Chocolate Buddha

4.7

2874 Reviews

$41 to $100

Japanese

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 31, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 45 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Good for groups
Lively
Healthy

Chocolate Buddha is a 100 seater Japanese inspired eatery in the Heart of Fed Square. We have a Southern Terrace which seats 24 in configurations of 4. We have our Western Terrace which can seat up to 60 guests under fixed umbrellas which overlooks the Digital Facade, The Stage & has great views over Flinders Street & the Melbourne Skyline. This area is available for hire or for Functions up to 100 people. We have a 22 seater SUSHI & EXPRESS TRAIN (which delivers hot food directly to your seat) Our Trains operate Wednesday to Sunday lunches 12 - 3pm and Wednesday to Saturday Dinners 5 - 8pm. We have a 16 seater private dining table which is great for small events. We offer QR menus at each table for ease of ordering in addition to paper Menus. We Trade Wednesday to Friday from 11:45am and from 11:30am on the Weekends.
We look Forward to Welcoming you Soon.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$41 to $100
Cuisines
Japanese, Vegetarian, Asian
Hours of operation
Wed–Fri 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 11:45 am–9:00 pm
Phone number
(03) 9654 5688
Website
http://www.chocolatebuddha.com.au/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Alex Bazar

Location
Federation Square, Corner Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000
Neighborhood
Melbourne CBD
Cross street
Federation Square : Corner of Swanston St & Flinders St
Parking details
None
Public transit
Trams 1 , 3 , 3a , 5 , 6 , 8 , 16 , 35 , 64 , 67, to Swanston St/Flinders St (119 m W)
Additional
Banquet, Beer, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Top 50 restaurants in Australia

Experiences

Sushi Train Dining
Multiple dates available
Join us at our modern & accessible SUSHI & BULLET TRAIN - It's a single track conveyor full of tempting options to help yourself to OR order through our tablets, and excitingly, it shoots hot Izakaya style dishes on our Express Train straight to your seat. Gotta LOVE this. Plate Pricing: BLUE $6 WHITE $8 BLACK $10

Popular dishes

Kingfish Jalapeno Sashimi (4 pcs)A$25.00
kingfish sashimi, jalapeno, asparagus, garlic, black caviar, worcestershire & yuzu soy
Ocean Trout Nigiri (4 pcs)A$25.00
ocean trout nigiri, miso & yuzu
Gyu Tataki Nigiri (4 pcs)A$25.00
seared wagyu beef, wasabi, ponzu & chives
Buddha's Fire (6 pcs)A$31.00
seared wagyu beef, jalapeno, asparagus, garlic, black caviar, worcestershire & yuzu soy
Buddha's Love (VE) (2 pcs / 6 pcs)A$10.30
cucumber, capsicum, avocado, asparagus, lettuce & sesame
Spicy Kinoko Maxi (VE) (6 pcs)A$28.00
mushroom, corn, bean curd, avocado, takuan, takana, avocado & grilled eggplant topped with pumpkin sauce & sesame seeds
Eggplant Hako Maki (VE) (2 pcs / 6 pcs)A$8.26
spicy eggplant in a sesame seeds crust
Spicy Tempura Pumpkin & Vegetable Roll (8 pcs) (V) (VE)A$28.00
tempura pumpkin, avocado, cucumber, pickled radish, baby spinach & pumpkin sauce
Salmon Teriyaki Maki (2 pcs / 6 pcs)A$8.26
salmon, avocado & teriyaki sauce
Wagyu Yakiniku Maki (8 pcs)A$28.00
wagyu beef, avocado, asparagus, pickled daikon, garlic mayo & teriyaki sauce
Avocado & Mayo Maki (8 pcs)A$6.16
avocado & mayo
Cooked Tuna & Mayo Maki (8 pcs)A$6.16
cooked tuna & mayo
Mixed Sashimi (12 pcs / 18 pcs)A$28.00
chef's selection of sashimi

