Kaede

Kaede (originally called Admiral Cheng-Ho, but sold and rebranded in 2022) combines homey Japanese food with a coffee-first approach. The impressive coffee counter operates six simultaneous grinders filled with different single-origin beans. For your more everyday cup, there’s a house espresso blend and rotating filter coffees.

The menu, presented on a small clipboard, is short and sweet. Choose from mini milk buns stuffed with the likes of chicken sausage or scrambled egg, chicken katsu sandos, several types of onigirazu (rice sandwich) and teishoku (all-inclusive set meals, similar to bento boxes). There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, too.

The fit-out and furnishings are made from salvaged timbers and recycled materials. The interior is a patch-worked nod to the cultural corners of Melbourne. The walls feature a blend of pastel and grey tiles, rustic exposed brick and green panelling, while low-hanging plants and light globes are slung from the ceilings.