Restaurant
OMO
18 Merriman Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Find OMO
18 Merriman Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout OMO
Tucked along Merriman Lane, OMO channels the calm, moody charm of a retro Japanese kissaten. Teishoku meal sets anchor the daytime and evening menus—think crispy, cheese-stuffed tonkatsu cutlets alongside deep, savory Hamburg steaks and mentaiko-slicked pastas. Regulars stop by for the Shio cream cold brew, taking down thick slices of basque cheesecake while espresso pours past 3 PM.
- Traditional Teishoku Sets: Crispy cheese katsu and savory Hamburg steak sets served alongside mentaiko cream pastas with a generous spread of sides.
- Specialty Kissaten Drinks: House-made Shio cream cold brew, peanut butter lattes, and beer-cream specialty pours brewed with ONA beans.
- All-Day & Evening Service: Seamless transitions from breakfast and lunch into dinner, keeping specialty coffee and pastries pouring during afternoon breaks.
What's On at OMO
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose OMO
A quiet kissaten escape in Melbourne CBD pairing comforting teishoku and specialty cream coffees with seamless all-day hours.
Authentic Japanese Teishoku Sets
The venue delivers authentic Japanese comfort food with hearty teishoku sets, featuring crispy tonkatsu, rich Japanese hamburger steak, and fresh side dishes.
Everything was fresh, well presented and full of flavour. The tonkatsu was especially crispy and juicy, and the matcha drinks weren’t overly sweet
Qian Jolina Inventive Specialty Cream Coffees
Signature drink creations like the Shio cream cold brew and Biiru cream latte provide distinctive, house-made specialty coffee options beyond standard espresso.
And the Shio cream cold brew is a must-try — salty, creamy, and super smooth.
Dorothy Jiao A Soothing Laneway Refuge
Tucked discreetly into a CBD laneway, the space offers a calm, nostalgic sanctuary that provides an immediate peaceful escape from urban bustle.
Hidden away from the rush of Melbourne’s CBD, it felt like a quiet pause in the middle of the city.
Wander Wider Warm Retro Kissaten Atmosphere
Warm wooden furnishings, soft lighting, and gentle Showa-era design cues create a comforting, nostalgic environment for mindful dining and relaxation.
A cozy café with wooden furniture, warm lighting and vintage details.
stephy x. Seamless All-Day Dining Availability
Unbroken service extends from morning brunch straight through evening dinner, with specialty coffee and desserts remaining available across mid-afternoon breaks.
Open all day, coffee and desserts still available during kitchen break. Absolute hidden gem!
stella L Convenient Transit-Adjacent Dining
Situated steps away from Southern Cross Station and airport transit, the cafe offers quick, comforting dining perfect for travelers on the move.
Cafe was so close to the train station so it worked out perfectly to catch the sky bus afterwards.
Libby Fletcher
Most popular items
Signature Japanese teishoku meal sets and comfort fusion dishes
Hamburg Steak Set
Loved the Japanese-style Hamburg steak; the sauce was honestly amazing.
Dorothy Jiao Cheese Katsu Teishoku
The Cheese Katsu Teishoku was incredible – crispy pork with a gooey cheese “waterfall” inside, so satisfying!
Haiyan Yang Hire Katsu Teishoku
Hire Katsu Teishoku (AUD 35): definitely the highlight. The pork loin was tender and juicy with minimal fat, and the coating was thin and crispy.
Am I XNhi? Udon Carbonara
I really enjoyed the udon carbonara especially with a hint of spicyness to it. Makes it less creamy and provided a mix of creaminess, cheesiness and spice!
Miss Culinaryy
Other favorites
Specialty cream coffees and house-baked Japanese desserts
Shio Cream Cold Brew
And the Shio cream cold brew is a must-try — salty, creamy, and super smooth.
Dorothy Jiao Biiru Cream Latte
Loved the Biiru Cream Latte and Matcha Cloud Cold Brew too.
Haiyan Yang Matcha Strawberry Roll
We also absolutely enjoyed the desserts as the roll was super soft and creamy
Miss Culinaryy Black Sesame Basque Cheesecake
We ordered the Hamburg Steak Set, Tonkatsu Set, Matcha Cold Brew and the Black Sesame Basque Cheesecake. Everything was fresh, well presented and full of flavour.
Qian Jolina
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful hospitality details that elevate this hidden Japanese cafe
Retro Showa-Era Kissaten Ambience
Featuring wooden furniture, warm lighting, and Showa-era vintage aesthetics, creating a nostalgic Japanese kissaten sanctuary in a quiet CBD lane.
Signature Specialty Cream Coffees
Crafting inventive house signatures such as the sweet foam Biiru Cream Latte and the salty-sweet Shio Cream Cold Brew alongside ONA coffee.
Dog-Friendly Lounge Seating
Accommodating canine companions directly at indoor lounge tables for a relaxed cafe visit.
Continuous Afternoon Coffee & Dessert Access
Remaining open continuously between lunch and dinner, keeping specialty coffee, cakes, and pastries accessible during kitchen breaks.
Before you head over
Practical advice on finding the entrance, peak wait times, and all-day service hours
Spotting the Laneway Entrance
The cafe is tucked away in an alleyway on the ground floor beneath an apartment building without a prominent sign, so keep a close eye out when walking along Merriman Lane.
Navigating Peak Lunch Waits
Peak lunch hours around 12:30 PM on weekdays can come with longer wait times for food; plan extra time or stop by earlier if you are on a tight schedule.
Afternoon Coffee and Pastry Service
While the kitchen takes an afternoon break between lunch and dinner, specialty coffee, cold brews, and house cakes remain available throughout the afternoon.
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