The best Japanese cafes and bakeries in Melbourne

Take a trip to Tokyo and visit these Japanese-style cafes and bakeries for katsu sandwiches, cute lunch sets and matcha lattes.

Le Bajo Milkbar

Looking for the perfect chicken katsu sandwich for lunch? Visit Le Bajo for unique Aussie dishes with a traditional Japanese twist. It serves house-crafted items such as freshly-baked shokupan (Japanese milk bread). Plus seasonal curries, fruit sandos and sodas. Sit comfortably amongst the beautiful indoor plants in the distinctive converted warehouse.

Operator San

The brunch legends behind Operator 25 have struck again. Their Therry Street newcomer is Operator San, an aesthetic Japanese fusion cafe creating inventive brekkie dishes. Start your day with a warming bowl of breakfast ramen or try the katsu curry eggs benedict. The premium matcha drinks here are among Melbourne's best.

Saltwater Sushi and Oyster Bar

Finish your market shop in the newly revamped food hall at Queen Vic Market. Saltwater serves some of Melbourne's freshest seafood. Think loaded sushi rolls, expertly sliced sashimi and oysters. There's also crispy fried tempura and chicken karaage. The specialty here is lobster mornay, best enjoyed with a crisp glass of wine.

Ichigo

With its ultra-chic aesthetic, Ichigo puts a modern twist on traditional Japanese eats. Dishes are just as pretty as the space. Especially the ichi-rashi – sashimi, caviar, pickled daikon, avocado mousse and freshly-grated wasabi on a bed of rice. Finish your sitting with a slice of strawberry shortcake and a matcha latte.

Gacha Cafe

Looking for a hidden gem? Find Gacha Cafe in Melbourne Central. This playful spot serves delicious Japanese snacks like mochi wrapped gelato and matcha drinks. Enjoy your sweet treats next to the Gacha Gacha wall, and pick up a collectible toy as a gift or for yourself at this oversize toy vending machine!

Keki Milkbar

These might be the best soufflé pancakes in Melbourne. Keki Milkbar can be found on La Trobe Street, you'll smell the pancakes before you see them. Smothered in custard and coming in a range of flavours, they're magnificently spongey and even better, gluten free! Pair with refreshing iced sodas, flavoured with passionfruit or citrus.

Onigiri Kitchen and Sake Bar

Find Japanese-style comfort food at Onigiri Kitchen and Sake Bar. Nestled in the Paris end of the city is a beautifully designed space. Enjoy gluten free onigiri rice balls, bento boxes and chicken karaage. For dessert, there are delicious sweet tofu cinnamon donuts. Pick from unique jelly fruit sake flavours like peach, apple, plum and more.

Karé

Be transported to Tokyo with Karé's authentic curry dishes. From mild to spicy, the curry sauces are made with the finest ingredients. Try the Wagyu scotch curry or the classic chicken katsu. Looking for something a little extra? The curry pan and range of desserts will have you coming back for more.

Ilza Japanese Cafe

Docklands gem Ilza is so popular it just opened a second location over at Equitable Place. Enjoy thick-cut katsu sandwiches, karaage chicken on rice and bowls of curry udon. Drinks are a highlight here too, sip on the signature strawberry matcha or peanut latte for something a bit different. 

Fuumi Fuumi

Fuumi Fuumi is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up spot with a smooth matcha and tasty cake selection. Get your hands on daily specials. Think hearty stews, seasonal fruit toast, matcha opera cake and more. Enjoy this delicious selection in a brightly lit, comfortable West Melbourne venue. The latte art is a bit on the cute side too.

Saint Dreux

This slick store in Emporium specialises in delicious katsu sandwiches. The classic pork, prawn, chicken and egg options are all here, plus a special Wagyu beef variety. For sweet tooths Saint Dreux also serves house-made castella. These Japanese sponge cakes come in flavours like black sesame, matcha and hōjicha.

Bakemono Bakers

Grab perfect shokupan, yuzu almond croissants and more at Bakemono Bakers. You’ll find it in a converted garage on Drewery Lane, just off Little Lonsdale Street. This transformed nook has lush plants and bench seats inside and out for enjoying your treats. 

279

Have you tried musubi? A triangle of rice with toppings, that’s wrapped in nori. West Melbourne cafe 279 calls it the Japanese equivalent of a good old-fashioned Aussie sandwich. The best way to try it is in a customisable bento box. Pick your favourite protein, perhaps katsu chicken or grilled pork belly. Then choose two musubis and a veggie side. Finish on a matcha cookie or mochi doughnut.

Lead image by Sofia Levin (@SofiaKLevin).