More than 50 firefighters have battled a blaze that destroyed an eatery in Melbourne's CBD and forced the evacuation of surrounding businesses.

Key points: The fire started in the kitchen of a restaurant

The fire started in the kitchen of a restaurant It spread to the roof of the two-storey building near the corner of Bourke and Russell streets

It spread to the roof of the two-storey building near the corner of Bourke and Russell streets Firefighters do not believe anyone was injured in the blaze

Firefighters were called to Crazy Wing chicken restaurant, near the corner of Bourke and Russell streets at 11:16am, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) said.

The two-storey building was "well involved" and the fire quickly spread to the roof.

A number of workers were inside the building but got out safely.

Plumes of thick grey smoke could be seen billowing across the city.

"Crews have evacuated buildings on either side to ensure the safety of people in the area," the MFB said.

"At this stage there are no reports of injuries and it is believed everyone has evacuated safely."

The aftermath of the fire at Crazy Wing, the Chinese restaurant that caught on fire. ( ABC News: Bridget Rollason )

Crews wore breathing apparatus to enter the building and fight the fire, which started in the kitchen of the restaurant and was brought under control at 11:52am.

Triple j producer James Findlay was in the area and said the trams on Bourke Street had stopped and traffic was closed off.

Nearby buildings were evacuated by firefighters. ( ABC: James Findlay )

"There was what seemed like a Chinese restaurant with a lot of smoke billowing out of the windows," he said.

"The police officers have since arrived and there's a huge presence here and you can smell the smoke in the air as well. All of the officers are wearing gas masks."

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Duration: 38 seconds 38 s Smoke and flames could be seen coming from the roof of the building.

He said the smoke had begun to dissipate and slow down by about midday.

Karina Kong, who works at a ramen restaurant opposite Crazy Wing, said the blaze spread quickly.

"It was a very big fire and very quick. In one minute we could already smell the smoke," Ms Kong said.

The MFB said it was not yet clear what caused the blaze.

Loading

Loading

Loading