RecommendedEating out Collingwood

Chiaki

This cafe is a finalist for best food in Good Food’s Essential Melbourne Cafes and Bakeries of 2025.

June 6, 2025

1 / 7An ume shiso ochazuke set at Chiaki.Eddie Jim

2 / 7Inside the buzzing Collingwood restaurant.Supplied

7 / 7Chiaki’s stylish and serene interior.Eddie Jim

Japanese$

Japanese ochazuke is a bowl that heals all: rice is topped with anything from pickles to fish, then covered with warm tea to bring it all together. Slurp it, pick at it, add wasabi: it’s your creation. Chiaki’s menu is devoted to ochazuke, with toppings such as grilled salmon and peppercorn wagyu. Also find Swiss rolls, bundt cakes and excellent coffee.

Must order: Lunchtime ochazuke “sets” include karaage chicken, an onsen egg and more.