Hana Kafe Japanese Eatery

8 Hunter Dr, Blackburn South VIC 3130, Australia
+61 481 001 539
$$$ Cafe
(232 Reviews)
Price Range $20–40

Hana Kafe Japanese Eatery in Blackburn South is a neighbourhood café that blends casual coffee culture with a refined take on Japanese small plates and sushi. Located on Hunter Drive, it’s a spot where locals swing by to catch up over a cup or linger over a thoughtfully prepared bite throughout the day.

The atmosphere here is relaxed and inviting, with a focus on comfort rather than formality—great for an easy mid-morning matcha latte or a casual lunch break. On any given day, you’ll find a mix of regulars settling in with their laptops, friends sharing plates of vegetable gyoza and miso soup, or families drawn by the approachable sushi options like the Three Buddies roll or the creatively named Make Tuna Great Again.

Hana Kafe’s coffee and tea offerings lean into Japanese flavours, with drinks like hojicha and matcha lattes standing out. While some have found the hojicha latte a bit subtle on roast depth, many appreciate its smooth texture and the overall quality of the café’s non-coffee choices. The café’s signature sushi rolls showcase fresh ingredients and playful combinations, giving sushi lovers something different from the usual takeaway spots nearby.

The culinary side emphasizes crisp, well-executed sides such as chicken karaage and takoyaki, which balance well with the lighter vegetable spring rolls or sides of edamame. This mix makes it a flexible destination—whether you’re in for a quick snack or a leisurely midweek meal.

The service feels warm and genuine, though some visitors have noticed occasional small hiccups like missing utensils; still, there’s a friendly energy that matches the down-to-earth menu and vibe.

Best visited during quieter daytime hours if you’re after a calm workspace or a relaxed afternoon, but be aware that it can fill up quickly at peak lunch times, evidence of a steady and local following. Hana Kafe suits anyone after a low-key, well-curated Japanese café experience without the rush or fuss, especially those who enjoy pairing fresh sushi artistry with a specialty tea or latte.

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
What they serve
Coffee
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Best for
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

10:30 AM - 02:30 PM

Tuesday

10:30 AM - 02:30 PM

Wednesday

10:30 AM - 02:30 PM

Thursday

10:30 AM - 02:30 PM

Friday

10:30 AM - 02:30 PM

,

05:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 02:30 PM

,

05:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 02:30 PM

,

05:00 PM - 08:00 PM

232 Reviews
Langid

02 Jan 2026

A perfect 10/10! Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and crafted with real care. The Shell Yeah and deep-fried roll were seriously good and the service was wonderfully warm and fast. The hojicha latte was silky, rich and smooth — the perfect finishing touch.

Hungry Piglet

26 Nov 2025

I think I just found my new favourite Japanese cafe! This cute cosy spot serves fresh high quality dishes that don’t compromise on the taste. It’s no wonder that there’s always lines, it’s really that good! We tried the ▪First Love Platter - mixed sashimi and sushi. ($79.90) ▪Taco Sushi ($18.90) Salmon, tuna, scallop, with avocado, wanton taco, sesame seed, spicy mayo, sriracha, truffle mayo, furikake, chilli powder ▪Fresh Poke Bowl ($21.90) Sushi rice, diced (salmon, tuna, ebi), tamago, corn, avo, spring onion, furikake, kabayaki, truffle mayo, fish roe in a Teishoku Set (+$8.90) ▪Mixed sashimi ($17.90) ▪Pork Belly Don ($20.90) Pork belly, mixed vegetables, pickles, corn, spring onion, shichimi, sesame dressing, rice ▫Just Landed Drink Flight ($17.90) includes the tasting size of yuzu fizz, strawberry matcha, espresso tonic, cloudy matcha coconut Starting off strong, this poke bowl no joke the best we’ve ever had. The truffle mayo and unagi sauce marinated with the fresh seafood was a match made in heaven, every mouthful was delicious. This was surprisingly both our favourite dish. The tacos came with salmon, tuna and scallop, seafood was fresh, rice wasn’t soggy and the shell was very crispy but a little bland, but when topped with the Poke Bowl filling, really elevated the wonton crisp and sushi rice. The first love platter was absolutely gorgeous and a great way to sample a variety of sushi and sashimi. Each piece beautifully plated, fresh, I found the scallop and fiery salmon one my personal favourites, but I found every piece amazing. The cuts of sashimi is really thick too!!

