Operator San

Just steps from Queen Vic Market. Operator San brings serious modern kissaten energy to Melbourne’s morning rotation. A brilliant collision of Aussie brunch culture and inventive yōshoku—Western-influenced Japanese comfort food. Those tapped into the city’s cafe circuit endlessly hype up the Katsu Curry Benedict loaded with pork spam. Savory, punchy, completely unmissable. Sweet cravings? The thick-cut brioche French Toast—draped in matcha crème diplomat and pistachio knafeh—is a total knockout, while the comforting beef sukiyaki onigiri plates deliver pure savory satisfaction. The drink menu is an absolute playground of flavor. Strawberry matcha. Refreshing mango yakult. A wild hot Earl Grey capped with savory-sweet cold houjicha foam. Vibrantly cozy and anchored by fiercely attentive staff, this spot gets busy for a reason. Pro tip: save room for the purin—a silky, decadent Japanese flan that perfectly closes out the meal.