The 16 Best Japanese Cafes in Melbourne That Look (And Taste) Straight Out of Tokyo
Melbourne’s Japanese cafe scene has always marched to its own beat—espresso in one hand, chopsticks in the other.
But lately, a new wave of Japanese-inspired spots has been quietly rewriting the Melbourne brunch playbook.
Forget what you know about dull onigiri and sad sushi rolls—these cafes are serving up miso-hollandaise-drenched eggs Benedict, fluffy red-bean shokupan toast and yuzu-spiked tonic americano so perfectly balanced, you'll never look back.
Melbourne’s Best Japanese Cafes At A Glance:
- Jump To The Best Japanese Cafes For Breakfast in Melbourne
- Jump To The Cutest Japanese Cafes in Melbourne
- Jump To The Best Japanese Cafes For Matcha in Melbourne
- Jump To The Best Japanese Cafes in Melbourne CBD
This is where Tokyo’s distinctness joins Melbourne’s laid-back brunch craze. Whether you’re here for the artful musubi, the next-level matcha or just looking for a really good excuse to eat mochi doughnuts for breakfast, one thing’s clear: Melbourne’s Japanese cafes aren’t just a trend—they’re a playful culinary revolution.
P.S. If you're after our hot take on Melbourne's best (not Japanese) cafes, head over here, and these are our top recs for coffee and brunch spots.
We want you to be the first in the know. Join Urban List Insiders, we’ll shoot you all Melbourne’s best things to eat, drink and do every week.
Here are the best Japanese cafes in Melbourne for 2025:
The Best Japanese Cafes For Breakfast in Melbourne
Meet Forest
1a/7 Yarra Street, South Yarra
Meet Forest is a tranquil, minimalist cafe that feels like stumbling upon a serene woodland clearing—one where Japanese-inspired brunch and artisanal coffee take center stage. With its warm timber interiors, lush greenery and soft natural light, this spot is designed for slow mornings and quiet afternoons.
Their Matcha Pancakes are a must—fluffy, vibrant green, and served with red bean paste, fresh fruit and a dollop of whipped cream. For something savory, the Okonomiyaki Benedict reinvents the classic with a cabbage pancake base, smoky bacon and a perfectly poached egg draped in miso hollandaise.
Try the coffee here, with single-origin beans brewed to perfection. Try the Hojicha Latte for a toasty, caffeine-light alternative or their Kyoto Cold Brew, slow-dripped for a smooth, nuanced finish. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t miss the utterly indulgent Black Sesame Cheesecake.
Andzero
696 High St Road, Glen Waverley
Andzero, the passion project of ex-Kisume chef Reki Reinantha and Cumulus Inc alum Ida Bagus Palguna, is rewriting the brunch rulebook with its uncompromising Japanese-inspired cafe that boldly declares war on your usual breakfast.
This intimate 22-seater rolls out Fluffy milk bread rolls stuffed with showstoppers like the Chicken Katsu Roll (crunchy panko chicken with tartar sauce) and the Wagyu Hamburg Menchi Roll (juicy beef patty with tonkatsu sauce). But the real deal is their teishoku lunch sets—beautifully composed trays of soba noodles, miso soup and your choice of main (the chicken karaage with curry aioli disappears fast).
Don't sleep on their onigiri trio, featuring fillings like ponzu kingfish and eel kabayaki that put convenience store rice balls to shame. No visit is complete without trying their Mont Blanc coffee–Five Senses' viral hazelnut-cream creation that's pure liquid dessert.
Fuumi Fuumi
West Melbourne & South Yarra
Fuumi Fuumi is a pretty Japanese bakery and cafe that brings a taste of Tokyo’s treats to Melbourne, specializing in pillowy-soft shokupan toast and creative brunch dishes. Their Signature Toast—thick-cut milk bread slathered in sea salt cream and caramel sauce—is a must-try, alongside indulgent options like the Muddy Banana Toast with peanut butter and caramelised bananas.
