The Best Ramen Restos in North Adelaide That Offer a Taste of Japan with Every Bowl
North Adelaide is no place for sad ramen imitations. If you’re not buying it, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
We feasted our way through restaurants like Yakitori Takumi, Sato, and KOYO—all of which featured noodles, broths, and toppings that made us think we were in Kyoto. Sure, some added fresh twists, but the innovative spins didn’t destroy what made ramen, ramen.
But hey, don’t take our word for it. Let your taste buds be the judge. Before you dash off, though, consider peeping through our ramen recommendations!
TUNO Izakaya
From ying_chen87
Address: 145 O’Connell St
Contact Details: (08) 7073 8407
Operating Hours: Daily – 6 pm to 9 pm
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The first thing we noticed with TUNO is its atmosphere that wafted with a heady mix of grilled, seasoned meat and fragrant sauces. What wowed us, though, is their A-grade ramen menu that boasts both classic and creatively off-the-wall bowls.
Naturally, we first tasted their iconic tonkotsu, which burst with the silky yet creamy pork broth the Japanese staple is loved for. For the toppings, we kept it simple: pork chashu, egg, and a trove of aromatics.
The second bowl we finished in seconds (yes, we had two; sue us), was the briny and umami-filled black garlic tonkotsu—a unique, drool-inducing spin on the OG ramen. As the name implies, this one has a dark, rich broth, thanks to the addition of squid ink.
Tip: For a no-wait, envy-free dining experience, book online.
Sato
Address: 131 Melbourne St
Contact Details: (08) 8267 3381
Operating Hours: Mon to Sat – 11:30 am to 2 pm, 6 pm to 9 pm
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The down-to-earth setup of Sato hides a ramen game that’s anything but basic, despite their time-honored approach to broths, toppings, and noodles.
Since they stick to a no-nonsense style, expect a garlicky type of ramen that stands out with a robust umami kick. In terms of extras, they stray away from gimmicks but still go all out on the chicken, seaweed, fish cake, and onion toppings.
The nasu dengaku seals the deal. This roasted eggplant bite coated in a thick sweet and savory miso glaze is a side dish that has been pleasing Sato’s patrons for over 30 years.
Tip: Rolling deep with friends? Dial the digits above to see about their banquet offerings.
This deal usually comes with fresh ingredients and meaty dishes alongside traditional Japanese brews and cocktails.
KOYO
Address: Shop 2/132 Prospect Rd
Contact Details: 0435 130 689
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 11 am to 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
- Wed to Fri – 11 am to 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
- Sat to Sun – 11 am to 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
At Koyo, the spirit of coal-fired Japanese dining thrives, with go-tos like salmon sashimi, tsukune (chicken meatballs), and tempura. Think of it as a smoky, crispy trip to Japan.
However, what keeps us trekking to Prospect at least once a month is their dry ramen. Trust us, it’s (insert Gordon Ramsay’s favorite expletive) delicious!
This take on ramen stars teriyaki-glazed pork belly, noodles, marinated egg, nori butter, and Japanese spices that truly amp up the dish’s savory profile. As for the texture, it’s as smooth as custard, offering a pleasant contrast to the strong umami essence.
Tips: You can bring your own bottled drink, but expect a fee of 20 bucks per bottle. Also, groups of 10 or beyond are required to contact KOYO’s number to ensure a smooth transaction.
Seven Grounds
Address: Unit 1/28a Hawker St, Brompton
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 7 am to 3 pm
- Sat to Sun – 8 am to 2 pm
Seven Grounds’ spicy ramen is one of North Adelaide’s winter-exclusive gems that’s worth braving the cold for. Missing it would be a rookie mistake.
The broth hits hard with a fiery, savory, and salty kick, balanced by the mellow sweetness of creamy coconut. It also comes with tempura prawns that delight with its natural umami flavors and light airy batter.
Plus, they serve dishes that pair perfectly with the ramen, like handmade dumplings that make great sides and fruity smoothies to cool down the heat. If you’re looking for something with more buzz, go with the cocktails.
Tip: Their sleek venue is ideal for casual or formal evening events, including weddings, private shindigs, and corporate functions.
For smaller gatherings, their private mezzanine is available on weekends. It can accommodate up to 20 people seated, and booking it includes the service of a staff member who’ll ensure everything runs without a hitch.
