Comments on: HOT: Chocolate Buddha, Federation Square, Melbourne

By: Gavin

Gavin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:25:53 +0000

I have been a number of times and have found the food and atmosphere to be very good every time. It is good as a special meal before a show or night out. I especially like the grilled eggplant.

By: mich

mich — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 05:32:28 +0000

I tried the ramen before!! It tastes awesome

By: Bunny

Bunny — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:40:13 +0000

Wow.. those prawns do look huge! I’ve wanted to go to Chocolate Buddha for ages – boyfriend keeps promising me that we can go, but is always too busy.

Haha, if I win, maybe I’ll go without him!

By: kathryn

kathryn — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:39:42 +0000

I’ve never been to Choc Buddha and seriously would not pay $20 for katsu curry.

By: Fiona

Fiona — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:35:55 +0000

Oh I Loved chocolate buddha!

By: Jodie

Jodie — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 02:28:52 +0000

I’ve been to Choc Buddha countless times now and I have always enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. Yum… could do with some Yakitori now.

By: Jo

Jo — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:56:44 +0000

I moved to Melbourne 4 years ago and never tried Chocolate Buddha out of spite because I was very disappointed they weren’t a chocolate store (much like a shop on Greville St that has a chocolate store type name AND San Churros like signage and turned out to be a menswear shop!).

By: Patricia

Patricia — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:54:59 +0000

Hi have been to chocolate Buddha many times, my favourite dish remains the udon noodles in miso broth with vegetables and tofu.
First place i ever tried edamame and now i am a edamame fanatic!
Their service can be a bit slow but i don’t expect them to be robots, they are people on their feet all day.
I personally have not had bad service from them.

By: Terry

Terry — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:48:41 +0000

Always a quick meal when in the city. I enjoyed the eel last time I was there!

By: Kylie

Kylie — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:44:11 +0000

I’m visiting Melbourne town in 2 weeks, so count me in!

By: Jetsetting Joyce

Jetsetting Joyce — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:41:24 +0000

Hi Nelson

I agree with you – Sushi Ten is cheaper, more authentic and more likely to get my custom on a weekday. Chocolate Buddha is aiming for a different market in a different location (I doubt any tourist would venture into Port Phillip Arcade without knowing what was in there first), so I think it does a good job in those circumstances.

Jetsetting Joyce

By: Hannah

Hannah — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 03:35:16 +0000

I haven’t been to chocolate buddha since back when it first opened… but I’m very impressed that they use free range/organic meat and eggs, that’s enough to make me go back and try again!

By: MH Zurish Quiros

MH Zurish Quiros — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 22:14:11 +0000

I ought to try this when I’m nearby. Love the way that tempura looks.

By: MsCritique.com

MsCritique.com — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 10:40:09 +0000

I went to Chocolate Buddha for a friends birthday and it was absolutely terrible. Not only was the service rude and lazy but they delivered mains to everyone but the birthday boy. And didn’t even apologise for it.

I can not tell you how much contempt I have for this place; it is just lives up to everything that we all suspect a restaurant at Fed Square would be – and is.

Glad to hear you had a good time, but there is no way in hell I’d step foot back in the place. I’d rather take my money elsewhere.

By: Vivian

Vivian — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 06:53:48 +0000

I’ve always wondered about Chocolate Buddha after offthespork’s ramen post. It seems a bit expensive though, considering the other great Japanese restaurants in the CBD.

By: Esz

Esz — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 06:29:56 +0000

I’m always up for winning stuff. And I do love Japanese – so fingers crossed!

By: Nelson

Nelson — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:52:17 +0000

Thanks for the review Joyce, I might actually try it now; it’s just I have this impression of all venues at fed square being overpriced for what they are.

That said, if I was around on a weekday at lunchtime, I’d still rather go for awesome, authentic and (relatively) cheap Japanese at Sushi Ten.

Cheers.

By: siska

siska — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:18:40 +0000

will definitely give it a try one of these days. will be awesome with the voucher

By: penny aka jeroxie

penny aka jeroxie — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:58:46 +0000

Not a big fan of Chocolate Buddha. But at least it is better than Wagamama! And to be honest, I am sure they get a lot of traffic from tourists

By: msihua

msihua — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:43:58 +0000

I’ve always wanted to go to Chocolate Buddha, but for some reason or other, I’ve been putting it off… SO MANY PLACES TO EAT!!!

By: sybones

sybones — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 06:28:26 +0000

haven’t been there before, but the tempura prawns look tempting enough. hope i’ll have to chance to try it out!

By: Sophie

Sophie — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 06:17:00 +0000

Hi, I like Chocolate Buddha but have always found it at little too expensive. Beautiful photos on your post though! Thanks.

By: Gem

Gem — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 04:12:18 +0000

Possibly outing myself as uncool, I have to say I really love Chocolate Buddha. I try to order what’s listed as specials as they will be the more adventurous offerings.

It is a little expensive overall but I was impressed with the quality of their sushi and sashimi platter.

Mind you, I went about a year ago so it might have changed in that time.

By: Silvara

Silvara — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 02:38:32 +0000

Great giveaway! I’ve been wanting to go the Tim Burton exhibition and this would be the perfect place for a stop to eat. I’ve always wanted to go in but been kinda glanced in at the busy crowds and went for something else – would love to try it tho!

By: chocolate

chocolate — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 02:36:47 +0000

I had my first date at chocolatebuddha 2 years ago…it was one of my best first dates ever, and i remember having their soft shell crabs which was awesome….yum yum yum!
i would really like to go there again to remember good times and celebrate once again!!! its an awesome place guys!!!!

By: Beckie

Beckie — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 01:16:02 +0000

I’ve been to Chocolate Buddha a couple of times but have not been overly impressed with the food. I remember one of my meals being lukewarm when I received it! As mentioned in the other comments, it is over priced for what you get and the only real good thing about the place is the location (which you’re really paying for). It has been a couple of years ago though since I last went so perhaps the restaurant has improved during that time?!

By: Healthy Party Girl

Healthy Party Girl — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 01:15:46 +0000

I remember going to Chocolate Buddha for pretty much every occasion I could for years after it opened. I’ve really noticed the changes, from making a point of not serving suhsi & sashimi and now they’ve got all proper table settings and stuff as well. I’d love to see what has changed on the menu and hopefully it’s all for the better!
Thanks for reminding me about an old favourite

By: Jetsetting Joyce

Jetsetting Joyce — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:25:41 +0000

Hi Carla

I’ll pop your name in the Kitchenaid of Fortune anyway, and if you win the voucher maybe you’ll give Chocolate Buddha a second chance I’m sorry that you’ve had bad service and bad food there….I found the service to be quick and friendly and while the food was not exactly cutting edge, it was a decent Saturday lunch after a trek around Federation Square.

Jetsetting Joyce

By: Jetsetting Joyce

Jetsetting Joyce — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:23:33 +0000

Hi Billy

Yes, I don’t think Chocolate Buddha does the best or cheapest Japanese in town – but I think it’s a good spot if you’re in Federation Square and in need of a feed, especially as you say in summer when you want to look out on the amphitheatre or the big screen. I have yet to try the ramen, next time!

Jetsetting Joyce

By: Jetsetting Joyce

Jetsetting Joyce — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:21:08 +0000

Hi Deanna

The turnaround is fast so while it’s crowded, it’s not so busy that it’s impossible to get a table. Let me know what you think of the sushi!

Jetsetting Joyce