Savory lovers will adore the Tonkatsu Sando, featuring a crispy pork cutlet on fluffy bread, or the vegetarian-friendly "KFC" Enoki Sando with deep-fried mushrooms. For heartier meals, the Wafu Red Wine Beef Stew and Daburusosu Barramundi (crusted fish on toast with mala chili miso) showcase Fuumi Fuumi’s knack for blending Japanese flavors with café-style dining.
Sup on their unique drinks, like the Iced Latte with honeycomb candy or the refreshing Kuro Zabon (yuzu-spiked tonic americano). With its snug vibe and expertly baked bread, this spot is perfect for a leisurely brunch or a sweet-and-savory escape.
CIBI
33-39 Keele Street, Collingwood
CIBI is a heartfelt celebration of Japanese home-style cooking, where every dish feels like it was prepared with grandmotherly care. Part café, part grocer—This spot is built on a philosophy of seasonal, honest ingredients, from organic Japanese green teas to house-made miso that forms the soul of their comforting Grandma’s Miso Soup.
Start your day with their iconic Japanese Breakfast Plate, a beautifully composed spread of grilled Ora King salmon, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette) and seasonal vegetables atop their signature rice blend. For something lighter, the Mum’s Scrambled Eggs with tamari and sesame or the Soba Salad with avocado and tofu offer equally satisfying options.
CIBI’s pastry cabinet is a treasure trove of Japanese-Western hybrids, like Matcha & Red Bean Pound Cake and Yuzu Pound Cake, best paired with Dukes Coffee Roasters espresso or a frothy matcha latte. The adjoining grocer stocks artisanal Japanese pantry staples, housemade sauces,and even Shiragiku sake from co-founder Meg’s hometown brewery—perfect for an afternoon sip.
The Cutest Japanese Cafes In Melbourne
Chooka’s
1 Ballarat Street, Brunswick
Housed in a 1930s building with a Spanish style, Chooka’s is a whimsical Japanese cafe where felines meet homely comfort. The space is sprinkled with subtle cat-themed touches—adorned with paw prints on the ‘Open’ sign, a shy resident cat named Udon darting about and even cocoa-dusted kitty art floating atop your cappuccino.
The star here is the omusubi, with varieties like the intensely savory nori-soy or the wakame-filled ones offering authentic, portable bites. Don’t miss the Yaki-Omusubi (grilled for crispy edges) or the hearty Omurice for something more substantial. Sweet treats include hojicha cheesecake and delicate warabi mochi, while drinks range from black sesame lattes to the playful Kitty Biscoff Latte.
By afternoon, the sunlit laneway tables invite lazy sips of grapefruit green tea. With its nostalgic vibe and cat-like charm (quiet but full of character), Chooka’s is Brunswick’s hidden gem for a cozy Japanese spot with a side of whimsy.
279
279 Victoria Street, West Melbourne
At 279, the humble Japanese musubi (aka onigiri) gets a creative twist, blending tradition with a dash of Aussie panache. Consider it as Melbourne’s answer to Tokyo’s convenience-store staple—but with specialty coffee and artful fillings that elevate it to lunchtime royalty. The rice triangles here are a staple: try the Tanuki (crispy tempura flakes, bonito oil) for umami depth, or the Mentai-mayo (spicy cod roe and Japanese mayo) for a punchy kick. For something local, the Bacon and Egg musubi—complete with dukkah—bridges cultures in one delicious bite.
Pair your pick with oso-zai sides like shira-ae (smoked tofu with mushrooms) or addictive renkon chips (fried lotus root). And yes, you’ll want to leave room for their popular mochinuts—chewy, glaze-drizzled mochi donuts that defy all dessert logic.
It’s a sunlit, minimalist cafe where Japanese efficiency meets Melbourne’s coffee snobbery, with rotating roasts from global and local beansmiths. Whether you’re grabbing a quick Saba-Chazuke (mackerel with green tea broth) or savoring a hojicha tiramisu, 279 shows that the best meals come in triangular packages.
