Kuu Cafe & Japanese Kitchen

You won’t find sushi rolls or okonomyaki at KUU Cafe. The small eatery strays from the typical Japanese food found in Melbourne. There’s an eclectic menu that experiments with Japanese and Western flavours, offering creative, wholesome meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Sumire and Tatsuya Kawakami, the Japanese couple that owns the cafe, designed the menu and interior together. Both bring their love of Melbourne and Japan to life under one roof. White brick walls, wooden floorboards, pastel ceramic bowls and a smattering of indoor plants create a bright, clean space.

The menu includes the Japanese Brekkie Platter for the Hungry, which is two onigiri rice balls, two salads and a poached egg with white sesame hollandaise sauce, grilled salmon and a side of miso soup. A popular lunch item is the Taco Rice KUU Zen, which is made with brown rice, chicken mince, taco sauce, a fried egg, mozzarella, tomato salsa, avocado and a side salad.

KUU also has takeaway options and a deli section for those eating on the go. If you’re in a hurry, pick up a tofu or chicken katsu sandwich and a takeaway coffee. If you’re after something different, try the matcha green tea latte. The matcha is brought over from Kyoto by Sumire’s mother.