Chocolate Buddha

Located in the bustling heart of Melbourne CBD, Chocolate Buddha at Federation Square offers a masterful blend of Japanese decor and flavours that were both fresh and satisfying. We were extended a warm welcome, promptly shown to our table and offered menus within minutes. The menu itself offered plenty of tasty options to choose from, including; sushi, ramen, udon and bento boxes designed to share or savour alone. Indoor and outdoor seating options, from intimate booths to stools and communal tables, were a nod to traditional Japanese teahouse gatherings. All seats offering a wonderful view of the architectural brilliance that is Federation Square. As the Matildas took to the World Cup semi-finals against France, the atmosphere was charged with excitement. The vegetarian tempura rolls were impressively presented , while the grilled salmon bento box and teriyaki chicken don were both delicious and satisfying. A prelude to the game, the dishes at Chocolate Buddha were a harmonious symphony of health and taste. For those yearning for the traditional Japanese spirit on a plate, this is the pilgrimage to embark upon.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Sat at the sushi train counter this visit and loved it! The quality and range of food on offer was great - you can order from the iPads at your seat, take dishes already on the train conveyor belt or order from the normal dining menu. Staff were very friendly and approachable. Service was excellent - very efficient. The food is beautiful which excuses the slightly more expensive price (you get what you pay for)- perfect place for a nice lunch or dinner out, especially if it’s for a special event. A must go to place in Melbourne, conveniently located across from Flinders Street Station in Fed Square! Also, there’s a great range of gluten free and vegetarian/vegan options to choose from. I’m coeliac and have never had any trouble dining here!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–40
Vegetarian options
Good range of delicious vegetarian options.
Dietary restrictions
Gluten free items listed on the menu and on the iPads for the sushi train.

Friendly, easygoing staff that were happy to engage in genuine conversation but it was not forced upon you. The food is creative and implemented beautifully. The food interested my palette. The atmosphere is great for groups as well as couples with great lighting and ambience. The amenities are clean and unisex with lockable cubicles with a sink. Pricing is reasonable. Overall well worth a visit.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Noodle Dumplings, Miso Soup, Chocolate Spring Rolls, Salmon Tobiko Maki
Vegetarian options
There are vegetarian options.
Dietary restrictions
Catered for gluten free and checked for any allergies when we were seated.
Wheelchair accessibility
Toilets require the use of stairs. I would double check with the place to see if there is access beforehand.

Had a fantastic dinner here before heading over to the arts center for a show. The decor of the restaurant was great including the bathroom as well. The food was Japanese with a modern twist and it was very delicious. So delicious I forgot to take photos of some of the dishes. Did have to order via the QR code which was a bit disappointing but was informed that a paper menu was also available. Overall the service was good while we were there. In terms of price, it was actually better value than I thought it would be especially if just going for the Bento or rice/noodle dishes. Definitely would visit again.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Booked here for my birthday due to the wide range of options available to suit the group’s dietary requirements (including vegan & gf). The whole experience was lovely. The staff were very friendly and accomodating, we ordered via QR separately but were served quickly and all together each course, and the food was absolutely delicious. Thank you for being a part of my birthday, will definitely return.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Pumpkin Tempura Roll, Edamame Beans, Miso Soup, Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box
Dietary restrictions
Vegan and gluten free options, and helpful staff

I only gave more stars because Lucas was a wonderful guy. Other staffs don’t really care about you. The sushi train barely have any diversity, only rice and veggies. Only food for order would be more decent with good-looking decoration. Typical Western resto that attempts to look Asian: good looks, only.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 2
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 2
Recommended dishes
Soft Shell Crab Roll
Vegetarian options
Y
Dietary restrictions
Ask
Parking space
Not sure
Parking options
Paid street parking
Parking
Flinders st
Kid-friendliness
No
Wheelchair accessibility
Maybe

Such a wonderful restaurant at fed square, so you don’t have to make a pick between great food and heaps of entertainment. We ordered noodle dumplings, chicken bento and chicken don. Generous portions and reasonable prices. Never had such dumplings, loved the food, couldn’t fault anything. Welcoming staff, accommodated us 15 min before our reservation as we reached early. Unique atmosphere with a large Buddha statue. Highly recommended for anyone craving Japanese cuisine. My fav: noodle dumplings and chicken bento
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80
Recommended dishes
Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box

