Restaurant
Cafe Carpenter
742 Waverley Rd, Malvern East VIC 3145, Australia
Find Cafe Carpenter
742 Waverley Rd, Malvern East VIC 3145, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Cafe Carpenter
Tucked behind Chadstone, this timber-lined den pairs comforting Japanese and Korean home-style plates with the low-lit intimacy of an alleyway izakaya. Husband-and-wife owners run both kitchen and floor, having hand-crafted the wooden tables before curating a dual menu of piping-hot takoyaki, crisp pork tonkatsu, and savoury seafood okonomiyaki crowned with melted cheese. Diners drop in for drafts of Orion beer alongside plates of edamame, lingering over jazz tunes before browsing the back pantry stocked with Japanese groceries and quirky bric-a-brac.
- Handcrafted Izakaya Atmosphere: Hand-crafted timber fittings and an open counter echo a Tokyo back-alley haunt, soundtracked by easy jazz.
- Japanese & Korean Comfort Fare: The dual-heritage kitchen cooks up savoury seafood okonomiyaki, takoyaki, tonkatsu, and bossam pork wraps.
- In-House Grocery & Pantry: A dedicated nook at the back sells packaged Japanese snacks, pantry staples, ceramics, and bric-a-brac.
What's On at Cafe Carpenter
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Diners Choose Cafe Carpenter
Discover why diners cherish Cafe Carpenter for home-style comfort, handcrafted warmth, and authentic hospitality.
Authentic Japanese & Korean Comfort Fare
Savor authentic home-style dishes like okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and tonkatsu cooked with heart by a dedicated Japanese and Korean husband-and-wife duo.
A Japanese & Korean husband-wife team makes the food taste real good, with heart :)
William Wong Owner-Crafted Izakaya Charm
Enjoy hand-built woodwork and an intimate open kitchen layout designed entirely by the owner, creating a warm izakaya ambiance.
Truely brought back memories of trip to Tokyo, wandering along those little alleys and peeping into tiny Izakaya.
Linda Vee Welcoming Homestyle Comfort
Diners feel an immediate sense of comfort and personalized hospitality that makes them want to linger and return.
Cafe Carpenter is one of those rare places that instantly feels like home the second you walk in.
DJ ishtah Official Cozy Hidden-Gem Vibe
An unpretentious, character-filled dining room offers a peaceful escape from generic, cookie-cutter spots.
it’s cosy, if a little poky, and feels like a true hidden gem rather than a polished, cookie-cutter café.
S Integrated Asian Pantry & Gift Shop
Browse a charming pantry shop located right in the dining area for imported Japanese and Korean groceries, snacks, and bric-a-brac.
There is also a little pantry area down the back where you can browse and purchase various bric-a-brac items like socks, ceramics, sweets, and drinks.
Mish Lo Draft Beers & Izakaya Pairings
Enjoy cold Japanese draft beers, Orion dark pints, and comforting snacks across a relaxed setting ideal for casual catch-ups and dates.
Always a splendid experience here with delicious food and a very cosy ambience. This time, we got the carbonara, Bossam (pork belly wrap), wasabi salt edamame and our usual pints of Orion Black.
Max Han
Most popular items
Beloved Japanese and Korean comfort classics
Okonomiyaki
the okonomiyaki is a must order menu
Peiching Kuan Takoyaki
the takoyaki was the best I’ve ever had
Hungry Tonkatsu
The tonkatsu was really good.
Michelin Man Katsu Curry
Curry Tonkatsu rice was amazing; crispy and tender pork accompanied by the mild and spiced curry.
Brandon Choong
Other favorites
Draft Japanese beers, cafe sips, and izakaya sides
Linguine Carbonara of Carpenter
Linguine Carbonara of Carpenter ($22) Onion, mushroom, parmesan cheese, thickened cream and fresh egg
Hungry Orion Black
our usual pints of Orion Black
Max Han Wasabi Salt Edamame
wasabi salt edamame
Max Han Iced Green Tea Latte
Iced green tea latte also really good, not too sweet and very smooth.
Brandon Choong
Beyond the menu
Unique craftsmanship and hospitality touches that define dining at Cafe Carpenter
Owner-Crafted Timber Interior
The dining room's timber furnishings and woodwork were built by the owner-carpenter himself, giving the intimate space its name and hand-crafted feel.
Integrated Pantry and Bric-a-Brac Nook
Tucked into the back of the eatery is an integrated mini-grocery and pantry where guests can browse imported snacks, drinks, ceramics, and daily Japanese goods.
Open Kitchen Owner-Chef Cooking
Dishes are prepared in an open kitchen directly past the counter by the Japanese and Korean husband-and-wife owner team, allowing diners to watch their meals cooked right in front of them.
Curated Pours and Orion Draft
The draft beer line features niche pours like Orion Black, curated alongside Japanese and Korean bottled beverages and comforting izakaya fare.
Before you head over
Practical tips for timing your visit, ordering, and browsing the pantry at Cafe Carpenter
Book Ahead for Dinner
The cozy dining space fills up rapidly, especially on weekend evenings and with larger groups. Reserve a table ahead for dinner or arrive early, as lunch service operates on a walk-in basis.
Order Rice on the Side
Main dishes are served à la carte and do not include rice as a standard side, so consider adding a portion of rice to your order if you are having hearty mains like katsu or stir-fries.
Browse the Retail Pantry with Care
The back of the restaurant features a pantry shop stocked with Japanese snacks, drinks, and goods. Be aware that alcohol purchased from the retail shelves incurs an additional fee if consumed at your dining table.
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