Melbourne’s First Build-Your-Own Ramen Bar Is Opening In South Yarra
Listen up, Melburnians! A new player is set to disrupt Melbourne's casual ramen scene with a revolutionary DIY concept. Ramenova, Melbourne's first build-your-own ramen bar, will open its doors in South Yarra this October, challenging the conventions of quick-service dining.
The brainchild of local entrepreneurs Sophia Lin and Tanmay Kamath, Ramenova was born from a familiar frustration.
"Every lunch time we craved a proper Japanese ramen to take back to our offices or enjoy in the park, but there wasn’t a spot that was quick, high-quality and designed for the modern lunch break," said Lin, explaining the core inspiration behind the business.
Ramenova fills that gap with a versatile menu where all standard bowls are priced at $17.90. Diners can choose from a curated list of signature bowls like the 'Tokyo' with teriyaki chicken or the plant-based 'Temple' with tofu puffs, or they can fully embrace the customisable concept by building their own.
The build-your-own process is a three-step journey:
- Choose Your Broth: Six options including Classic Tonkotsu, Umami Mushroom Shoyu (VG) and Spicy Miso Chilli.
- Choose Your Noodle: Ramen, Udon or Soba.
- Build Your Bowl: Select one protein like Chashu pork belly or plant-based chicken, and finish it with four toppings from a list that includes vegan kimchi, narutomaki, ramen egg and bok choy.
The founders emphasize that speed and portability do not come at the expense of quality. "All that said, Ramenova does not compromise on delivering dine-in quality," Kamath stated. "We have 4 house-made broths that are simmered for over 6+ hours."
The brand was designed to be a departure from tradition. "We wanted to create something futuristic and exciting, not just another traditional ramen restaurant," said Lin. This is reflected in the cyberpunk-inspired logo, custom-designed takeaway box, and a space that is "minimalistic, accented with bold pink and blue LED lighting and reflective glass blocks for a vibrant, modern look."
To celebrate the launch, the restaurant will offer a stellar opening weekend special: all ramen bowls for just $10, accompanied by free mochi ice cream for all customers!
Ramenova's grand opening will take place on October 18th & 19th, 2025, from 12pm-6pm at 4/286 Toorak Road, South Yarra.