Chocolate Buddha: Senior-Friendly Dining At Federation Square
Grab a tasty bite in the heart of Melbourne. Indulge in the communal Japanese-inspired dining experience at Chocolate Buddha, a stunning restaurant located within Federation Square.
Whether you are a sushi lover, a noodle enthusiast, or someone looking to explore new tastes, Chocolate Buddha offers seniors in Melbourne something to write home about. Best of all, it’s a stone’s throw from Flinders Street Station, making it easily accessible for a day out in Melbourne.
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Friendly, relaxed atmosphere and delicious food.
– Terrie
Chocolate Buddha Melbourne
Federation Square is one of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks and plays host to vibrant events, galleries, and delicious eateries. In this bustling metropolis, where restaurants come and go, Chocolate Buddha has managed to carve a niche for itself.
Satisfying hungry tummies since 2003, Chocolate Buddha specialises in ramen, donburi and sushi.
Through its thoughtfully crafted menu, dedication to quality ingredients, and inviting ambiance, the restaurant invites diners on a gastronomic journey that celebrates the rich flavours of Asia.
The moment you step into Chocolate Buddha, you are greeted by an inviting atmosphere that blends modern aesthetics with a touch of traditional charm. The restaurant’s interior, adorned with warm hues and subtle lighting, creates a cosy ambiance that immediately puts you at ease.
The décor, inspired by Japanese minimalism, is a nod to the restaurant’s focus on Asian cuisine, particularly Japanese flavours.
Seating
We love the thoughtfully designed restaurant space, as it allows diners to enjoy their meals in a relaxed and intimate setting.
The sushi train is one option to be seated at, however with just small stools along it, we recommend going for one of the tables that have comfortable, cushioned seating. Don’t worry, you can still choose a plate from the sushi train to take back to your table. Alternatively, order something fresh from the lengthy menu.
Whether you choose to sit indoors or opt for a table on the outdoor terrace, you are treated to a visual feast that complements the flavours on your plate.
The bustling energy of Federation Square, combined with the serene Yarra River flowing nearby, creates a nice setting that adds to the restaurant’s allure.
Menu
What truly sets Chocolate Buddha apart is its diverse and innovative menu, clearly curated by a team of talented chefs who are passionate about bringing authentic Asian flavours to the table.
The restaurant’s name might suggest a singular focus on chocolate, but in reality, it offers an extensive array of dishes. The focus is on Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and Korean flavours.
The sushi and sashimi offerings are a testament to the chefs’ craftsmanship and attention to detail. Watching the dishes roll by on the sushi train is a bit of a thrill, too.
For those craving heartier fare, Chocolate Buddha‘s noodle and rice dishes are a true delight. The restaurant’s stir-fries feature an assortment of vegetables, meats, and aromatic sauces.
The noodles, whether they are thick udon or delicate rice vermicelli, are cooked to perfection and served with an array of accompaniments.
While there is no seniors card discount available, we were told they are looking at creating some mid-week lunch specials soon. The menu has a dedicated section for gluten-free diners, lots of vegan and vegetarian options as well as a kids menu. The sushi train plates range from $5-$10. We found it cost-effective to choose a few plates from the sushi train to share.
In addition to its delectable food, Chocolate Buddha offers an extensive selection of beverages to complement your meal. The restaurant’s drink menu includes a variety of wines, beers, and creative cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic options.
Service
We found the staff to be knowledgeable and enthusiastic, with many team members available to assist and enhance the dining experience further.
As we were shown to our table, our waiter asked us if we had any dietary requirements or requests.
Sustainable Practices
One of the restaurant’s standout features is its commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced locally whenever possible.
The chefs at Chocolate Buddha believe in the importance of using seasonal produce, sustainable seafood, and organic meats.
Accessibility
Federation Square has a number of ramps for access, is situated directly adjacent to Flinders Street Station, and has two accessible toilets.
Swanston Street provides the easiest access to the main square, and lift access is available from The Atrium if you enter via Flinders Street.
Within Federation Square, Chocolate Buddha has its own access ramp and the restaurant is quite spacious.
We found the restaurant to be quiet enough to hold a conversation, though we weren’t there during a peak period. We even had a grandchild sleeping soundly in the pram while we ate our lunch.
Tidbits for seniors visiting Chocolate Buddha
- Menu specialising in ramen, donburi and sushi;
- Fabulous team of staff providing helpful and friendly service;
- Dedicated menu list for gluten-free diners;
- Plenty of vegan and vegetarian options;
- No seniors discount available;
- Most dishes range from $20-$28, and are generous portions;
- For a cheaper bite, the sushi train dishes range from $5-$10, which is a bit of a thrill too;
- While walk-ins are welcome, it is recommended to make a reservation, especially during peak hours or weekends, to secure your table and avoid waiting;
- Dress code; while not strict, be aware that smart casual attire is generally appropriate;
- Plenty of public car parking available nearby;
- Can be accessed via ramp, and there are ramps throughout Federation Square;
- Well-connected to Melbourne’s public transport options, less than 5-minute walk from Flinders Street Station.
