Slurp your way through the best ramen spots on the Gold Coast
When the temperature dips, nothing hits the spot quite like a steaming bowl of authentic Japanese ramen. From lively noodle bars to tucked-away local favourites, we’ve uncovered the Gold Coast’s best ramen spots so you can get your slurp on.
Ramen Kyo, Mermaid Beach: At Ramen Kyo in Mermaid Beach, chicken-based broth takes the spotlight, offering a fresh and lighter alternative to a traditionally heavier pork base – without skimping on depth or flavour. Highlights include the rich and silky Shiro White, the bonito-tinged AO Blue and the fiery Aka Oni – a spicy, creamy bowl that’s not for the faint-hearted. There’s even a standout plant-based option with a soy and sesame broth, so no one has to miss out on the fun.
Harahetta Ramen, Coolangatta: Harahetta Ramen in Coolangatta specialises in bold, flavour-packed bowls built on a rich, slow-cooked tonkotsu broth. Crafted by Tokyo-trained chef Hiroshi Takeyama, each bowl balances depth and comfort, with options for vegetarian, vegan and low-gluten diners. Whether you’re into creamy classics or lighter twists, Harahetta’s ramen is big on flavour and full of soul. In true Tokyo style, there’s no bookings or takeaway – just roll on in.
ZuroZuro Ramen Bar, Burleigh Heads: Pull up a seat at ZuroZuro Ramen Bar and slurp through celebrated chef Jun Furukawa’s delicious creations. The creamy Tan Tan Charsiu Ramen is a crowd favourite, based on a rich pork broth with springy noodles and tender charsiu pork slices. The ramen bar is also known for its fried chicken, so if you’re looking for something different, dive into the Karaage Curry Ramen topped with crispy karaage pieces.
Ramen Bro, Bundall: Ramen purists will find plenty to love at Ramen Bro, where the bold tonkotsu with roasted chashu pork hits all the right notes. Prefer something lighter? The clear chicken chintan broth – topped with confit chicken chashu and smoked shoyu – is a flavourful detour. There’s also vegan ramen, built on a savoury Hokkaido kombu and shiitake broth, that’s every bit as comforting.
Hanakyo, Nerang: With a sister venue in Osaka running strong for over 20 years, it’s safe to say your ramen is in good hands here. Expect rich, authentic pork tonkotsu and a chicken-broth option for those after a lighter flavour. For something a little unexpected, the curry ramen is a must – and best enjoyed with a side of rice to soak up every last drop. Hanakyo keeps things traditional and sets the bar high.
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Bobby Bangs, The Oxley Nobby Beach: Keen to try breakfast ramen? At all-day Asian eatery Bobby Bangs, early risers can enjoy steaming-hot ramen bowls loaded with crispy bacon, tamago (ramen egg), takana and truffle manchego from 7:30 am. Pair your breakfast noods with a matcha float for the ultimate day-starter.
Ramen Danbo, Surfers Paradise, Southport and Pimpama: With locations across the Gold Coast and in Brisbane, Ramen Danbo delivers serious ramen cred with its traditional Fukuoka-style tonkotsu broth and fully customisable bowls. From noodle firmness to soup richness, every element is tailored to your taste. In late 2024, the team upped the game by launching Australia’s first ramen drive-thru in Pimpama, where you can order ramen bowls, sides, toppings and drinks – all without leaving your car.
Charcoal Charcoal Yakitori, Robina: One might guess from the name that the specialty at Charcoal Charcoal Yakitori is not, in fact, ramen. But even though it’s known for its flame-licked fare, this quaint 50-seater also serves steaming bowls of ramen which have undoubtedly become a popular dish in the cooler months. Serving up a fusion of Asian and Western cuisines with a menu that spans from land to the sea, you can complement the seared dishes with a hearty serving of 10-hour slow-simmered ramen, topped with succulent slices of pork char siu, wagyu or free range chicken.
Zipang, Currumbin: Zipang is a hidden gem tucked along Currumbin Creek Road, serving up a vibrant mix of Japanese fare – from delicate sashimi and crispy gyoza to hot rice bowls. Ramen lovers are in for a treat with five flavour-packed options on offer, including a traditional tonkotsu made with a deeply rich pork bone broth simmered for nine hours, and a lighter, semi-clear chicken shoyu. There’s even a standout vegan ramen, built on a nourishing broth of shiitake, kombu and ginger.
Hakataya Ramen, Surfers Paradise and Pacific Fair: Hakataya pulls in devoted ramen fans with its silky tonkotsu broth, crafted from Australian pork bones and simmered low and slow using a secret recipe. The menu keeps things simple with just seven variations – grab a seat, order the bold Miso Spicy-Men and add kaedama (extra noodles) to keep the slurp going.
Muso Ramen, various locations: The Muso team have three incredible venues under their belt including one at Robina Town Centre, Mermaid Beach and Chirn Park. While the menus differ slightly at each location, the house tonkotsu pork both is the core. Try the Tokyo-style chicken soy ramen at Mermaid, the spicy sesame tan tan at Robina and venture north for the white-miso ramen with sukiyaki beef.
JFX Noodle and Tapas Bar, Southport: This is where you’ll find one of the most extensive ramen menus in the city. You can treat your taste buds to black tonkotsu ramen, salt and butter tonkotsu ramen, or chilli coriander ramen, offered with various amounts of pork cha-su and nori. Make it your own with thick or thin noodles, alter the broth intensity and throw on a few extra toppings.
Goukai Ramen, Burleigh Heads: Goukai delivers a no-fuss, authentic Japanese ramen experience. The concise menu features seven expertly crafted bowls, all built on a rich, traditional tonkotsu-style broth. For those craving something with extra punch, the Charred Garlic Ramen with sliced pork char siu brings bold, smoky aromas to the table. The casual setting allows diners to either ‘slurp and go’ or hang around, and there’s kid-friendly ramen option if you’ve got little ones in tow.
Goto, Southport: This Japanese dining den specialises in Champon noodles – the regional dish of Nagasaki that is regarded as ramen’s healthier cousin. These bowls of goodness have more vegetables than traditional ramen, and the broth is made from pork bone. If you’re firmly on the ramen train, take a step to the left and give this a whirl.
Buen Modern Japanese, Mermaid Waters: This unassuming spot, tucked beside a petrol station, serves up some seriously impressive ramen thanks to the handiwork of Japanese chef Yusuke Ito. Warm your soul with a steaming bowl topped with tender sous vide chicken, or turn up the heat with the chilli-charged seafood ramen brimming with clams, scallops, bugs and calamari
Izakaya Midori, Reedy Creek: This plant-powered Japanese joint is shaking up tradition with its vibrant Midori Ramen – a bright-green vegan bowl that doesn’t skimp on depth or flavour. Creamy, punchy and packed with goodness, it’s a must-try whether you’re a dedicated vegan or just ramen-curious.