Chaco Ramen

14.5/20Critics' PickUpdated October 22, 2026,first published November 11, 2024A humble space for a hearty ramen.Cloudy with chicken fat and unapologetically rich, the not-quite-traditional fat soy ramen remains the go-to at Keita Abe’s original Chaco outlet, a snug space on a quiet stretch of Crown Street. Since the pandemic, he’s offered an enticing DIY kit to go – a means of avoiding the sad, soggy fate of the takeaway noodle. But that would mean skipping the camaraderie of the communal table, the warm sake and the scent of roasted sesame that hangs over those deep bowls of sprightly noodles and jammy eggs.Chaco also serves beef marrow with a cinnamon-flecked curry (more fiery and less sweet than you might expect). It’s good, but there’s a reason everyone else is heads down in that chashu-studded pork-and-chicken broth. Must order: For the path less travelled, order the fish-salt ramen, which adds fermented mackerel to the mix, along with wontons stuffed with prawn, John dory and a tingle of Sichuan pepper.Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.Sign upLast visited: 2024Continue this seriesEastern SuburbsUp nextReviewChez CrixPub food with a French accent.ReviewChina DollDumplings and seafood with a sublime waterfront position.PreviouslyReviewChaco BarSkewers and small plates are just the beginning at one of Sydney’s most celebrated yakitori dens.See all storiesMore:DarlinghurstChaco RamenSydneyJapaneseOutdoor diningTakeawayFamily-friendlyPet-friendlyGood for solo dinersRestaurantReviewsGood Food GuideCritics’ PickFrom our partners