You either love ramen or, well, you absolutely adore it. It's become one of the most popular cuisines in Brissie; from the steaming bowls of lovingly made broth to the slurp-worthy noodles and beautifully boiled eggs, it's easy to see why the Japanese dish is such a hit. Not sure where to get your fix? Check out our guide on where to find the best ramen in Brisbane.
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Ramen Danbo
With its original restaurant having opened back in Chikushino, Japan back in 2000, you can bet your bottom dollar that Ramen Danbo takes ramen very seriously. Now a bit of a cult favourite, it has outposts popping up all over Australia, including in South Brisbane, Sunnybank and the CBD. Not only does each venue boast cool, contemporary interiors, but you can even build your own ramen, choosing your spice and base, as well as noodle firmness, soup richness and toppings.
Ramen Danbo offers the ultimate hug in a bowl with its build-your-own options.
Tatsu Ramen Gyoza Bar
In keeping with Fortitude Valley’s trendy vibe, Tatsu Ramen Gyoza Bar is as cool as they come, echoing the slinky energy of Japanese dive bars. But when you're not admiring the red, panelled ceilings, intimate lighting and colourful murals, there's a lip-smacking list of noodle soups to tuck into. For those with a penchant for all things fiery, the karakara spicy ramen is sure to blow your socks off.
As the name suggests, you can also chomp on delicious dumplings to pair with your noods here.
Motto Motto
Though there are many scrumptious chicken and pork options up for grabs, Motto Motto has made quite a name for itself for slinging out some of the best vegan ramen in Brisbane. Think the umami flavours of miso soup elevated with fresh noodles, marinated tofu and lots of lovely veggies. But when you’re not supping broth? Tuck into gyozas, chicken karaage and banging beers.
You can find Motto Motto in Carindale, Chermside, Indooroopilly and Mount Gravatt.
Taro's Ramen
Boasting outposts across the city, from Fortitude Valley to Ascot, Taro’s Ramen has won the hungry hearts of us Brisbanites. Ideal if you're looking for the best ramen near me, the laid-back noodle house makes nearly everything from scratch using beautiful, local produce. Devour all kinds of dishes, such as a classic beef tonkotsu or the famous vegan fire ramen, with craft beers to wash it all down.
The spice level of some of this joint's soups is certainly not for the faint-hearted.
Hakataya Ramen
Get stuck into some of the best ramen in Brisbane City at this Queen Street spot. Hakataya Ramen takes inspiration from Japan, with unique artwork, seating that winds around the kitchen and seriously slurp-worthy noodles. Our favourite? It has to be the miso spicy-men, made up of a gorgeous, fragrant broth, char-siu pork, thin noodles and lots of veggies for #health.
This one's perfect for lunches and after-work suppers.
Hai Hai Ramen
A much-loved ramen restaurant that fronts warm, cosy interiors, as well as a sprawling alfresco space for those sunny days, Hai Hai is a total hotspot. Chow down on a range of dishes, created with either pork or mushroom and kombu broth accompanied by a beautiful arrangement of treats on top. You also need to try one of the Japanese lagers or cocktails, including the refreshing Plum Spritz.
The Paddington hangout also offers $10 ramen from 5pm to 6pm on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Cheeky Poke Bar
Though you may know Cheeky Poke Bar better for the Hawaiian fare that is its namesake, it also whips up some of the best ramen in Brisbane CBD. The Elizabeth Street eatery showcases gorgeous interiors, with neutral tones, leather booth seating and unique light fixtures. Wolf down gyozas, prawns, salmon or kingfish nestled in a big, steaming bowl of hearty chicken broth.
Just check out the pretty interiors on this one.
Genkotsu Ramen
Nestled in Toowong, Genkotsu Ramen is an intimate, authentic restaurant that knows a thing or two about delicious Japanese ramen. Though you’ll certainly find all the classics here, the signature specials are not to be missed. We’re talking unctuous Wagyu beef sukiyaki and unagi (eel), paired with an oh-so heart-warming soup, squidgy boiled eggs and a selection of tasty toppings.
You'll feel transported to the ramen district of Tokyo at Genkotsu.
Ikkairo Ramen
There’s a lot to love about this Underwood eatery. First off, the interiors; with hanging foliage, atmospheric fairy lights and sun-catching windows, Ikkairo Ramen creates a lovely, intimate vibe. It also rustles up an epic array of noodly delights. We highly recommend the tonkotsu deluxe ramen - a steaming bowl of thin noodles, succulent pork belly chashu, perfectly boiled eggs and some of the creamiest broth you ever did have.
If you're looking for a casual date night spot, this place has got you sorted.
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