Restaurant
ima Pantry
9 Duckett St, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia
Find ima Pantry
9 Duckett St, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout ima Pantry
Hand-molded onigiri wrapped in crackling nori anchor this quiet Brunswick corner of Japanese pantry staples and specialty brews. regulars drop by for savory triangles stuffed with smoky grilled kingfish or tart umeboshi—paired with an iced matcha latte or roasted hojicha. Between sips, shelves tempt with ceramics, hard-to-find noodles, and refillable bottles of organic cooking oil.
- Artisanal Onigiri: Freshly assembled rice parcels stuffed with smoky grilled kingfish or tart salted plum, wrapped in crisp nori.
- Curated Pantry & Refillery: Shelves lined with imported condiments, noodles, curated tableware, and zero-waste refill stations for organic cooking oil.
- Japanese Teas & Espresso: Iced matcha lattes with balanced grassy bitterness, roasted hojicha, and espresso pulled for locals and cyclists.
What's On at ima Pantry
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Visit ima Pantry
Artisanal onigiri, specialty matcha, and a curated Japanese pantry in Brunswick
Handcrafted Artisanal Onigiri
ima Pantry crafts large, hearty Japanese onigiri rolled in fresh, crunchy nori with fillings like grilled kingfish and pickled plum.
These are some fresh crunchy nori-wrapped triangles of pure joy.
Bossmo El Bosso Specialty Japanese Teas & Matchas
Patrons visit for precisely balanced iced and hot matcha lattes along with roasted hojicha brewed with care.
The balance between the subtle sweetness and the natural bitterness of the matcha is absolutely perfect.
paloma herrera Curated Japanese Pantry Goods
Beyond cafe beverages, the venue integrates a specialty grocer stocking hard-to-find Japanese ingredients and lifestyle goods.
Plenty of hard to find groceries and bits for your Japanese cooking at home too
Mark Batt Sustainable Bulk & Refill Station
The retail space includes an eco-conscious bulk refill station allowing customers to BYO bottles for organic oils and kitchen essentials.
I loved that they had a lot of sustainable cleaning products and other pantry items that you could fill your own bottle with.
Ka Ling (Drkyling) Calm & Welcoming Respite
The cozy, well-maintained aesthetic provides a tranquil space where dining alone or taking a mindful break feels effortless.
it's the perfect place to catch up with a friend but going alone doesn't feel awkward either.
X Duffy Thoughtful Neighborhood Hospitality
Regulars and four-legged companions are greeted with sincere warmth and attentive care from the friendly team.
She always made us feel at home, and even our pup Suki adored her.
Louis Pritchett
Most popular items
Artisanal onigiri and handcrafted Japanese beverages freshly prepared daily
Umeboshi Onigiri
My personal favorites are the umeboshi onigiris
paloma herrera Iced Matcha Latte
Ima Pantry has my favourite iced matcha latte in all of Melbourne.
paloma herrera Grilled Kingfish Onigiri
Grilled Kingfish Onigiri was amazing!
Ka Ling (Drkyling) Chicken Onigiri
Chicken onigiri + hojicha on any given day is the best thing one can do for themselves.
Tamara Chichaeva
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful details that elevate this Brunswick Japanese cafe and grocery nook
Artisanal Hand-Crafted Onigiri
Crispy nori wrapped made-to-order triangles featuring balanced fillings like grilled kingfish with citrus umami char and pickled salted plum umeboshi.
Craft Japanese Teas & Signature Beverages
Thoughtfully blended seasonal specialty drinks, ranging from balanced iced matcha lattes to hojicha pairings and orange yuzu hot chocolates.
BYO Bottle Bulk Oil & Specialty Grocery Refills
A zero-waste bulk station providing organic cooking oils alongside curated Japanese pantry staples, ceramics, and sustainable household goods.
Personalized Regular & Pet-Friendly Welcomes
Warm, attentive service where team members take time to connect personally with neighborhood regulars and greet visiting dogs.
Before you head over
Practical advice on refills, dietary options, and seating
Bring Your Own Bottles for Bulk Refills
Pair your visit with pantry refills by bringing your own clean bottles for bulk organic cooking oils and sustainable pantry staples stocked in the grocer section.
Check Daily Boards for Vegan Onigiri and Salads
Check the blackboard menu for rotating plant-based choices; staple options include the pickled and salted plum (umeboshi) onigiri along with select vegan salads.
Opt for Outdoor Seating When Visiting with Dogs
The venue offers an outdoor window seating area that welcomes dogs, making it convenient for a casual lunch or caffeine fix with pets.
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