Maki and Ramen — Restaurant in Sydney

Wed 01 March 2023. The first day of autumn and my first visit to the relocated Maki and Ramen, at their new cafe a little further along from their former location in Illawarra Road in Marrickville. The new locale provides great access from train and bus routes, and I imagine parking would be more available. The setting and building layout is very attractive, with the option for an open front, alfresco style in good weather, and a combination of long bench and individual tables for a choice of seating options. The kitchen layout with a servery through to the front counter is much more convenient than the previous stairs, and has a much more inclusive, open feel. Yuko and Patrick insisted on maintaining their anime theme; and the artwork and figurines, while a little more subtle in their presentation, provides a very tasteful and interesting setting. Speaking of tasteful, the menu includes the addition of Black Garlic Chicken Ramen. On Yuko’s recommendation I had to try this dish and I am so glad I did. The texture and flavour of the chicken was not what I imagined, and was so much more than my expectation. Yuko said it is marinated and cooked in the teriyaki style, and I’m not surprised it has become a popular dish. Clearly and exciting venture for Yuko and Patrick and there’s no doubt this will remain a regular destination for me.

News Flash: Maki and Ramen is moving. My favourite Ramen destination is moving further along Illarwarra Road. Possible last day 5 Feb and opening again around 20 Feb in new premises. Yuko assures me they are maintaining the anime theme. Exciting. I'll keep you posted when and the address. Before the pandemic Maki and Ramen was a weekly destination for me, despite the considerable travel to get here. I'm very happy to be back and to be enjoying wonderful food and atmosphere. Also very pleased that Yuko is still here and just as friendly, and happy to guide me through the menu. The Black Garlic Ramen is a must try, and I have never had better anywhere. I can see this venue is going to be a regular visit again, and looking forward to another venture through the menu. My latest addition is Chashu Ramen. Slow-braised, melt in your mouth, tender pork belly in a miso broth. A magnificent,...

Great service and ambience however I wouldn’t say their Ramen and chicken Karaage are their strengths.

Tonkotsu which is usually the richer of the 3 broth options didn’t have as much depth and was weak in flavor. Similar to when you can notice the difference between a pho broth that’s been cooked for overnight vs. one that is lighter in the meat and spices flavour. You’ll find better ramen in the Japanese restaurants in Newtown and Haymarket. I did note this weakness in broth flavour at Maki a few years ago when they were at their last location but thought things might have changed.

In addition chicken karaage wasn’t like the authentic ones you can get. Even chains like dopa donburi in the city food court is tastier. The one at Maki wasn’t with chicken thigh which is important to get that surface area and juiciness of karaage. At maki the karaage came as cubes of chicken, likely chicken breast which was tough and dry and the batter wasn’t the same either. I didn’t think to take photos so readers can only take my word.

Overall I won’t be looking for Japanese ramen or karaage in Marrickville and will look to Newtown for something local. That said service can’t be faulted, you’re looked after immediately as...

I am not in the habit of posting a negative review but given the unpleasant response to my feedback I feel I need to. We had takeaway and most of the food was tasty though the portions were unusually small. The chicken karage however was completely inedible. Very very overcooked and tougher than anything I’ve eaten in my life. This was more than disappointing especially as we had ordered 3 served.

The absolute deal breaker was the response when I phoned up about this. Instead of being pleasant and apologizing, the woman who works there (or is maybe the owner?) just said that’s the way it’s done and that’s the way way we’ve been doing it for years. Basically told us it wasn’t her problem, it was ours. As a family that includes a Japanese daughter-in-law and and a chef son, we have eaten a lot of Japanese food both here and in Japan and we do know our Japanese food. A friendly and apologetic offer to refund or give us credit for another time would have gone a long way. I will never go...