MELBOURNE | There’s a new café in Melbourne Central, one that might require you to make use of the centre’s touch screen directory to accurately find its location. When you do find Miyama, you’ll be greeted by an unexpectedly tranquil, natural-light filled space, accented by light, natural materials, and plants. I visited the other day to grab some photos for What’s On Melbourne.
Miyama is owned by physiotherapist Monica Nguyen, and her photographer partner William Luu. It’s their first foray into hospitality, inspired by recent travels across Japan and Thailand, and the popularity of ‘night cafes’ there. That is, cafes that stay open after typical work hours to cater for those that want somewhere to relax and enjoy a latte or a bite to eat, without the ‘intensity’ of a bar or restaurant.
Miyama is dedicated to the art of omotenashi. It’s a Japanese expression with no direct English translation. Omotenashi is about wholeheartedly looking after guests, and represents the Japanese mindset of hospitality centring around care rather than expectation. You mightn’t have heard the term before, but if you’ve been to Japan you’ll know exactly what I mean.
There’s a selection of wholesome brunch dishes on the menu, along with sweet and savoury treats baked in-house, and an assortment of house-made lattes, sodas, and spritzes.
Savoury dishes include things like oishi teishoku, a Japanese meal set of rice, and things like chicken teriyaki , onigiri, and potato salad; teriyaki chicken served with matcha soba; and hearty Japanese curries. There are vegetarian versions of most of the savoury dishes, and all of the baked goods are vegetarian and halal.
On the sweet side of things, it’s treats like a twist on a strawberry shortcake, featuring layers of sponge cake, fresh strawberries, and cloud-like whipped cream; matcha cheesecake; and black sesame mochi cookie.
To drink, there’s coffee and non-coffee lattes; spritzes with flavours like yuzu, and green grape; and loose leaf teas.
Miyama
L2, Shop 226, Melbourne Central
300 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia
Telephone: n/a
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Sun – Thu: 10:00am to 5:00pm
Fri – Sat: 10:00am to 6:00pm