UPDATE: More than 150 diners have been evacuated after a fire broke out in a popular city restaurant. 

MFB crews have contained the blaze at Red Spice Road in McKillop St, just off Bourke street. 

A flammable cleaning liquid caused the fire, which broke out shortly before 2pm.

Smoke billowing from the restaurant was visible from nearby streets. 

Fire crews are expected to remain at the scene into peak hour.