The chocolate buddha menu showcases a diverse range of Japanese-style dishes at Chocolate Buddha, located in Melbourne’s iconic Federation Square. It features sushi, ramen, donburi, izakaya plates, desserts, a wide drink selection and set menus. It was last updated on March 30, 2025, ensuring modern and seasonal choices.
This menu integrates taste, variety and fun service via a sushi train and express bullet train that delivers hot plates to diners. This unique experience engages guests with it presentation.
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What is the Chocolate Buddha Menu?
When you visit Melbourne’s iconic Federation Square, one of the first things to catch your eye is it at Chocolate Buddha. It is not about chocolate desserts—it is a Japanese-inspired menu with sushi, ramen, donburi, izakaya plates, and so much more. The menu has evolved over time, and their latest update ran in March 2025.
It balances casual dining with high-quality taste. You can choose from a sushi train, express hot plates, hearty rice bowls, noodles, and flavor-packed shared dishes. It also caters to vegetarians, vegans, and people who are gluten-free.
Sushi & Sashimi
One of the highlights on it is the sushi and sashimi section. It offers fresh fish, vibrant flavors, and creative rolls.
Here’s a table showing key sushi items:
| Dish | Description | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Kingfish Jalapeño Sashimi | Kingfish, jalapeño, asparagus, garlic, black caviar, yuzu soy | $25 (4 pcs) |
| Ocean Trout Nigiri | Ocean trout with miso & yuzu | $25 (4 pcs) |
| Gyu Tataki Nigiri | Seared wagyu beef, wasabi, ponzu | $25 (4 pcs) |
| Buddha’s Fire Roll | Seared wagyu, jalapeño, black caviar, yuzu soy | $31 (6 pcs) |
You will also find vegetarian and vegan rolls, such as the Spicy Kinoko Maxi, Eggplant Hako Maki, and Avocado & Mayo Maki. They range from $6 to $28, giving plenty of choice for plant-based diners. This range makes it popular with different guests.
Izakaya Plates & Shared Dishes
It has a section called Izakaya—small plates meant to share. This gives you a fun and casual bite to pair with drinks.
Common items include edamame, spicy lamb gyoza, chicken karaage, and agedashi tofu. These dishes range from about $9 to $25. You can also try:
- Beef Tataki: thinly sliced seared wagyu with ponzu
- Zucchini Tataki: a vegan version with garlic ponzu
- Nasu Dengaku: miso-glazed eggplant
- Rice Paper Dumplings: made vegan and gluten-free
The mix of textures and flavors makes it well-rounded for group dining.
Donburi & Noodle Bowls
If you want something warm and filling, it offers donburi and ramen options. Each option is about $20–22, and they come with delicious toppings.
- Miso Donburi is vegan, made of miso broth, tofu, noodles, and vegetables.
- Spicy Pork Ramen has tender pork belly in flavorful broth.
- Beef Ramen features rich beef broth and juicy slices of beef.
- Chicken Ramen includes chicken broth, egg, and chili oil
These dishes help make it satisfying, heartwarming, and suitable for colder days.
Sides, Kids Menu & Extras
It also includes small sides, a kids’ menu, and extras.
Sides
You can order steamed rice, miso soup, green salad, grilled chicken thigh, pork katsu, seasonal vegetables—prices range from $5 to $10.
Kids’ Menu
For younger diners, they offer:
- Edamame and vegetarian gyoza
- Chicken karaage
- Avocado & Mayo maki
- Cooked tuna & mayo maki
- Teriyaki chicken maki
- Fresh salmon maki
- Simple ramen with no pork or beef
All kid options cost about $6 to $10, which makes it family-friendly.
Dessert & Sweet Treats
Even though the name includes “chocolate,” it features a small dessert selection of Japanese-inspired sweet dishes. Each dessert costs $12:
- Sticky Date Pudding (vegan, gluten-free)
- Chocolate Caramel & Miso Mousse
- Yuzu Cheesecake Bomb (in sets of 3)
- Duo of Ice-Cream
- Passionfruit Pavlova
These desserts are sweet but light enough to end your meal without feeling heavy.
