Aokuma

Aokuma sits on Burwood Road in Hawthorn, a leafy, established inner-eastern suburb of Melbourne. A well-regarded cafe with a Japanese-inspired touch — think quality matcha and Japanese-influenced fare alongside good coffee — it's earned a strong reputation, the kind of welcoming, characterful spot that's become a genuine favourite for a relaxed bite or a proper cup.

The appeal is that combination of quality cafe fare with a Japanese influence, good coffee and matcha, and a relaxed, stylish setting in a convenient Hawthorn location, ideal for a morning coffee, a leisurely brunch or a casual catch-up. Its distinctive Japanese-inspired touch gives it a real point of difference, and Aokuma has clearly won over a loyal following.

With a 4.8 rating from more than 270 reviews, it's clearly hitting the mark. Menus, opening hours and offerings change with the seasons, and a popular cafe gets busy on weekend mornings, so it's worth checking current details before a special trip — though for a great coffee or matcha and a quality bite, it's often just a matter of dropping in and seeing why it's so well rated in Hawthorn.