Chocolate Buddha

4.7

2862 Reviews

$41 to $100

Japanese

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 8, 2025

7:30 PM

Booked 82 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for groups
Lively
Good for special occasions

Chocolate Buddha undertook an AMAZING renovation in 2019 by Maddison Architects. We have a 22 seater SUSHI TRAIN open Wednesday to Sunday lunches 12 - 3pm and Wednesday to Saturday Dinners 5 - 8pm it includes an EXPRESS train which delivers hot food ordered via a tablet. We offer QR menus at each table for ease of ordering, splitting bills and menu with pictures and descriptions. This type of ordering is optional so always let us know if you prefer to order with us. See you soon @ Chocolate Buddha

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$41 to $100
Cuisines
Japanese, Vegetarian, Asian
Hours of operation
Wed–Fri 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 11:45 am–9:00 pm
Phone number
(03) 9654 5688
Website
http://www.chocolatebuddha.com.au/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Alex Bazar

Location
Federation Square, Corner Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000
Neighborhood
Melbourne CBD
Cross street
Federation Square : Corner of Swanston St & Flinders St
Parking details
None
Public transit
Trams 1 , 3 , 3a , 5 , 6 , 8 , 16 , 35 , 64 , 67, to Swanston St/Flinders St (119 m W)
Additional
Banquet, Beer, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Top 50 restaurants in Australia

Experiences

Sushi Train Dining
Multiple dates available
Join us at our modern & accessible SUSHI & BULLET TRAIN - It's a single track conveyor full of tempting options to help yourself to OR order through our tablets, and excitingly, it shoots hot Izakaya style dishes on our Express Train straight to your seat. Gotta LOVE this. Plate Pricing: BLUE $6 WHITE $8 BLACK $10

Popular dishes

Kingfish Jalapeño Sashimi
freshly sliced kingfish w/ jalapeño, asparagus, black caviar & yuzu soy dressing
- 4 PcsA$22.00
Spicy Tempura Salmon Roll
salmon, zucchini, carrot & tobiko w/ spicy mayo
Ocean Trout Nigiri
seared ocean trout w/ wasabi leaf
- 4 PcsA$26.00
Spicy Tempura Pumpkin & Veg Roll*
tempura pumpkin, avocado, cucumber, pickled radish, kanpyo, sriracha & pumpkin sauce
- 6 PcsA$26.00
Buddha's Fire
inside out roll w/ kingfish, jalapeño, asparagus, glazed & seared w/ a special spicy scallop sauce topped w/ spring onion & ito togarashi
- 6 PcsA$29.00
Salmon Teriyaki Maki
Salmon marinated in teriyaki sauce, mizuna, beni shoga, bonito & ao nori
- 6 PcsA$28.00
BBQ Chicken Roll
grilled chicken, lettuce & avocado w/ a bbq sauce wrapped in rice & nori & covered w/ panko crumbs
- 6 PcsA$26.00
Wagyu Yakiniku Maki
wagyu on a avocado, asparagus, grilled red capsicum maki roll w/ peri peri mayo & tobiko
- 6 PcsA$29.00
Crispy Rice Paper Vegetable Sushi
avocado, kanpyo, takuan, grilled red capsicum, oyster mushroom & eggplant w/ a spicy coriander pesto sauce
Soft Shell Crab Roll
inside out roll covered w/ furikake & filled w/ avocado, deep-fried warm soft shell crab & cucumber served w/ tobiko mayo
- 6 PcsA$28.00
Spicy Kinoko Maki
mushroom, onion, soya bean & chilli w/ asparagus, takuan, avocado & grilled red capsicum topped with pumpkin sauce & black sesame seeds
- 6 PcsA$27.00
Buddha's Love
Avocado, cucumber, Japanese mayo, red capsicum, takuan & glazed, seared & topped with a creamy mushroom, jalapeno & sesame
Salmon Dill Maki
Salmon, pickled red onion & dill topped with Jap mayo
Sushi & Sashimi Mixed Plate
- 12 PcsA$55.00
- 18 PcsA$75.00

Donburi

over steamed rice w/ miso soup (veg or fish)

Vegetable CurryA$20.00
w/ carrots, potato, daikon, tomato, capsicum, onions, mushrooms, mizuna w/ beni shoga
Teriyaki Chicken DonA$28.00
chargrilled marinated thigh fillet w/ house made slightly spicy teriyaki sauce, oyster mushroom, kai lan, mizuna, shredded nori & Japanese mayo
Sashimi DonA$25.00
w/ fresh salmon sashimi marinated in yuke soy w/ sliced cucumber, shiso leaf, sesame, alfalfa & shredded nori

