The Chocolate Buddha Menu brings Japanese flavours to the heart of Melbourne at Federation Square. It features a diverse selection of sushi, sashimi, ramen, udon, izakaya plates, rice dishes, and desserts. Fresh ingredients and modern Japanese cooking styles give diners plenty of choices. The restaurant suits everything from a quick lunch to a relaxed dinner with family or friends.
Chocolate Buddha also offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free-friendly choices alongside its regular dishes. Like the variety diners may explore on Sean’s Menu, the restaurant provides options suited to different tastes and preferences. Its sushi train and express food train create an interactive dining experience, while sake, cocktails, wine, beer, and alcohol-free drinks complement the meals. With its central Melbourne location and varied menu, Chocolate Buddha provides a distinctive Japanese dining experience.
What is the Chocolate Buddha Menu?
The Chocolate Buddha Menu features a wide selection of Japanese-inspired dishes served at Chocolate Buddha in Melbourne’s Federation Square. It includes sushi, sashimi, ramen, udon, rice dishes, izakaya plates, and desserts. Guests can choose light snacks or filling meals depending on their preferences. The menu combines traditional Japanese flavours with modern dining choices.
The menu also provides vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free-friendly options for different dietary needs. Its sushi train and express food train add an interactive element to the dining experience. Guests can also enjoy sake, cocktails, wines, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks with their meals. Overall, the Chocolate Buddha Menu offers plenty of variety for lunch, dinner, and group dining.
Owner Information
Chocolate Buddha is associated with Melbourne restaurateur Kenji Ito, who established the restaurant at Federation Square. The venue has operated as a Japanese dining destination in Melbourne since 2002.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Name | Chocolate Buddha |
| Founder / Owner | Kenji Ito |
| Established | 2002 |
| Restaurant Type | Japanese Restaurant |
Location Details
Chocolate Buddha sits in the heart of Melbourne at Federation Square, close to Flinders Street Station. Its central position makes the restaurant convenient for locals, tourists, and visitors exploring Melbourne’s CBD.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Name | Chocolate Buddha |
| Location | Federation Square |
| Address | Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia |
| City | Melbourne |
| State | Victoria |
Opening and Closing Hours
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11:45 AM | Late |
| Thursday | 11:45 AM | Late |
| Friday | 11:45 AM | Late |
| Saturday | 11:45 AM | Late |
| Sunday | 11:45 AM | Late |
Sushi and Sashimi Menu
Chocolate Buddha offers sushi, sashimi, nigiri, and creative rolls with Japanese-inspired ingredients. The prices below reflect the 2026 menu information checked earlier.
| Food Item | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Kingfish Jalapeño Sashimi | $26 |
| Ocean Trout Nigiri | $26 |
| Gyu Tataki Nigiri | $26 |
| Buddha’s Fire Roll | $32 |
| Salmon & Crab Uramaki | $18 |
| Salmon Nigiri | $22 |
Chocolate Buddha Izakaya and Small Plates
The izakaya selection provides smaller dishes that work well for sharing. Diners can combine these plates with sushi, noodles, or other main dishes.
| Food Item | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Ebi Katsu | $19 |
| Beef Tataki | $19 |
| Grilled Salmon | $20 |
| Pork Katsu Curry | $24 |
| Sashimi Don | $26 |
| Wagyu Yakiniku Hotplate | $38 |
Chocolate Buddha Ramen and Noodles
Warm noodle dishes provide a filling choice for lunch or dinner. Current selections include ramen and udon with different broths and toppings.
| Food Item | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Shoyu Ramen | $18 |
| Miso Udon | $27 |
| Shake Ramen | $29 |
Chocolate Buddha Sushi Train Menu
The sushi train is one of Chocolate Buddha’s signature dining experiences. Available dishes and prices can change according to the current menu and seasonal availability.
| Food Item | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Salmon & Crab Uramaki | $18 |
| Salmon Nigiri | $22 |
| Kingfish Jalapeño Sashimi | $26 |
| Ocean Trout Nigiri | $26 |
| Gyu Tataki Nigiri | $26 |
| Buddha’s Fire Roll | $32 |
Chocolate Buddha Rice and Main Dishes
Guests looking for a more substantial meal can choose from rice-based dishes and hot mains. Some dishes may only appear on particular lunch, dinner, or weekend menus.
| Food Item | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Grilled Salmon | $20 |
| Pork Katsu Curry | $24 |
| Sashimi Don | $26 |
| Wagyu Yakiniku Hotplate | $38 |
Desserts
Chocolate Buddha also serves Japanese-inspired desserts and refreshing sweets. Dessert choices can rotate, so availability and prices may differ between menus.
| Food Item | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Sorbet | $6 |
| Yuzu Cheesecake Bomb | Varies |
| Chocolate Caramel & Miso Mousse | Varies |
| Ice Cream | Varies |
Drinks, Sake & Cocktails
Chocolate Buddha pairs its Japanese dishes with a varied drinks menu. Guests can choose from sake, wine, cocktails, beer, cider, and alcohol-free beverages to complement their meal.
| Drink Category | Available Options | Price Guide (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Sake | Sparkling sake, Junmai Daiginjo, Ginjo | Varies |
| Japanese Liqueurs | Umeshu, Yuzu Shu | Varies |
| Sparkling Wine | Sparkling wine, Prosecco | Varies |
| White Wine | Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio | Varies |
| Rosé & Moscato | Rosé, Moscato | Varies |
| Cocktails | Pink Cloud, Haru Fling, Yuzu Bellini | Around $22* |
| Beer & Cider | Japanese beer, local beer and cider selections | Varies |
| Non-Alcoholic Beer | Alcohol-free lager | Varies |
| Cold Drinks | Sparkling water, juices, lemon-lime bitters | Varies |
| Hot Drinks | Coffee, hot chocolate and loose-leaf tea | Varies |
The drinks selection gives diners plenty of options for pairing beverages with sushi, ramen, izakaya plates, and other Japanese dishes. Drink choices and prices can change, so guests should check the current drinks menu when visiting.
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.
| Dietary Option | Availability | Important Information |
| Vegetarian | Available | Several meat-free dishes are offered |
| Vegan | Available | Selected sushi, vegetable and other plant-based dishes |
| Gluten-Free Friendly | Available | Suitable options are identified on the menu |
| Set/Shared Dining | Available | Group and shared-menu offerings may vary |
| Food Allergies | Speak to staff | Guests should inform staff before ordering |
| Cross-Contamination | Possible | The kitchen handles gluten and other allergens |
| Coeliac Requirements | Extra caution required | The restaurant cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment |
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. Sushi train operates 12–3 pm lunches and 5–8 pm dinners (Sunday only lunch) .
Customer Reviews
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 .
| Reviewer Name | Rating | Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Celia C | 5/5 | Enjoyed the bento, sushi train and Yuzu Cheesecake Bomb, and praised the friendly service. |
| Mandie L | 4/5 | Liked several dishes, vegan choices, customer service and the restaurant’s atmosphere. |
| Emily S | 5/5 | Praised the tasty food and wide selection of food and drinks. |
| Serena H | 4/5 | Loved the food and most staff but felt the initial seating service could have been better. |
| Hector R | 4/5 | Found the food fresh and flavorful but considered it somewhat expensive. |
| Paul F | 5/5 | Enjoyed the delicious food and praised the restaurant’s Federation Square location. |
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.
Also Read: Jim’s Greek Tavern Menu: A True Taste of Greece in Melbourne
Conclusion
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.
