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Restaurant

Tempura Japanese Cafe

213 Glen Huntly Rd, Elsternwick VIC 3185, Australia

Recommended by 47 people

Updated

Find Tempura Japanese Cafe

213 Glen Huntly Rd, Elsternwick VIC 3185, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9528 1333
HoursMonday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 2:00 – 9:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Tempura Japanese Cafe

This Elsternwick fixture turns out substantial Japanese comfort fare and a dedicated plant-based lineup without cutting corners. Steaming katsu curry dons arrive piled high, while plant-based regulars head straight for mock chicken and vegan pork belly sliced fresh to order. Seats are sparse—a handful of tables and a sunny front window bench—with hot boxes leaving the pass in steady rhythm for takeaway. Regulars make sure to tack on an order of tempura potato chips.

  • Generous Comfort Bowls & Bentos: Hearty portions of chicken katsu, salmon bento boxes, and rich Japanese curry dons built for serious comfort.
  • Expansive Plant-Based Menu: A dedicated lineup features vegan mock chicken, vegan pork belly, and karaage curry without surcharges or modified dishes.
  • Snug Cafe Footprint: A compact dining room with limited window and counter seating geared for quick turnover and seamless takeaway orders.
RestaurantJapaneseRestaurantTakeaway

What's On at Tempura Japanese Cafe

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Diners Choose Tempura Japanese Cafe

Freshly fried Japanese comfort classics, generous portions, and an unmatched dedicated vegan menu in Elsternwick.

  • Heaping Comfort Portions at Fair Prices

    Generous bowls, bento sets, and curries arrive in substantial portions that easily stretch to multiple meals while keeping prices modest.

    The portion was huge and there was enough left over for another meal, so I took the rest home.

    Macarena Aceituno

  • Fast, Well-Packaged Takeaway Orders

    Careful packing and reliable turnaround times make picking up noodle dishes or curries quick and completely hassle-free.

    The dishes were carefully packed, and the wait time was just under 15 mins.

    Cassie Osman

  • Comprehensive Dedicated Vegan Menu

    Plant-based diners enjoy an expansive menu featuring mock meats, tofu, and curries without needing custom ingredient omissions or surcharges.

    A great vegan range without having to take ingredients out (or pay extra).

    anon lawless

  • Freshly Crumbed and Battered Specials

    Signatures like tempura potato chips and crumbed proteins are battered fresh to order, delivering a light, crispy crunch.

    I could see they were crumbing/battering the food fresh which makes a massive difference in the quality.

    Corban Te Amo

  • Dependable Catering for Group Lunches

    Punctual delivery and dependable quality make ordering lunch for team meetings or group gatherings effortless.

    I ordered lunch for a work meeting for 12 people and not only was the food fantastic, but they delivered the lunch and it was right on time.

    Kym Robinson

  • Household Staple for Convenient Home Dining

    The compact cafe operates with a high-volume takeaway and delivery focus, providing a reliable local staple for weeknight dining at home.

    A staple in this household and will never stop ordering from them

    Luke Little

Customer favorites spanning classic comfort bentos, signature tempura, and dedicated vegan curries

  • Tempura Chips

    the tempura chips are a MUST

    James McCutchan

  • Salmon Bento Box

    Pictured is #72, Salmon Bento Box

    Alda Schinaia

  • Vegan Karaage Curry

    My go to is the vegan karaage curry

    James McCutchan

  • Agedashi Tofu

    Dengaku, Agedashi Tofu, Chicken Katsu are my favourite from Tempura Cafe!

    Ah Choo Sua

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful service nuances and kitchen practices observed by diners at Tempura Japanese Cafe

  • Fresh Crumbing and Battering in Open View

    Customers can observe the kitchen team actively crumbing and battering items to order rather than reheating pre-prepped batches, ensuring noticeably crisp and light textures.

  • Native Vegan Preparations Without Mod Surcharges

    The kitchen provides an extensive plant-based range with dedicated items like mock chicken and pork belly prepared standard, without needing ingredient omissions or extra charges.

  • Attentive Side Customizations Upon Request

    The staff readily accommodate off-menu customization requests, such as plating extra radishes upon request without fuss.

  • Synchronized Dine-In and Takeaway Timing

    Staff seamlessly coordinate takeaway orders during dine-in visits, timing bento and sushi items to be freshly packed and ready right as diners finish their meal.

Before you head over

Practical pointers on seating, plant-based ordering, and portions for your visit.

  • Plan Ahead for Limited Dining Space

    With only three indoor tables and window bar seating, the cafe fills quickly and is ill-suited for larger groups. Opt for takeout, delivery, or solo and duo dining during peak rushes.

  • Explore Dedicated Plant-Based Specialties

    Those seeking plant-based dishes do not need to make custom ingredient subtractions; look directly at dedicated options like vegan karaage curry, vegan pork belly, and mock chicken.

  • Expect Generous Portion Sizes

    Rice bowls and bento boxes arrive in very generous portions that frequently provide enough food for two meals, so plan for hearty servings or taking leftovers home.

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