Reviews Zero Mode

😱Lizzie’s first impression: Known for its neon lights extravagant interior and the amazing menu which serves up both brunch/lunch and dinner,

🍩Lizzie enjoyed: I thoroughly enjoyed going to Zero mode – it was a very fun date night spot and perfect for groups to share foods.

I came for dinner and ordered the Feed us menu which surprisingly is only $49 for 2 people. I had the tempura cauliflower which was a game changer – I’ve never had something so delicious before, it came in a thai yellow curry with shredded cheese on top. I also had some crispy pork belly baos which were made to perfection – had the perfect sauce and the pork belly was very crispy. The karaage was so special as it was crispy chicken with spicy sauce layed over a bed of fairy floss – literally the most amazing dish I’ve seen and eaten and it worked. I also tried the rendang beef which was a classic dish that I wanted to try and another winner!

🍅Lizzie did not enjoy: N/A – I’ll need to come back for their breakfast menu in order to rate that.

🥇Lizzie rates overall: I loved everything about this place – the service was good, the food was bomb and the interior and atmosphere was romantic and great for date nights. I’m so glad I came all the way to Boxhill and definitely think it is bang for your buck!

EDIT:
Went back to Zero Mode yesterday to try their fried chicken. Once again, was served by their very attentive staff. The fried chicken was steaming hot, a decent sized portion, well seasoned and super crunchy. Would definitely recommend adding this side dish to your meal.

ORIGINAL REVIEW:
I visited zero mode specifically to try one of the latest dessert trends in Melbourne, cream cakes.

The cake and moose filling were fluffy and sweet. The cream on top was also light, and added to the desserts sweetness, but did not make it too rich.

Initially, we ordered the chocolate cream cake. When we lifted the plastic up from the chocolate cream cake, the chocolate cream did not fall as dramatically as we expected. Slightly disappointed, we ordered the matcha cream cake and were satisfied to see the dramatic explosion of cream falling down the sides of the cake.

Overall, this was a really fun and creative dessert experience, one definitely worth experiencing! While you’re there, also check out their menu. I’ll definitely be returning to try their fried chicken.

Absolutely loved dining out last weekend at zero mode. The staff was super friendly, the decor was really cool and most importantly the food was delicious. My favourite items were the cheeseburger spring rolls, chicken burger, Fried Chicken and of course there famous cream cake!
Would definitely go back!!

Wasn't sure what to make of the dumpling dish - the flavours didn't quite work together - but everything else was great.
Kingfish carpaccio with its dressing was refreshing.
Phoenix rolls (cheeseburger springrolls) an interesting fusion, and the loaded chips bursting with flavours.

I discovered Zero Mode after moving to Box Hill a few
Months ago, and needless to say, it has become my #1 brunch choice in a 10km radius. The poke bowls and laksa are SO GOOD!!!!! Great value and delicious flavours. Staff are very friendly and coffee is yum. Don’t change a thing ✌️

visited Zero Mode twice
Sashimi on both visits were fresh
Very generous portion of sashimi on my first visit (see photo - brighter ambient light). Second visit ordered the same dish however it was smaller this time (darker photo)
Interesting menu and I look forward to trying different dishes next time.

A dish I hadn't seen on their menu but was told about it through online chats. This secrete menu item is absolutely amazing. Fried chicken for days! It is such a secrete, I wasn't even allowed to post a picture of it. You must go and see it and try it for yourself!

One of my favourite spots for a weekend brunch and cannot wait to get back. Inside and outside seating, trendy crowd really good coffee (and cocktails). Highly recommend.

My partner and I ordered the isolation pack to save us cooking dinner for a few nights this week. Each meal comes ready to eat or can go straight in freezer. I can't recommend enough their food was devine - especially loved the beef bolgogi. If you're in need of some meals at this time - grab them from Zero Mode

Came here for my birthday and everything was outstanding. The tempura cauliflower is a must order along side the king fish sashimi. Beautiful!! Finished off with the earl grey panna cotta. Highly, highly recommend!

Just located at the outer area of Box Hill Central, where the CHEN hotel is.

What they sell: cafe style meals; breakfast and a range of drinks; desserts and pastries designed at the front.

Interior: quite spacious for smaller groups. You can see the kitchen and the front counter as you walk in. Similar designs but looks great!

Staff: nice and very helpful.

