Review Ima Project Cafe

Serena Sze

Great value for teishoku! The food quality is good as we expected. All the side dishes are good, I can easily finish the whole bowl of rice. I can taste the freshness of the fish, the king fish collar is nice but I do think it may need a little sauce or more seasoning with it . I would definitely recommend this restaurant. Quick tip, get in early as items start to sell out if you leave it too late.

Jana Levit

Cute Japanese breakfast cafe serving breakfast teishoku. Tasty, fresh, and unique to typical breakfast cafe offerings. It will set you back $28 per person which is on the high side. Have noticed on the two occasions that I have been there that service tends to be on the slow side.

Fz Chee

Brunch was two at this lovely cafe. There is a reason why there is a queue outside the shop. Ordered a grill fish set and their daily special. The fish of the day is kingfish and it is grilled to perfection. Paired really well with a light salad. Crispy kale gives the dish a much needed texture. The daily special was Fried crumbed sardine. It is a rare fish to be served in a restaurant to me and when it is done well it is a real treat. The sardine does not have the strong fishy smell that is usually associated with sardine.

Marta Tesoro

Wow! Had the delicious Japanese breakfast and a matcha latte. It was super yummy, filling but not overly heavy or oily. The Japanese breakfast (I had mine with onsen egg for an extra $3) kept me full till past lunch time and I had breakfast at 7:30am. It is a rather pricey breakfast though at $25 but it does come with vegetable sides, miso soup, rice and salmon. The staff was friendly, food came quickly and I would love to come back and try their out dishes!

Emily K

Fantastic Japanese cafe with lots of options to suit all tastes. It is a pretty small operation so be patient as food and drinks take a while to arrive. Traditional breakfast set is the standout that you won't see around Melbourne. Definitely worth a visit. We also enjoyed the karaage don and aji fry teishoku. Coffee and smoothies were delicious. Get in early as items start to sell out if you leave it too late.

Patty V

Had a really nice japanese brekkie at this lovely place! It was a good value with the set too as you get a great quality and deliciousness of the main ingredients come together with the condiments which is goes together really well. Service was friendly too! Definitely come back to try another menu as well :)

Henry S

Good food. Due to covid situations we had to sit outside which wasn't bad. Cup was dirty which the waitress apologised for and gave us new one she checked herself was clean. No issues with service as it was wonderful and very polite. Food was great albeit the miso soup, though fresh and fragrant, needed a little more flavour. Portions were good and quality of food was amazing. Would go again.

Ainz (ainz_gourmet)

Ima At Night (pop up in Jun) is insanely good!! Great food and sake selection at reasonable price. Here’s what we had/paired which we truely enjoy 🍶Kasumi Roman Junmai Ginjo Nama Gensu - great to start the night with this sweet-ish light & funky sake 💫Crab croquette - crusty outside and soft/creamy/melt in your mouth inside 💫Aburi Kingfish Crudo - beautifully paired with ponzu and shiso 🍶Chikuha Kimoto Junmai Okunoto 💫Charred broccolini, tofu with sesame paste 💫Chicken thigh, pork belly & mushroom skewers - so well seasoned and charred. A must IMO 🍶Kozaemon Yamahai Honjoza Muroka Nama Genshu 💫Seafood soup in teapot - so good that it doesn’t need any pairing. A bit odd that it’s served last (given a very clean yet flavourful broth) but I think it works as a ‘cleansing’ ending to the night’s heavy meal 🍶Red Sake Ine Mankai - our first red sake and it’s a bit too funky for us.

Mr MM Smith

Such an awesome little Cafe, super friendly staff, amazing coffee and the finest houjicha tart I've ever had. I love this place. It's too bad I cannot sample more of the menu as I prefer to dine in than takeaway.

