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Restaurant

ima Pantry

9 Duckett St, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia

Recommended by 73 people

Updated

Find ima Pantry

9 Duckett St, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9989 2309
HoursMonday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About 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.
RestaurantRestaurant

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which onigiri flavors are recommended?

Customer favorites include the grilled fish (such as grilled kingfish) and the vegan pickled and salted plum (umeboshi), along with chicken, all wrapped in crisp nori.

What can you buy in the grocery pantry?

Alongside cafe items, the pantry stocks Japanese gourmet groceries, noodles, fermented vegetables, snacks, and indie homewares, as well as refillable bulk organic oils and cleaning products where you can bring your own bottle.

Are there vegan-friendly options?

Yes. Options include the pickled and salted plum onigiri, select daily blackboard salads, and toasties. Dog owners can also make use of the dog-friendly outdoor seating area.

Is there space to sit down, or is it mainly takeaway?

Seating inside is intimate and slightly cramped, but there is bar seating, window seating, and an outdoor area that is welcoming to both solo diners and visitors with dogs. Takeaway is also readily available.

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