Eva Wang

20 Nov 2025

Amazing price for mouthwatering delicious food. First time coming here so already blown away. We ordered the Beef Katsu, Date Me sushi plate, and the Drink Tester/Just Landed. Drinks wise, I’d really recommend the Strawberry Matcha for any sweet tooth or matcha enjoyer (this drink was my personal favourite). The Yuzu Fizz tastes like a much superior version of lemonade, the Espresso Tonic is a go-to for any coffee addict. I usually avoid coconut drinks but I surprisingly didn’t mind the coconut matcha. If you do enjoy coconut drinks, the coconut will probably taste like a happy cloud of pure bliss, but I personally would order the strawberry matcha over it. The Beef Katsu was delicious, serving size wasn’t too bad, and was cooked to absolute perfection. Recommended! The Date Me sushi plate is perfect for just trying all of the signature sushi out. Real, grinded wasabi, salad, sushi, nigiri topped with caviar, and an array of fresh, thick pieces of sashimi. If ordering individually, the nigiri (both prawn and salmon) are godsend and the soft shell sushi was a crunchy delight. The entire plate was still delicious though, and was devoured pretty much instantly. Atmosphere is really casual but satisfying to be in. Nice elements of Japanese decor everywhere. Self service but staff are super friendly and always willing to help <3 Probably the most affordable Japanese brunch I’ve dined in. $100 (with 10% Sunday Surcharge and 5% off by cash payment) for a table of three. Amazing quality. I’d really recommend reserving a spot beforehand, Sunday was really busy. 1.5 hour dining cap. Honestly will be a go-to spot from now on.

Sau Yan Cheung

16 Oct 2025

This Japanese-style café has a comfortable atmosphere. The chicken karaage is crispy and tastes great. The hojicha latte, however, is a bit disappointing — it lacks a strong roasted tea flavour, and I only notice at the end that the hojicha powder had settled at the bottom of the cup. The service also felt a little inexperienced, as small details like providing a teaspoon were overlooked.

Cynthia C

09 Oct 2025

A beautifully curated Japanese café with an impressive menu and exceptional attention to detail. Every dish we tried was fresh and thoughtfully prepared — from the perfectly crispy fried items to the tender, juicy chicken that was cooked just right. The variety on offer makes it easy to find something for everyone, and the coffee was a pleasant surprise: smooth, well-balanced, and just the right level of sweetness. We visited on a Friday without a reservation and still found seating easily, though they do accept bookings. There’s convenient street parking right out front with space for about 4–5 cars. Overall, a delightful spot that blends quality, comfort, and great service. Highly recommended!

Daniel Ong

04 Oct 2025

I don’t often write reviews, but Hana Kafe absolutely warrants one. Behind an unassuming shopfront is a team running service with near fine-dining polish. The donburi is clean, comforting and beautifully balanced; the sandos are generous yet precise; and the drinks are genuinely creative without being gimmicky. We had a small hiccup with our order and it was fixed immediately, polite, proactive, and sincerely apologetic. That kind of grace under pressure is rare and it elevated the whole experience. Top-tier food, thoughtful drinks, and customer care that feels professional and warm at the same time. A quiet standout that punches well above its size. Five stars without hesitation, highly, highly recommended.

Tomi Arnott

18 Sep 2025

Hana Kafe is an absolute gem — warm, welcoming, and serving food that’s both authentic and beautifully presented. Every dish is fresh, full of flavour, and clearly made with care. The atmosphere is cosy yet modern, and the service is always so friendly and attentive. I’ve eaten at plenty of Japanese restaurants across Melbourne, but Hana Kafe really stands out — it feels like a little slice of Japan right here in Blackburn.

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