What Is the Best Ramen in Melbourne?

Melbourne is one of Australia’s best cities for Japanese food, and ramen is a big part of that food scene. From rich tonkotsu broth and spicy miso to creamy chicken paitan and black-garlic ramen, there are plenty of excellent bowls to try.

If you want one standout choice for a classic ramen experience, Hakata Gensuke is a strong pick. It is particularly well known for its tonkotsu ramen, customisable noodles and rich Japanese-style broth. Urban List and other Melbourne food guides continue to feature it among the city's leading ramen destinations.

1. Hakata Gensuke – Best for Classic Tonkotsu

Hakata Gensuke Tonkotsu Ramen is one of Melbourne's best-known ramen destinations. Its signature tonkotsu features a rich pork-bone broth with thin noodles and traditional toppings.

The restaurant also lets diners customise elements such as noodle firmness and spice, making it a good choice for both ramen newcomers and experienced fans. Urban List recommends the black tonkotsu for diners looking for a stronger, more intense flavour.

Address: 168 Russell Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

2. Mr Ramen San – Best Traditional-Style Bowl

Mr Ramen San is a popular Chinatown-area option known for traditional Kyushu-style ramen. Its pork-bone broth is creamy and full-bodied, while char-grilled chashu adds extra depth.

It's a particularly good option if you're looking for a cosy ramen shop rather than a large restaurant experience.

Address: 12A/200 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

3. Mensho Tokyo – Best for Japanese Ramen Craft

Mensho Tokyo Ramen Melbourne brings the style of the Michelin-recognised Japanese ramen brand to Melbourne. The menu includes shio ramen, creamy chicken-based ramen and more creative bowls.

What's especially appealing here is the attention to the broth and noodles, making it a good choice for diners who want a more refined ramen experience.

Address: 166 Russell Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

4. Kikanbo – Best for Spicy Ramen

Kikanbo Melbourne is the place to consider if you enjoy spicy food. The Melbourne restaurant is inspired by the famous Tokyo ramen shop and is known for its signature spicy "demon" ramen.

You can adjust the spice level depending on how adventurous you are. The bowls combine rich broth with aromatic spices and generous toppings.

Address: 5/260 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

5. Ginza Kagari – Best Creamy Chicken Ramen

Ginza Kagari Melbourne CBD offers something different from the usual pork-based tonkotsu. Its signature chicken paitan ramen uses a creamy chicken broth with seasonal vegetables and chicken chashu.

The Melbourne location brings the style of the Tokyo ramen specialist to Russell Street, making it a great choice for anyone wanting a lighter alternative to pork-bone ramen without sacrificing richness.

Address: 256 Russell Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

6. GOGYO Fitzroy – Best for a Different Ramen Experience

GOGYO Fitzroy in Fitzroy is worth visiting when you want something beyond a conventional ramen bowl. It is particularly associated with kogashi miso, a deeply roasted style that gives the broth a distinctive smoky flavour. Curateria currently includes GOGYO among its recommended inner-Melbourne ramen destinations.

Address: 413 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065

7. Snow Monkey Ramen – A Popular South Yarra Choice

Snow Monkey Ramen is another popular option, especially if you're interested in something a little more unusual. It is known for creative ramen options, including lobster ramen, alongside more traditional choices.

Address: 229 Russell Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

8. Little Ramen Bar – Best Casual Option

Little Ramen Bar is a convenient CBD choice for a casual bowl of Japanese ramen. Its menu includes traditional-style bowls with chashu and toppings, plus options such as butter and corn inspired by Hokkaido-style ramen.

Address: 369 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

So, What Is the Best Ramen in Melbourne?

If you're trying ramen in Melbourne for the first time, Hakata Gensuke is probably the safest overall recommendation for a classic, rich tonkotsu experience.

However, your choice can depend on what type of ramen you prefer:

Melbourne's ramen scene offers much more than one particular style. Whether you prefer a creamy pork broth, spicy miso, chicken paitan or a smoky bowl, the city's CBD and inner suburbs have plenty of options worth exploring. Current Melbourne food guides continue to highlight a broad range of ramen styles and neighbourhood favourites.