Sense Of Food

🇯🇵 japanese cafe 🐟 salmon don 🍛 curry lunch set 🍙 onigiri 🏚: Ima Cafe 📍: Takeaway and delivery available! ———————————————————— 📝: Japanese cafe serving cute breakfast sets and brunch in a modern interior. With tables usually full, you can guarantee it’s taste. They also sell Japanese snacks and ceramic cups for those who are interested, ❤️: I had the Salmon Don since the breakfast set I wanted ran out. Those who love poke bowls or fusion Japanese foods would love this. They also have Lunch Sets that rotates each day. So you’ll get to try different dishes each time you visit!

Hello. Imnikki

4.5 Ima Cafe is a quaint and cosy little spot in the sleepy part of Carlton. The menu showcases a concise selection of Japanese staples , such as rice bowl, Japanese curry, onigiri and side sides such as fried chicken and grilled eggplant. As with most Japanese food, the fresh and quality ingredients play a big part in creating the dish. Balanced and clean flavours, complementing the ingredients without overpowering them. I really enjoyed the onigiri, one filled with pickled mustard and another with salmon. The chicken karaage was tender with a beautiful crunch, and the grilled eggplant possessed a smoky caramelised sweetness to it. The meal wouldn't be complete without dessert and the hojicha tart hit the spot. The base was a delicious mix of texture reminiscent of a flaky pastry and biscuit crumb. The hojicha flavour was pronounced and incredibly delicious. This went down a treat with my dirty matcha latte.

YUMLINGS Food Explorers

One of the cutest Japanese brunch place not far from Melbourne CBD They got the chillest vibes, good coffee and traditional Japanese breakfast, and I splurged like no tomorrow I loved their traditional Japanese breakfast since it was served with simple grilled fish and it was so filling.

Julia Richey-Stanley

I loved my experience at IMA and will definitely be back. Ako has done such a beautiful job with the interior and the food is interesting and delicious.

Jasmine

A little bit of a walk from Melbourne Uni, but so worth it for a clean cut meal that leaves you feeling good. Ordered: 🍱 Japanese lunch set: dish of the day (pork katsu for me) with rice, miso soup, pickles ($24.00) + 🥚 onsen eggs ($3.00) 🍵 Matcha latte ($6.00) Review: Filling and clean lunch set that reminded me of Japan. My heart and soul were aligned, and it was such an easy meal to have. Flavours delicious and texture was perfect and I would highly recommend this. Note: if you come at lunch time on a weekend be prepared to wait ~30mins for a table. It may be a little squished, but awesome place for clean food.

FoodieInMel

Very lovely cafe, serving Japanese style breakfast and lunch, very delicious, the space was really nice and clean, service was really nice and friendly. Had a nice experience here.

Kresentia Aretha Tjahjadi

the staffs are very friendly. however, we think the portion is too small for the given price. the taste is also pretty average. unfortunately we won’t come back.

Eating Away Melbourne

It was rather disappointing. I mean the start was lovely, service was very nice and friendly, my cold brew was light and beautiful but it all ends there. Ordered the Lunch set and it was a Tonkastu set and ordered pork ribs on the side which was on the special board. The pork ribs were soo hard, impossible to tear off the bone, over cooked as well. Lunch set was just ok, the tonkatsu was really average and my friend's bowl with fish wasn't nice either. My miso soup in the set wasn't bad. Probably won't come back but glad I gave it a try..

Ta.be.tabi

A Japanese inspired cafe with a bit of a sustainability and minimal wastage focus. The menu has many classic dishes with a modern twist - baked eggs in miso tomato sauce, avocado toast with nori paste, furikake and kale to name a few. . Bright green, with just a slightly bitter and lingering sweet aftertaste. Perfect matcha!

John M

I love that it has a sustainable focus in how they run their cafe. The place is nice enough, service efficient and straight forward. The food is pretty good and so is their coffee. Not sure if I'd make the trek again, but definitely if around the area.

Vivien 🍓🍙

Great little cafe. Food is unique and modern, with a Japanese twist! I had the Ima Don. The vegetables and pickles were really tasty, and the kara-age chicken was so juicy. The onsen egg mixed everything really well. The dirty matcha was also not bad!! Wasnt too bitter, but also not too sweet. For a quaint little cafe for a quick and yummy lunch or brunch, I would definitely recommend! However, food is a bit pricier and has gone up in price from what it says on the menu on Zomato e.g Ima Don from $19->$21

Huibing16

The pork katsu is the best I’ve ever tried in Melbourne. The staff recommended the houjicha latte to me and tastes really good as well. I love this place and will definitely come again.