Izakaya / Share

Edamame (VE)A$10.00
steamed soy beans w/ rock salt or chili salt
Spicy Lamb Gyoza (5 pcs)A$18.00
homemade gyoza w/ garlic, chili, cabbage w/ a ponzu dipping sauce
Chicken KaraageA$10.24
served w/ wasabi, honey & Japanese mayo
Korean Fried ChickenA$14.24
crispy coating of Korean seasoning w/ our sticky hot garlic & chili sauce
Renkon Crisps (V)A$9.00
crunchy lotus root crisps w/ miso sour cream
Agedashi Tofu (V) (VE)A$16.00
deep fried silken tofu, grated daikon, spring onion & nori w/ vegetable broth
Beef TatakiA$25.00
grilled wagyu fillet steak served rare w/ jalapeno, garlic, ponzu dressing & spring onion & fried shallots
Zucchini Tataki (VE)A$20.00
grilled zucchini w/ jalapeno, garlic, ponzu vinaigrette & fried shallots
Nasu Dengaku (V)A$16.00
steamed eggplant w/ miso glaze, furikake & sesame seeds
Rice Paper Dumplings (GF & VE) (8 pcs)A$22.00
grilled, corn, mushrooms, cucumber, water chestnuts, chili oil & ginger dressing

Larger / Donburi / Noodles

Miso Donburi (V) (VE)A$20.00
miso soup, noodles, tofu, carrot, onion, spinach & sesame seeds
Spicy Pork RamenA$22.00
slow cooked & sliced pork belly (3 pcs) in a pork broth, marinated egg, corn, onion, chili oil & sesame seeds
Beef RamenA$22.00
slow cooked & sliced beef (3 pcs) in a beef broth, marinated egg, corn, onion, chili oil & sesame seeds
Chicken RamenA$22.00
slow cooked & sliced chicken (3 pcs) in a chicken broth, marinated egg, corn, onion, chili oil & sesame seeds

Gluten Free Friendly

Buddha's Fire (6 pcs)A$31.00
seared wagyu beef, jalapeno, asparagus, garlic, black caviar, worcestershire & yuzu soy
Spicy Kinoko Maxi (VE) (6 pcs)A$28.00
mushroom, corn, bean curd, avocado, takuan, takana, avocado & grilled eggplant topped with pumpkin sauce & sesame seeds
Eggplant Hako Maki (VE) (2 pcs / 6 pcs)A$8.26
spicy eggplant in a sesame seeds crust
Beef TatakiA$25.00
grilled wagyu fillet steak served rare w/ jalapeno, garlic, ponzu dressing & spring onion & fried shallots
Zucchini Tataki (VE)A$20.00
grilled zucchini w/ jalapeno, garlic, ponzu vinaigrette & fried shallots
Rice Paper Dumplings (GF & VE) (8 pcs)A$22.00
grilled, corn, mushrooms, cucumber, water chestnuts, chili oil & ginger dressing

Sides

Steamed RiceA$5.00
Miso Soup (VE) (GF) (5 pcs)A$5.00
Side Green Salad (VE)A$7.00
Pork KatsuA$10.00
Grilled Chicken ThighA$10.00
Ankake Vegetables (GF on request) (V) (VE)A$10.00
mixed vegetables in a shiitake mushroom and ginger ankake sauce
Seasonal Green Veg (V) (GF)A$10.00
blanched & served w/ a sesame dressing

Kids

Renkon Crisps (V)A$9.00
crunchy lotus root crisps w/ miso sour cream
Green Vegetarian Gyoza (3 pcs)A$6.00
served w/ a ponzu dipping sauce
Edamame (VE) (GF)A$5.00
steamed soy beans w/ rock salt
Chicken KaraageA$10.00
crispy coating of Korean seasoning w/ our sticky hot garlic & chili sauce
Avocado & Mayo Maki Roll (8 pcs)A$6.00
avocado & mayo
Cooked Tuna & Mayo Maki Roll (8 pcs)A$6.00
cooked tuna & mayo
Teriyaki Chicken & Mayo Maki Roll (8 pcs)A$6.00
teriyaki chicken & mayo
Fresh Salmon & Mayo Maki Roll (8 pcs)A$6.00
fresh salmon & mayo
Ramen NoodlesA$10.00
no pork or beef broth

Desserts

Sticky Date Pudding (VE) (GF)A$12.00
served w/ a butterscotch sauce, vanilla ice cream
Chocolate Caramel & Miso MousseA$12.00
served w/ a chocolate soil, miso caramel
Yuzu Cheesecake Bomb (3 pcs)A$12.00
served w/ a yuzu curd, white chocolate
Duo of Ice-CreamA$12.00
served w/ a chocolate soil
Passionfruit & Fresh Fruit Summer PavlovaA$12.00
served w/ a passionfruit curd