Drinks, Sake & Cocktails
It pairs its food with a rich drink list that includes:
- Sake: Sparkling, Junmai Daiginjo, Ginjo, Umeshu, Yuzu Shu
- Wines: Sparkling, Prosecco, Rosé, Moscato, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio
- Cocktails: Pink Cloud, Haru Fling, Yuzu Bellini (~$22 each)
- Beers & Ciders: imported Japanese beers on tap, local options, non-alcoholic lager
- Non‑alcoholic: sparkling water, juices, lemon‑lime bitters, Nespresso coffee, hot chocolate, iced lattes, loose‑leaf teas—all $5–6
This diverse selection ensures there is something for every taste to complement it.
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Special Sets & Dietary Needs
Beyond à la carte items, it also offers set meals for groups. They have three shared menus—Plan Ichi, Ni, and San—designed for 2 or more people. These include a mix of sushi, izakaya plates, and desserts.
The menu clearly labels gluten-free-friendly, vegetarian, and vegan dishes. It also offers an entire gluten-free section, and staff are trained in cross-contamination handling. That makes it a safe option for people with coeliac disease.
Dining Experience & Ambience
One of the most celebrated parts of the chocolate buddha menu experience is the sushi train and express hot food bullet train. These creative conveyor trains bring small plates and hot dishes directly to your seat. It adds an interactive and engaging dining vibe.
The restaurant has multiple zones: indoor tables, bar stools, and two terraces. One terrace overlooks Federation Square, giving beautiful city views. The space is casual but stylish, blending Japanese minimalism with a modern urban feel.
Opening Hours & Reservations
Here’s a quick view of it availability:
| Day | Service Hours |
|---|---|
| Wednesday–Friday | 12 pm to 9 pm |
| Saturday–Sunday | 11:45 am to 9 pm |
| Monday–Tuesday | Closed |
Sushi train operates 12–3 pm lunches and 5–8 pm dinners (Sunday only lunch) .
Reservations are easy using OpenTable, or you can walk in, but weekend evenings fill quickly. You can also call for takeaway or set menu requests .
Why the Chocolate Buddha Menu Works
It succeeds because it offers:
- Variety – From raw fish & sushi rolls to hot ramen and veggie dumplings, it caters to many tastes and diets.
- Interactive dining – The sushi train and bullet‑train dishes offer a fun experience.
- Diet‑friendly options – Gluten‑free, vegetarian, vegan choices are clearly marked and safe.
- Stylish venue – Federation Square views, indoor/outdoor seating, and friendly vibe.
- Balanced pricing – Most plates are $6–$31; ideal for casual or group dining; desserts and drinks are reasonably priced at $12–$22.
The rich menu choices, great ambiance, and attention to health needs make it appealing to locals and tourists alike.
Tips When Ordering From the Chocolate Buddha Menu
- Start with the sushi train to enjoy a sample of fresh sushi and rolls as they pass by.
- Add izakaya plates for sharing—options like chicken karaage and agedashi tofu go well with beer or sake.
- If you want something warm and filling, choose from ramen or donburi dishes.
- Don’t skip dessert—the yuzu cheesecake bomb or chocolate miso mousse is a nice treat.
- Pair food with drinks—try sake or a Yuzu Bellini for a refreshing match.
- Tell staff about allergies—they take care with gluten-free prep and options.
- Book ahead especially on weekends, or go early to enjoy the sushi train.
Where to Learn More and Order
You can view the full chocolate buddha menu PDF on their official site, which includes detailed allergen warnings and explanations of each section.
To book a table, check set menu options, or place a takeaway order, head to their site or use OpenTable.
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Final Thoughts
The chocolate buddha menu is more than a list of dishes—it is a dining experience. It combines fresh sushi, hearty ramen, shareable izakaya, thoughtful dietary options, and creative dining style via sushi and bullet trains.
It caters to solo diners, families, groups, and people with allergies. The friendly staff, easy booking, and central location in Federation Square make it ideal for lunch, dinner, or a casual evening out.
Whether you’re craving sushi with a view or a bowl of warming ramen, it delivers quality, fun, and variety in every visit.
