Unassuming restaurant with a rich local history. Seating facing the sea on the verandah overlooking the foundations of houses and shops wiped out by the 1983 storm or inside with photos of visits by politicians and stars. Chinese, Malay and Thai on offer. Plenty of...parking and just behind the Information Center. Great food and friendly service. Open only on some days of the week - info centre has a sheet with opening times by rota of the different restaurants in town.More

i came to CLA because unlike most other things on Christmas island it is open for lunch after 12pm ! at first impression its a little cluttered/dirty looking however the prices are cheap and the food is quite good, with decent serving sizes when you...walk outside to the LARGE outdoor verdah seating, you will love the fresh breeze and beautiful view which makes up for any concern you may have had when you walked through the deli flap doors for a peaceful setting and cheap decent size meals, go to CLA !More

I love finding places like this. So bland to look at, then the food arrives. Some of the best chinese I have had outside china. I hope they dont ever change the decor, it is a great contrast to the delicious and interesting menu.

My 14yo daughter and I visted CLA for lunch nad ordered two dishes from the 'local' menu. After a small wait our two piping hot dishes arrived...we enjoyed both the kway teow and the chicken dish. My daughter is a big eater but she couldn't...finish our meal. A take-away container was offered for our unfinished food. A $13 per dish, I thought this was really good value. Grab a table on the verandah and enjoy the beautiful view and perhaps breeze.More

I went here to try it out as I heard they did great noodle dishes and for a decent price. Was disappointed to be told that there were no noodles left so instead, I opted for chilli chicken. What I received was greasy defrosting chicken...in a very plain sweet chilli sauce. No matter how much soy or caked salt I put on it, it failed to revive any taste into the dish. I only got half way through it and couldn't eat anymore. My friends were equally unimpressed. It seems that if you can deep fry it, they will. The sauces used seem to come from bottle and an old bottle at that. The service was great though. They are happy workers and very polite. A great beer selection and BYO which helps. It's just a shame that the food didn't come up to scratch. The location is great as it is right next to the water but they don't maximise on this. No background music to improve the atmosphere. I thought it might've just been an 'off' night, but on return the following week nothing had changed. Hopefully they will look at improving the menu and making some inexpensive changes to maximise on potential. This place has the ability to be so much more.More

The CLA is deceptive. You order at the counter, and the furnishings are very basic, so I didn't expect much. But the food is great! And totally authentic. I loved every lunch I had there. If you want REAL local Chinese cuisine an really good...prices, this is the place.More

The Chinese Literary Association (CLA) is now a great little place for a value packed meal. Located opposite the Island's biggest supermarket and just down from the Tourist Information Centre, Le CLA is easy to find, has good parking, and serves the best value meals...on CI. You really must try the Iced Lemon Tea while you are there.More