Sake

Mio Takara Sparkling Sake
A refreshing sake with grape acidity, lively aromas and gentle sweetness. Notes of Fuji apple and fresh pear.
Shichiken Yama No Kasumi Sparkling Sake
Aromas of sherbet, apple tarts & pineapple. Super lively on the palate with a touch of acidity & a very faint hint of refreshing sweetness. Depth & sophistication, proof of a well balanced sake. Enjoy long running fruit filled finish.
Minatoya Tosuke Junmai Daiginjo Niigata
A rich, smooth & creamy sake. A balanced sake with soft sweet rice & soft umami notes. Best served chilled or at 2°C.
Shichiken No Oi Junmai Daiginjo
Flavored with banana, lychee & rich aromas. Aromas of pineapple, mango & light papaya. Smooth & soft on the palate with a dry finish. A long lingering, smooth subtle umami.
Mioya Shuzo 'Yuho' 55 Junmai Ginjo Muroka Nama Genshu
A unique expression with a bold & complex aroma of wild spice undertones. This sake is full bodied & aromatic with a long finish.
Chikuma Nishiki Kizan Sanban Junmai Ginjo, Nama Genshu
Has delicious flavors, is fresh, unpasteurized, unfiltered. Sake is rich, aromatic, with a hint of sweetness, a touch of fruit, and defined sweetness.
Kikusui Junmai Ginjo Niigata
Aged rice, tropical notes of lychee, mandarin, and melon. Aged rice, tropical notes of lychee, mandarin, and melon.
Katsuyama En Tokubetsu Junmai Sendai
Aged rice, tropical notes of lychee, mandarin, and melon. Aged rice, tropical notes of lychee, mandarin, and melon.

Wines

Grace Under Pressure SparklingA$15.00
A fresh, bright, fresh, and crisp expression of cool climate sparkling.
La Pizzini Il Soffio ProseccoA$15.00
A fresh and crisp, gentle, grape & white peach prosecco.
Arras Brut Elite Cuvée Rose
A sophisticated Australian made with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Pinot Meunier. Outstanding complexity, seamless & elegant.
21 Cloak & Dagger RoseA$15.00
A dry, refreshing rose with a long finish. Light bodied, with aromas of crisp citrus, strawberries & cream.
20 Mars Needs MoscatoA$13.00
Lightly effervescent with a sweet, fruity taste.
22 Ottelia RieslingA$15.00
Aromatic, crisp, dry & refreshing.
22 Savel Blanc Sauvignon BlancA$15.00
Aromatic, crisp, dry & refreshing.
22 Jericho Fume BlancA$15.00
Aromatic, crisp, dry & refreshing.
24 Lobethal Road Pinot GrisA$16.00
Aromatic, crisp, dry & refreshing.
23 Calver's 'Bel-Sel' ChardonnayA$15.00
Aromatic, crisp, dry & refreshing.
21 Dagger Pinot GrigioA$15.00
Aromatic, crisp, dry & refreshing.
22 Ottelia Sauvignon BlancA$15.00
Aromatic, crisp, dry & refreshing.
22 Jericho Fume BlancA$15.00
Aromatic, crisp, dry & refreshing.

Cocktails

Pink CloudA$22.00
A fresh, bright, fresh, and crisp expression of cool climate sparkling.
Haru FlingA$22.00
A fresh, bright, fresh, and crisp expression of cool climate sparkling.
Yuzu BelliniA$22.00
A fresh, bright, fresh, and crisp expression of cool climate sparkling.

Yuzu Shu

Kitama Sea Salt Yuzu ShuA$15.00
A fresh, bright, fresh, and crisp expression of cool climate sparkling.

Umeshu

Akashi Ume ShuA$15.00
A fresh, bright, fresh, and crisp expression of cool climate sparkling.

Spirits

Isola Vino - Preston MelbourneA$15.00
A fresh, bright, fresh, and crisp expression of cool climate sparkling.
Patient Wolf Dry Gin - South MelbourneA$15.00
A fresh, bright, fresh, and crisp expression of cool climate sparkling.
Burn City Spiced Rum - MalvernA$15.00
A fresh, bright, fresh, and crisp expression of cool climate sparkling.
Starward Two Fold Whisky - Port MelbA$15.00
A fresh, bright, fresh, and crisp expression of cool climate sparkling.
Akashi White Oak Blended Whisky - JapanA$15.00
A fresh, bright, fresh, and crisp expression of cool climate sparkling.

