Chocolate Buddha

Whilst so many other eateries have had their moment of glory in Fed Square and then faded away, Chocolate Buddha has managed to stay loved by locals and tourists alike. With a modern design, unfailingly friendly staff and a menu of well-executed Japanese favourites, we suspect it will remain busy for a few years yet.

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Location: Fed Square, Federation Square, Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9654 5688

It’s only as I walk through the doors to the welcoming familiarity of Chocolate Buddha’s bustling dining room that I realise it was one of the first places that I ate when newly arrived in Melbourne. The fact that this was some years ago, but the place is clearly still hugely popular, says a lot for both the vibe and food of this funky Japanese restaurant.

Whether you drop in for a few plates from the Sushi Train, a lunchtime Bento Box or an Izakaya blow-out, Chocolate Buddha is always welcoming and busy, with efficient servers zipping between the pass and tables.

The Space

Housed in a generous corner site of Fed Square – just over from ACMI – Chocolate Buddha offers a handful of outside tables on its terrace.

However, the real fun happens inside.

Striking wooden columns hang from the dramatically high ceiling. The aforementioned Sushi Train dominates the centre of the room, whilst tales run along it’s sides. Many of them communal, which makes dining with friends an ideal option.

The interior is a very Japanese, yet quintessentially Melbourne combination of concrete blocks and pale timber. Although large and packed, it doesn’t feel overwhelmingly chaotic or noisy. Instead, the ambience is is one of calm efficiency.

Ultimately, you get the feeling that this isn’t a place to sit and chat with a glass of Sake after eating – they will want to table for more customers. But at the same time, whilst you are dining, you’ll be treated with friendly civility.

And that’s fine, as it seems that many patrons are grabbing a quick dinner before heading to a show. As, indeed, are we.

The Food

The unifying theme at Chocolate Buddha is no-fuss, tasty Japanese fare, done well.

There’s a decent selection of Sushi, both on the menu and the Sushi Train. Pleasingly, there’s a bit of fusion imagination on show too. For example, the inside out Buddha’s Fire (8pcs for $21) roll marries Kingfish with Asparagus & Jalapeno, dressed in a funky Prawn & Scallop Sauce.

Dip into the Izakaya section and the surprises continue. Instead of regular Pork, Prawn or Vegetable Dumplings, Chocolate Buddha has Spicy Lamb Gyoza (5pc for $19). For the plant-based diners there’s a very satisfying Sizzling Tofu & Vegetable Hotplate ($30) loaded with Tofu, Cauliflower, Zucchini, Oyster Mushroom and more.

Of course, if you want the ease of a complete meal, without agonising over various dishes, the Japanese have the brilliant Bento Box. At Chocolate Buddha, this includes Steamed Rice, Green Vegetable, Yasai Itami (Stir-Fried Veg) & Miso Soup. Then there are a number of Proteins available – Grilled Salmon, Vegetable Ankake, Chicken Teriyaki – or our choice – Chicken Karaage ($20 for Lunch & $30 for Dinner).

The moist, flavoursome fried Chicken is topped with Mustard, Soy & Japanese Mayo which works really well with the slightly bitter Greens.

In addition to Bento, the kitchen also does a number of Donburi which cover popular options like Teriyaki Chicken Don ($28) and Vegetable Curry ($21). Special mention also has to go to the warming bowls of Ramen.

The Ramen Wagyu ($28) comes with Egg, Black Fungus, soft slices of Beef and more in a rich, more-ish Miso Broth. It’s excellent.

Lastly, Chocolate Buddha is good enough to separate the Gluten Free Friendly Dishes into their own part of the menu.

The Drinks

The bar whips up a handful of Cocktails and there is a tight Wine List.

More extensive is the range of Sakes. The restaurant even runs to Sake Flights, which is nice to see.

Aside from that, there are a number of Beers, Ciders and Umeshu.

Overall

Chocolate Buddha has still got it.

The value for money menu still does recognisable Japanese cuisine with care and attention. The staff are still rushing about, but smiling. And the atmosphere is still lively izakaya.

If you’re around Fed Square and looking for somewhere to meet for a feed, it’s hard to beat.