Haiku
1161 Toorak Road, Camberwell
Forget basic smashed avo—Haiku reimagines Melbourne’s cafe scene through the lens of Tokyo, where shokupan (Japanese milk bread) reigns and miso sneaks into hollandaise. By day, this airy, minimalist spot is a refuge for brunchers and adventurous eaters alike, blending Japanese technique with Aussie brunch.
The Tokyo Roll is their signature: a brioche bun crammed with teriyaki halloumi, potato korokke and a gooey fried egg, kissed with hatcho miso relish. For a lighter meal, the Scattered Sushi Bowl piles brown rice with kinshi egg, avocado and your pick of tuna tataki or smoky salmon. Even the classics get a Japanese spin—their Pork Kakuni Benedict swaps English muffins for yaki onigiri (grilled rice balls), topped with braised pork belly and ssamjang-spiked hollandaise.
Coffee here is serious business (their Hozuki Blend cold brew is a cult order), but save room for the Mochi Doughnuts—chewy, glossy and best paired with a yuzu soda. And while Haiku morphs into a moody izakaya by night, its daytime charm lies in details: lotus root chips subbing for hash browns and shichimi dusting your eggs.
Ima Pantry
9 Duckett Street, Brunswick
For lovers of Japanese flavours and sustainable shopping, Ima Pantry is the place to check out. More than just a cafe—it’s a compact haven for thoughtfully sourced pantry staples and irresistible grab-and-go bites. Perfect for busy Melburnians who crave quality without the wait, this spot blends the charm of a Tokyo konbini with a modern, eco-conscious ethos.
The takeaway (only) menu is where simplicity shines. Their onigiri are a standout—stuffed with fillings like umeboshi (pickled plum), spicy tuna or miso chicken, all wrapped in crisp nori. For heartier options, the okazu (Japanese-style sides) range from tamagoyaki (sweet rolled omelette) to kinpira gobo (braised burdock root). Their housemade pastries, like melon pan or black sesame croissants, pair perfectly with a creamy matcha latte or single-origin espresso.
Beyond food, Ima Pantry is a goldmine for unique Japanese groceries—head here for artisanal miso, rare tea blends and local products with a minimalist twist. Stepping out to grab a quick katsu sando (pork cutlet sandwich) will feel like a mini trip to Japan.
Hoshino
6 Railway Avenue, Ringwood East
Hoshino is serving up some of Melbourne’s most inventive Japanese-Australian fusion, with a sleek, minimalist cafe where Tokyo’s precision meets Melbourne’s brunch obsession. Start with their signature Sukiyaki Wagyu Udon–tender slices of wagyu and a silky egg lounging in rich, sweet broth with chewy house-made noodles.
For something lighter but no less craveable, the Umami Musubi Medley delivers a punch of flavour with its tuna mayo and karaage-stuffed rice balls, served with all the trimmings (yes, that includes miso soup). And if you’re here for the ‘gram, the Creamy Udon–carbonara’s more sophisticated Japanese cousin, topped with parmesan and popping orange tobikko–is begging to go on your story.
Their drink game is just as strong, whether you’re sipping on a perfectly balanced matcha latte or going wild with their Cloudy Injeolmi Iced Latte (a nutty, sweet Korean-inspired creation). Save room for dessert–their Matcha Basque Cheesecake, with its caramelised crust and creamy green tea centre, is the stuff of sweet dreams.
The Best Japanese Cafes For Matcha in Melbourne
Kuu Cafe + Japanese kitchen
190 Park Street, South Melbourne
Kuu Cafe + Japanese Kitchen is a polished, minimalist haven with an expertly crafted menu that spans from breakfast to dinner. This is your go-to for artful matcha creations, like the matcha ganache cake, hojicha latte or an iced matcha affogato drizzled with espresso (picture drinkable artwork of koalas).
