My Favourite Ramen Spots in Melbourne CBD
Melbourne’s ramen game is genuinely world-class, and the CBD (Russell Street has practically become ‘Ramen Street’) is one of the best strips for it outside Japan. I’ve worked my way through a fair few bowls so far. Here are my go-to spots, plus a couple of newer arrivals well worth the queue.
For Dinner
Kikanbo (La Trobe Street): This is my favourite ramen spot in Melbourne. This Tokyo cult favourite is known for its fiery spicy miso ramen, with a dining room that leans hard into the demon theme, right down to the taiko drums. Go for the heat if you can handle it, the broth’s worth it either way.
Close to: Brady Hotel Central Melbourne, Brady Hotel Elizabeth Street & Brady Apartment Hotel Hardware Lane.
For a Quick, Great-Value Lunch
- Little Ramen Bar (Little Collins Street): Simple, classic broths done well, and quick enough for a proper lunch break.
Close to: Brady Apartment Hotel Hardware Lane, Brady Hotel Elizabeth Street & Brady Apartment Hotel Flinders Street - Isshin Ramen Bar (Elizabeth Street): Grab sushi from the fridge or sit in for a bowl, either way you’ll be in and out in minutes.
Close to: Brady Hotel Elizabeth Street, Brady Hotel Central Melbourne & Brady Apartment Hotel Hardware Lane.
Worth the Splurge
Ginza Kagari (256 Russell Street): Tokyo’s Michelin-recognised chicken ramen institution, famous for its silky tori paitan broth. Walk-ins only, and worth the wait!
Close to: Brady Hotel Jones Lane & Brady Hotel Central Melbourne.
Also On the List
- Snow Monkey Ramen (Russell Street): A French-Japanese take on ramen from a Le Cordon Bleu chef, try the lobster ramen if you’re feeling fancy.
Close to: Brady Hotel Jones Lane & Brady Hotel Central Melbourne. - Mensho Tokyo (Russell Street): Cult Tokyo-via-San Francisco chain, noodles and broth made fresh in-house daily.
Close to: Brady Hotel Jones Lane & Brady Hotel Central Melbourne.
And there are plenty more still on my list. Melbourne’s ramen scene keeps growing.
Brady Recommends
Russell Street’s ramen strip is a short walk from our Jones Lane, Central Melbourne, Elizabeth Street and Hardware Lane properties, so you can work your way down the block without needing to jump on transport. Ask our team for their personal favourite ramen spot, there’s so many to choose from!
Zak, Digital Marketing Manager