10/10 would recommend going!!!! Visited for the first time with a group of friends and we had the best night ever, seriously my favourite wine bar in South Melbourne now. This place is seriously amazing and the wine selection is so good. Staff is very friendly, service is on point.

Didn’t try the food but will do next time, definitely going back!!!!!

We really enjoyed our night here - the food was fabulous. The staff were attentive, without being overbearing or pushy. We stayed for ages and felt comfortable ordering slowly. Every dish we had was fabulous! The pippis and potato stood out. Highly recommend and plenty of different vegan/veg options. Highly recommend.

THE place to share with friends who love good food and a chilled ambience. Attentive service, amazingly good food, great alcohol list… always am happy to share my local with friends near and wide.

One of the best meals I've ever had in a city I've spent 30 years in!

The interior design & styling, relaxing atmosphere, personable service, and attention to detail set the mood for share plates that are impeccably balanced. From punchy bursts of flavour to subtle underlying tones that linger on the palate, EVERY SINGLE DISH was a privilege from start to finish and I found myself quietly happy-dancing on more occasions than I care to admit.
For me, this is the new era of Modern Australian cuisine where the meat can take a backseat to the highlighted forgotten flavour of vegetables.
Dining here was an absolute pleasure and I can't wait to return to sample their ever-changing seasonal dishes.

probably the best chips I've ever eaten! Piping Hot!

Food was so amazing! Cant believe we’ve waited so long to go back. Truffle on ice cream is a revelation!
The wines by the glass also really good and plenty of options.

Great place for a drink and yummy food . The chips in truffle oil were a big hit!

Fantastic wine and tapas. Soooooooo yummy . Omg so yummy

Delicious food and great wine

Great Place
We had a party of 9.
All attendees stated how they liked it and will return with friends

We had group 6 people and chose the set menu. The food was great and the decor and atmosphere made for a wonderful evening.

The staff and service were great, the food was amazing. The pace of when the food came out was perfect and loved the atmosphere. I would definitely go back!

Fantastic food, great service, excellent wine, pork chop is to die for - next time hopefully I won't have to share it!

The food was amazing. Great flavours.
The service was friendly and efficient.

Had heard about this place from a friend so decided to try it for lunch. Food was simply amazing. Every dish we ordered was outstanding. Not too busy and staff very friendly and helpful. Would recommend James to anyone.

It was breakfast with a twist.

Our verdict on Cafe James it gets a mighty 8/10 thoughtful service, very good coffee and chai with and intriguing twist on breakfast!

JAMES restaurant was a massively pleasant suprise! Booking was made, as we came across JAMES on Open Table and thought we would try after looking at the very delicious sounding menu. We were not disappointed at all. Recommend ordering double serve of the potato bread, as it was to delicious to have just one. Other dishes were so very tasty. Have been recommending to all!

The food was absolutely incredible, all like little pieces of art! Thank you for a great experience.

A hidden gem - if only we’d ventured to James sooner! Delightful and inventive menu, well constructed to work your way through with great elements in every dish. We loved the Pork Donuts, the humble broccolini and the artichoke cheesecake.

We will be back for sure.

I'm surprised this place isn't more well-known. The food is excellent, inventive and delicious.

Amazing experience. The flavours and techniques used are excellent and the seasonal menu is always inspiring. Can’t wait to be back!

We love JAMES, one of our local wine bars. The ambiance is great and the food is to die for! They have a great wine list and always professional and friendly service. Highly recommended!

Everything was perfect
Recommended!!!!

We found the menu confusing and for the size of serves, a little over priced.

Great ambience and very friendly. Interesting food - nic eto have something a bit different to what everywhere else is offering

The food was horrible

Stunning food and excellent service, this has become one of my favourite restaurants in Melbourne

We had a lovely lunch, the food was absolutely delicious and the staff were very attentive.
We look forward to bringing more friends back

We were impressed with the range of offerings and the efficiency of the service. We had a booking for lunch inside and were offered a choice of two tables. Checking in via the QR code was simple and after that we could relax and enjoy. The chicken Katsura bao and the basque cheesecake were standouts.

Absolutely delicious. And charming service. But left hungry, going home to cook a full meal after their set menu. Have never done that before at any restaurant.

Excellent food and we will come back when your menu is changed
Thank you....

A lovely restaurant - really nice food and a great space. e will definitely be back. The set menu was perfect.

We were delighted with the set menu, wine and cocktails. We were concerned that they wouldn't be able to accommodate gluten free with the set menu, but they nailed it...even making delicious gluten free bao! We were so excited to dine at James and will definitely be back!

Amazing food and service, would definitely return.

Great date spot. Wine-bar vibe with great service and interesting, Japanese inspired food. Set menu for dinner came at a relaxed pace and was perfect amount. Will definitely make our way back.

Great staff. Incredible food - the Chicken Bao is a must have.

The best place in South Melbourne by a long way. They nail it every time!

Love everything about James and still like that it is a local for locals and a hidden secret.

Yes, definitely! I went in January and enjoyed it so much I took a group of friends a few weeks later!!

Amazing food / share plates especially the beef tin and tempura eggplant . Waitresses were fun and funky. Only improvements - was a bit cold sitting directly in line with air con and it wld be great to have carafe of water on table rather than just a glass each . Otherwise this wld be full 10 score!