Their katsu sandos—especially the crispy tofu or ebi prawn versions—are legendary lunchtime picks, while lighter bites like soba salad or takoyaki keep things fresh. Sweet tooth? The hojicha tea flan and yuzu lemon tart are delicate showstoppers. Pair them with Kuu’s black sesame soy latte, a nutty twist on your usual brew.
By day, it’s a serene spot for coffee and people-watching; by evening, the menu shifts to heartier ochazuke or teriyaki bowls. But no matter the hour, Kuu’s calm vibe makes it a standout among Melbourne’s Japanese cafes.
Taiyo Sun
394 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North
Tucked away from Melbourne’s brunch hustle, Taiyo Sun is the place for Japanese minimalism and nostalgia from comfort food. This cozy spot reimagines classic cafe fare with a Tokyo feel—think shokupan toast stacked with unexpected toppings, matcha lattes served with precision and croissants stuffed with umami-rich fillings.
The toast menu is where they get playful: go for the Nori Cheese Toast, a buttery masterpiece layered with melted cheese and crispy seaweed, or the Azuki Butter Toast, a sweet-savory collision of red bean paste and creamy butter. For a heartier bite, the Curry Croissant delivers flaky pastry packed with spiced Japanese curry—a handheld lunch that’s equal parts messy and magnificent.
Drinks skew elegant, whether you’re sipping a Yuzu & Tea Soda (bright, effervescent and utterly refreshing) or a velvety Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte (swirled like a pastel sunrise). Don’t skip dessert—their Azuki Shiratama Affogato dumps espresso over vanilla ice cream and chewy mochi for a textural thrill.
Coracle
63/65 Anderson Street, Yarraville
Coracle wraps you in the embrace of an Asian home kitchen while providing Melbourne's most soulful cafe experience. Melt into their signature Hong Kong French Toast—golden, custardy brioche dripping with syrup—and Ogura Toast, where sweet red bean paste is paired with pillowy shokupan. Their Vietnamese-inspired Morning! Bánh Mì bursts with vibrant flavors, while the Mushroom Forest on toast satisfies umami cravings with earthy mushrooms and perfectly runny eggs.
The drink menu reads like a love letter to Asian cafes: the Iced Ichigo Matcha swirls strawberry jam with ceremonial-grade matcha, while traditionalists will adore the slow-drip Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnamese iced coffee) with its perfect coffee-condensed milk balance. For something energising, the Yuzu Sour or Ume Fizz deliver bright, tangy notes.
What makes Coracle special is how it balances nostalgia with innovation—whether it's their Kaya Thick Toast slathered in pandan coconut jam or modern creations like Toffee Caramel Latte. With its warm service and dishes that taste like childhood memories, this cafe serves happiness, one comforting bite at a time.
Suupaa
Shop 1/65 Dover Street, Cremorne
Suupaa is an eatery and konbini that offers bold flavors and creative twists in a lively setting. Food here is a vibrant mix of Japanese comfort and Aussie brunch, with bites like their Tempura Oyster Mushroom Sando (umami mayo, shokupan bread) or the Sansho Tuna Donburi, where wasabi mayo and tempura nori elevate fresh tuna.
For something heartier, the Black Sesame Tan Tan Noodles or Udon Bolognese (yes, with pancetta and parmesan cream) are must-tries. Their Milo Matcha—a genius collision of nostalgic Milo foam and earthy matcha that’s equal parts playful and delicious.
Sip on a Banana Cold Brew or a Yuzu Pink Lemonade for something refreshing, or go wild with a Cola Float crowned with Yakult foam. With its retro-fun vibe and dishes that zigzag between tradition and innovation, Suupaa is for those who want their miso with a side of mischief.
