Rising Sun Workshop

The verdict

If there’s one thing that makes an eatery stand out from the pack, it’s ingenuity and Rising Sun Workshop totally hits the nail on the head. Not only is this Newtown pozzy home to delish food, it doubles as a communal motorcycle workshop. Yep, you can mod your bike before fuelling up on some top-notch tucker. 

What started as a crowdfunding campaign and then a pop-up, Rising Sun Workshop is officially here to stay and y’know what? We couldn’t be more chuffed. 

They serve up breakfast and lunch seven days a week and dinner from Thursday to Saturday. Most of the inspiration for their meals comes from Japan, so you’ll see some intriguing twists on their menus. These dudes source their produce locally from the very best roasters, smokers, brewers, growers, winemakers and distillers, all of whom share the same philosophy: factory farming sucks…big time. 

Famous for their ramen, it’s available in three different flavours (the Dark, the Light and The Monk) for lunch. But if you want to give breakfast ramen a jam, Rising Sun is the place to do it. Theirs is chocka with bacon, egg, tomato and moreish buttered toast broth. They’ve also got a badass bacon, egg, cheese and kimslaw combo, sandwiched between Hokkaido milk buns. Rising Sun understand that coffee is essential and they make a mighty fine brew—pair it with some of their baked goods (the cookies are legit) and you’ve got yourself a tasty morning tea. 

On the dinner front, Rising Sun has got the sharing concept down. Their sundown sticks are perfect to tackle with your crew and feature the likes of hot chicken thighs, Kurobuta belly and a super secret ramen (keep it on the hush). You also won’t be able to resist their plates of gyoza, slaw and a mind-blowing eggplant katsu burger—it’s basically the best way to get your vege intake. 

With Young Henry’s Natural Lager and Cloudy Cider on tap, a top quality wine list as well as some alcopops (!) on offer, your thirst will be quenched at the Rising Sun Workshop after that long motorbike ride…or that Uber ride.

So, if you’re looking for a place to pimp your wheels, a quirky dinner spot or a community hub to call home, Rising Sun Workshop has got you covered. Just don’t blame us if you don’t want to leave… 

Image credit: Federica Portentoso