Gogyo — Restaurant in Sydney

Gogyo is a new restaurant on Albion Street, occupying the premises that was once Salaryman. Similar décor to its previous home, it is reflective of some stylish and minimalistic interiors you will find in the classy restaurants in Japan. There’s smaller tables, higher bar tables or you can share a long communal dining table with friends or other diners. Gogyo has a fully equipped bar at the main entrance, with plenty of whisky, sake and umeshu. We are greeted with a welcome drink, a yuzu citrus jelly cocktail that is refreshing and a perfect start to the night.

Gogyo is part of the same restaurant group as Ippudo, Gogyo arriving in Australia with a reputation for quality, having popular restaurants in Japan and Hong Kong.

Gogyo is renowned for its charred Ramen, but they do also serve a variety of other Japanese dishes as well. It is different to other Ramen restaurants. If burnt right, the miso broth retains a umami flavor (the fifth taste after ‘bitter, sour, sweet and salty). The black Ramen dishes which Gogyo are famous for, include the Kogashi Miso or Kogashi Shoyu and these are what the hype is all about. Made by heating lard at high temperatures, adding miso paste (Miso) or soy (Shoyu) and the chicken broth. This is comfort food, a large bowl filled with a rich smokey black broth, a wealth of noodles topped with pork belly chashu and umami egg. This is a meal you will be extremely satisfied with. You’ll also appreciate the bib which you receive to protect your outfit from the splash of broth as you eat. Note, don’t wear a white top.

We have long been fans of the regular Tonkotsu Ramen, and order a bowl of this as well, made from pork bones, and the broth filled with noodles, pork belly chashu and an umami egg as well. You can literally see the flavour floating in the bowl, it was a little oily in texture. They also serve a Chilli Shoyu or a Veggie soba if those take your fancy.

It is not all about ramen, the a la carte menu is definitely worth checking out. There were a number of dishes available that are equally superb. Goma kingfish with Japanese tahini sauce, red shisho, shichimi pepper and plated with nori The ‘Japanesian Coleslaw’ is crunchy and refreshing with yuzu dressing, hakusai, Japanese herbs, mint and tobikko. One of the absolute standouts include the ‘Crackling Piggy Roll’, a Japanese butter roll with a moist pork that is also crispy on top, with their own original BBQ sauce and mustard, this was melt-in-your-mouth amazing. We could have eaten many more of these mini rolls. The Nasu Dengaku, or tempura eggplant, was a generous size, served with a red miso sauce. This is always a popular choice of ours. Another amazing dish was the Wagyu flank Sumiyaki fillet had a plate full of medium rare meat sliced and topped with shiso butter and mushrooms. This was one of the favourites of the night and we would certainly order it again.

The cocktails were very good, prepared with sophisticated flavours that work, without being too over the top. Sampling the Ladyboss (Yuzushu, Cointreau, lemon, sour) as well as the Businessman (whisky, rosso, cherry) and The No.5 (Gin, Chambord, tonic). They also serve Japanese beers including Asahi on tap, there are also wines and other drinks, making it a great place to enjoy a meal and drinks with friends. Prices are extremely reasonable, most ranging between $3 and $25, with only the Wagyu Flank costing $32 (but it is worth the price tag). The Kogashi Ramen only cost $18 which is good in this day and age for a huge bowl of Ramen.

The hospitality here is extremely welcoming, we are greeted warmly, settled to a table and offered drinks. They explain each dish comprehensively, promptly remove completed plates and top up water and offer drinks as needed. The staff are extremely friendly and efficient, true to what we know of most Japanese establishments. This restaurant is worth of the hype and we are sure it will be as popular as it is in its...

Tucked away in the heart of Surry Hills, Gogyo presents a low-key exterior but opens up to a warm, stylish interior with ample seating. The space features a bar area and a counter where you can watch the chefs in action—a great blend of casual and refined dining.

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🍜 Tonkotsu Modern Ramen (Special Version)

I ordered the Tonkotsu Modern Special, and it did not disappoint. The pork bone broth was rich, creamy, and deeply savory, elevated by a hint of spicy doubanjiang that added a beautiful kick. The noodles were slightly wide yellow noodles with a firm bite—perfect for holding onto the flavorful broth. The Special version came with five slices of chashu and one and a half umami eggs. The pork belly was well-marinated, not overly fatty, and absolutely melt-in-your-mouth. It was a deeply satisfying bowl.

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🍗 Karaage Chicken

The karaage chicken was freshly fried, crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Served with Japanese mayo and shichimi powder, it had great flavor contrast. A squeeze of lemon added a refreshing touch that helped cut through the richness—simple yet spot-on.

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🥟 Gyoza

The pan-fried gyoza were excellent—crispy skin and juicy pork filling. Dipping them in the light soy-vinegar sauce with a hint of chili made every bite a joy. The gyoza was nicely seared and full of flavor.

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🏠 Ambience & Service

The wooden interior and soft lighting gave the place a cozy, modern vibe. Whether you’re dining solo or catching up with friends, the environment is welcoming and stylish. Service was friendly and attentive.

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Overall Rating

Gogyo nails the details—from robust ramen broth and flavorful side dishes to a beautifully designed space. While prices are on the higher end, the quality makes...

I've frequented this gem countless times, and it consistently ranks among my top dining spots. If you're a fan of bold, flavorful ramen with a twist, you're in for a treat.

The ramen here is a standout. You have the freedom to request your preferred noodle hardness, a fantastic touch for ramen aficionados. The smoky flavor profile is undoubtedly strong, which might be a tad overwhelming if you prefer milder tastes. But if you're like me and appreciate the robustness, it's a win.

There are a few absolute must-tries on the menu. The Edamame is a delightful surprise, with subtle hints of shrimp and chili that elevate this simple dish to new heights. The Karage chicken is a flavor explosion - crispy on the outside yet incredibly juicy inside. And don't miss the Wagyu spring rolls, though be warned, they're extremely hot. A tip: ask the staff to cut them in half to let some steam out, making them more manageable.

The modern Tonkotsu ramen is another winner, striking a perfect balance between quirky and traditional flavors.

The restaurant's urban and trendy decor adds to the overall experience, and the bathroom is surprisingly nice. However, there is a minor drawback: the open kitchen sometimes fills the air with smoke, which can be overwhelming if you're seated at the kitchen bar.

One more piece of advice: book ahead. This place is perpetually bustling, a testament to its popularity. Overall, if you're on the hunt for a ramen haven with unforgettable flavors and a trendy atmosphere, this spot should be at the top...