KUU Café + Japanese kitchen.

This is probably one of the most authentic Japanese restaurants in terms of both decor and atmosphere, it really feels like you’re in Japan. The food is delicious, and almost all of the staff are Japanese. The restaurant is quite small but there’s outdoor seating available. The prices are on the higher side. When I went, I took tram number 86 and got off at South Melbourne Market, then walked the rest of the way. If I remember correctly, there’s another tram line that drops you even closer. I’d recommend this place if you’re in the South Melbourne area or if you’re tired of the usual Japanese spots in the city and want to explore a quieter area just outside the CBD. It’s worth a visit!

Eagerly anticipated authentic flavours when I detected the smoky sweet aroma of the shiru as I approached my friends waiting outside. KUU did not disappoint!

Kuu is hands down my favorite Japanese cafe in Melbourne 😍 When I lived here, I used to come almost every day—and coming back recently, I was so happy to see they’ve kept their amazing quality 👍🏻 What sets KUU apart is its authenticity. I'm originally from Japan, and it's rare to find places that put in the extra effort. While many Japanese restaurants rely on frozen ingredients, Kuu makes their Katsu and Tsukune from scratch—and you can taste the difference. And their sweets? Absolutely incredible 🤤 Made in-house by a Japanese pastry chef, they’re perfectly balanced—not too sweet, not too heavy. If you're craving authentic Japanese-style cakes or desserts this hidden gem in South Melbourne is a must-visit. Highly recommended 💚

A bit of a fusion Japanese cafe style food. Recommend their curry rice which is made by them and not the ones from the box "Circle" brand. A small place that does lots of take aways. There is take away rice pack for those on the go.

Amazing little Japanese Cafe in my neighbourhood! All the food is delicious good portions and the drinks were really yummy as well. I will definitely be back!

Great affordable lunch spot that serves traditional Japanese fare. The chicken katsu curry was one of the best and most affordable I’ve had in Melbourne! The tofu iced drink was so nice creamy and refreshing. Highly recommend for a budget friendly lunch in south Melbourne

Saki was super polite and gave great service! Their Matcha Latte is amazing—definitely one of the best in Melbourne. 🍵

Delightful little place with whimsical decor, friendly staff, great food. There is usually a queue outside but the turnaround can be pretty quick, especially for a table for two. Previously tried the Japanese Breakfast Platter, which was a delightful assortment of little bites. This was insanely popular and was sold out by the time we got there at 12:40pm. The beef teritama don was flavourful and felt so healthy with brown rice. The plate was massive but managed to polish it off. Karaage from the fried chicken set was succulent inside and nicely crispy on the outside, also served with brown rice and salad. Plenty of cafe fare drinks to pick from, and definitely leave some room for the cakes.

The best matcha latte i have had so far, service was fast and the store was very beautiful. The teriyaki shiitake rice ball was delicious and worth the cost.

Spending your Sunday morning at Kuu feels like finding a slice of Japanese culture in a city full of cafes. It's peaceful. Situated right across a tram stop on Wilson St. and Park St, this cozy spot may not be fancy in any way, just cute and intimate comes to mind! Upon entering, I instantly fell for the ambiance as it feels like being in someone's home kitchen. Kuu also serves up all kinds of Japanese comfort food that are just as heartwarming as the rest of their cafe. I came here just right when they open at 8 a.m. before heading off to St. Ali nearby. Taking advantage of their weekend-only special, I ordered the breakie platter (small) for $13.99. First of all, the presentation was as cute as expected! You can tell how serious they are by the amount of meticulous details they put in their food, it was pleasing to the eyes. Taste-wise, it was a tad bland for my liking, but overall, still humbly satisfying. For my drink, I had the green tea latte, which I thought was pretty weak. Despite of the alluring latte presentation, it was very milky and watery with just a little hint of green tea. Not my favorite~ Overall, my visit to Kuu wasn't a complete hit, the food and drinks were just average. But the one thing that I really enjoyed above all was the ambiance. Kuu Cafe is definitely a perfect spot to escape from the bustle of the city with their homey minimalist interior as well as their simple, unpretentious dishes - definitely a haven for those who takes delight in a little solitude.

I stopped in for a matcha latte and enjoyed the tiny cafe's ambiance. As it was a work day afternoon it wasn't crazy busy. The staff were friendly and service was quick. The food menu looked amazing so I wish I hadn't eaten lunch earlier. I saw the presentation which looked very appealing as well. The matcha latte was good, a respectable blend of tea powder and milk with a hint of sweetness. Drink could have been slightly hotter and impactful to perfect it. Overall a great spot and worth the short walk from the market.

Quite a small place with limited waiting room inside. There is also outdoor seating but not ideal for Melbourne weather. Affordable brunch options which are inspired by Japanese cuisine. Coffee was not to my liking. The cappuccino was quite dour tasting as if the milk had gone bad and the full cream milk seemed to have thinned as well. :( My brunch mate enjoyed his Japanese green tea, rated the karaage chicken 7 out of 10 and enjoyed the Japanese breakfasts high came with two rice balls and a small plate of noodles. The matcha cake slices are massive. Service is excellent.

When I saw some pictures of their green tea latte, I know I have to visit them soon. As some of you may have known I'm a big fan of matcha as well as Japanese food. I decided to go for an early dinner at KUU's on a friday. The cafe it self was petit but well decorated, not too cramped and the white walls and wooden tables give the place a modern and warm feeling. It was a great experience and this is definitely not going to be my last visit. Next time, I want to try their smoked trout ochazuke and their bento box as well as much more of that green tea cake and matcha affogatto. KUU is my new personal favourite Japanese cafe.

What a cute little Japanese restaurant in south bank! The store is small with a couple of outdoor seats. The food is (as most Japanese places here are) fusion but clean and healthy. Everything is organic and housemade. But this is the only place I've been able to find ochazuke (tea pot porridge) in Melbourne! The plating is beautiful too. I will be back for lunch to try more dishes.

Its my first time to try Matcha Latte. It looks amazing and taste good. I wish I had ordered a large size! I had basic Japanese dish chicken katsu curry and pretty satisfied with it. Definitely will recommend this place!

Japanese cafe that need to be on your list for brunch. Hearty selection of menu to choose from and adorable matcha latte to accompany the meal with. Make sure to take home the Greentea Ganache Cake.

Stopped here to fend off starvation in a hurry and was blown away by their Karaage japanese fried chicken. In minutes I was enjoying moist succulent chicken thigh, hidden beneath an interesting textured batter. The ready to go food was great too. The signage is almost non-existent and the whole place sits very discretely on the street. It's small. It's unique. It's a keeper.

Great Japanese food like a hidden treasure in south Melbourne. Very friendly service Room bit small inside when cold