What I purchased: waffle, latte with boba pearls and sparkling fruit drink.

What I think: although very pricey (like all cafe foods), it was beautiful presented and taste delicious. Maybe not worth the price but worth the experience.

I ordered a cup of flat white and had it here. Services were really good, coffee was sooooo fresh and smelt so good. I would recommend this place to you all and bring my friends here to have a brunch later.

Wonderful coffee and food. The staff are very friendly, and the owners are amazing and made sure that we were happy with everything. Will definitely be going back soon.

Zero Mode is sure to tantalise your senses. The sleek interior, coupled with the bold and inventive dishes, you’ll be taken on a gastronomic journey at Zero Mode. Cafe by day, Asian-fusion restaurant by night, the playful mix of flavours of the dishes will surely captivate you.

You will be created with crunch galore when biting into the deconstructed sushi roll with fried chicken. Bright flavours abound, and it’s definitely something that will keep you coming back for more. The Wild West Waffle is a thing of absolute beauty. Soft fluffy waffle, topped with a crispy fried chicken, bacon and a fried egg, and finally adorned with fairy floss. It’s not only gorgeous but also very well executed as the fairy floss melts onto the savoury components, adding a touch of sweetness.

The beef burger came with a hash brown sandwiched within, and the crispy hash brown provided not just flavour but also texture, which without a doubt, elevated this humble burger to another level. The salmon poke bowl is fresh, full of flavours and such a guilt-free yet filling dish.

Currently, Zero Mode is running a Feed Me menu for just $49 per person, and a Bottomless Brunch session for only $39 per person. If this doesn’t convince you to head down to Zero Mode immediately, then you will surely regret it! I am definitely keen to return.

Excellent cafe with one of the most unique brunch menus I've seen in a long time!
The fusion style is really interesting and we enjoyed all our food. The salmon sushi sandwich was great, loved how they got the seaweed sheets so crunchy!

Also tried the waffles with fried chicken and fairy floss - it's a savoury/sweet combo that just works so well together!!

Really enjoyable brunch, the venue is lovely and spacious inside and they service was top notch. Would definitely recommend.

Zero Mode is an ultra modern, fun Asian fusion cafe bringing a big dose of whimsy and fantasy to the brunch scene. Case in point - how often do you see fairy floss as a side dish??

Located in the base of The Chen Hotel on Whitehorse Road it’s just a short walk from Box Hill Station with lots of parking nearby.

The menu is massive and spans breakfast, lunch (specialising in burgers and poke bowls) and dinner. We went as a group for brunch and tried a variety of dishes including the Wagyu Mode Poke Bowl ($22), Chilli Scrambled Egg ($22), Crispy Chicken Sushi Sandwich ($19), Maize-ing Fritters ($19) and their sweet and savoury waffle dishes; the Wild West Waffle ($20) with crispy chicken hidden under a cloud of fairy floss, and the I’m Makin’ Waffle ($18) with maple bacon and strawberry glaze.

Really impressed with the quality of the dishes, generous serves and very reasonable prices. Stand outs for me were the chicken waffles, wagyu poke and the delicious “Fat Boy” drink ($7.70) - an iced latte with cheese foam and pearls!

For a fun and inventive spin on brunch I’d definitely recommend Zero Mode!

Interesting fusion type brunch menu. I had reservations but must say I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food and the friendly service. Definitely a cafe worth giving a shot!a

I could try to tell a joke in zero gravity 🤔

But I don’t think it would go down well 👌😂 (zerogravityjokesFTW)

So I’ll share with you three modes that you’ll find here and should consider which one is your favourite before visiting this place!

🌴 Le vacation mode: for when you wake up on a Sunday, after a sleep in and want some super-relaxed and chilled vibes, and a little escape! Yes, this is a place where you’ll be surprised by Asian flavours and ingredients that you would probably never have tried in that way before!

💁‍♀️The extra mode: for when you want to have a lunch with the gang but let’s face it - your risking getting bored of the usual rolled sushi or sashimi and you become that tastebuds savour person that knows how to suggest a place that is that liiiiiitle extra 👌Avocado mousse?! Sushi Sandwich?

