Ippudo blitzed into town in 2018 with the first Melbourne iteration of the cult-favourite ramen chain joining numerous outposts across Japan and the US, and stacks of other Australian branches. 

A Melbourne ramen and sake bar is just the ticket for fresher weather. Why? Liquid dinners abound — in both forms. Nothing warms you up quite like a hot bowl of ramen and a tumbler full of sake.

Japanese-born Gogyo landed in Melbourne following the success of its Aussie debut, which launched in Sydney’s Surry Hills in 2018. It’s also from the same minds behind internationally revered ramen chain Ippudo, which equates to some serious street cred.

Shujinko is one of those hallowed places you’ve no doubt discussed with friends vaguely in the past — “Yeah, that ramen joint on Russell?” The service is bright and cheerful, and the place is always busy no matter whether its 7pm or 11am. 

Global ramen chain Hakata Gensuke has legions of Melbourne fans thanks to its long-standing Russell Street digs, and things have only grown since it extended itself to the QV, Carlton — and Hawthorn. 

Smith Street’s Shop Ramen is a cult institution of Fitzroy that has its regulars patiently lining up along the road on any given night, stepping up to the plate to play the long game that’ll get them one of the few tables in the small, no-bookings restaurant. 

This cosy venue is the work of a former punk rock singer and his hip hop DJ wife, both originally from Japan. So you just know it’s going to be a good time all round. It’s an intimate space with a friendly vibe and one heck of a vinyl collection. 

Carnegie might be a bit of a hike away, at 12 kilometres from the CBD, but just think of it as a pilgrimage; or another couple of steps along the path you’re taking on the necessary journey that is your ramen life.  

Mugen Ramen is something a little different to the quick in-and-out hustly bustly ramen restaurants that line the CBD’s streets. In true Melbourne style, this one is located down an alley just off Flinders Lane and has a basement vibe.

The name translates to ‘cat’ in Japanese, but there’s nothing aloof or fickle about Neko Neko. The Fitzroy ramen joint is dishing up solid doses of goodness that will love you and never leave you (and will let you love it, too).