Wonderful meal with flavourful food served at a rapid pace. Beef tataki, chicken karage and Bento boxes are a must try. Would recommend the orange almond cake for dessert. The sushi in the Bento Box was a total disappointment. Served by Multiple staff with mixed attitude. However the staff taking our order was absolutely rude and unfriendly. Another staff brought an incorrect ice cream flavour. One staff was highly friendly and accommodating to move us to a bigger table.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 4

Wonderful casual dining experience! Fusion Japanese cuisine. Selection of ramen, bento, donburi, and creative sushi rolls. The food was good although a bit pricey, but I guess this can't be helped because of the location. The staff Mr Yuki was attentive, helpful and polite, and made our dinner very enjoyable.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Soft Shell Crab Roll, Spicy Pork Ramen, Teriyaki Chicken Don

Very poor sushi train. If at all, 10 different dishes which were the same for the entire hour we were there. Most of them with cooked tuna which nobody wanted and was just getting drier and drier... disappointed. The service was excellent, very nice and friendly staff, and the location is great. A pity really.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 2
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

A modern Japanese restaurant that serves everything from sashimi to sushi, ramen and bento boxes. Service was impeccable! Server helped us navigate through the menu and online ordering system
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Soft Shell Crab Roll, Wagyu Sushi
Wheelchair accessibility
Ramps available

I have visited this restaurant 3 times and each time gotten the soft shell crab roll. Safe to say it is my favourite food of all time and would recommend to anyone!!! It is pricy for one roll, but this one roll can fill you as an entire meal.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Soft Shell Crab Roll

We had dinner here before a show at the Atheneum Theatre. Very fast food to table after ordering. Great atmosphere. Ordering from the QR code was easy but staff are more then happy to help If needed. Dietary requirements easily catered for and they have a great gluten free menu.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Recommended dishes

Food amazing, atmosphere what a vibe... service very good until they forgot our desserts... cheesecake delicious and the beef tataki so good. Great company with friends
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Edamame Beans

Right next to fed square, we managed to get a seat with the women’s soccer World Cup happening. View was lovely and so was the food. The wagyu sushi was sensational and so was the Korean crispy chicken. The meat just was soooo good. 5 stars for just that.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

This is a great place for Japanese food. The taste and quality of the food is absolutely exceptional. The wait staff can take your order or you can place your order through your phone. This is what we did and ordered slowly through the online app. The speed and quality of the food is fabulous! More

Service was good, but the food quality and pricing definitely have room to improvd comparing to other Japanese restaurants. The sushi train varieties were very limited
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 2
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3

Love love love this place. Super friendly staff, dedicated Gluten Friendly menu! Now definitely on the top of my list for healthy casual GF lunch in the city. Can’t wait to return
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Make a booking! Didn't realise how hard it was to get a table in Melbourne! Avoid disappointment, and make a booking! Staff were super friendly, we had a miscommunication with my party about who would make a booking, so in the end turned up

The food is delicious with a good variety of Japanese dishes. They have plenty staff to provide a quick service. They have sushi train, and if you decided to go try their cocktails too.
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

It was a vibe in there, busy Saturday venue, staff were great and happy to serve. The food came out quick, easy to order with Q.R codes and screens available. Chocolate Buddha is now one of my go to Casual Lunch Restaurant to catch with a

Came for dinner. Must say the place is pretty crowded. Sushi are very pretty. Bentos, dons and ramens are quite ordinary. Ordered a teriyaki chicken bento and salmon bento. One kid bento and a side. Presentation was great and customer

The venue is nice and central being at Fed Square. There is a large variety of Japanese food choices so something for everyone. The food is good however I think there is better value choices, we spent $140 for 2 people with no drinks

Food is always amazing here, and we were absolutely stuffed. Only criticism will be service. Understandable that there may not be too much human interaction with the QR code, but as I had forgot my wallet, I needed to

Great Atmosphere, nice fresh take on Japanese favourites.. Enjoyable and Original take on Isakaya and Nihon cusine with local flare.. Fresh change to the typical "chain JP fast food sushi train mass produced boring

Staff were friendly and attentive. Food was delicious and served relatively quickly. Although sushi options felt relatively expensive. Drinks including cocktails also matched. More

Highly recommended Japanese cuisine, quite authentic. Good place for gathering.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4