1980 Chinese Restaurant — Restaurant in District of Canberra Central

I went to the 1980 Chinese Restaurant on a Saturday evening, at around 6pm. It wasn't too busy, and the moment we walked in, the servers instantly got us a table. Everything was very clean, and the interior decor was very aesthetically nice and modern. I especially loved the wall feature with the light going across it. The overall layout of the restaurant is a bit strange as there are three dining areas split off from eachother by doors etc. The main dining area, a small room (I am guessing for booked occasions) with one table, and a separate event-feeling eating area.

Onto the food, as it was a light dinner- I did not order too much. Menu is somewhat pricey, but it is the CBD of Canberra. First off were the pork dumplings. Portion size was more than decent, for the price. They were freshly made, not frozen and cooked well. Next up was the spicy chicken fried rice. This was probably the least good thing during the visit. Portion size was extremely decent for 15 dollars, but the rice was tasteless. Even white jasmine rice has some flavor by itself, but this had nothing. It was almost like rice with the flavor of water/air. The only exception to this, was the random, unpleasant tangs of very hot spice clumps that were scattered randomly in the rice. Also did not like the black pods which were in the rice, as they proved hard to chew. Last thing was the Jasmine tea, which I am pretty sure came from a teabag. It was pleasant, nothing too special to say about it.

Overall, the experience was decent, but the rice dishes didn't hold too much for me. I expect later in the evening it gets very busy, due to the proximity of ANU/since alot of tables started to get the reserved...

Since settling in Canberra in 2018, I've embarked on a gastronomic journey, exploring various Chinese eateries scattered across the city. Yet, it is the 1980 Chinese Restaurant that stands out as a pinnacle of culinary excellence, a true gem amidst the bustling cityscape.

The restaurant's crown jewel, the 'Dried Chilli Chicken', is a dish that resonates with my palate on every level. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, with each bite offering a satisfying crunch followed by an exhilarating hit of spice. The generous portions are a testament to the restaurant's commitment to hearty, fulfilling meals.

What truly sets this restaurant apart is not just its exceptional food but its unwavering consistency. Week after week, my visits are greeted with the same high-quality experience, a rarity in the ever-evolving dining scene.

For aficionados of Chinese cuisine, the 1980 Chinese Restaurant is more than just a dining option; it's a mandatory culinary destination. If you find yourself in Canberra with a craving for authentic, flavorsome Chinese food, let your taste buds be enthralled by this remarkable establishment. Highly, highly...

Very happy with my experience - I had a visually impaired friend who had to bring in his service dog. The staff were very welcoming and even sat us close to the door for ease of access.

Food was promptly served so we made it through dinner and onto the theatre within the hour. We ordered pork dumplings which were fresh and amazing, fried rice, pork stir fry and beef in black pepper sauce. Sizzling hot meals, tender meats, tasty experience and We absolutely loved it. The prices were reasonable especially given how tasty the food was, and the inner city location.

Thank you for a wonderful experience - we will be back. Parking was also a breeze , ended up parking right in front so it was amazing...