Now Open: Yamamoto Udon Is Serving Top-Quality Noodle Goodness in the Centre of the Melbourne CBD
Expect authentic udon flavours and handcrafted noodles at this laidback eatery, with dishes starting at $18.
As the colder weather approaches, the idea of a steaming hot bowl of udon noodles starts to sound like a pretty good one. Now open on Bourke Street, Yamamoto Udon is serving up heartwarming creations that deliver a taste of Japan. Merging time-tested traditions with modern sophistication, these tempting dishes not only taste incredible, but come without a high price tag.
Yamamoto Udon is the latest venture by Melbourne-based hospitality group Wagyu Ya, whose stable also includes Yakikami and Wagyu Ya Teppanyaki. Just like these other venues, Yamamoto Udon specialises in a particular type of cuisine or dining style — in this case, handcrafted udon. The restaurant serves both thick, bouncy sanuki udon and ribbon-like himokawa udon, with the latter limited to just 70 servings per day. Both varieties are aged for two days, and are made with natural ingredients and free of any additives.
"Crafting udon is a tradition that takes skill and patience," says head chef Ryosuke Yasumatau. "Our team at Yamamoto brings years of experience in hand-making udon, staying true to the techniques that have been passed down through generations while sharing them with Melbourne."
The menu features 18 udon variations to explore, with prices starting from $18 per bowl. You'll be able to choose between soup udon, dipping udon and curry udon, with flavours primed for almost every palate — highlights include the M9+ tomato braised wagyu udon, pork belly cold udon and curry prawn bisque red udon.
While udon is undoubtedly the main event, Yamamoto Udon also offers plenty of sides and extras to expand your feast. Expect the likes of crispy tempura, juicy chicken karaage, agedashi tofu, onsen egg and more. There's also a selection of rice-based don, with prices starting at $16.
Reflecting the minimalist warmth of other like-minded Japanese eateries, Yamamoto Udon's interior showcases a similar simplicity. Rich timber accents and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere make it equally accessible for a low-key dinner with friends or a solo outing. There's even a clever sense of Japanese dining convenience, with iPad ordering and a 10-minute serve time making it perfect for a quick but nourishing feed when stepping out in the CBD.
Yamamoto Udon is open Monday–Sunday from 11.30am–9.15pm at Shop 12/108 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Head to the venue's website for more information.
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