When people ask where to find the best Chinese restaurant, we like to think our little spot in Thirroul is exactly what they’re looking for. It’s not just about the food (though the food is pretty special). It’s about the atmosphere, the people, and those little details that make a night out feel memorable.
We don’t see dining out as just grabbing a meal and paying the bill. It should feel like a night you’ll remember, something you’ll talk about the next day. Maybe it’s dinner before a show at Anita’s, a long Sunday Yum Cha with the family, or cocktails with friends that keep the conversation flowing well into the evening.
That’s the kind of vibe we want to create at Duck in Heaven. It’s why so many people tell us they’ve finally found their best Chinese restaurant right here in Thirroul.
If people know us for one thing, it’s the duck. It’s the dish everyone talks about and the reason so many regulars keep coming back.
We don’t rush it. Every bird is hung and air-dried so the skin turns out perfectly crisp, then roasted until it’s golden on the outside and juicy on the inside. While it cooks, spices work their way through the meat so every bite has that rich, comforting flavour you only get from duck done properly.
And then there’s the sauce. We make it ourselves, a plum base with just a touch of orange marmalade that gives it a little citrus kick. The sweet and tangy balance with the crispy skin and tender meat? It just works.
There’s nothing flashy about it, nothing over the top. It’s simply Peking Duck made the way it should be. And honestly, it’s one of the big reasons people tell us we’re their pick for the best Chinese restaurant in the Illawarra.
Sundays in Thirroul have their own rhythm. The markets wind down, families wander along the main street, and there’s that easy, coastal feeling in the air. For us, Sundays mean one thing: Yum Cha.
From 12 to 3, our dining room fills with steam baskets, chatter, and the kind of food that’s made to share. Plates and baskets roll out with handmade dumplings, soft and delicate dim sum, sticky pork ribs in black bean sauce, prawn Har Gau that bursts with flavour, and plenty more. There’s always something for everyone at the table, which is exactly why Yum Cha has become one of our favourite rituals.
It’s casual and unhurried, with dishes arriving as the conversation flows and glasses are refilled. It’s the kind of lunch that turns into an afternoon, where no one’s checking their watch because they’re too busy enjoying another round of dumplings.
Food is only half the story. A great dining experience also needs the right drinks to bring it all together, and that’s something we put just as much thought into.
Our wine list has been handpicked to complement the flavours of our menu. A crisp white cuts perfectly through the richness of our duck, a bold red enhances the spice and depth of our barbecue pork, and a light sparkling glass makes a dumpling lunch feel like a celebration. We’ve chosen wines that aren’t just “nice to have,” but ones that actually elevate your meal.
Then there’s the bar. Our cocktails are designed to match the moody, elegant vibe of the restaurant, fun, colourful, and a little unexpected. Think citrus-forward sours to wake up your palate, smooth classics like an Old Fashioned for those who like it strong, and bright, refreshing mixes that are perfect for warm South Coast evenings.
Whether you’re winding down after work, raising a glass before heading to Anita’s Theatre, or simply extending the night with friends, the drinks are here to set the mood.
Because at the best Chinese restaurant, we don’t just want you to remember what you ate, we want you to remember the whole night.
For us, a good restaurant should be about more than just eating. That’s why we started running gyoza making classes. They’re relaxed, a bit messy in the best way, and a chance to see exactly what goes into the dumplings you love. You’ll get to fold, pinch, fill, and cook them yourself, and then sit down and eat what you’ve made. It’s always a laugh, and people walk away with a new skill (and a full belly).
We also host a Mahjong Social Club, which has quickly become one of our favourite things to do. Some people come along to learn the game for the first time, others grew up playing and love sharing their tips. We keep the tea flowing, the room buzzing, and before long, strangers are chatting like old friends.
These little extras are what make us more than just a place to grab dinner. They turn Duck in Heaven into a spot where people connect, hang out, and really feel part of the Thirroul community.
We first opened our doors in Woonona, and while that chapter will always be part of our story, moving to Thirroul has honestly been the best decision we’ve made. There’s just something about this town.
The heritage buildings give it so much character, the main street is always buzzing with energy, and Anita’s Theatre right around the corner adds this amazing heartbeat of live shows and late nights. It feels like the perfect mix of history and fresh energy.
What’s made it even better is how quickly Thirroul has felt like home. We’ve met locals who’ve turned into friends, welcomed families who keep coming back, and shared meals with people who tell us we’ve become “their spot.” That kind of connection means the world to us.
So when someone says we’re their choice for the best Chinese restaurant on the South Coast, it’s not just a compliment, it feels like a reminder of why we’re here and what we’re building. We love being part of this town, and we’re excited to keep creating a place the community is proud of.
Not long ago, you would have found us tucked away in Woonona. We loved our time there, but when the chance came to move, we knew it was time to spread our wings. Now, we’re settled right in the heart of Thirroul, and honestly, it feels like home.
Moving from Woonona to Thirroul wasn’t just about changing address, it was about finding a community that shares the same love for food, culture, and connection as we do. We’re proud to be part of this town, and every day we’re reminded why we made the move.
Thirroul has this charm you can’t really explain until you’re here. It’s not just another coastal town, it’s got character.
