Wabi Sabi
94 Smith Street,
Collingwood
(03) 9417 6119
Website
Google map
We are beginning to love Collingwood all over again. Having lived here for 4 years before, this place has changed but hasn’t? It is still gritty and somewhat ugly but it has always been full of character. But over the years, more cafes and little restaurants have sprung up along this street. More yuppies have moved in and the face of Collingwood is changing.
Mister suggested that we headed to Collingwood for lunch as he wanted to try Goshen (Korean) and have some bibimbap. But alas, the place is closed for lunch. We went past Wabi Sabi when we visited Monsieur Truffe awhile back. This place has been around for 5 years and I am ashame to say that this is our first visit. 
I love little restaurants. They are usually very cosy, intimate and very welcoming. And what I love about this place is the back garden and the bathroom. I am not insane about I go go “YAY!” when I see a uniquely decked out bathroom. I am just posting one photo here. Check out my flickr album for more 
Little zen space at the back
I am not forgetting about the food. Gum is still sore but I ordered the fried whiting with bulldog sauce and mayo bento box. The bulldog sauce is actually a Bulldog branded Tonkatsu sauce. This is one of the very popular Japanese brand. The whiting is really fresh and flaky. The way I like it. The flavours are all very clean and delicate.
Fried whiting with bulldog sauce and mayo bento box
Mister ordered a spicy pork miso donburi. Donburi means bowl and as a dish it means a bowl of rice with toppings. Mister was a little disappointed. It tastes good but I guess he felt he was missing out on the big flavoured bibimbap 
If you like spicy minced miso based pork, then this is the dish for you. I will suggest the bento boxes for lunch if you do visit this place.
Spicy pork miso donburi
Since we were in the area, we had to pop over to Monsieur Truffe which was just next door for simple indulgence. Mister ordered a hot chocolate and the infamous flourless chocolate cake. And I ordered the chocolate croissant. This is the best chocolate croissant ever! It has just come out of the oven about 10 minutes ago. It was super fresh. It was super flaky. I could hear the millions of tiny soft crunchy sounds as I bit into it. The chocolate chunks were absolutely mouth watering. I almost refused to share a bite. Get yourself down here and I dare you to say ‘NO’ to this piece of croissant.
Chocolate croissant
It was such a satisfying afternoon. Tasty Japanese and then chocolatey heaven. So we decided to do a little shopping. I love prowling through second stores and I love the Lost & Found Market on Smith Street. So many nic nacs and it was like an exploration trip for me. I tried whacky sunglasses and shoes, sat on old skool comfy dining chairs, looked into trunks of scarfs and odd socks and t-shirts. It was so much fun. I have to come back here again.
Lost and found market
I love Collingwood and what it has to offer. Something about it draws me back time and time again. There are so many cafes and restaurants that I am keen to try. Plus, I do love the shopping here.
How do you like to spend your Saturday afternoons?
I can’t believe you were tricked into sharing that croissant, Penny! (I say tricked because no one could be that generous!) And speaking of generosity, look at the amount of mayo on those dishes – I’ll definitely come here and try that whiting though I might have to scrape some of it off!
Gosh, these look terribly good! I want some too, love love love the croissant! Yeah, I love deep fried foodn very much… I’m trying to control myself, yes, I am! Just remind myself I need to wear beautiful dresses on this coming new year!!! =D haha….
you are sure one lucky girl to have so much good food all the time. I love that croissant….yum.
Penny, just give me the chocolate croissant.
We usually watch movies on Saturday afternoons but ideally I would like to spend it walking down the beach, probably hiking with chocolate croissant for energy. hehe.
I love Japanese food anytime! Yum! at least now I know where to eat some nice Japanese food around Melb if I’m there..
That’s a fun lunch. You know what’s weird – whiting is popular in Baltimore, too, only it’s deep fried and called “lake trout” for some reason I have never been able to fathom. Frankly, I prefer the Japanese style!
That looks like one very fluffy chocolate croissant! I usually get the chocolate croissants for Saturday breakfast, can’t wait till tomorrow!
Mmm…. that croissant sure looks yummy. The next trip to Melbourne will include a visit to Collingwood.
Uh I wouldn’t share that yummy croissant with anyone lol
@Vee – I was a little silly to share but he did share the chocolate cake with me
@Kristy – Little amounts of fried food is OK…. we keep telling ourselves that
@MaryMoh – Thanks but your family is so lucky to have you to cook such delicious food everyday
@Divina – You live near the beach! NICE!
@Myf – There are many more. But this has a nice little zen garden.
@Trix – Japanese know how to do a good fried fish.
@Natasha – 5 Star Foodie – Me too! I may pop down for one today
@Cheah – Let me know. I will join you
@Jessie – Im having one by myself today
Haha I just learned the meaning of wabi sabi a few days ago! I really love the atmosphere of that restaurant. I gravitate towards places that have character and personality. Food looks amazing too!
I love bento boxes! It makes your meal fun!
I think I can smell that croissant through the screen…
Mmm… I love Monsieur Truffe’s croissants! Best in town.
xox Sarah
Actually no. It’s only a bay with lot of pollution from the city. But if I live in Cebu, I would live near the beach.
Just hope that there’s a nearby beach here that is only 20 minutes away.
Yummy assortment of food (nothing like a pastry chaser huh? ). I love the bulldog sauce too-I just look for the bulldog!
Cool store, I will have to come for a trip to Australia, some day. Besides I am very curious about the food after reading all your posts!
I’ve always wanted to try Wabi Sabi, it’s in the cheap eats guide! After seeing those photos, think i might pop by for lunch next week!
@Shelly – The food was good and I love the zen-ness!
@Divina – Oh… not been to Cebu but have read good things about it
@Lorraine – I must look out for the bulldog
@citronetvanille – I think you will have a lot of fun here. Come come!
@Saucy Thyme – Please do and let me know what you think!
Oooh I love the bento box and Ummmmm – WHO could say to that pain au chocolat??? Beautiful photo!
I’ll take the chocolate croissant any day! Looks like you are having fun… my parents have been to Australia, but not me… I would love to visit and shop at that store!!
Despite not getting to Goshen, I see that you still had great food at Wabi Sabi and Monsieur Truffe (two of the best places on Smith Street). If you do get to Goshen next time, make sure you have a black sesame icecream ($4) – it’s so good you can taste the crushed grains of sesame.
Jetsetting Joyce
Hi Penny,
You have the most beautiful food photography! Thanks for stopping by weheartmacandcheese.com. Appreciated your comment. Cheers, Hilary.