Beer & Cider

Prickly Moses Otway Light - Barongarook, VIC 330mlA$10.00
Two Bays Gluten Free XPA - Dromana, VIC 375mlA$11.00
Heaps Normal Another Lager (Non-Alcoholic) Merrickville, NSW 375mlA$11.00
Asahi Super Dry Draft - Japan 500mlA$17.00
Kirin Ichiban Shibori - Japan 330mlA$13.00
Yebisu Premium - Japan 350mlA$16.00
Sapporo Premium - Japan 660mlA$18.00

Beer & Cider (Tap) 425ml

Orion Draft - JapanA$13.00
White Rabbit Dark Ale - Healesville, VICA$13.00
Goldstream Apple Cider - Coldstream, VICA$13.00
Jetty Road Pale Ale - Dromana VICA$13.00

Non Alcoholic

Purezza Sparkling Mineral Water 750ml BottleA$6.00
Capi Sparkling Mineral Water 250mlA$5.00
Lemon Lime & Bitters | 0% | Cranberry Juice | Apple Juice | Bitters Lime & SodaA$6.00
Coke | Coke No Sugar | LemonadeA$5.00
Nespresso CoffeeA$5.00
Ristretto (Origin India) | Decaf (Origin India) | Lungo (Origin Guatemala)
Hot Chocolate | Iced Latte | Iced Mocha | Matcha Latte | Chai LatteA$6.00
Loose Leaf Tea (Pot)A$5.00
English Breakfast | Earl Grey | Jasmine Green Tea | Sencha Green Tea | Lemongrass & Ginger | Chamomile | Peppermint

What 2,874 people are saying

Chocolate Buddha reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

Melbourne
Gluten-free-friendly
Melbourne
Healthy
Melbourne
Japanese
Melbourne
Most Booked
City Centre
Gluten-free-friendly
City Centre
Healthy
City Centre
Vegetarian-friendly
City Centre
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Chocolate Buddha is celebrated for its "exceptional" Japanese cuisine, "friendly and attentive" staff, and "great atmosphere" in Melbourne's Fed Square. Diners rave about its "delicious" food options, especially for vegetarians and gluten-free diets. While occasionally busy, guests appreciate the "knowledgeable" staff and the "welcoming" ambiance.

2,874 Reviews

A
Angela
Melbourne5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service and food as usual. This is one of my favourite restaurants in Melbourne!
Is this helpful?
D
Deborah
Melbourne1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had an excellent meal on the terrace prior to a concert. The meal and service were excellent and it was a beautiful evening to be outside so not noisy at all.
Is this helpful?
A
Amber
Melbourne1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great dining experience - wait staff were really friendly and super attentive. Me and my friend received the food quickly and enjoyed our dinner.
Is this helpful?
A
Abtin
Melbourne1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
one of the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne
Is this helpful?
CS
ChristineS
Melbourne3 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 21, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Enjoyable pre theatre dinner. Convenient location and tasty food with a pleasant and friendly waitress. Other staff were hurried and less obliging, perhaps too busy but as we entered and later when we waited to pay and leave the experience was less efficient and staff very focused on their single roles. A dedicated meet and greet person who stayed at the entrance would have been appreciated.
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W
Wayne
Melbourne2 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 20, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food excellent as was the service. My only disappointment was my beer was warm and flat ...otherwise CHOCOLATE BUDDHA would receive a 5 star review/ recommendation
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V
Viv
Melbourne4 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 19, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Chocolate Buddha is truly a Melbourne icon. Perfectly located in Fed Square opposite Flinders Street station and easy walking distance to the Arts Centre and NGV. Food is delicious, catering well for vegetarians, and staff are very welcoming, knowledgable and attentive.
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S
Stephanie
Melbourne1 review
5.0
Dined on March 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Staff were so amazing and gave us the best recommendations!!!! All the sushi is incredible and the tofu veg dish is amazing!!!
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E
Emma
Victoria3 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and quick friendly service! Will definitely be back!
Is this helpful?
R
Roger
Melbourne11 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food was excellent as usual and the service was excellent given that the restaurant was very busy.
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FAQs

Chocolate Buddha offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (03) 9654 5688.

Chocolate Buddha is rated 4.7 stars by 2874 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 31, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 45 times today

Experiences are available.

