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Local Review of Ramen Restaurants in Melbourne

Local Review of Ramen Restaurants in Melbourne

We’re right in the middle of winter and the weather can be brutal in Melbourne. Some days are bright and sunny, others are cold and gloomy. But nothing beats the winter blues like a nice hot bowl of ramen.

And Melbourne has a lot of options to choose from. From traditional ramen straight from Japan or some new dishes with a twist that you would never think of, Melbourne Central has it all.

And we’re here to tell you our review of the ramen restaurants around Melbourne Central.

IPPUDO

A classic. Ippudo first opened its doors in Fukuoka, Japan in 1985 and is the birth place of tonkotsu ramen. It has become widely known for its Hakata ramen. Now with 80 stores in Japan with many all over the world, including here in Australia!

If you’ve never had ramen before, and just want to give it a shot, Ippudo would be a great place to start. Try the classics like the Shiromaru Motoaji or the Akamaru Shinaji and have a taste of one of Japan’s best.

Address: Shop 18 Artemis Lane, QV Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Website: https://stores.ippudo.com/en_au/AU007

Opening Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 11:30AM – 20:30PM

Friday & Saturday: 11:30AM – 21:00

Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 10-min walk

SARA CRAFT RAMEN & BAR

If you’re looking for not-so- traditional Ramen, Sara Craft Ramen & Bar might just be the one you’re looking for.

Chef-owner Ryo Northfield, creates delicious dishes inspired by French and Japanese techniques. The Sara team is dedicated to creating each bowl of ramen with meticulous artistry. With dishes like their asari clam shoyu ramen with burnt butter, yuzu smoked duck ramen, or their A5 Wagyu ramen with broth spiked with black pepper sauce, Sara does it different.

Address: Shop 3 391-393 Little Lonsdale St., Melbourne

Website: https://sararamen.com.au/

Opening Hours:

Monday – Friday: 11:30AM – 14:30PM & 17:30PM – 20:30PM

Saturday & Sunday – 11:30AM – 20:30PM

Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 1-min walk

MENSHO TOKYO

Did somebody say matcha and ramen? This viral ramen dish had everyone intrigued and that came from this very restaurant.

With restaurants open in different parts of the world, their Melbourne branch is a 28-seater restaurant is a definite must try ramen restaurant in the Melbourne CBD. There is a bit of a cue, but trust us, it is well worth it.

From their signature tori paitan, which has a rich creamy chicken broth and topped with duck char siu to their premium Wagyu ramen that is only available to the first 20 customers who order it.

Founded by Chef Tomoharu Shono who believes that ramen should be prepared and enjoyed fresh. And maybe with a bit of sake.

Address: 166 Russell Street, Melbourne

Website: https://www.mensho.com.au/

Opening Hours:

Monday – Sunday: 12:00PM – 15:00PM & 17:00PM – 22:00PM

Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 14-min walk

SNOW MONKEY

Another French Japanese Fusion ramen place in the Melbourne CBD.

Founded by two Le Cordon Bleu-trained chefs with a love of skiing and Japanese cuisine. They wanted to combine traditional Japanese flavours with refined techniques from French Cuisine.

With strong flavourful dishes like their Australian Rock Lobster Ramen, that has house made tomato pesto and mozzarella cheese, their black garlic ramen for garlic lovers, and their classic tonkotsu ramen, there is a lot of different things to try and fall in love with in this restaurant.

Address: 229 Russell St., Melbourne

Website: https://snowmonkeyramen.com/

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:30AM – 21:30PM

Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 12-min walk

GOGYO

Okay, okay, so this restaurant may not be in the Melbourne CBD, but, hear us out.

A sister restaurant to Ippudo, Gogyo offers all types of ramen, but their signature dish is their kogashi (burnt miso) ramen topped with braised pork, cabbage and flavoured egg and it has a dark, rich broth that has a strong flavour that the staff always make sure to warn you about.

They also have other options of course for those who want to try other flavours. As well as some amazing sides and cocktails to complete your meal.

And if you’re planning to try their burnt miso ramen, we suggest avoiding light-coloured clothes on that day!

Address: 413 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne

Website: https://www.instagram.com/gogyo.fitzroy/?hl=en

Opening Hours:

Monday – Wednesday: 17:30PM – 21:30PM

Thursday – Sunday: 12:00NN – 14:30PM & 17:30PM – 21:30PM

Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 26-min via public transport

FAQs

  1. Are bookings necessary for these restaurants?

Many of these restaurants are walk-in only, however, make sure to double check their websites if they have booking options to make your day smoother.

  1. Is ramen good for sharing?

One bowl of ramen is normally good for one person, and some restaurants even have a rule on ordering one per person.