Matcha Floss

Food was fantastic! Loved the vibe and service. Items ordered: x Japanese Lunch Set (Dish of the day: Tonkatsu) x Ima Don (Rice bowl with onsen egg, market fish and other veggies) Both items are amazing. However, the price is quite high for the portion of my tonkatsu lunch set :( As a fan of Japanese brunch, I would surely make a return visit soon!!! 👍🏼

Jodie Poh

Food was great! Staff were very friendly and the atmosphere was lovely and cozy. The portion size however was a little small for the price. Will be back to give it another try!

Jen

Food was presented on lovely ceramics and flavours were great. However, the Japanese Breakfast set was rather small in portion if you did not opt for the added egg. Also, not sure whether it was a miscommunication between the kitchen or staff, but when we ordered at 11am on a Saturday, we were advised tamagoyaki had sold out! I can understand that you may prepare the tamagoyaki in advance and serve it cold, but as all Japanese cooks know, it is a staple in most Japanese homes that is quite simple to make fresh and can be eaten hot too. I was a bit surprised when I heard the kitchen were not able to accomodate or be flexible to cater for people who had expressed for certain health or dietary reasons, that they may need the eggs well done and opt for tamagoyaki on the menu, particularly when other eggs are still being served to customers and it is still brunch crossing over to early lunch, so clearly eggs are still available. I can understand you can not agree to all requests, but maybe have a more flexible mindset in managing certain requests if there is no additional impost to the kitchen.

Kezia

Brunch was okay, nothing really special about the restaurant. I ordered unagi rice, overall the food is way overrated, I would not come back. There are heaps of better brunch places with a reasonable price.

Christine Cho

A quaint little cafe with Japanese cuisine and a warm atmosphere. I had Japanese breakfast with fish and was satisfied with the flavors. I however felt that the fish could have been a larger portion considering the price. If you have a big appetite I believe you will soon feel hungry for more. I was most happy with one of the specialty drinks that were available that day: the watermelon matcha. It was refreshing and sweet and genuine. I would love to come back to have a go at their sweets.

Donniechu

Great food, great atmosphere! I hate broccoli but i ended up eating it in my Ima Don because it was that good. Loved everything about my hearty meal and the special watermelon matcha was amazing. Would definitely visit again!

A Choong

Great concept of modern Japanese brunch-like cafe. The rice bowl with market fish was very tasty but would be nicer if the piece of fish is bigger. It’s tiny. Decent matcha latte. Worth a visit

Jennyabouttown

Cute cafe serving Japanese breakfast! The salmon was cooked just right with crispy skin. All the side dishes complement the hero of rice and salmon. Very good. Also had the potato salad. It was 👌. Will return to try their lunch menu. Soba noodle 😋

Unravelled

Really like this place - the food is very nice and the vibe is super cute and cosy. Had the japanese breakfast - it was a little on the pricy side, but it filled me up and I think it was worth it for the variety and quality. The staff are also very friendly.

Perry

Went here today with my friend. I had soba noddle salad 🥗 which is vegan for sure. The portion size was quite huge! My friend had her Japanese lunch set and she said it’s the best she has ever had hahah. Anyway it’s good overall, so many people had lunch here.

Lesley Luo

Saturday they are so busy that the service is a little bit slow, but staffs are all friendly. Almond latte is tasty and the soba is also good.

IBelieveICanEat

Visited the place early on a Saturday morning. Being an early bird the place was practically empty except for another table. Staff were absolutely polite and attentive in between showing me to my seat, taking my order and serving the meal. Had the Japanese breakfast, can't fault the taste or the quality of my meal and would definitely come back just to have that. It is slightly on the pricier side (incl the onsen egg) but not unreasonable in my opinion, definitely worth it for the quality given. Simplicity is key, and the non-pretentious vibe would have me come back for sure.