Izakaya / Share

Edamame*A$9.00
steamed soy beans w/ rock salt or chilli salt
Vegetarian GyozaA$16.00
w/ a ponzu dipping sauce
Pork & Cabbage Gyoza
w/ a ponzu & soy sauce
- 5 PcsA$16.00
Chicken KaraageA$22.00
served w/ a mustard, honey & Japanese mayo
Korean Fried ChickenA$22.00
crispy coating of Korean seasoning w/ our sticky hot garlic & chilli sauce
Sizzling Spicy Tofu & VegA$27.00
w/ cauliflower, chickpea, onion, garlic, ginger & chilli on a sizzling hot plate
Renkon CrispsA$9.00
crunchy lotus root crisps w/ miso sour cream
Agedashi Tofu*A$16.00
deep-fried silken tofu, grated daikon, spring onion & nori w/ vegetable broth
Seared Wagyu Yakiniku HotplateA$38.00
sizzling wagyu pieces w/ kai lan, oyster mushrooms & garlic in a yakiniku sauce (contains sesame seeds)
Steamed Noodle Dumpling
prawns, salmon, chives & water chestnuts, wrapped in brown rice noodles & served w/ a soy, ginger & sesame oil dressing
- 6 PcsA$23.00
Beef TatakiA$25.00
Grilled scotch fillet steak served rare w/ a jalapeno, garlic, onion yuzu dressing with spring onion & fried shallots
Zucchini TatakiA$20.00
grilled zucchini w/ a jalapeno, garlic, onion yuzu dressing with spring onion & fried shallots
100g Grilled SalmonA$18.00
grilled w/ a bbq Miso glaze

Bento

all Bento served with a mixed leaf salad, steamed rice, avocado hosomaki & miso soup

Teriyaki ChickenA$27.00
Chargrilled marinated chicken thigh fillet w/ our house made, slightly spicy teriyaki sauce, bok choy. Gluten-free on request
Vegetable AnkakeA$26.00
Deep fried eggplant & zucchini in a shiitake mushroom & ginger ankake sauce. Gluten-free on request
Grilled SalmonA$27.00
80g of grilled salmon w/ a BBQ miso glaze Gluten-Free on request
Chicken KaraageA$27.00
served with a mustard, honey & Japanese mayo.

Gluten Free Friendly

Edamame*A$9.00
steamed soy beans w/ rock salt
Ocean Trout Nigiri
seared ocean trout w/ wasabi leaf
- 4 PcsA$26.00
Spicy Kinoko Maki
mushroom, onion, soya bean & chilli w/ asparagus, takuan, avocado & grilled red capsicum topped with pumpkin sauce & black sesame seeds
- 6 PcsA$27.00
Kingfish Jalapeño Sashimi
freshly sliced kingfish w/ jalapeno, asparagus, black caviar, sriracha & yuzu soy dressing
- 4 PcsA$22.00
Sizzling Spicy Tofu & VegA$27.00
w/ cauliflower, chickpea, onion, garlic, ginger & chilli on a sizzling hot plate
Sashimi DonA$25.00
fresh salmon sashimi marinated in yuke soy w/ cucumber, shiso leaf, sesame seeds, alfalfa nori & fish miso soup
Teriyaki Chicken DonA$28.00
chargrilled marinated thigh fillet w/ house made teriyaki, oyster mushroom, kai lan, mizuna, shredded nori & Japanese mayo served w/ a fish miso soup
Buddha's Fire
inside out roll w/ fish of the day, jalapeno, asparagus glazed & seared w/ a special spicy scallop sauce topped w/ spring onion & ito togarashi
- 6 PcsA$29.00
Steamed Noodle Dumpling
prawns, salmon, chives & water chestnuts, wrapped in brown rice noodles & served w/ a soy, ginger & sesame oil dressing
- 6 PcsA$23.00
Wagyu Yakiniku Maki
wagyu on a avocado, asparagus, grilled red capsicum maki roll w/ peri peri mayo & tobiko
- 6 PcsA$29.00
Rice Paper Vegetable Sushi
avocado, kanpyo, takuan, grilled red capsicum, oyster mushroom & eggplant w/ a spicy coriander pesto sauce
Seared Wagyu Yakiniku HotplateA$38.00
sizzling wagyu pieces w/ kai lan, oyster mushrooms & garlic in a yakiniku sauce (contains sesame seeds)
Sticky Date PuddingA$16.00
served w/ a nut mix of pecans, peanuts, walnuts & ice cream can be made vegan - no ice cream
Caramel, Chocolate & Miso MousseA$14.00
Orange Almond CakeA$16.00
w/ orange sauce & fresh cream
Chocolate Mud CakeA$16.00
served w/ a nut mix of pecans, peanuts, walnuts, ice-cream & chocolate sauce
Yuzu Cheesecake BombA$18.00
made w/ cashews, lemon, lime, yuzu w/ passionfruit centre. Served w/ a yuzu jam

