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Operator San

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

Onigiri plate with furikake onigiri and miso marinated salmon.
1 / 4Onigiri plate with furikake onigiri and miso marinated salmon.Supplied
Strawberry mochi waffles with boysenberry ice cream.
2 / 4Strawberry mochi waffles with boysenberry ice cream.Supplied
The onigiri set comes with a side of miso soup.
3 / 4The onigiri set comes with a side of miso soup. Supplied
Matcha is also on the menu.
4 / 4Matcha is also on the menu.Supplied

Japanese$

This well-oiled machine has brunch down to a science. The menu gives the typical Melbourne format a Japanese twist – think katsu curry meets eggs Benedict, and waffles with mochi-like stretch. More classically Japanese choices include salmon onigiri sets, ceremonial‑grade matcha and neon-green melon soda, a kissaten (coffee house) staple served here with a double shot of espresso.

Must order: Onigiri set, including furikake-seasoned rice balls, miso-marinated salmon, sesame-dressed spinach, tamagoyaki omelette, pickles and miso soup.

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Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/goodfood/melbourne-eating-out/operator-san-20250515-p5lzin.html