Melbourne Restaurants

Chocolate Buddha

#19 of 753 things to do in Melbourne

#64 of 9613 things to do in Pacific

8 reviews | Write a review

Good for: Groups, atmosphere, food, Solo Travellers, service

Not good for: food, value for money, dumplings, gastronomes, service

  • Address
    • Federation Square City Centre
  • Phone
    • tel, info: 03 9654 5688
  • Hours
    • lunch & dinner

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Lonely Planet review for Chocolate Buddha

Slurping organic soup noodles, or sharing gyoza (dumplings) and steamed edamame (fresh soya beans) is a cheerful way to enjoy the vibe of Federation Square. Chummy communal tables, wireless waiters and a mechanised ordering system make the place feel like a futuristic uni caf. It could be the location or the organic ingredients, but Buddha's always busy.

 

Traveller reviews for Chocolate Buddha (8)

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    Nice place, but you don't get much for your money

    petercaddy does not recommend this,

    Chocolate Buddah is a stylish, communal Japanese dining room. The atmosphere is nice, and the food tastes great... but you really don't get much for your money.

    Meals are padded out with rice and the gyoza is around $10.00 for only 4 small pieces. You can check out their menu and prices below:

    Dinner menu
    http://www.chocolatebuddha.com.au/food_menu.pdf

    Lunch menu
    http://www.chocolatebuddha.com.au/lunch_menu.pdf

    Drinks menu
    http://www.chocolatebuddha.com.au/drinks_menu.pdf

    Good for: Groups, location

    Not good for: value for money, dumplings

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    Good fast food. Not fine dining.

    sirhc recommends this,

    Not a bad place to perch and eat in Fed Square.

    Good for: fast dinner, japanese beer

    Not good for: gastronomes

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    bad choice!!!

    fullbellyhappyheart does not recommend this,

    after reading the good reviews on lonely planet , we were there...and I tried the dumplings(gyoza)..nothing to share ,because they are the tiniest dumplings ever:) and the taste is just ordinary...and then I had Shake Oyako Don (Fresh cured cold flaked salmon served w nori, sesame seeds, shiso leaf & tamago over sushi rice ) it was honestly 2/3 full rice and very little amount of salmon on it..so i paid $16 for a bowl of rice..my friend had Ton Katsu Kare Don (Deep-fried panko crumbed pork loin cutlet served over a traditional Japanese curry w vegetables & steamed rice) so it was a huge bowl of rice again with tiny couple of bits of pork pieces:) and service was very UNfriendly..it a great location,nice decoration but rip off..

    Not good for: food, service

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    Perfect Location and food worth waiting for!

    adam1981 recommends this,

    Sometimes you can wait a little longer than you may want to but the food is always worth waiting for!

    The dumplings would be my pick of the menu along with their organic soup, great on a wintery afternoon (not that there have been many lately!)

    The waiterless service is a novelty but can also be a bit painful if you need to ask any questions!

    Overall a great place to eat and get merry before a night out in Melbourne!

    Good for: Romance, atmosphere, food, Budget Travellers, Groups, Solo Travellers, service

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    Always just right

    gelsis recommends this,

    Chocolate Buddha is in a great location in federation square with lots of floor to ceiling windows. The food is always great and well presented. The noodle dishes in particular look and taste amazing. Don't miss the gyoza for starters. Another favourite of mine is the tempura. Drinks menu offers some great choices too.

    Good for: Romance, atmosphere, food, Groups, Solo Travellers, service

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    Sip a cocktail overlooking Fed Square

    melfrommanly recommends this,

    This place has atmoshpere!!!! Grab some cocktails- delish cocktail menu and some noodles and its the perfect way to start a night out in Melbourne.

    Its quick, okay priced and tastes great.

    Highly recommended as part of your Melbourne experience.

    Good for: Romance, atmosphere, food, Groups, Solo Travellers, service

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    not bad on the pocket and great for the stomach!

    becster53 recommends this,

    So far never a bad experience at Cafe Buddha. Great food and the staff are good for recommendations, and any allergy queries. They have an alternative Gluten Free menu available upon request.

    Not to be missed are the Ede-mame (lightly salted soy beans in their pods) as a great start to any meal. And the luxurious Choya Umeshu (Japanese Plum wine over ice) to enhance your favourite dish or to just sit back and relax on a hot day in the outdoor seating and enjoy the vibe of the day in Federation Square.

    Good for: atmosphere, food, Groups, Solo Travellers, service, Families

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    Ho-hum food meets buzzed vibe

    leafage recommends this,

    Nuh, not for me. way overpriced and fairly unimpressive food. It does have a terrific atmosphere and an unbeatable location, though.

    Good for: atmosphere, Groups

    Not good for: food

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