Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe has opened at Melbourne Central, giving fans a unique and immersive dining experience inspired by the world of Sanrio.
Located on the Ground Level, the cafe combines Japanese pop culture, creative designs, and themed culinary creations.
Drawing inspiration from the global appeal of beloved characters like Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, and My Melody, the cafe is designed across four creatively designed spaces.
The centrepiece, Cinnamoroll World, is a character-themed dining area tailored for social gatherings and special occasions. The Japanese-style menu includes items such as strawberry sandos, poke bowls, and bento boxes.
The Hello Kitty Corner presents a convenient stop for coffee and pastries for visitors on the go. Meanwhile, the Friends Garden celebrates Hello Kitty’s friends with custom illustrations and references to local Melbourne landmarks like the Clock and Shot Tower.
Adding to the experience, an exclusive gift shop will feature limited-edition merchandise offered only at the Melbourne Central location.
Monthly releases will consist of a variety of items such as embroidered patches, plush toys, apparel, keyrings, and greeting cards, each reflecting Hello Kitty’s spirit mixed with Melbourne’s culture.
“We’re proud to have seamlessly blended Sanrio’s beloved aesthetic with Melbourne’s unique spirit and creativity: a perfect match that locals will fall in love with, just as we did,” said Silvia Figini, COO of Sanrio (EMEA, India and Oceania) and Mr Men (Worldwide).
“It’s collaborations like this that show how Melbourne Central continues to evolve — not just as a retail space, but as a must-do Melbourne experience for tourists and locals alike,” said Sara Aiezza, Melbourne Central Senior Marketing Manager.
A team of Australian creatives, including art director Eddie Zammit and illustrator Travis Price, created the concept and merchandise.