Ignatia

I’ve always liked Japanese brunch, but Ima Project Cafe has a really nice ambience and service. Food was fantastic too. I had the Veggie Bowl which looks small in the picture but it was really fulfilling (talking bout volume in a meal here, quality > quantity). I recommend this place 👍🏼

Emptystomach

Reminds me of the sleek and healthy Japanese breakfast you have in a ryokan hotel. Flavours are well balanced. Recommending the breakfast bowl and the miso soup is definitely homey, just the way it should be. For more foodie goodness follow my ig: emptystomach

Hungry Big Potato Bear

This place serves simple yet really delicious food. Service is not too bad but when they get busy, it can get a bit slow and messy. I hope they serve more variety of foods, especially their grilled fish eventually.

Joyce5wue

This place is nice and cosy. Food was good and staff was quite friendly. The only problem is it’s a bit pricy for the portion. I do hope to get more;)

Theycallmemaggie

Among the many things that the Japanese do oh so remarkably well, it’s nailing simple on a plate. Quality produce combined with the raw and pure magic of tried and tested flavour/ingredient pairings yields maximum thrills for the taste buds; and this was very much the case at the recently-opened, Japanese inspired Ima Project Cafe.

Karma Clarke

I adore this cafe - it is one of those places where I you know that no matter what you order off the menu, you know it will be delicious. Four of us all ordered different things to try. The breakfast set with marinated salmon, miso soup, fluffy rice, soft onsen egg and pickles was so beautifully presented and my friend said it tasted amazing. The burger with Pablo crumbled beef mince patty looked epic and was eaten up quickly! The baked eggs were a classic with a twist - there were crumbs on top and kale - lots of great textures. I ordered the lunch set, which changes every now and then - it was the tonkastu that day, and that pork cutlet was cooked to perfection. It was crispy on the outside and soft and juicy on the inside - so good!!! We also had matcha, which had a balanced flavour - not too milky and not too strong. Staff were friendly, even though they were very busy! Over all I highly recommend this cafe, especially if you love Japanese food - I can’t wait to head back and try the other things on the menu.

Eat. Sleep. Create. Repeat.

Japanese fusion. Veg bowl all ingredient very fresh. Mocha strong fresh chocolate favour. Breakfast meal and green tea again fresh. A bit plain in favour overall, can improve with brave test of herbs or home made source. Score 3.5; rate 4 as the favour comment is personal preference only.

Jade

Rate: 5/5 ☆ Ima Project Cafe is one of the best places i’ve discovered so far in melb! I’m sorry the pictures dont do the food justice! We came on Thurs 1pm lunch and seats/tables were available. I get the feeling it’s a fusion jap-brunch place, and it’s been done very successfully - this fusion is subtle with its creativity (fusion in the past has been so-so for me). It’s a very neat, cute cafe with seating available outside! We ordered: soba noodle salad ($17) and Japanese breakfast special ($22). The owner also let us try another miso soup! ☆ The good: - soba noodle salad was generous in portion and the rice crispies worked unexpectedly well to give the dish a crunchy texture to complement the cold fresh soba noodles - dressing for soba salad is just the right richness/sweetness/refreshingness - waitress was very friendly and helpful and patient (even tho i wanted to move tables) ☆ Not so good: - N/A ☆彡I know i’m definitely coming back to try the rest of the menu T_T im in love!

Carm

The pottery, cutleries and atmosphere was nice. However, the portion for the japanese breakfast was very small for the amount paid - especially the salmon. And the side dish was also average.

Ray Jameson

A cozy and bright cafe with delicious, well balanced Japanese dishes! A month old, the staff are getting warmed up into their surroundings, but still gave us excellent and friendly service. Oh! Excellent coffee as well! Definitely coming back.

Shankarrri

The coffee is consistently perfect, the staff are very friendly, the food is delicious and the interiors are beautiful. My new go-to and definitely worth checking out.

Review Ima Project Cafe - Melbourne