Ramen & Udon

Spicy Pork RamenA$27.00
slow cooked rolled & sliced pork belly (3 Pcs) in a pork broth, marinated egg, bok choy, corn, bean shoots, beni shoga, shichimi, spring onion & nori
Shake RamenA$28.00
100g grilled salmon served medium rare in a vegetable or pork broth, bok choy, sweet corn & bean shoots
Miso UdonA$26.00
udon noodles in a vegetable miso broth w/ deep-fried silken tofu, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, bok choy, wakame & spring onions

Sides

Steamed RiceA$5.00
Miso SoupA$5.00
Side Green SaladA$7.00
Green VegA$10.00
blanched kai-lan (Chinese broccoli) w/ a mustard & sesame sauce
Ankake VegetableA$10.00
deep fried eggplant & zucchini in a shitake mushroom & ginger ankake sauce

Kids

Edamame*A$6.00
Chicken KaraageA$12.00
Avocado & Mayo Maki Roll*
- 8 PcsA$12.00
Cooked Tuna Maki Roll
- 8 PcsA$16.00
Fresh Salmon & Mayo Maki Roll
- 8 PcsA$18.00
Teriyaki Chicken & Mayo Maki
- 8 PcsA$17.00
Ramen NoodlesA$12.00
in our pork dashi OR vegetable dashi
Chicken BentoA$17.00
chargrilled chicken w/ teriyaki glaze, sesame seeds, mayo, steamed rice & mixed leaf salad
Renkon CrispsA$5.00
crunchy lotus root crisps w/ miso sour cream
Pork, Cabbage & Onion Gyoza
w/ ponzu sauce
- 3 PcsA$9.00
Vegetarian Gyoza
w/ ponzu sauce
- 3 PcsA$9.00

Desserts

Sticky Date PuddingA$16.00
served w/ a nut mix of pecans, peanuts, walnuts & ice cream can be made vegan - no ice cream
Caramel Chocolate MousseA$14.00
White & Dark Chocolate Spring Rolls
belgian chocolate spring rolls (3 white & 3 dark) served w/ a caramel miso sauce & fresh cream
- 6 PcsA$18.00
Orange Almond CakeA$16.00
w/ orange sauce & fresh cream
Chocolate Mud CakeA$16.00
served w/ a nut mix of pecans, peanuts, walnuts, ice-cream & chocolate sauce
Mango & Apple Cinnamon CigarsA$18.00
served w/ vanilla Ice-cream
Yuzu Cheesecake BombA$18.00
Duo of Ice-CreamA$12.00
azuki bean & green tea
Duo of SorbetA$12.00
yuzu & peach

What 2,862 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

Melbourne
Gluten-free-friendly
Melbourne
Healthy
Melbourne
Japanese
Melbourne
Most Booked
City Centre
Gluten-free-friendly
City Centre
Healthy
City Centre
Vegetarian-friendly
City Centre
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Chocolate Buddha dazzles with "fabulous food" and "exceptional service," offering a vibrant atmosphere in a prime location at Federation Square. Guests rave about the "great variety" of gluten-free and vegetarian options, attentive staff, and the "amazing sushi and cocktails." It's a go-to spot for both casual and special occasions.

2,862 Reviews

b
bessie
Victoria
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful food, only 4 stars because one item didn't meet personal preference. Service is always lovely. Great location Easy to get to
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G
Geof
Melbourne
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food and service is ALWAYS spectacular, and fast, which is great if you're heading off to something at the Arts Centre.
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L
Luba
VIP
Portland
45 reviews
5.0
45 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Our food was yummy, service — friendly and attentive. But the seats could be much better — most are either at community tables or counters on stools with no back support. Harder for mature adults.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Melbourne
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
The food was lukewarm I won’t be going back. The staff were attentive for ordering absent after that
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L
Lev
Melbourne
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Our experience at the restaurant was disappointing. Despite arriving 10 minutes after our booking time, our table was not ready, and we had to ask again before being seated. When we finally sat down, the table was wet. We had to request water twice, and when it arrived, there were floaties in it. After asking another two times for a replacement, we were eventually given unsealed water, which we were initially told was free but were later charged for. One of the dishes I was most looking forward to, the eggplant, was unavailable. Our 10-year-old, who always enjoys dining here, also looks forward to colouring in. However, there was only one box of unsharpened pencils, which had to be shared between multiple tables. The table next to us had three kids, all sharing a single piece of paper. A few dollars' worth of pencils would make a big difference. We've visited this restaurant 6–7 times before, but after this experience, we’ll think twice before returning.
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L
Leonie
VIP
Victoria
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Perfect as always. Thank you chocolate Buddha for producing consistently fabulous food.
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C
Clarisse
VIP
San Francisco
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on February 28, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Restaurant was crowded but staff friendly and efficient. Good excellent as always.
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D
Dani
Melbourne
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
It was a great experience and worth a train trip. Service was quick but not in your face. food was ample and delicious. Crab meat sushi was the best. It was easy to chat and a lovely feeling watching outside where people were gathering. The serv ice staff were very friendly and helpful and available. The pricing was reasonable. We will definitely come again.
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L
Leonie
VIP
Victoria
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Favourite *** This is my favourite restaurant in the city. Always fabulous food, service is exceptional, atmosphere buzzing. Thank you chocolate Buddha 🥰
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C
Claire
Victoria
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
It was an extremely hot night, dispite having tables available indoors we could not move in. We were placed at a table in the belting sun when the one next to us was available so we moved only for the waiter to be very forthcoming in her thoughts on how much moving over to a different four top would require shuffling of tables. Our meal arrived with incorrect items ordered so our group then ate at different times as your waitress admitted fault and corrected it. Not your usual standard and not at all busy given we booked early to make an engagement.
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FAQs

