menu offering 2 smaller, 2 larger and 1 side dish between each pair from $45 per person.

Two pairs of chopsticks tuck into Chinese-inspired dishes at Suzie Q, a new restaurant in Melbourne. — Feast on modern Chinese dishes with the signature Feed Me Now menu. Credit: Suzie Q

The Vibe

Suzie Q is the largest restaurant for the group, split over two levels, with a 130-seat dining room at ground level and a private dining mezzanine that seats 20. Smaller parties can sit at the 12-metre-long black marble bar for a front-row view of the signature cocktail menu.

No seat misses out on the grandeur views of the Victorian-style heritage ceiling which was ‘love at first sight’ for Ho when visiting the site. Designed by Mitchell and Eades, the building centers around these sky-high original ceilings. Paired with exposed brick, and a warm, red-kissed interior – there isn’t a bad seat in the venue which Ho feels will “become a destination in itself for Melburnians and tourists.”

66822062-1 — Exposed bricks, red-kissed interiors and cool vibes make Suzie Q the perfect spot for a fun night out with a group, an intimate date night, or a special occasion to remember. Credit: Suzie Q

The Drinks

Contemporary cocktails are curated with fun, playful names, punchy flavours and a focus on Asian ingredients. Lucy Loo – Massenez Litchi, lychee, lemonade and prosecco, is the perfect aperitif, with Good Luck Suzie – vodka, Marionette mure, white chocolate, cranberry and yuzu, and Dragon’s Breath – bacardi oro, amaro and orange, watermelon, pineapple and sake, are some of the stars of the cocktails menu.

The well-rounded wine list, curated by the group beverage manager, celebrates Australian producers with a few stand-out international drops also featured. Tapped and bottled beer options are plentiful.

66822060-1 — Pair your dinner with one of the fun Asian-inspired cocktails off the drinks menu. Credit: Suzie Q

When to go

Suzie Q’s is open 7 nights per week, with lunch sittings Friday through to Sunday. Windsor Wine Room is currently open Tuesday to Sunday 5 pm – 11 pm with plans to extend to 7 nights per week and weekend lunches.

What’s next

Ho’s super excited to have launched two new businesses in the last 4 weeks, a testament to his “love for hospitality and bringing a vision to life.” As for the future of Mamas Dining Group – Ho’s “always looking for the next venue” with his sights set on expansion interstate into Sydney.

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