Chocolate Buddha

The Verdict

Iconic Federation Square eatery Chocolate Buddha has finally re-opened after a major renovation by the epic collaboration between Maddison Architects and Angela Mathioudakis.

The entire interior has been extended making a huge space for more indoor seating, including both communal booths and individual tables. The restaurant reflects modern Japanese culture in both cuisine and design, with the team at Maddison choosing a natural palette of hardwood, timber panels and handmade Japanese tiles. Ancient buddha statues are strategically placed around the room to add a sense of tradition to remind yourself of Japenese authenticity while you stuff yourself silly with salmon. 

What’s making us drool for this new venue is the high tech sushi train featuring Melbourne’s first high-speed shinkansen—a bullet train delivering express hot meals to customers in a hurry, all ordered at lightning speed on a series of mini tables. The train features all your favourite goodies from katsu rolls to chocolate peanut butter mud cake. I mean it is called Chocolate Buddha after all.

The menu has reimagined some of their old standouts including the chargrilled marinated black cod topped with moromi miso as well as their ramen noodle okonomiyaki with all the add-ins. It features a dedicated gluten-free menu and an all-new Izakaya and sharing menu which guests can feast on while watching dedicated sushi chefs on show in the kitchen assembling your masterpiece. While most choose to dine over dinner, Chocolate Buddha now serves brunch trays over luncheon so why not pop in on your work break for a cheeky sushi fix?

The drinks list is eclectic with a selection of Japanese sake, cocktails and beers all designed to match the flavours of the food. It’s the perfect place for an intimate culinary experience that still holds fond memories of the early 2000s when it opened and thousands of Melbournians chose to eat. So grab the family, a date or a bunch of mates and soak up all that this revamped gem has to offer.

Image credit: supplied