MELBOURNE | Whenever I’m walking to or from Southern Cross station, I never seem to find myself on Little Collins Street. Walking down there the other day, I spotted a few food and drink spots that I’d never heard about that looked like they’d be worth a try. The reason I found myself in this part of town was to grab some photos of one of these spots for What’s On Melbourne, Brim CC.
Search online for this hole-in-the wall Japanese cafe and you won’t find much. They have no online presence apart from a Facebook page which hasn’t been updated since 2020. It used to contain updates on new menu items, but is mostly Japanese holiday snaps and random pieces of Japanese factoids posted by the owner. Also, a lot of posts about former Japanese football player Keisuke Honda, made during the time he was playing for Melbourne Victory.
Brim CC has been open since at least 2012, focusing on simple, Japanese-style lunch dishes done well, served with care and a smile. There’s a real attention to detail here. Everything is sourced locally where possible, is free range, and organic. As much as possible is made from scratch on site.
You’ll find all of the favourites on the menu. Snacks like karaage, takoyaki, and agedashi tofu. There’s a selection of salads, curries, donburi, gyoza, and noodle dishes. Bento boxes and combo deals are priced keenly, and the place clearly has a loyal following if the lunch crowd on the day that I visited is any indication.
I’m always trying new things, so decided to take a different approach at Brim CC and ordered three classics which I haven’t had in a while. A bento box with chicken katsu, pork and vegetable gyoza, and Japanese beef curry. True to what was promised, each was an exceptional take on things. The chicken is, juicy and tender with the lightest, crunchiest exterior. The omelette that it’s served on is a nice touch. The gyoza, generously filled, and pan fried to perfection, are a winner, as is the rich, thick curry with its classic Japanese curry flavour, and tender chuck beef.
If you’re looking for classic Japanese lunch dishes done right in the CBD, Brim CC is a place that should definitely be on your list.
Brim CC
2/601 Little Collins Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia
Telephone: (03) 8672 9934
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Mon – Fri: 11:00am to 9:00pm