Federation Square, Corner Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Federation Square : Corner of Swanston St & Flinders St
Neighborhood
Melbourne CBD
Hours of operation
Wed–Fri 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 11:45 am–9:00 pm
Price
$41 to $100
Cuisines
Japanese, Vegetarian, Asian
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
None
Public transit
Trams 1 , 3 , 3a , 5 , 6 , 8 , 16 , 35 , 64 , 67, to Swanston St/Flinders St (119 m W)
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Alex Bazar
Additional
Banquet, Beer, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.chocolatebuddha.com.au/
Phone number
(03) 9654 5688

Featured in

Top 50 restaurants in Australia

Chocolate Buddha

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Top 50 restaurants in Australia

Sushi Train Dining

Yuzu Cheesecake Bomb

Chocolate Mud Cake

Chicken Karaage

Sushi

Kingfish Jalapeno Sashimi (4 pcs)A$25.00

Ocean Trout Nigiri (4 pcs)A$25.00

Gyu Tataki Nigiri (4 pcs)A$25.00

Buddha's Fire (6 pcs)A$31.00

Buddha's Love (VE) (2 pcs / 6 pcs)A$10.30

Spicy Kinoko Maxi (VE) (6 pcs)A$28.00

Eggplant Hako Maki (VE) (2 pcs / 6 pcs)A$8.26

Spicy Tempura Pumpkin & Vegetable Roll (8 pcs) (V) (VE)A$28.00

Salmon Teriyaki Maki (2 pcs / 6 pcs)A$8.26

Wagyu Yakiniku Maki (8 pcs)A$28.00

Avocado & Mayo Maki (8 pcs)A$6.16

Cooked Tuna & Mayo Maki (8 pcs)A$6.16

Mixed Sashimi (12 pcs / 18 pcs)A$28.00

Izakaya / Share

Edamame (VE)A$10.00

Spicy Lamb Gyoza (5 pcs)A$18.00

Chicken KaraageA$10.24

Korean Fried ChickenA$14.24

Renkon Crisps (V)A$9.00

Agedashi Tofu (V) (VE)A$16.00

Beef TatakiA$25.00

Zucchini Tataki (VE)A$20.00

Nasu Dengaku (V)A$16.00

Rice Paper Dumplings (GF & VE) (8 pcs)A$22.00

Larger / Donburi / Noodles

Miso Donburi (V) (VE)A$20.00

Spicy Pork RamenA$22.00

Beef RamenA$22.00

Chicken RamenA$22.00

Gluten Free Friendly

Buddha's Fire (6 pcs)A$31.00

Spicy Kinoko Maxi (VE) (6 pcs)A$28.00

Eggplant Hako Maki (VE) (2 pcs / 6 pcs)A$8.26

Beef TatakiA$25.00

Zucchini Tataki (VE)A$20.00

Rice Paper Dumplings (GF & VE) (8 pcs)A$22.00

Sides

Steamed RiceA$5.00

Miso Soup (VE) (GF) (5 pcs)A$5.00

Side Green Salad (VE)A$7.00

Pork KatsuA$10.00

Grilled Chicken ThighA$10.00

Ankake Vegetables (GF on request) (V) (VE)A$10.00

Seasonal Green Veg (V) (GF)A$10.00

Kids

Renkon Crisps (V)A$9.00

Green Vegetarian Gyoza (3 pcs)A$6.00

Edamame (VE) (GF)A$5.00

Chicken KaraageA$10.00

Avocado & Mayo Maki Roll (8 pcs)A$6.00

Cooked Tuna & Mayo Maki Roll (8 pcs)A$6.00

Teriyaki Chicken & Mayo Maki Roll (8 pcs)A$6.00

Fresh Salmon & Mayo Maki Roll (8 pcs)A$6.00

Ramen NoodlesA$10.00

Desserts

Sticky Date Pudding (VE) (GF)A$12.00

Chocolate Caramel & Miso MousseA$12.00

Yuzu Cheesecake Bomb (3 pcs)A$12.00

Duo of Ice-CreamA$12.00

Passionfruit & Fresh Fruit Summer PavlovaA$12.00

Sake

Mio Takara Sparkling Sake

Shichiken Yama No Kasumi Sparkling Sake

Minatoya Tosuke Junmai Daiginjo Niigata

Shichiken No Oi Junmai Daiginjo

Mioya Shuzo 'Yuho' 55 Junmai Ginjo Muroka Nama Genshu

Chikuma Nishiki Kizan Sanban Junmai Ginjo, Nama Genshu

Kikusui Junmai Ginjo Niigata

Katsuyama En Tokubetsu Junmai Sendai