😏 The sexy mode: for those nights when you want to dress to impress but we all know you either don’t have time or are too lazy to do it - don’t worry, the the vibrant, eclectic, unexpected vibe of this place will make you win the night 😉

ZeroMode? I would say InfiniteMode! What an experience! From the food to the vibes, WOW 👏

The place is located in Box Hill, a short trip away from the city and definitely worth the time and the drive 👏 I had seen some of the foodie community visiting this place but I didn’t realise from that what a great place it was! There was even an event hosted here event, shortly after they opened and it again looked luxurious, but not the amazing experience that I had - it completely surpassed all expectations I had for this place!
Actually, even looking at the menu - you can tell it will be good and the items are quite interesting and distinct but again, NOT the unreal and unique experience that you will get from visiting this place.

We arrived at a late brunch hour (maybe I should say lunch then? 😂) and there weren’t many people inside, but while we were inside, it got busier and busier. The staff welcomed us very nicely and we were able to choose wherever we wanted to seat. The place is gorgeous and has a clean and simple look. It features grey tones and some neon lights with purple and pink colours. Minimalistic and elegant - that’s how I would describe it, with a clear modern look and very much appreciated.
The tables are marble close to the windows and greyish further back and the have another room in the back with some little seats too that have similar but yet slightly different tones and patterns. You will love it the moment you walk in!

I had taken a look at the menu previous and there were some items that I really wanted to try, being open to suggestion by the staff to, and here’s what we got:

- Smoothie Criminal Bowl - the MOST good looking bowl I have ever seen lately 😍 I am going to say that there are two categories from the bowls that are much appreciated my the foodies - the ones that look mouthdrooling because of the drips and toppings that make that salivating effect 🤤 and the ones that are just so pretty and cute, considered too pretty to eat! This one was clearly the latter one 🤩 and OMG, like a girl would scream, IT IS SO PRETTY! 😍😂 not really sure why they name criminal the bowl but is it a true crime to eat something so pretty 😂 and it’s not just the fact that it is pretty - the whole bowl is a absolute 11/10. Even an 12/10! Size wise, it is huge, and they serve it in a large coconut bowl, much bigger than the usual coconut bowl that all other places use (and the ones that I personally have too!) and ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. Then, the smoothie itself that it covered in all the toppings and that I clearly approve is INCREDIBLE! 👏 it is a dragon fruit, with an incredible colour and taste, and they blend it with banana, mango, strawberry, peach and coconut milk. The taste is just one of the best blends I’ve ever tried in my life and I have to say that as a smoothie based creator too, sometimes it can be quite hard to get the taste right with dragonfruit. And here they nailed it and created such a creamy product! A dream 👏👏👏 now, the toppings, wow. Where should I even start! Because clearly if you look at the pictures, where do you even start eating it? 😂👌👏 it came topped with large banana chunks that I have never seen in any other bowl in Melbourne, a large amount goji berry that I am a now a huge fan (yes, curiously I didn’t used to like goji berries in the past but the taste has grown on me and I absolutely love adding them and having them on smoothies!), cacao nibs, bee pollen, coconut flakes that made a sweet and crunchy taste to the bowl, in amazing serving sizes again and incredibly pairing with the rest and if that wasn’t enough it also had Love Food For Health chocolate protein granola that I am a huuuuuge fan and some chia seeds sprinkled on top. The absolutely nailed it and yes, it is a huge risk to add so many toppings because sometimes people can find it too much or too filling, or even too intense - but not at all! 👏 But if you think this sounds good, just wait until you read the best part! They add bubble tea balls to the bowl! 😍😍😍 and they are not overly seen and work so well! 👏 I had had some of these in obviously bubble tea and actually froyo but not a smoothie and it is impressive how well it blends here! Also I need to highlight that were also some fruit topping that I didn’t even understand what they were but I really want to find out because I am a fan! They had lychee and what I think it was dehydrated grapes with a hit of cinnamon! WHAT A TWIST! 👏 like I said, this is out of this world in all aspects and an absolute must! INCREDIBLE!

