If you’re looking for a lip-smacking, slurp-worthy, soul satisfying bowl of ramen in Melbourne, you’re in luck.
The city is home to some of the most mouthwatering and authentic ramen joints in Australia, serving up steaming hot noodles and broth with a variety of toppings and flavours. Whether you prefer porky tonkotsu, spicy miso, creamy chicken or veggie-friendly options, there’s a ramen shop for you in Melbourne.
So come along as we take you on a tasty tour of where to find the best ramen in Melbourne, where you can enjoy a delicious and comforting meal any day of the week!
Photographed by Pesce Huang. Image via Unsplash.
Gomi Boys Ramen
While the origins of ramen date back hundreds of years, there is still plenty of experimentation and creativity in this old classic dish. And no one else is as bold and unique in the Melbourne ramen scene as Gomi Boys Ramen. Dried fish broth and whole wheat noodles are just some of the special touches that Gomi Boys adds to help stand out from the many ramen shops in Melbourne. So take a bite of truly contemporary ramen at Gomi Boys in Brunswick.
Photographed by Jakub Dziubak. Image via Unsplash.
Hakata Gensuke
In the long debate between chicken and pork broth supremacy, Hakata Gensuke says: why not both? Across their multiple Melbourne locations, each venue specialises in one or the other, refining their flavours with expert ramen cooks and sus chefs. Regardless of the broth, you can expect homemade noodles, delicious toppings and authentic flavours reminiscent of the ramen from Hakata, Japan. So slurp you way through some of the best pork and chicken broth ramen in the city!
Photographed by TY Lim. Image via Shutterstock.
Ippudo
A Japanese ramen chain renowned for their signature tonkatsu broth and rich variety of flavours, Ippudo is an essential eat for ramen lovers across Melbourne. Shiromaru Motoaji and Akamaru Shinaji ramens are standouts on the menu, delivering a heart-warming feeling with every sip of the bowl. With a concise menu and relaxed atmosphere, visit Ippudo for one of the most satisfying broths in Melbourne.
Photographed by Hari Panicker. Image via Unsplash.
Little Ramen Bar
Little Ramen Bar on Little Collins Street is a not so little slice of ramen paradise. Experimenting with a unique combination of broth, noodles and accoutrements, Little Ramen Bar has found recipes that stand out with some of the most delicious and flavoursome ramen you can find in Melbourne. Beyond the classic tonkatsu pork ramen, you’ll be able to feast on chicken and vegetable ramens including shoyu and shio ramens that you won’t easily found elsewhere. Always refining their recipes to craft the perfect ramen, you’ll be doing yourself a service by visiting Little Ramen Bar in 2023.
Photographed by Paulo Doi. Image via Unsplash.
Mensosai Mugen
Since opening in 2014, Mensosai Mugen in Melbourne’s CBD has developed a forte for their iconic Tsukemen. Also known as dipping ramen, Tsukemen is served with separate bowls for simmering broth and cold noodles as the thick noodles are dipped in, letting you savour each noodle one at a time. With a minimalistic and stylish interior, ramen lovers can truly appreciate what matters most at Mensosai Mugen: the sensational and sophisticated flavours of fresh ramen.
Photographed by David Hunter. Image via Unsplash.
Mr Ramen San
How does this sound: over 30 varieties of handmade noodles, packed with flavour broth and cooked for 10 hours. Salivating, right? That’s the offer at Mr Ramen San. Located in the narrow side street of Midcity Centre, here you can expect freshly made noodles, hearty and creamy pork broth, all sourced from the highest quality local ingredients around to create the perfect ramen. You can taste that perfection with their Charsu and Teriyaki Charsu ramens, not to mention their vegetarian ‘charsu’ options for those after a meat-less option. Just be warned that Mr Ramen San does not take bookings, so you better line up early if you hope of getting a seat at this delicious Melbourne ramen shop.
Photographed by Frank from 5 AM Ramen. Image via Unsplash.
Neko Neko
Based on the eccentric Smith Street in Fitzroy, Neko Neko brings the vibrant energy of the suburb to each and every ramen bowl. This unique ramen shop specialises in vegan and vegetarian menu options for all your favourite Japanese staples, including their gyoza, curries and, of course, their signature vegan ramen. So taste some delicious animal-free and healthy ramen at Neko Neko ASAP!
Photographed by Diego Lozano. Image via Unsplash.
Parco Ramen
A recent addition to the Melbourne ramen scene, Parco Ramen has quickly become a local favourite, serving up piping hot bowls of ramen daily. The iconic Japanese dish has been refined to an artform with Porco Ramen, as they source fresh local ingredients to create simple, yet satisfying, broth and noodles. And with eateries in Melbourne’s CBD and Moonee Ponds, you can enjoy their signature lobster ramen across various locations. That’s a yes from us!
Photographed by Anton Nazaretian. Image via Unsplash.
Shop Ramen
Steaming bowls of genuine, Tokyo-style ramen come fast and delicious at Shop Ramen, one of the best ramen shops in Melbourne. Using a free-range chicken broth that’s equal parts fulsome and delectable, you can chow down with friends and family at either their Preston or Fitzroy ramen shops. And with tasty steamed buns, you’ll be feeling whole after a meal at Shop Ramen.
Image via Visit Victoria.
Shujinko Ramen
Excellent ramen, 24/7. That’s the promise at Shujinko Ramen, one of the best ramen shops in Melbourne. Serving soul-warming bowls of authentic Tokyo ramen to nightcrawlers and early birds alike, the narrow venues offer big flavours to everyone who makes a stop over. And with several locations across the CBD, you’re never too far from a time and place to enjoy a exquisite ramen at Shujinko Ramen in Melbourne!
We can all agree that nothing pairs better with ramen than boba. So, be sure to go through our sippable selection of the 9 Best Bubble Tea Shops in Melbourne! Or, if you’re looking for the best dinner in Melbourne, switch things up with these 10 Quirky and Unique Dining Experiences in Melbourne of 2023.
