Matta Blackburn | A Delightful Japanese Cafe Experience in Blackburn North

Overview

Located in the heart of Blackburn North, Matta Blackburn is a charming café that artfully blends traditional Japanese flavors with modern café culture. The space itself is bright and inviting, creating an atmosphere perfect for both casual catch-ups and solo dining experiences. Its location at 55 Katrina St offers a convenient neighborhood spot for those seeking something beyond the typical café fare.

The menu strikes a delicate balance between comforting mains and innovative drinks. Signature dishes such as the creamy Udon Carbonara stand out for their rich, soothing flavors that perfectly capture Japanese-Italian fusion. The Octopus Karaage Rice Bowl and the Japanese Curry Omelette Rice are equally notable, offering hearty, thoughtfully layered options with fresh, seasonal ingredients. For those seeking lighter bites, the Lotus Root Chips add a crispy, satisfying crunch.

Matta Blackburn also shines with its specialty tea selection. From the delicate floral notes of Osmanthus in their Dirty Latte to the earthy smoothness of Hojicha and Matcha Lattes, each drink is crafted to elevate the café’s unique identity. The Matta Yuzu Iced Black tea offers a refreshing citrus twist for warmer days, highlighting their attention to seasonal preferences and flavor depth.

The target audience here ranges from local residents looking for elevated Japanese home-style meals to tea enthusiasts in search of meticulously prepared specialty drinks. The café’s warm, attentive service has been consistently praised, making the dining experience not just about great food but also genuine hospitality. Staff members like Ms. Nassie have been mentioned for their kindness and patience, creating a personal and welcoming atmosphere.

While some customers note that certain dishes such as the Udon Carbonara can veer toward a saltier edge, the overall culinary execution remains impressive. The small menu adjustments and thoughtful ingredient combinations show dedication to balance and quality, with recurring highlights like the Prawn Nori Taco garnering loyal followings.

Matta Blackburn respects its roots while inviting locals to enjoy new fare that elevates everyday meals into memorable moments. It’s a café that doesn’t rush the experience but encourages savoring each bite and sip, suited for anyone who appreciates authentic yet innovative Japanese café cuisine in a community-centric setting.

Menu Highlights

See Full Menu

Amenities & Services

Popular for

Lunch

Solo dining

Good for working on laptop

Offerings

Coffee

Quick bite

Small plates

Atmosphere

Casual

Cosy

What Customers Say

thuong nguyen

Dec 11,2025

5/5

We thoroughly enjoyed our time here, and the staff, especially Ms. Nassie, were incredibly kind and patient. The food was delicious, with the exception that the udon was a bit salty for my taste. We certainly plan to return.

David Sou

Dec 11,2025

5/5

A delightful little Japanese cafe in the neighbourhood. The food was delicious, service was friendly and warm. No weekend surcharges is amazing. Great to have local options like this. Will definitely go back!

yeohaenging

Dec 11,2025

5/5

Loved Mata in Balwyn, and the second location is just as good! Bright, beautiful space with the same amazing flavors. The food is consistently delicious, and the prawn nori taco is still my absolute favorite. On top of that, the staff were really friendly and attentive, which made the experience even better!

Dec 11,2025

5/5

Loved the experience at Matta in Balwyn, so when I heard they opened a new spot in Blackburn, I had to check it out too! The creamy udon carbonara I tried in Balwyn was absolutely amazing, and we’re happy to say it’s just as good here. Rich, comforting, and full of flavour. Easily the highlight of the meal! We also ordered the pulled pork dry ramen, which was decent, but nothing beats that carbonara. The matcha latte was pretty good too, smooth and not too sweet. Can’t wait to come back for another bowl of that carbonara goodness!

Michelle Tan

Dec 11,2025

4/5

Loved the curry omelette rice with karaage(add on). Umami fries pretty good but I was not fan of the pork katsu sando (the bread crust was not removed). Must say prices a bit pricier, basic dish(eg $22 just for curry omelette rice) plus protein/meat/fries(e.g. +$6 for karaage) add ons but portions were ok. P.s. thanks for owner's reply. I was referring to bread crust, obviously not the katsu!

Two Sheds

Dec 11,2025

5/5

What a wonderful and exciting cafe! We loved our lunch here. The Japanese fusion food was impeccable. Superb presentation. Genuinely fascinating flavours and textures. The service was gorgeous. The setting lovely. The surrounding suburb is thrillingly prosaic. The cafe is brilliant star that brightens the area. We will be back!

Alice

Dec 11,2025

5/5

Good food and drinks at a reasonable price. Friendly staff. Service was a little slow. The cafe has a good indoor seating area with bar bench, and a few outdoor tables. I was more impressed with their drinks than their food. The Osmanthus Dirty Latte was unique and tasty. Absolutely love how this cafe has no weekend/public holiday surcharge, which is a rare find (card surcharges apply though).

Claudine Faerie

Dec 11,2025

4/5

Small but cosy- this modern Japanese cafe is located in the suburban side streets of Blackburn Nth. Foods are all served with a Japanese touch or flair and are tasty. Coffees were served in cute hand thrown pottery cups. The cafe was surprisingly busy, however parking out front is limited.