The Best Japanese Cafes In Melbourne CBD
OMO
18 Merriman Lane, Melbourne
Hidden in Melbourne's bustling CBD, OMO is a tasteful cafe filled with Japanese simplicity. This intimate spot specialises in fluffy shokupan toast and comforting Japanese-inspired brunch dishes, all crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Start your morning with their Ogura Kinako Butter Toast—a perfect balance of sugary red bean paste and nutty roasted soybean flour—or indulge in the Omo Benedict, featuring delicate onsen eggs atop soft milk bread.
For lunch, the Udon Carbonara and Japanese Cream Stew offer rich, creamy comfort, while lighter bites like onigiri (try the spam with wasabi mayo) make for ideal quick snacks. Coffee lovers will appreciate OMO's specialty brews, particularly the unique Shio Cream Cold Brew (a salted cream twist) or the Iced Berry Latte for something fruity. Matcha enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Strawberry Matcha Latte or the decadent Dirty Matcha Cream Latte, layered with espresso.
OMO is the perfectly crafted CBD escape—whether for a slow brunch, a midday coffee break or an evening Suntory Highball to unwind.
Amiri
Shop R02, 14 Corner Lonsdale Street, QV
Amiri takes your usual brunch staples and reimagines them through an East-meets-West lens—think Pork Banh Mi Croissants, Kyoto Omurice and Tom Yum Ramen that are explosions of flavour.
Try their artfully crafted desserts, like the cloud-like San Sebastian Cheesecake (matcha, chocolate or honey cream) or the Instagram-famous Natsu Matcha Sundae, layered with vibrant flavours. Coffee purists and matcha drinkers link up here—Amiri sources specialty beans and premium Japanese matcha, turning them into creative sips like the Iced Dirty Matcha or Sesame Latte. Still thirsty? The Sparkling Yuzu or Matcha Yuzu Soda are refreshing must-tries.
By day, it’s a brunch haven with Honey Butter Tosuto (Nutella-drenched, of course); by night, the menu shifts to hearty Wagyu Sandos and Curry Crab Pasta. Whether you’re here for spoonfuls of Bingsu or a simple flat white, Amiri reimagines cafe culture with an Asian soul.
Hikari
317 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD
Hikari is a serene Japanese-inspired cafe that feels like stepping into an elegant Tokyo coffeehouse. Partnered with Kyoto’s renowned Kurasu and Tokyo’s Onibus Coffee, this spot takes its brews seriously—whether you’re sipping a velvety matcha latte, a toasty hojicha latte or their signature Yuzu Spritz, a citrusy refreshment perfect for sunny days.
Coffee aficionados will love the precision of their pour-over and cold brew, while those seeking something unique can try the Cloudy Miso, a savory-sweet concoction that surprises the palate. Pair your drink with a buttery plain croissant or explore their curated selection of Japanese ceramics and Hirota Glassware—ideal for those who want to take a piece of Hikari’s aesthetic home.
With its clean, airy interiors and devotion to quality, Hikari is a quiet retreat for coffee and Japanese craftsmanship.
Main Image: 279 | Website
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.
Cafes
Top 9 Brunch Spots in Melbourne CBD for Inner City Brunchin’
Skip the south side/north side arguments this weekend, because Melbourne's city centre is a brunch destination of its own right. Here are the best (neutral ground) spots for brunch in Melbourne CBD.
Cafes
These 20 Cafes Across Melbourne Are Dialled In & Editor-Approved
On the hunt for the best cafe in Melbourne? It's a tough one, simply due to the sheer volume of options. The standard the city has set has been replicated all over the world, and it's no surprise as the quality of our coffee is world-class and our brunch is unbeatable.
Restaurants
The Best Japanese Melbourne Restaurants, 2025 Edition
Want to relive that Japanese holiday, or get your eye in before you head overseas? You're in luck, because Melbourne is full of top-tier Japanese restaurants. Whether you’re craving freshly made sushi, bowls of steaming ramen, sizzling teppanyaki, melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, or flavourful donburi, there’s no shortage of authentic Japanese restaurants in Melbourne to dive into.