Hakataya 
120–122 Rose Street South Lane
Tucked down one of the laneways off Rose Street, Hakataya is reminiscent of a Japanese izakaya. Unfussy yet stylish inside, it offers casual classics like donburi rice bowls alongside a decent selection of ramen. Their signature miso-based pork ramen is subtle and warming.

Hibiki 
45 North Castle Street
Sleek and sophisticated, this one is an impress-your-date option. It’s a general Japanese bistro, so you’ll find teriyaki chicken and a standard sushi selection, but the tantanmen ramen, with its powerful hit of chilli and tonkotsu topped with tender pork, make it a noodle lovers’ destination, too. 

Ikigai 
29–30 South Bridge & 13 West Crosscauseway
The hole-in-the-wall vibe of this original Ikigai properly reflects the ramen joints of Shinjuku. Meanwhile, over at South Bridge, you can secure a table for more than two. Umami-rich ramen topped with jammy-yolked eggs soak handmade noodles with just the right amount of bite.

Maki & Ramen 
3 West Richmond Street
They’ve a slew of sites, but it’s Maki & Ramen’s original branch that embraces the no-frills joy of ramen. Those that like their noodles super-spicy can try rust-red hell ramen while black tonkotsu ramen is so garlicky you could ward off vampires.

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