Paper Plate Restaurant — Restaurant in Melbourne

Paper Plate is one of those Richmond spots that feels like a real find – relaxed, unpretentious, and full of heart, but with food that easily rivals some of the city’s more high-end venues. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with a cool, modern fit-out that still feels approachable. It’s the kind of place you can drop into midweek or make the centrepiece of a night out.

The food is excellent. The menu is clever without being overcomplicated, offering dishes that are creative but still deeply comforting. We shared a mix of small and large plates, and every dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavour. The spiced fried chicken was crispy, juicy, and addictive; the curries had layers of flavour that kept unfolding with every bite; and the vegetarian dishes were anything but an afterthought – fresh, vibrant, and just as satisfying as the meat options.

What stood out most was the balance of flavours – everything felt well thought out, never heavy or one-note. Portion sizes were generous and great for sharing, and the prices are more than fair for the quality on offer.

The drinks menu complements the food perfectly, with cocktails that are fun and fresh, plus a solid wine list that leans toward food-friendly options.

Service was attentive and friendly, with staff who clearly enjoy what they’re doing. They’re happy to guide you through the menu, answer questions, and keep things moving at just the right pace.

Paper Plate feels like the perfect mix of creativity and comfort. It’s the kind of restaurant that makes you feel at home, but also delivers food you’ll be thinking about long after. A Richmond gem that deserves all the...

Paper Plate's best and most complex dishes are definitely the new more modern ones on its menu. The typical Vietnamese dishes on offer (pho, for instance) are very nice but if want the full experience you really need to try the modern dishes. I highly recommend the beef salad since it has a myriad of flavours that combine perfectly together. It has tangy base which makes the salad stand out and that in turn compliments the delicious medium rare beef.

The Coconut Taploca Pudding did not disappoint and it really shows how much effort Paper Plate puts into all their dishes including the dessert. It wasn't too sweet and the flavours are so well defined.

The restaurant dining room itself is very modern in its architecture with dim, but colourful lighting, that really goes well with the subtle modern vibe that permeates the menu and the dining experience as a whole.

I recommend coming to Paper Plate and trying their modern take on Vietnamese food....

Had lunch at Paper Plate & opted for the chef’s menu ($66pp) which included a series of well-curated dishes: pork belly rice paper rolls to start, shredded chicken salad, seared scallops on betel leaf, slow-cooked beef short ribs served with fried rice, and desserts of pandan crème brûlée & coconut tapioca pudding. Most dishes were beautifully presented and full of flavour - the standout for me was the incredibly tender beef ribs paired with a sweet ginger dressing. The pandan crème brûlée was also a highlight, delicately creamy with a lovely hint of pandan. The Vietnamese drip coffee was rich and satisfyingly bitter. The only real miss was the fried rice, which tasted quite bland, and it felt a little odd having the salad served on its own rather than alongside the mains. That said, the overall dining experience was excellent - the staff were warm & attentive, and the space was filled with quirky, Vietnamese-themed decor that added a...