Chiaki — Restaurant in Melbourne

A new addition to Collingwood and a really beautiful place to eat. Chiaki are serving simple Japanese Ochazuke sets and a stunning selection of coffees.

I've already been here twice, I was invited as a plus one to the family and friends soft opening. I've just been again today, the day of the official opening. Locals will be very familiar with the venue, newcomers will love it equally, I'm sure.

So far I've had the Wagyu dinner set and the chicken breakfast set. Both were excellent and the chicken is quite neutral and easy to eat in the mornings. It just feels clean, balanced and delicious. Rice is cooked well and it all has plenty of flavour.

The Wagyu set is a little more rich, but the beef was tender and I really enjoyed the whole set that was provided. The rice and broth just work so well, I can see why it's a classic in Japan! I think these dinner sets are popular at the moment in Melbourne, because they offer a variety of textures and flavours. The sides were all excellent, I've enjoyed everything.

Coffee is from Five Senses, milk is from Gippsland Jersey and its very rich and creamy. There's a selection of filter, single origins and espresso. Chai and chocolate are available, too. The coffee menu is very impressive and the standards on the bar are extremely high.

Service is caring, but not clingy. The staff are really nice and I'm sure that Chiaki will be a popular place for lunch.

Overall, I think it's a gorgeous little spot. It's nice to see the corner being utilised again. Knowing who the owners are, everything will be considered and there's lots of plans for the space.

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If we had a food niche (other than dessert) it would be bento boxes, and this checks the box perfectly. Chaiki does tea sets, pour overs with an extensive tea/coffee menu. We're here for the lunchtime ochazuke set ($27+). . 🐟 No.4 Shake salmon w spring onion oil roe, puffed salmon skin 🥣 Prosciutto, roasted sardine, chicken dashi broth 🍋 yuzu ceviche, karaage w genmaicha salt, 🍄🍄 braised shiitake mushroom w sesame, 🥬tsukemono (tiny plate of preserved vegetables) 🥚 onsen egg, salted cucumber 🍦complimentary treat, surprise dessert! canape sized Genmaicha ice cream sprinkled with toasted rice krispies. . All the textures and flavours, perfect size serving for me (the boys will leave hungry though) we loved it. A main dish you pour the broth over, add the egg, toppings, fun savory sprinkles. Lots of contrast, though the dish overall is subtle and perfect for this crazy windy weather. . We sat in the corner (or it felt like it till we realized there were two doors...) on the couch, large windows, Muji feels with the Japandi decor, cozy minimalism, lo fi jazz beats - provided a very inviting atmosphere, a coffee shop to spend an afternoon, alas it's busy and there's no lingering lol . Service was friendly . 👗Optional dress code: neutrals/corporate colours. Everyone (including me, wild!) was in synch except one person in a hot pink puffer. . Tip - Don't sit by the right window, you'll be blown away each time the door opens . 🍱 @chiakimelbourne 📍Fitzroy // tram 12/109 out from Parliament 💵 $34 Note - Weekend...

✨Unique Japanese Ochazuke Cafe✨

Making Ochazuke their entire identity, Chiaki has nailed the execution of this simple rice and hot tea/dashi broth combination.

🍣 Sha-ke Salmon w/ Spring Onion Oil Set $34 The aomori rice was perfectly cooked al dente creating individual grains with a chew. The dashi tasted clean and spring onion oil added extra flavour. Salmon protein was tender and slightly fatty. Finely chopped spring onion offered a fresh contrast, adjust with furikake for nutty tones. (The furikake is not your store-bought ones and can make the dish salty if overused!) The side pickles were bit too strong eaten alone, however the kaarage was extremely tasty despite the simple appearance. Meat was juicy with crunchy coating and well seasoned.

🥩 MB8+ Wagyu Beef w/ Wild Peppercorn Leaf Oil $36 My partner had this and I didn’t try any! The wagyu was easy to chew with no tendon bits. The broth flavour was bit on the bland side. Furikake definitely helped add complexity to the dish.

🍓 Chiaki exclusive blend ichigo-misu $7 A very dessert-like coffee, the dark chocolate and strawberry tones were distinct. Good amount of bitterness. (I don’t add sugar to coffees)

Overall it was delicious comfort food, reminiscent of how I used to eat rice and clear chicken soup at home as a kid. Adding the different components for texture and flavour is a real game changer.

The meals are on the pricey side and we left still hungry ($96.60 due to weekend surcharge).

Recommend to visit for the experience, not quite...