- Wild West Waffle - we had to also ask for this peculiar and very interesting meal because it’s not only kind of a transformation but it features both savoury and sweet in one! Curious and intrigued? So was I! Did it work?! IT SURE DID 😍 this was terrific! 👏 my friend had most of this meal but I had a few pieces. It comes coveted in fairy floss that starts melting and unveiling what lies underneath, very slowing and in this case with that mouthdrooling effect 😂 and it’s a house-made waffle, drizzled in maple syrup! Both the consistency and the taste was outstanding 👏 portion was good and it came hot and fluffy as it should be, flawless 👌 then on top on it it comes with a huge portion of an incredibly tasty crispy chicken, sriracha maple bacon and a fried egg! You can already see how they combine and make the transition between the two flavours and it is just impressive 👌🤤 they actually add some chilli sauce in there but it comes on the side and I personally tried it and didn’t find it spicy at all. It sure has a heat hint but nothing major and anyone can definitely tolerate that! Or even not have it as it comes on the side 🤗 this was again an impressive one and absolutely a winner!

- D.S.T Mode Poke Bowl - interesting one! Actually we weren’t planning on having any poke bowl but it was recommended by the staff so we decided to go for one! We actually were so stocked admiring the other items that I didn’t noticed that this one had chilli in it and of course it was a slightly hot one indeed 🤭😂 nonetheless I have to say that despite being quite hot for me and I did struggle to eat it the ingredients and the combo is also very well achieved and looking back I would definitely would love to try their tuna or salmon poke bowls or any other that isn’t that spicy 😂 this one was some diced salmon & tuna in great great portion, many slices and chunks of avocado that also worked quite nicely, a fresh touch with the pomegranate seeds and the famous chilli, onion and sriracha maple sauce that gave that extra hot taste to the ingredients. My favourite part of the bowl was definitely the quinoa base and the crispy kale on the sides, but I think that if it hadn’t had the spicy sauce blended in the protein items, I would have enjoyed it much much more because I literally have to tolerance to spicy foods 😂 still a great one, but keep that in mind!

- Sushi Sandwich Spicy Salmon - OMG CAN I HAVE THIS EVERY DAY?! If sushi is already one of my favourite foods and I’m a huge huge fan, this was just next level indeed. I absolutely cannot deal how they have managed to create such a great item! They have 3 sushi sandwiches available and since I am a fan of salmon and tuna maki, I decided to see what this one would be! With a seaweed tempura top and bottom, you will fall in love with it at first sight! And once you give that first bite and that that crunchiness in OMG 🤭😍👏 it comes filled with half grilled salmon, pickled ginger (SO SO SO SO GOOD!), kimchi that would provide that spicy aspect but definitely not spicy at all, so I’ve you’re a little weak when it comes to spicy food like me, definitely this is not an issue here! It also crispsy shallot that not only I am a lover but objectively gives it even a more crunchy touch to it! And to top it off, the wasabi mayo WOW 🤩 it lays just under the crispy top and is just amazingly delicious and not spicy at all! This is one of the best sushi creations I have ever eaten in my life (much better than a sushi donut!) and I don’t want to have any more ‘boring’ sushi now 😂😍

- Galaxy Mode - for drinks, they have both hot and cold drinks that are incredibly interesting and we decided to try the cold and fresh ones because even though it was raining that day, they looked impressive! Mine was a mocktail, not a cocktail and it was of a dark purple colour, made with butterfly pea flower, simple syrup, grapes and soda. The taste is just terrific 👏 sweet but not too sweet and even though is has soda added to it I didn’t find it sparkling (which I am hot a huge fan) so it was in my opinion absolutely a dream! It came with two lychees and some mint on top and I would say this was just incredible from the looks to the taste - would recommend indeed! And yes, if you don’t want it to be alcoholic, just ask! 🤗

- Passion Mode - my friend had a cocktail and I didn’t try it due to the alcohol content but he loved it from the first sip to the end 😍 it actually has some ingredients that I am not familiar with like pimms and cointreau, blended with passion fruit syrup, soda and lemon juice and he said it was outstanding 👏 refreshing and delicious! It looked quite pretty indeed and it came with a beautiful strawberry inside too!

If it wasn’t clear by all the rant, I loved this place from the moment I walked in to the moment I left. The food and the environment is great and it’s a guaranteed (jolly 😂) good time here 👏 I want to absolutely come back and this places goes up to my top favourites 👏❤️

Came here on a kid free night because BL told me we had to come here! What a pick! We ordered the feed me menu which is a taste of all the favourites. My my it was an experience. The food was fantastic! Loved everything we had and have already recommended this venue to all of my friends and family. Go and go now!

Nice clean cut venue in the heart of Box Hill.
.
Food and service was great. The flavours throughout the dishes really shine and are well done

Nice asian fusion cafe. Has some interesting dishes which you cant find else where (like the sushi sandwich). Would recommend to try!

