Umami Tokyo

On Chapel Street in Prahran, Umami Tokyo keeps the lights up for Melbourne’s night owls. Part late-night izakaya, part ramen love letter, it’s the disco-friendly creation of a music-loving ramen chef. When the city’s after-hours cravings call, this is where steam curls from bowls and the tempo stays high.

The kitchen leans into comforting, chicken-based broths, led by a silky tori paitan crowned with pork chashu, soft egg, spring onion and black fungus. For deeper bass notes, black garlic ramen brings smoke and swagger. Small plates keep company with the beat - juicy pork gyoza to share, light tempura eggplant with a teriyaki glaze and crowd-pleasing takoyaki draped in Kewpie mayo. When hunger grows, Japanese curry with crispy chicken katsu or golden karaage and pickled radish meets mounds of steamed rice. Even a scoop of gelato waits in the wings.

The mood’s lively and unpretentious, the welcome warm and the hours forgiving. Slide into a late table, let the broth do the talking and the music carry you past midnight. Follow the Chapel Street glow and come for ramen and snacks - stay for one more chorus!