Chocolate Buddha

Our group had such a lovely experience with dinner here. There was a bit of a wait to get a table we had reserved, though the staff were helpful with that and we waited at the bar instead. There was also a mishap around a gluten free dish order being mixed up with a non-gluten free one, though the staff promptly addressed it. The space works well for larger groups for a special occasion.

The menu has improved recently, with more options and variety for gluten free diners. It's a lovely spot for people watching (when facing out through the windows), and to escape from the weather when you're in the central part of the city. The people are friendly and efficient; yesterday I dined by myself and was treated really kindly by the wait staff, one of whom remembered my name! The vibe is good and I love watching other people having animated conversations at the communal tables.

Great location and nice selection of dishes, although if you are vegan be sure to ask which dishes are vegan, there are a couple that look like they should be but aren't. Our friendly waitress was vegan which made it easier. Pictured is the Tofu and Mango Salad.

The location is great, especially if you’re there to watch the screen (Aus Open)
Professional and friendly staff. Delicious kitchen. The prices may bite a little but you’re paying for the high quality of everything
Especially loved:
Ocean Trout Nigiri
Chocolate Buddha Dome

Just gorgeous. Beautifully presented and balanced Japanese flavours. Did a tray even though they weren't available during the tennis! Great service and great food

A fine Japanese restaurant with gluten-free and vegan options. Busy location, cosy and comfortable seating.

Great place to dine and enjoy beer in the heart of the city and watch live events at Federation square

Our reservation luckily was just before sunset so we had an amazing view. Not to mention being able to watch live tennis on one side and natural beauty on the other with great food & service really makes it a worthwhile visit.

Went 2 CB with two others. It offers a variety of Japanese-style dishes with gluten-free & vegetarian options. My glass of wine was $12 & salad $15. The waitress attempted 2 explain the menu over & over again. They did not pressure us 2 leave when we were done. They're directly across the street from Flinders Street Station & near r multiple tram stops. Be prepared 2 climb steps 2 gain entry

Gluten-free heaven!
We had a visiting friend who is celiac, and Chocolate Buddha was absolutely perfect. Our friend was so excited when she saw the size of the gluten free menu - an entire A4 page. They also have a “regular” menu that has a few extra items which do contain gluten. The Chocolate Buddha has a separate kitchen and food prep area to ensure no cross contamination during cooking and preparation. My brown rice bibimbap was perfect, and the noodle dumplings excellent.
We all absolutely loved our meal, and the location overlooking Federation Square was lovely - It’s definitely worth asking for an outdoor table on a beautiful summers evening.
Service was super friendly and efficient - the staff know their menu inside out. We will definitely go back again.

Best customer service. Amazing staff and the food is sensational. If you are ever in Melbourne, this is the place to eat. Thank you to our server Jessica, you are a goddess:)
Table 2 - 16/2/2019

Extremely nice place! They hold a very high standard of service and quality of food. Location is spot on! Couldn't pick a nicer place in Melbourne CBD to enjoy some authentic sashimi and noodles. Their tempura vegetables are amazing as well, and the teas they have a so warming! I love their menu, I love this place! Will definitely be back!

Food and service were good (service was perhaps a little too over the top but that is ok). I enjoyed the meals I had and it is a fantastic location.

Meals were tasty, but pre-cooked. Bit of a 'fast-food', in & out mill rather than a traditional Japanese restaurant.

Extremely friendly staff with meal options to suit anyone’s dietary requirements. Exquisite Japanese food prepared with the utmost attention to detail.

Chocolate Buddah is amazing, the food is just divine and wait staff exceptional.
Unequivocally recommend.

Food was nice, service was good. It's quite overpriced for what you get and the backless chairs while "authentic" are very uncomfortable.

They overbooked and were not able to give us a table. We were then told that we didn’t book correctly when we spoke on the phone to staff. They left us standing out in the rain also. Unprofessional to say the least. Big shame as we were looking forward to our evening

Delicious food, friendly & speedy service, but most impressed by the environmentally aware takeout packaging: all paper/cardboard with compostable lids, just some thin plastic wrap to keep things really tight. No styrofoam. Thanks for being a responsible business!