Heebi

The cosy sibling to Japanese kissaten-inspired cafe Omo in the CBD, Heebi quietly opened in April on Carlton’s fringe. While day-to-night diner Omo focuses on a sit-down dining experience with katsu sets and dinner service, Heebi (taken from the Japanese word hibi, meaning “daily life”) keeps things low-key — a third space for work-from-homers; a casual hang for uni students; a destination for specialty coffee, matcha and baked goods.

Buttery shiopan, the Japanese salt bread, is baked fresh daily alongside other Japanese cakes, caneles, cookies and scones. Dunk it in salty-sweet shio cold cream found in matcha and Code Black coffee drinks throughout the menu, including the signature “Heebi Deep” iced coffee – inspired by the Viennese einspanner espresso topped with whipped cream.

The fit-out feels akin to a warm living room, filled with dark timber furnishings, stained glass, vintage overhead light shades, and mid-century modern pieces sourced across Melbourne.

Must-order: Heebi Deep coffee with shiopan.

Want to visit this venue? Save it in the Good Food app.