Ramen—a timeless pairing of noodles, broth and various accoutrements. Chewy noodles that have been cooked to the exact level of firmness. Broths varying from light and salty to one made by slow-cooking pork bones. Toppings that vary from pork braised in soy sauce and sake to soft-boiled eggs marinated in a mix of ingredients that are often a closely guarded secret.
It's no secret that you can find some of the best ramen in Melbourne/Naarm. The list of ramen joints in this city is long. That's why we've done the broth-sipping, noodle-slurping hard work and found the most deliciously soul-warming bowls out there. Can you tell Urban List loves ramen?
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With everything from creamy Tonkatsu-style to lighter Shio-based broth, we’ve assembled our short and salty definitive guide to the best ramen Melbourne has to offer for 2025:
Umami Tokyo
206 Chapel Street, Prahran
From the founder of Parco Ramen, Manato Hikawa, comes Umami Tokyo. It started as a small market stall and is now a permanent fixture of Chapel Street, serving up bowls of ramen and delicious cocktails. The chicken ramen is the star of the show, and the veggie ramen is a winner for non-meat eaters. The vibe, music, and decor are all spot on. It’s an undeniably appealing and aesthetic hangout for a relaxed dinner or pre-night out snack as well as some of the best ramen in Melbourne.
INSIDER INTEL
- Head here at happy hour from 5pm to 8pm every day for $12 cocktails, $8 beers.
- The karaage chicken is the most succulently crunchy side.
- Open ‘til 1am on Friday and Saturday, perfect for late night cravings or a post-drinks kebab alternative.
Hakata Gensuke
Various Locations
Image credit: Hakata Gensuke | Supplied
The numerous Hakata Gensuke outposts seem to have been uprooted from Japan and plonked down around Melbourne, complete with a tick-sheet ordering system and customisable noodles. Some of the more authentic ramen Melbourne serves up, the founder of Hakata Gensuke, Mr Yoshimura, has held the title of Ultimate Ramen Master twice in his life. There’s plenty on offer but if you're not sure where to start, go with something like the black tonkotsu ramen, which includes black sesame and garlic for an extra layer of intense, smoky flavour.
INSIDER INTEL
- Choose your ramen's toppings, level of spiciness, and how al dente you'd like your noodles.
- Up for a challenge? Try the punchy Yatai Godfire ramen (in case you were wondering, it’s damn hot).
- Go for lunch Monday through Friday for their lunch special — a bowl of ramen, a side and a drink for $25.
Supernormal
180 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD
Image: Supernormal | Supplied
And just like that, the warm weather has disappeared and winter has arrived. Thankfully, Andrew McConnell’s Supernormal couldn’t have timed the return of their beloved ramen better. A hearty bowl of bone broth, grilled chicken, prawn and chicken dumplings and a soy-marinated egg. Looking for the best ramen in Melbourne CBD? This could be it.
INSIDER INTEL
- It’s a lunch-only thing, available weekdays only from 12pm.
- Available until sold out. Don’t think, just go.
- Walk-ins are welcome, but you can book a table here to avoid missing out.
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Shujinko
Various Locations
Image: Shujinko | Supplied
While there’s always a spot slinging a cheeky midnight kebab, there’s most definitely room for more late-night dining options in Melbourne. That’s where Shujinko comes in. Although it’s no longer open 24 hours, you can find piping hot bowls of tenderly-cooked ramen, gyoza and takoyaki being served here late at night. Their signature collagen-rich Tonkotsu Ramen is guaranteed to bring you back to life no matter what state you’re in. The broth is poured over a soft halved egg, roast pork belly and wheat noodles which are made in a windowed bolthole at the back of the restaurant.
INSIDER INTEL
- For sharing dishes, don’t miss the crispy croquettes, chicken Karaage and pan-fried gyoza.
- The Brunswick venue has its own sake bar.
- Slurp up a bowl for under $20.
