Where to find the best udon noodles in Melbourne

Yamamoto Udon

For fresh, handmade udon, Yamamoto Udon on Bourke Street is a must-visit. The noodle machine from Japan produces two varieties – thick, square Sanuki udon and ultra-wide, silky Himokawa udon. Whether you go for a light dipping broth, a classic beef udon, or a creamy salmon and mushroom variation, the texture is always spot-on.

A tray with a bowl of thin udon noodles and another bowl of dipping sauce — Yamamoto Udon

People are dining inside a Japanese-style udon noodle restaurant — Yamamoto Udon

A bowl of carbonara udon noodles with crumbed salmon on top — Yamamoto Udon

Katsuhon

Nab a table at Katsuhon's cosy cabin and order up a warming feast from the udon menu. Think mushroom butter udon with truffle oil, noddles drenched in carbonara sauce and katsu curry udon served with sides. A top pick has got to be the cheese katsu nabe that comes with a bubbling pot of broth loaded with veges and noodles.

Yamamoto Udon Izakaya

For an authentic izakaya experience get your mates together and head to Yamamoto Udon's QV outpost. Here you'll find Japanese beers on tap, sake and cocktails for under $14 and a whole line-up of sharable snacks. And of course, all the udon favourites are on offer – from bowls with rich carbonara to the famous dipping noodles.

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Kumo Kitchen

Discover Kumo Kitchen tucked away on a Carlton street and settle in for warming meal. We've got our eyes on the udon dish that's paired perfectly with a plate of freshly made tempura. Lightly battered and fried seasonal vegetables are served alongside a giant prawn while the perfectly chewy noodles come in a bowl of light umami broth.

Udon Yasan

For a fast, budget-friendly bowl of noodles, Udon Yasan is the place to be. This no-fuss Japanese eatery serves fresh, handmade udon with a variety of toppings. You'll find classic tempura, curry sauce and hearty beef. It’s a self-serve setup, so grab a tray, pick your noodles, add your toppings and enjoy a steaming bowl of slurp-worthy goodness.

A person is behind the counter at a restaurant kitchen making udon noodles. There is a menu board behind them — Udon Yasan

Three bowls of different types of udon noodles including curry, beef and egg and tempura with mayonnaise on top — Udon Yasan

Mr Hugo

Melbourne's adorable Japanese-inspired diner Mr Hugo gives the classics a modern twist. Take the udon dishes for example. There's a salmon variety paired with a creamy sauce and stir fried noodles loaded with tender beef. For something a little more traditional try the tempura udon set. Finish with the hojicha hazelnut toast for a must-try sweet treat. Then sip on fun drinks like the Lemoricano – a citrusy take on the Americano.