There’s the mix of heritage buildings, the busy main street full of boutiques and little shops, and of course, the buzz of locals and visitors wandering between the beach and the cafes. It’s the kind of place where you instantly feel connected, and that’s exactly what we wanted for our restaurant.
One of the best parts of being a restaurant in Thirroul is stepping out onto a main street that feels so unique. The shopfronts are full of history, the atmosphere is always alive, and there’s something about it that makes you want to linger a little longer. For us, it’s the perfect setting, guests can enjoy the town during the day, then settle in with us for dinner before the night rolls on.
Another thing we love about our new home? We’re just a stone’s throw from Anita’s Theatre. Whether it’s live music, comedy, or theatre nights, we’re the perfect place to grab a meal before the show. Our 5:30pm bookings are timed just right, enough time to relax with a glass of wine or a cocktail, enjoy your food, and still wander over to the theatre without rushing.
Ready to make a night of it? Whether you’re heading to Anita’s Theatre, catching up with friends, or planning a special dinner, we’d love to host you. Our tables fill quickly, especially on weekends, so booking ahead is the best way to lock in your spot.
Reserve a 5:30pm table for the perfect pre-show dinner
Stay later for cocktails, wine, and good company
Discover why locals are calling us their new favourite restaurant in Thirroul
Book Your Table Now and let us take care of the rest.
See what the Illawarra Mercury had to say about our unique Thirroul Restaurant.
If you’ve been to Duck in Heaven, chances are you’ve heard about the duck. It’s the dish people lean across the table to say “you have to try this”.
We take it seriously. Each duck is air-dried in our cool room until the skin is perfectly crisp, then slow steam-roasted with spices tucked inside so the meat stays juicy and full of flavour.
When it hits your table, it comes with our house-made plum sauce, not the bottled kind, but one we make ourselves with a splash of orange marmalade for that little citrus kick.
It’s not complicated food. It’s simple, but done right. The kind of meal that makes you pause mid-conversation, close your eyes, and actually taste what’s in front of you.
We didn’t build this dish to be flashy or to copy what’s happening in Sydney. Jeni wanted it to feel approachable, but unforgettable. Something you could share at the centre of the table and know you’ve ordered the right thing.
Order it on its own, or as part of our degustation where it shares the stage with duck gyoza and san choy bao. Either way, if you’re coming to see us, the Peking Duck is the one you don’t want to miss.
See what the Illawarra Mercury had to say about our unique Thirroul Restaurant.
If you’ve ever tried to eat out gluten free, you’ll know the drill. Scan the menu, squint at the fine print, and then end up with one lonely dish while everyone else gets to share plates and dive into the fun stuff. We’ve been there, and honestly, it sucks. That’s why we decided to flip the script.
At our place in Thirroul, almost everything is gluten-free. Not just one or two dishes, not just the salad. The dumplings, the san choy bao, even the sauces, all made fresh in-house and all naturally gluten free. When you sit down at our table, you don’t have to second guess. You just eat, share, and enjoy.
Jeni, who runs the kitchen, follows a gluten free diet herself. She knows what it feels like to be left out of the dining experience. So when she built this restaurant, being gluten free wasn’t a marketing trick, it was the heart of the menu.
And here’s the thing, gluten free food doesn’t have to taste “different”. Our Peking Duck is still rich, juicy, and served with a house-made plum and marmalade sauce that people rave about. Our sticky rice parcels, wrapped in lotus leaves, are comforting and packed with mushroom flavour. Our san choy bao is fresh, zingy, and full of herbs. None of it feels like compromise.
What makes us proud is seeing whole tables ordering gluten free without even realising it. Friends who aren’t gluten free come in, eat, and leave talking about how good the duck was or how fresh the dumplings tasted. That’s the point, it’s food first, gluten free second.
Being a gluten free restaurant in Thirroul is about more than what’s on the plate. It’s about making sure everyone can be part of the experience. You shouldn’t have to sit out on sharing, tasting, and laughing over a table full of food. That’s what we’re here for.
See what the Illawarra Mercury had to say about our unique Thirroul Restaurant.
Going to Anita’s isn’t just about the show, it’s about the whole experience. That’s why we’ve put together a menu that’s made for sharing and savouring. Think handmade dumplings, rich slow-roasted duck, fresh vegetarian dishes, and plenty of small bites to pass around the table.
And of course, no pre-show dinner is complete without a drink or two. Our wine list is full of beautiful drops, we’ve got local beers on tap, and cocktails that will get your evening started in style.
Our 5:30pm bookings are made for theatre nights. You’ve got time to relax, enjoy your meal, have a laugh over a cocktail, and still wander down to Anita’s without having to rush. No stress, no bolting down your food, just a smooth start to the evening.
We love being the restaurant near Anita’s Theatre that people choose before a gig, comedy act, or show. We’re close, convenient, and most importantly, we care about making your night memorable from the very first bite.
Next time you’ve got tickets at Anita’s, book in with us first. We’ll take care of the food and drinks, and you can walk out the door ready to enjoy the show.
See what the Illawarra Mercury had to say about our unique Thirroul Restaurant.
