Chocolate Buddha

Posted by: nailam | 14 January 2010, 1.34pm

A little bit too westernized for my taste, not enough authenticity. Take away noodles from a take away deli would taste exactly the same - too salty, shiny and soupy.

Food:			Visit: Thu 14 January 2010 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: minifrida | 16 April 2009, 4pm

As one of the only restaurants in Fed Square, do they really need to provide good service here? Apparently not. Food is so-so, not worth the prices. Skip it unless you find yourself in Fed Square and it is the only place still open.

Food:			Visit: Sat 4 April 2009 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: comps2001 | 21 February 2009, 6.13pm

If u really know your Japanese...you will know it's not that authentic. Bad service & staff who love themselves and think customers get in the way of their work.

Food:			Visit: Sat 21 February 2009
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: marlowe | 29 July 2008, 12.26pm

If it could go wrong it did go wrong seemed to be the theme of my night at Chocolate Buddha. We did have a larger group so we didn't mind so much that everyone's meals came at such varied times. Some of us were on dessert while others had not yet recieved their mains. We were given a few glasses of complimentary champagne as an apology for the nights various muck ups and only really became upset about it all when the complimentary champagnes showed up on our bill.

Food:			Visit: Thu 5 June 2008 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: maiko | 27 April 2008, 3.11am

Pricey? Tick. Noisy? Tick. Service... leaves more to be imagined. The food was OK, though why come here and pay $15 for a bowl of ramen when there are many other good ramen places in the city for half the price? Tried the chef's specials which were quite a hit-&-miss. The sushi, I suppose, is of the highest quality. Anything else, don't even bother - you're only paying for the ambience, minus the service and exclusivity.

Food:			Visit: Fri 25 April 2008 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: hungryhen | 12 March 2008, 1.31pm

I have been here a number of times for dinner. I have usually enjoyed my food but I feel I need to comment on the service.

I have waited a long time for food to come out - orders have been lost and have had to be re-ordered. I have had a wait staff knock my chopsticks on to the floor and then replace them on my table! I have found there to be much confusion regarding dishes that have been ordered and have often been offered things I have not ordered. I have had to repeatedly ask for service. I think that the "hi-tech" ordering only adds to confusion and slower service! I also think that for the price of eating here, one should receive better service.

Food:			Visit: Fri 18 January 2008 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: Cec15 | 1 September 2007, 6.55pm

I had been told by several people that this was a great restraunt to eat at. I must say that I was incredibly dissappointed. The sashimi is great - that much is true. As for the main meal it consisted of a large portion of rice in the bowl and at best a ladle full of meat and a sparce amount of vegies. I love Japanese food, but as far as the Chocolate Buddha is concerned I will be visiting my local from now on. It's a long way to travel for a mediocre meal.

Food:			Visit: Wed 26 September 2007 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: @drian | 13 February 2007, 2.48pm

After reading several good review of Chocolate Buddha, I felt compelled to add my two cents. I have been several times, always for dinner, and it's never impressed me. It's great that they have Asahi on tap; cool that they write your order on your place mat; and the portion sizes won't leave you hungry, but I believe you are paying mega bucks for the location. Ramen, soba and udon noodles are simple dishes and should be inexpensive. I still eat there occasionally but to go out of your way to do so is weird.

Food:			Visit: Tue 13 February 2007 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: SDH123 | 11 February 2007, 6.19pm

The Chocolate Buddha is the only restaurant in Melbourne that I frequent on a weekly basis. It is an excellent experience with excellent food!

Food:			Visit: Sat 10 February 2007 Mealtime: supper
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: leelah | 1 February 2007, 1.33pm

No chocolate here, just fresh, healthy, great Japanese food. Can get very busy, but the food comes out quick, perfect amount on your plate to fill your tummy and the service is fantastic!

Food:			Visit: Thu 1 February 2007 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: Ashley Ng | 15 November 2006, 10.36pm

Firstly, let's be clear what Chocolate Buddha isn't and what Chocolate Buddha is.

Chocolate Buddha isn't a place to take your first date for a quiet and romantic night out.

It is, however, a busy, Japanese cafe. The electronic ordering is a bit of a novelty, but what the service may lose in detail (including occasionally forgetting your order), is quick.

Let me be honest. I like Japanese food - and the food here is good. Good quality ingredients and portions which cross the Eastern-Western stomach-size divide.

My favourite here is the ramen, which uses a balanced, tasty stock with ample ingredients to stimulate the palate and served up with the big wooden ladels which add to the experience. The sushi is also acceptable (though I still prefer my local, cheaper sushi joint), but for my money, I would go for the very impressive gyoza.

The plungers were an interesting way of serving Japanese tea, but if anything, the "strawberry-cream" infused "Geisha tea" attests to one of the benefits of mixing cultures.

For a quick, good, albeit pricey, Japanese fix in Melbourne, it is still hard to go past Chocolate Buddha when in town.

Food:			Visit: Mon 13 November 2006 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: Unregistered user | 23 March 2006, 11.50am

Food:			Visit: Thu 23 March 2006 Mealtime: lunch
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: monotone | 22 September 2005, 3.11pm

Food:			Visit: Mon 19 September 2005 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere: