CIBI

Cibi - Review - Collingwood - Melbourne - The Infatuation

"The weekend breakfast plate at this clothing-factory-turned-concept-store is as understated and wholesome as everything else in the space: a hunk of grilled fish, potato salad, greens, rice, miso soup, and tamagoyaki—the rolled omelet. It’s just what you need ahead of a trawl through the cavernous warehouse filled with Japanese ceramics, kitchen tools, coffee accessories, plants, sake, hand-dyed fabrics, home ramen kits, and more. The family-run shop has been here more than fifteen years, but the tofu-making workshops and monthly markets are new." - Ellen Fraser

The 33 Best Restaurants In Melbourne 2023

"The signature breakfast at Cibi is as understated and wholesome as the rest of this Japanese cafe and concept store: a piece of grilled fish, tamagoyaki, potato salad, greens, veggies, rice and a bowl of miso. It’ll give you the energy you need to shop the rest of the warehouse space, full of Japanese ceramics, kitchen tools, coffee accessories, plants, hand-dyed fabrics, and more." - ellen fraser

The 38 Essential Melbourne Restaurants

"Melbourne is known for its cafes thanks to places like Cibi. Almost 15 years after opening, this Japanese cafe on a Collingwood backstreet is more popular than ever. The breakfast set is a staple, with grilled salmon, tamagoyaki, rice, potato salad, miso soup, natto, and pickles. With its mismatched furniture and greenery, Cibi feels like a true neighborhood spot. The light-filled space also features a Japanese grocery section and a design store where you can find things like yuzu miso and stone sake cups." - Audrey Bourget, Sharlee Gibb

What ‘Reopened’ Restaurants Look Like in 17 Cities Worldwide - Eater

"Cibi is buzzing with customers exchanging smiles and knowing glances." - Eater Staff

Chloé Chow Hui Yee

Google

I had such a lovely experience at this beautiful Japanese grocery cafe! I’ve been there before for coffee, but today I visited for a brunch meeting with a friend. I tried the traditional breakfast, and it was delicious—light and healthy! I just loved the flavor of the fish and the texture of the rice. I’d definitely order it again if I go back! My friend had the miso baked egg, which was super cheesy and full of flavor. And the coffee? So nice! Plus, the staff were incredibly friendly. Such a great place!

Oshini Natasha

Google

This place offers excellent service and a beautiful decor, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a bite to eat while relaxing or hanging out with friends. The staff are incredibly kind and attentive, adding to the warm, inviting atmosphere. The food is top-notch, with standout dishes that are both flavorful and satisfying. I started with a freshly brewed lemon and ginger tea that was both soothing and refreshing. The sourdough toast was the perfect balance of crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, paired with a delicious baked egg in tomato and sausage—hearty and filling, truly a treat for the taste buds. For dessert, I indulged in the matcha ponds cake, which was incredibly light yet flavorful. It was the perfect sweet finish to the meal, offering a subtle sweetness that wasn’t overwhelming. I highly recommend making a reservation in advance, as this place can get quite busy, which is a testament to how popular it is. But if you're willing to wait, take the time to browse through their charming little shop. It offers a delightful selection of cookware, homemade sauces, fine wines, and a variety of other artisanal products—perfect for picking up something unique. Overall, this is a wonderful spot for good food, great company, and a relaxing time. Definitely worth a visit!

Fabubuz Bubuz

Google

CIBI is a delightful spot with easy access via tram #86, making it a convenient destination for a relaxed outing. The cafe is known for its great nutty coffee, which is a must-try for coffee enthusiasts. What sets CIBI apart is its unique concept as a combined store and cafe, offering a blend of retail and dining experiences under one roof. The industrial and Japanese-inspired ambiance adds charm, making it a visually appealing and cozy place to unwind. While the food's taste is average, the overall experience is elevated by the aesthetic surroundings and the inviting vibe. It's a perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee, browse through the store, and soak in the serene atmosphere. Whether you're stopping by for a quick break or a leisurely visit, CIBI offers a distinctive and pleasant cafe experience.

S Loo

Google

Food was rather disappointing, for $30 (incl weekend surcharge) for this More Veggies plate. Tasted a bit bland, a lot of brown rice and less of the other stuff. Maybe this is traditional Japanese breakfast? I don’t know. Coffee was good, service was good, though we were gently nudged to leave due to the queue outside waiting to dine in. The shop was actually the best part of this place.

Sophie L

Google

Came here to work during the day and the food and service was great. I ordered the salmon lunch plate and the salmon was the star of the show- it was so fresh and every element of the dish had shuts enough flavour. However there’s no public wifi so keep that in mind if you’re looking for a cafe to work from.

Xavi Gispert

Google

Great multipurpose bussiness, they offer breakfast, lunch and great coffee too. They've got a big space with imported and local products such as cutlery, coffee, cups and more... You can work there too it's pretty chill.

Renita Sathasivam

Google

24/11/2024 - Breakfast: Despite the bleak weather today, CIBI was filled to the brim with diners. As others have elaborated, the atmosphere was fantastic; at least worth one visit. The cafe's 'old building in white bricks' charm is juxtaposed by the clean, modern lines of its open kitchen, service counters, and retail sections. Above the visual spectacle of trendy diners, bustling waiters, busy cooks, and pretty stuff, the dark brown wooden ceiling sits stately and still, in quiet observation. Draped in metres of white fabric, this pure and sombre upper section is a balancing and ethereal contrast to the activity below. Surprisingly, you can hear yourself talk despite the large number of diners, seated in close proximity to one another. Our drinks were satisfactory, but the food was a letdown. The menu lacks clear direction, and the execution of the one item we ordered lacked finesse and balance. Our baked egg was bean forward and the sausage, salt heavy. Given the beautiful interior and their well-stocked pantry of high-quality Japanese ingredients, we expected better things from the kitchen. The pound cakes sounded lovely but looked dry. Still, we had a good time. The waitress who took our order was professional and very pleasant. And despite the crowd, we did not have to wait long for our food and drinks.

Anh Tran

Google

Food is just okay, lacking flavour. Not serving matcha latte for a Japanese cafe is funny :) The barista who handed our coffee was rude - slamming the cup on the table.

Cibi - Review - Collingwood - Melbourne - The Infatuation

The 33 Best Restaurants In Melbourne 2023

The 38 Essential Melbourne Restaurants

What ‘Reopened’ Restaurants Look Like in 17 Cities Worldwide - Eater

"Cibi is buzzing with customers exchanging smiles and knowing glances." - Eater Staff