RecommendedEating out Brunswick

Ima Asa Yoru

This cafe is a finalist in the best all-rounder category in Good Food’s Essential Melbourne Cafes and Bakeries of 2025.

June 6, 2025

1 / 9Ima Asa Yoru in Brunswick.Eddie Jim

2 / 9Smoked kingfish and potato croquettes.Eddie Jim

4 / 9The exterior of Ima Asa Yoru.Supplied

7 / 9Braised and grilled sugarloaf cabbage.Eddie Jim

8 / 9Teishoku (rice set meal) with grilled fish.Wayne Taylor

9 / 9Bright blue noren surrounds the bar.Eddie Jim

Ima Asa Yoru

Japanese$

It outgrew its snug Carlton home, but this Japanese frontrunner hasn’t forgotten its roots, still wowing brunch crowds with generous teishoku sets that are also creatively low-waste. Trays of nourishing pickles, greens, miso soup and rice are bolstered by the likes of grilled fish collars and agedashi tofu. Drop in after dark for yakitori, pecorino-dusted Japanese potato salad and other snacks.

Best for: Leisurely brunches when you and your BFF have lots to catch up on.