Gastrology is a leading Australian food, travel and lifestyle blog. Gastrology writers travel around Australia and the world passionately seeking out the greatest in food and wine. Zero Mode stands out from the crowd with its exciting creative food that is simply delicious. Not the typical Box Hill eatery you would expect, Zero Mode is vibrant and eclectic and can you’re your needs from breakfast, lunch to cocktails and dinner or even just a simple coffee and cake.

Absolutely loved dining at Zero Mode - they make innovative and stunning dishes - will have to come back to try dinner service. Favourites have to be the drunken prawn, the fried chicken waffles and the beer ramen. I loved my milkshake too, comes with fairy floss. Interior is also a beautiful aesthetic, great service - thank you for having us in.

Good atmosphere, music is not too loud. Love their Matcha Latte, my kids love freshly squeezed watermelon and orange juice. We ordered Royale Burger, not enough greens, otherwise it's perfectly good. Ramen was ok, my kids like chicken. Staffs are friendly and patient with me while ordering. Will definitely go back. Last but not least, 2+2 drinks on gold membership, you won't disappointed with their beverage, good value.

This is ramen unlike anything you’ve had before, presented by @zero.mode ! This beer ramen has house-made noodles, chicken and ginseng broth, egg white foam, and a side of karaage chicken, kimchi and fungus! Now that’s my kind of beer! 🍻 🍜 Other than the incredible beer ramen every dish we ordered was flavourful and I’ll need to come back to try the rest of the menu! I must try !

A really nice cafe, that has very tasty and creative cuisine.

I’m very much looking forward to coming back and exploring the other food items on the menu.

The deserts are just a work of are and went down nicely for us, after a delightful meal.

Amazingly creative Asian fusion. Highly recommend everything in the menu, but my stand out were the sushi tacos, and the cauliflower

Lovely place and super relaxed vibe. The food was exceptional true 5 star quality. And the staff so friendly and helpful.

Zero Mode is a newly opened cafe in Box Hill located a little bit out of the way in the lobby of the Chen Hotel.

The café is bright and modern, with both an upstairs and downstairs seating area. I noticed there were plenty of high chairs available too, so it is child friendly as well.

The menu is an interesting mix of Asian fusion dishes and poké bowls, as well as cakes from Bibelot, which are some of my favourite.

Many of the dishes are fun and creative, such as the one I tried, the Boozy Broth Ramen. It comes with house made noodles, karaage chicken, kimchi and fungus in one bowl, and then it also comes with an Asahi beer glass filled with more noodles, chicken ginseng broth and egg white foam, giving the illusion of actual beer. It was a very fun and novel idea playing on the classic pairing of beer and ramen. Taste wise , the chicken was delicious, but I would have liked the broth to have a bit more flavour, and the noodles were perhaps a touch overcooked. Otherwise it was overall an enjoyable meal.

The prices are a bit steep, however bear in mind that many of the ingredients they are using are of premium quality, such as Wagyu beef. And for the ramen I had, there was definitely more than enough noodles for two people so they don’t skimp on the quantities either!

Service was absolutely lovely and very friendly. The gentleman serving us explained how best to eat the ramen and “beer”, and checked in a few times to see if we needed anything and were enjoying our meal.

Was walking past and thought we'd give Zero Mode a go (my partner having seen a write up in The Age about it, was v keen to try!) - so glad we did!! Expertly made coffee, and the Vegie Mode bowl was outstanding and full of contrasting flavours and textures. We will be back 😍

Checked out this newly opened fusion establishment tonight and was actually quite impressed! ☺️ We ordered the duck salad, the Royale Burger as well as the Wagyu Wagyu under the deconstructed sushi which amounted to $55. Personally, I found this price reasonable since the burger had a wagyu patty and the sushi had 9+ wagyu as well as foie gras albeit the tiniest portion! ☹️ Would love it if they were slightly more generous especially when it came to the foie gras since it was literally a tiny strand! 😮 Regardless, they nailed the flavours for all three dishes and portion sizes were just right. In fact, the burger is rather filling with a generous side of cheese fries. 🍟Overall, their plating is gorgeous, and they seemed to have a good selection of delicate pastries up the front! 🍰Worth a visit if you are in the vicinity.