Chocolate Buddha offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (03) 9654 5688.

Chocolate Buddha is rated 4.7 stars by 2862 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 8, 2025

7:30 PM

Booked 82 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Federation Square, Corner Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Federation Square : Corner of Swanston St & Flinders St
Neighborhood
Melbourne CBD
Hours of operation
Wed–Fri 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 11:45 am–9:00 pm
Price
$41 to $100
Cuisines
Japanese, Vegetarian, Asian
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
None
Public transit
Trams 1 , 3 , 3a , 5 , 6 , 8 , 16 , 35 , 64 , 67, to Swanston St/Flinders St (119 m W)
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Alex Bazar
Additional
Banquet, Beer, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.chocolatebuddha.com.au/
Phone number
(03) 9654 5688

Featured in

Top 50 restaurants in Australia

Chocolate Buddha

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

Top 50 restaurants in Australia

Sushi Train Dining

Yuzu Cheesecake Bomb

Chocolate Mud Cake

Chicken Karaage

Sushi

Kingfish Jalapeño Sashimi

Spicy Tempura Salmon Roll

Ocean Trout Nigiri

Spicy Tempura Pumpkin & Veg Roll*

Buddha's Fire

Salmon Teriyaki Maki

BBQ Chicken Roll

Wagyu Yakiniku Maki

Crispy Rice Paper Vegetable Sushi

Soft Shell Crab Roll

Spicy Kinoko Maki

Buddha's Love

Salmon Dill Maki

Sushi & Sashimi Mixed Plate

Donburi

Vegetable CurryA$20.00

Teriyaki Chicken DonA$28.00

Sashimi DonA$25.00

Izakaya / Share

Edamame*A$9.00

Vegetarian GyozaA$16.00

Pork & Cabbage Gyoza

Chicken KaraageA$22.00

Korean Fried ChickenA$22.00

Sizzling Spicy Tofu & VegA$27.00

Renkon CrispsA$9.00

Agedashi Tofu*A$16.00

Seared Wagyu Yakiniku HotplateA$38.00

Steamed Noodle Dumpling

Beef TatakiA$25.00

Zucchini TatakiA$20.00

100g Grilled SalmonA$18.00

Bento

Teriyaki ChickenA$27.00

Vegetable AnkakeA$26.00

Grilled SalmonA$27.00

Chicken KaraageA$27.00

Gluten Free Friendly

Edamame*A$9.00

Ocean Trout Nigiri

Spicy Kinoko Maki

Kingfish Jalapeño Sashimi

Sizzling Spicy Tofu & VegA$27.00

Sashimi DonA$25.00

Teriyaki Chicken DonA$28.00

Buddha's Fire

Steamed Noodle Dumpling

Wagyu Yakiniku Maki

Rice Paper Vegetable Sushi

Seared Wagyu Yakiniku HotplateA$38.00

Sticky Date PuddingA$16.00

Caramel, Chocolate & Miso MousseA$14.00

Orange Almond CakeA$16.00

Chocolate Mud CakeA$16.00

Yuzu Cheesecake BombA$18.00

Ramen & Udon

Spicy Pork RamenA$27.00

Shake RamenA$28.00

Miso UdonA$26.00

Sides

Steamed RiceA$5.00

Miso SoupA$5.00

Side Green SaladA$7.00

Green VegA$10.00

Ankake VegetableA$10.00

Kids

Edamame*A$6.00

Chicken KaraageA$12.00