Mr Ramen San
Various Locations
Image: Mr Ramen San | Supplied
Mr Ramen San is one of the oldest Hakata-style ramen joints in Melbourne, and certainly some of the best ramen in Melbourne. This eatery is known for its 24-hour tonkatsu broth and next-level house made noodles.
You’ll find the original Mr Ramen San tucked away in the belly of Mid-City Arcade, usually with a line outside (but don’t worry, it moves fast). They’ve recently opened up a second venue on Little Bourke Street, which usually has a shorter line. When it comes to the best ramen Melbourne CBD is slinging, Mr Ramen San is a definite go-to.
INSIDER INTEL
- Get extra servings of noodles for free, so long as you finish your entire meal. If not, cough up an extra $14.
- The vegetarian or vegan ‘Charsu’ ramen is a winner for the meat averse.
- Top off your meal with a refreshing lychee beer.
Shop Ramen
Various Locations
One of the most popular ramen joints in the inner-north is Shop Ramen, and for good reason. While the chicken miso ramen is a favourite — and it is hard to go past the gooey soft-boiled egg and luscious pork in the classic ramen — it's the clever vegetarian version that's become a cult favourite. The cashew milk broth is as tasty as its porky counterpart; edamame and pea sprouts add crunch and flavour, along with the handful of seeds adding textural interest. Shop Ramen is a red hot contender for the best vegetarian ramen Melbourne has to offer, but meat eaters will not be disappointed either.
INSIDER INTEL
- The buns are a must, if you’ve got space pre-ramen.
- The original Fitzroy store has been serving up bowls for over ten years — so you know they’re doing it right.
- There’s now stores in Brunswick and Preston as well.
Tokyo Tina
66A Chapel Street, Windsor
Image: Tokyo Tina | Supplied
For over a decade, Tokyo Tina has been a staple of Windsor. What was once an old bong shop on Chapel Street is now the home of some of the best ramen in Melbourne. They're calling it Club Ramen, and it's on every Wednesday for the winter season.
Basically, you can choose from three hefty bowls of slurp-worthy ramen. Up for grabs is a classic Shoyu ramen with pork chashu and soy egg; a miso-based vegetarian ramen with mushroom and sweet corn; and a spicy tan tan ramen with minced chicken and doubanjiang.
INSIDER INTEL
- Available until sold out every Wednesday evening.
- It's probably wise to book ahead, but the team welcomes walk-ins.
- A steaming hot bowl comes in at around $26.
Gogyo
413 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
As far as the best ramen Melbourne has to offer, Gogyo is well worth a look in. Their signature charred miso ramen dish is like nothing else found here, and their spicier dishes pack some heat (try the karaka-men bowl for a real punch in the tastebuds). Gogyo is owned by IPPUDO, a popular chain that has been doing ramen in Japan and Australia for years, so you know you're in good hands when you order a bowl of the good stuff. The Japanese-inspired interior is gorgeous and moody, really adding to your ramen experience.
INSIDER INTEL
- The Ramen Set includes ramen, tofu salad, omusubi, warabi mochi and a soft drink for $38.
- Get a seat at the bar and watch on as the chef’s do their magic.
- Keep an eye out for their seasonal ramens, like the duck tsukemen with seafood broth.
Yoku Ono
6A Anchor Plane, Prahran
Image: Yoku Ono | Supplied
Yoku Ono is easily a contender for Melbourne's best ramen. The menu is fresh, inventive and plays to the seasons; there are however several staple ramen dishes that you can't go past, like their take on the miso chicken ramen and signature Yoku Ono ramen. Wash it all down with a steaming cup of matcha tea, or go big with a hot Gozenshu sake.
INSIDER INTEL
- ‘Yoku’ means ‘skilful’ in Japanese, which is pretty apt (you’ll understand once you slurp this stuff).
- Happy hour at 5.30-6.30pm means $16 cocktails.
- Get a bowl of ramen and beer or sake for $20 on Thursdays 12-3pm.
Leading mage credit: Ramen Ramen | Arianna Leggiero
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