Hakata Gensuke QV

14/20Updated October 8, 2026,first published November 18, 2024Hakata Gensuke QVJapanese$Bird is the word at this lively in-and-out canteen.You don’t open a second restaurant five minutes’ walk from the original unless you have a unique selling proposition. In this case, it’s chicken. This ramen giant’s QV pitstop offers tori broths made with a blend of chicken stock and dashi, as creamy as tonkotsu but without a shred of pork.Peer into the signature bowl and you’ll spot a layer of shihou scattered across the soup. It translates to “fat bubbles” – and flavour – and tastes of the essence of chicken; every spoonful intense and meaty without any underlying funk.Black sesame ramen reveals new depths of creaminess plus a left hook of garlic. Burnt orange “god fire” broth will impale your tonsils, while the shoyu is as restorative as a classic chicken and noodle soup. Unmissable fried chicken boasts a spice blend that puts the Colonel to shame.Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.Last visited: 2024Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.Sign upContinue this seriesMelbourne CBDUp nextReviewHarriotA cliche-free bistro primed for business lunches and moody dining.ReviewHazelA smoke-licked city grill with chic good looks and broad appeal.PreviouslySee all storiesMore:MelbourneHakata Gensuke QVJapaneseOutdoor diningTakeawayFamily-friendlyGood for solo dinersLate-night diningRestaurantReviewsGood Food GuideFrom our partners